Gov. Greg Abbott announced a new investigation into possible child care fraud in Texas following a high-profile scandal in Minnesota. He also unveiled a new task force to tighten oversight and cut bureaucracy in early childhood programs.
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On Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott declared a statewide investigation into possible child care fraud and introduced a new early childhood task force. He emphasized that Texas will take decisive action to avert the types of abuses that have recently disrupted Minnesota’s child care system.
Fifteen days after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced he would end his reelection campaign, the announcement came amid increasing scrutiny of a fraud scandal involving child care in the state.
“Numerous alleged child care centers have come to light as fraudulent operations,” Abbott stated at an event held at John A. Sippel Elementary School. “I have initiated an investigation in Texas to verify the legitimacy of our child care centers, ensuring that parents and taxpayers are not being exploited.”
Abbott stated that he initiated the investigation on the very day Walz announced his decision, instructing the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to investigate possible fraud in child care programs. Approximately ten days later, Abbott broadened the initiative, requesting that HHSC and the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General investigate potential Medicaid fraud.
The governor connected the investigation to the formation of the Early Childhood Education and Care Task Force under House Bill 117. The legislation successfully garnered bipartisan approval in both chambers, with Rep. Alan Schoolcraft, R-Seguin, introducing it and Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, backing it.
A task force on governance in early childhood education and care will be appointed by the governor, as outlined in the new law. The steering committee is composed of the HHSC executive director, the Texas Education Agency commissioner, the Texas Workforce Commission chair, and division leaders from these agencies.
The comprehensive task force comprises public and private prekindergarten educators, a delegate from the Texas Head Start State Collaboration Office, a representative from the Department of State Health Services, members of the Texas Early Learning Council, and various gubernatorial appointees with expertise in managing child care programs.
During Tuesday’s conference, Abbott revealed his initial list of appointments.
In addition to prioritizing fraud prevention, Abbott stated that the panel will aim to simplify regulations and cut costs.
“It is imperative that we eliminate the persistent bureaucracy, the ambiguous standards of care, and the excessive costs that hinder parents from accessing the essential early childhood care and education their children require,” Abbott stated.
On Tuesday, state officials refrained from disclosing specifics regarding the duration of the investigations or the timeline for when the findings may be revealed to the public. Abbott emphasized safeguarding public funds while simultaneously expanding access to affordable child care.
The task force is set to begin meetings in the upcoming weeks.
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