Lawmakers probe nationwide child care fraud

(The Center Square) — A bipartisan group of senators probed allegations of fraud in the child care industry on Thursday.

The lawmakers called for greater transparency and more rigorous verification procedures to ensure that child care providers are not engaging in fraudulent activity.

The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee questioned leaders of child care institutions from across the country about allegations of fraud stemming from claims about child care facilities in Minnesota.

In December, online content creator Nick Shirley posted a video alleging day care facilities in Minnesota improperly used millions of dollars in federal subsidies to support the businesses.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., said the problem of fraud was not isolated to Minnesota. He pointed to improper payments to day care centers in states across the country.

Shortly after allegations of fraud in Minnesota came to light, the Trump administration froze $10 billion ...