ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House has taken a major step towards curbing fraud in this state by approving legislation that establishes an Office of the Inspector General (OIG). State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) supported the measure.
“Fraud has been running rampant in this state and the Walz administration has done little to stop it,” Davids said. “We need people who do not answer to the Governor’s Office to investigate these crimes, and creating an inspector general would be a great first step towards addressing the culture of fraud that exists in Minnesota.”
Under this bill, the independent OIG would be responsible for investigating state agencies, grant recipients, and contractors over fraud and related criminal conduct involving public funds. It will also have subpoena power and the authority to freeze or stop distribution of funds under court order and must refer suspected criminal activity to appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Roughly 15 U.S. states have a statewide Office of Inspector General with broad oversight over executive agencies. These offices are typically responsible for investigating waste, fraud, and abuse in state government.
“The public rightfully is demanding action and accountability after $9 billion has been lost to fraud in Minnesota,” Davids said. “It’s clear our state can’t continue down it’s current path, and an inspector general would provide a needed fraud safeguard.”