Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) joined Senate Republicans to roll out a legislative action plan to stop the fraud. (Sen. Rasmusson’s Office)
St. Paul, MN – Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls), Republican lead of the Senate Human Services Committee, joined Senate Republicans to roll out a legislative action plan to stop fraud in Minnesota’s public support services and restore accountability in state government. The plan focuses on three key objectives: stricter legislative oversight, smarter use of technology to verify services, and stronger accountability for taxpayer dollars.
“Minnesotans are outraged by the human services fraud that has unfolded over the past several years, and they expect us to protect their tax dollars,” Rasmusson said. “After 15 years of a DFL governor, oversight has vanished and fraud has flourished. Our comprehensive plan restores accountability and puts taxpayers first.”
Stricter Legislative Oversight
To increase accountability and oversight, Rasmusson is proposing legislation aimed at strengthening transparency in human services spending. Under the bill, any service that exceeds its projected spending by 5% would automatically trigger an audit by the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA). Services that exceed projections by 10% would require additional review and involvement by the Minnesota Legislature.
“When services run on autopilot and without oversight, it’s an invitation for mismanagement and fraud,” Rasmusson said. “My legislation provides transparency, keeps services accountable, and ensures the Legislature can respond when spending surpasses expectations.”
Senate Republicans also introduced a proposal to restore meaningful oversight of state agencies and spending. The legislation would require legislative confirmation of agency commissioners, reversing a recent Democrat change that allowed automatic confirmation.
Technology to Streamline Verification and Delivery of Services
Additionally, the plan strengthens verification systems to ensure services are delivered as billed. Rasmusson introduced a second bill that would increase electronic verification when a provider visits a client, along with a requirement for the recipient to confirm receipt of services. The measure helps ensure clients actually receive the services they are billed for. Media reports have highlighted cases where clients received less care than documented, underscoring the need for stronger oversight.
“Recent reports have shown gaps between what was billed and what was delivered,” Rasmusson said. “Using modern technology to verify services will help ensure vulnerable Minnesotans receive the care they depend on.”
Another measure creates a “do not pay” list for individuals or entities ineligible for state payments. Managed care organizations would be required to verify eligibility before receiving full reimbursement. Senate Republicans are also proposing a bill that would use advanced technology for service eligibility and verification, flagging suspicious activity for further review.
Accountability in State Government
Senate Republicans are also pushing for stronger accountability in Minnesota’s social services. Legislation would make it a crime for employees of the Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to falsify records during audits.
Annual fraud reports from the DHS and DCYF Office of the Inspector General would be reinstated, and all DHS and DCYF services would face standardized, unannounced site visits. These measures aim to hold employees and providers accountable while protecting taxpayer dollars.
Story courtesy of Senator Rasmusson’s Office.
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