House GOP Leaders React to Federal Fraud Charges

St. Paul, MN—House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, and Floor Leader Harry Niska, R-Ramsey, issued the following statements today after the Department of Justice announced criminal charges against 15 Minnesota defendants in connection with fraud schemes targeting more than $90 million in taxpayer funds across seven state-managed Medicaid programs.

“Today we heard about another $90 million in taxpayer dollars, meant for the most vulnerable Minnesotans, that were stolen by fraudsters,” said Speaker Demuth. “We cannot become desensitized to this – real Minnesotans are suffering because of a culture of fraud and lack of accountability within our agencies. House Republicans took major steps forward this session, passing new anti-fraud tools that will make a real difference. We welcome the continued and enhanced support of the federal government to truly stop fraud and preserve state programs for those who truly need them.”

Leader Niska added, “Let’s be clear: Minnesota’s fraud crisis exploded on the watch of Governor Walz and legislative Democrats. They were never serious about stopping fraud, and it was not until House Republicans ended Democrats’ trifecta in 2024 that we were able to make sure action was taken on this crisis in St. Paul. Because of House Republicans, Minnesota now has dozens of new tools and reforms in place to help stop fraud, hold fraudsters accountable, and begin changing the culture of fraud Democrats allowed to take root in state government.”