Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Responds to Fraud Concerns |
Allegations of government-funded entities defrauding the taxpayer have made it to Ohio where Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, is attempting to shore up public confidence in the government’s anti-fraud efforts.
DeWine’s efforts, from press conferences to podcast appearances, come on the heels of concerns that child care centers in Columbus could be committing fraud, as recent reporting exposed large-scale fraud perpetrated by Somali-owned and operated child care centers in Minnesota.
After news broke that Minnesota taxpayers had been defrauded to the tune of millions, some Ohioans questioned if the same problem had reached the Buckeye State.
The Daily Signal was the first to report that Ohio state Rep. Josh Williams, a Republican, was leading an effort to ensure Ohio is free of the fraud that has plagued Minnesota. Williams sent a letter signed by dozens of other lawmakers to the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
The legislators are calling for “unannounced inspections” of daycare facilities that may be suspected of fraud in the Columbus area.
DeWine planned to address the public’s concern in a press conference, but statements made by DeWine’s deputy director of media relations, Dan Tierney, to The Columbus Dispatch and Cleveland.com garnered attention on social media.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's office on potential fraud at childcare centers in Columbus– which has the second highest Somali population in America:
"This is something that is unfortunately the cost of doing business." pic.twitter.com/hCE3B0b3Dz
The Daily Signal reached out to the governor’s office for a response. Tierney told The Daily Signal that the excerpts were “taken out of context” and “selectively quoted.”
“Regarding the social media posts you highlighted, specifically about my comments, these were taken out of context from interviews I gave explaining the scope of fraud, why it is not acceptable, and the administration’s efforts to fight fraud and stop it. Several of these social posts selectively quoted my comments........