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State Representative Tony Cornish
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4240
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS RELEASE
REP. CORNISH: MINNESOTA’S ANNUAL WELFARE FRAUD TOTALS $1.67 BILLION
ST. PAUL - $1.67 billion. This is the amount, according to a welfare fraud investigator who spoke to the Minnesota House Republican Caucus recently, which Minnesota wastes each year on crooks that scam Minnesota’s welfare system. State Representative Tony Cornish (R-Good Thunder) said the welfare fraud statistics are appalling.
“There’s no doubt that welfare programs should be in place for those who cannot help themselves,” Cornish said. “But it’s disgusting that Minnesota allows more than $1 billion to be wasted by cheaters who fabricate personal information concerning their residency, income, and assets.”
Cornish said he’s learned that it’s possible three out of every four welfare applications has errors or purposefully bad information listed in hopes that a perpetrator can scam the system.
Cornish also noted that the amounts these welfare criminals can obtain are staggering. If you used an example of an adult with two dependents, and added welfare benefits, Section 8 housing, EBT cards, low income heating assistance, and medical assistance, the person could potentially net $4,000 each month.
A recent investigation revealed that more than $10 million was spent last year in other states through the use of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards – which provide cash and food support benefits to Minnesotans.
Cornish said that with a projected $5 billion budget deficit, Minnesota can no longer afford to turn a blind eye towards those who are taking advantage of public assistance programs.
“I plan on supporting legislation this session that tightens residency rules, require the use of photo ID’s for those who present EBT cards at stores, and allow welfare fraud investigators to have access to welfare recipient records,” Cornish said.
“By making these necessary steps, not only would we safeguard a significant portion of the state’s budget, but we’d also ensure our welfare dollars are going to those who are truly in need.”
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