Senator Mark Koran (North Branch) responds to the recent news of officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) searching at least two Minnesota autism centers after investigations revealed “substantial evidence” of fraudulent Medicaid claims. 

“It is incumbent upon us to start implementing guardrails within our state agencies to protect taxpayers from being defrauded in incidents like this. Reports of waste, fraud, and abuse in Minnesota continue to make headlines, with known fraud now nearing a total of $1 billion. Governor Walz and Democrat leaders have failed to hold agencies accountable in any meaningful way – only attempting to address the situation when it is politically expedient for them.” 

“While these allegations relating to autism centers in Minnesota are still under investigation, it is essential we ensure transparency and accountability within the system to protect taxpayer dollars and restore trust in our state government operations. These types of continued misuse of funds diverts needed resources away from the individuals who truly need support,” Koran said. 

The FBI conducted searches early Thursday morning at two separate facilities located in downtown Minneapolis and Saint Cloud. The federal search warrant alleges at least twelve people charged in the “Feeding Our Future” scandal owned, received money from, or were tied to the autism centers under investigation. Autism service providers in Minnesota have increased 700% over the last five years, from 41 in 2018 to 328 in 2023.  

“Given the ties to the bad actors involved in the ‘Feeding our Future’ fraud, I’m calling on the Minnesota Department of Human Services to immediately revoke any active licenses associated with any credible accusation of fraud,” Koran finished.