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RELEASE: Burkel urges hearings, transparency from Walz/MDE on fraud scandal

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

News Release 

 

Burkel urges hearings, transparency from Walz/MDE on fraud scandal

Badger, MN — Rep. John Burkel, R-Badger, and House Republicans continued calls this week for answers from the Walz administration and hearings by Democrats in the Minnesota House in response to the Feeding our Future fraud scandal, described as the largest pandemic fraud case in the United States, and likely the largest fraud case in Minnesota history. House Republicans sent a letter last week calling on the Chairs of the House Education Committees to hold hearings and investigate the Minnesota Department of Education's (MDE) involvement in the fraud case.

While MDE has tried to cast blame to the courts, there was no court ruling reinstating the flow of funds to fraudulent organizations according to a bombshell statement from Ramsey County District Court Judge John Guthmann released last Friday.

Specifically, Burkel and House Republicans want answers on why MDE voluntarily restarted payments to the Feeding our Future fraudsters, why MDE and the Walz administration misled the public with claims of a nonexistent court ruling, and why the DFL has yet to hold a single hearing on the largest fraud case in state history.

"I am appalled to see the Governor and House DFL leadership avoiding having a public conversation about possibly the largest fraud case in Minnesota history," said Burkel. "Minnesotans deserve answers about why the Governor and his administration misled the public, and how this fraud was allowed to continue for so long. It is long past time to hold hearings on this issue."

While in interim before the beginning of the 93rd Legislative Session this coming January, House Committees Chairs are still free to call hearings with their members and prepare for the next session.

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