DeWine defends fraud safeguards at Ohio child care facilities

(The Center Square) – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is defending the state’s child care spending, saying longtime safeguards are in place that help prevent widespread fraud uncovered in Minnesota.

DeWine’s defense came after fellow Republican Rep. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township, spearheaded a letter from lawmakers calling for an investigation into the state’s child care facilities he says are suspected of fraud.

Allegations of fraud in Minnesota surfaced in November, when reports stated that millions of taxpayer dollars had been stolen from the state’s welfare system and sent to a Somali-based terror group.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday announced it would freeze $185 million provided to Minnesota day care centers annually.

Ohio received more than $800 million in federal taxpayer funds for child care services in fiscal year 2024, and the state ...