Hello from St. Paul,
It’s difficult to stomach all the new fraud cases that are coming forward in Minnesota. It’s even worse to learn that the state could have stopped fraud in one program at least 15 years ago, but two different administrations chose to do nothing.
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) is a program that provides vulnerable and elderly residents in our state with rides to medical appointments. But bad actors have found a way to scam this good program as well, ripping off millions of dollars by fabricating data.
In 2011, the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) raised a red flag, noting that forcing transportation providers to install GPS devices in their vehicles could ensure accuracy in delivering this needed service. Instead, the Department of Human Services has done nothing for 15 years, and the fraud followed as the NEMT program was labeled as “high risk” for it.
Meanwhile, our House fraud committee found evidence of fictious transportation logs with recipients who do not exist; billing for multiple individual trips when riders were actually grouped together in a van; and providers taking recipients to clinics that were the furthest allowed under the law (60 miles), bypassing much closer locations so they could maximize billing.
This should be a very easy fix. Get GPS units in these vehicles to make sure accurate tracking is taking place. The people who should be benefitting most from this service are the ones being the most hurt by this fraud. The opportunity exists to keep the service running smoothly while protecting the taxpayers, and we need to take advantage of it.
QUINTUPLE THE COST OF YOUR CAR TABS?
This week, Democrat Representative Meg Lugar-Nikolai spoke in committee about quintupling the cost of your car tab fees. Watch here.
Even if you want to give her the benefit of the doubt and say she was joking, why even say this out loud in a committee setting? Two years ago, her party wasted an $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by another $10 billion besides, and grew government spending by 40%. Because of this, residents believe it and lawmakers who lived through the carnage are forced to as well.
In case you are wondering where I stand on this topic, I am co-authoring legislation to roll back car tab fees.
LOCAL VISITS
I met with Dave Zavoral and the Associated Builders and Contractors to visit about the challenges of doing business in Minnesota, especially border communities like East Grand Forks.
He’s facing challenges with the implementation of Earned Sick and Safe Time, Paid Family Medical Leave, and prevailing wage issues.
I also visited with Evan Grover from Warroad, who is currently attending college at Concordia in Moorhead.
He was attending Minnesota Private School Day at the Capitol to advocate for the Minnesota State Grant Program.
My neighbor (and fierce advocate for all of agriculture) Shayne Isane was down to St. Paul in his new role with the Minnesota Corn Growers.
We had a great visit about a treated seed bill working being heard in the ag committee this week along with SAF tax credits and other general agriculture issues. Always appreciate folks making the trip down to the Capitol to represent their interests!
A number of northwest Minnesota superintendents also stopped down to talk about possible changes to PSEO, protection of Special Education funding and other issues our school districts are dealing with.
It was also great to see Dr. Shawn Yates, superintendent from Warroad, and celebrate personally with him after an impressive state tournament run!
