Lisa Demuth proposes crackdown on Minnesota DHS fraud

Republican-endorsed Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth has introduced a proposal to combat fraud within the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). Demuth argued that taxpayers are frustrated by the waste of public funds and proposed several measures to increase oversight.

Key components of her plan include replacing DHS leadership by firing commissioners and deputy commissioners, implementing stricter penalties for those convicted of stealing state funds, and modernizing IT systems to detect fraud earlier in the application process. Additionally, Demuth proposed a ban on individuals receiving taxpayer-funded social services from sending money to foreign countries.

Regarding the federal freeze on disability service payments during eligibility re-vetting, Demuth suggested that the state should take legislative action to unfreeze funds for residents in long-standing programs who have already been properly vetted.