Tafoya Presses Flanagan Over $9 Billion Minnesota Fraud in Senate Debate
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 16
Tafoya Presses Flanagan Over $9 Billion Minnesota Fraud in Senate Debate
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 16
Summary
Tafoya used Friday’s Minnesota Senate debate to make alleged state fraud a central attack line, saying Flanagan’s nearly eight years as lieutenant governor left voters with “massive fraud” and weak oversight.
Up to $9 billion in suspected schemes involving daycare centers, food programs and health clinics has fueled the issue, with investigators alleging operators inflated or fabricated services to collect government money.
Flanagan tried to separate herself from the scandal, saying Gov. Tim Walz had acknowledged oversight responsibility while she led on paid leave, the child tax credit and school meals.
Tafoya rejected that defense and proposed tougher anti-fraud measures, including deporting noncitizens who defraud Americans, mandatory minimum prison terms and tighter federal funding scrutiny for states with repeated losses.
The exchange sharpened a key fault line ahead of the Nov. 3 election, after both nominees secured their party nominations earlier this year.