MINNEAPOLIS – A Republican state legislator has accused Minnesota’s Democratic Governor, Tim Walz, of ignoring warnings regarding potential fraud among taxpayer-funded day care providers.
State Rep. Kristin Robbins, who chairs the Minnesota Fraud Commission and is a candidate for governor, expressed her concerns to the Walz administration following a hearing on child care fraud in February 2024. Unfortunately, she feels her concerns were met with indifference.
“I provided the Department of Human Services with a list of day care providers that received over $1 million from the state despite multiple violations in the previous year, and one of them was on that list,” Robbins stated outside the Quality Learning Center.
“It’s hard to believe they didn’t know. We held hearings and presented evidence, yet nothing has changed,” she said, obviously frustrated. “Honestly, I’m astonished that this continues despite us raising alarms repeatedly.”
This particular day care allegedly received $4 million in state funds, even though there were reportedly no children present.
Recently, independent journalist Nick Shirley shared footage showing people visiting the Quality Learning Center and other day cares in Minnesota, only to find them empty of children, which quickly garnered attention online.
“Regrettably, Minnesota has become a hotspot for fraud,” Robbins remarked. “This isn’t just an isolated incident; it’s indicative of a broader issue across various programs, despite numerous warning signs.”
The Republican Party has criticized Governor Walz, who may run for re-election in 2026, for neglecting long-standing fraud concerns until recent outcry.
“They’ve only started talking about halting payments to certain programs and imposing a pause on new providers after this scandal unfolded,” Robbins noted. “This response is overdue.”
With mounting pressure, Republican lawmakers have called for Walz’s resignation amidst the fraud controversy in Minnesota.
“He’s ignored these issues for so long that it’s impossible for him to claim ignorance in light of all the whistleblower and media reports,” Robbins asserted. “Their claim to be unaware is just not credible.”
“He should not be re-elected,” she added, referencing Walz. “While a resignation might be helpful, I’m not sure if replacing him with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan would resolve anything, as she has been involved too.”
“What we really need is a new governor who prioritizes accountability and refuses to tolerate misconduct.”
Robbins is among several Republicans, including MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, vying to unseat Walz, who is seeking a third term in 2026. Walz’s office did not reply to requests for comment.
