Dear Northlanders,
Staffing 24-hour settings such as nursing homes, assisted livings, disability homes, emergency response, and of course hospitals has become more challenging. Many desire remote work, no weekends, and work-life balance. However, those who are first responders, firefighters, police, or caregivers work shift work, weekends, and holidays. Every day is as important as the next to ensure staffing occurs to deliver care outcomes.
After the pandemic, it became increasingly difficult to staff 24-hour operations, and many felt unappreciated. When a bonus for frontline workers finally passed, there was excitement. It was short-lived, though, for good reason.
It was devastating to learn that 60% of the 1 million people who received a frontline worker bonus of $487.45 were legitimate. Therefore, 40% of those who received it were never supposed to receive it. When lawmakers passed this bill, they believed workers would receive $750. However, due to those who were never intended to receive this money actually receiving it, less money was left to split for everyone.
This is just another example of the fraud in our state agencies and government. This is just another example of a year plagued with fraud according to the state auditors. How much fraud? $445+ million dollars.
The federal prosecution of 70 people for the Feeding our Future scandal, where fraudsters alleged to feed children when the building was empty. Instead of feeding hungry children, these adults fed themselves $250 million with jewelry, extravagant homes, and fancy cars. The frontline worker fraud scandal totals $45 million. Medicaid fraud from transportation billing fraud totals $50 million. Childcare fraud in Medicaid CCAP billing totals $100 million.
Meanwhile, many are working 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. It seems reasonable to expect our government to utilize the tracking systems that are established and to hold leaders accountable. When top leaders continue to hold their jobs while blatant fraud is occurring and clear warning signs existed as stated by our state auditors, we have a serious problem. This $445 million is treated as though money grows on trees, and the reality is we all know it does not.
Imagine what could have been done with $445 million dollars. Here are just a few thoughts:
- Money for staffing ambulance services, fire departments, or police.
- Money for school districts who face millions in layoffs or budget cuts.
- Money for childcare to prevent more family and center provider closures.
- Money for non-emergency transportation in Greater Minnesota.
I would have been happy with any one of the above uses of $445 million, and I think you would have too. It is completely unacceptable for zero accountability and outcomes like this, when true need exists in MN and basic checks and balances are not being followed time and time again.
We can and must do better. You all deserve better than this. I am hopeful we will reinstate some common sense and fiscal responsibility with your hard-earned money.
Sincerely,
Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, State House Representative 3B
Serving Two Harbors, Rice Lake, Hermantown, Proctor and 14 great Townships
