Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wants state agencies to implement new 鈥渟trong anti-fraud measures鈥� to a program designed to help low-income families pay for child care.
The call for increased scrutiny follows the Trump administration鈥檚 decision to to Child Care Services programs due to a viral video claiming widespread fraud in Minnesota.
In to the heads of the Texas Workforce Commission and Health and Human Services Commission, Abbott directs the agencies to identify 鈥渉igh-risk providers鈥� participating in the program and conduct additional site visits.
鈥淭exas鈥� percentage of improper payment rates is 0.43 percent, compared to Minnesota鈥檚 approximately 11 percent according to the most recently available federal data,鈥� Abbott wrote in the letter. 鈥淗owever, more can be done to protect Texas children and taxpayers.鈥�
He also directs the agencies to review data to address potential fraud in the program, ensure all providers are 鈥渁ccurately and verifiably鈥� reporting the number of children enrolled, conduct reviews of the oversight processes and enhance access to the online portal and hotline so people can report fraud.
Texas鈥� Child Care Services program, overseen by the TWC, provides financial aid for child care for eligible families, according to the agency鈥檚 website.
The Trump administration after a conservative YouTuber posted claiming without evidence that there is widespread fraud in Minnesota daycare centers run by Somali Americans.
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services based on 鈥渧erified attendance rather than enrollment alone,鈥� as well as paying providers after care is delivered. HHS also said states will no longer be "steered towards contracts over parent-directed vouchers.鈥�
National providers are concerned they won鈥檛 be able to stay open if payments are delayed for children in the program. They said the freeze is disruptive for kids, parents and providers.
Abbott said state agencies must submit all provider fraud investigations to prosecutors as appropriate.
HHSC and TWC are expected to provide a progress report to Abbott by the end of the month, followed by a final report by Feb. 27.
鈥淭he Texas Workforce Commission and Health and Human Services Commission already have strong anti-fraud processes in place like routine audits of providers and in-person site visits to facilities to ensure the physical safety of Texas children and the good stewardship of state dollars,鈥� Abbott said. 鈥淲aste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars will not be tolerated and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law in Texas.鈥�
Abigail Ruhman is 四虎影院鈥檚 health reporter. Got a tip? Email Abigail at aruhman@kera.org.
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