Governor Greg Abbott has directed state agencies to investigate possible misuse of child care funds and strengthen oversight of high-risk providers across Texas.
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Governor Greg Abbott is calling on state agencies to investigate potential fraud involving childcare funding across the state.
In a letter sent this week, Abbott directed the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to examine any misuse or improper spending of taxpayer dollars tied to the Child Care Services program.
The governor’s action comes as a large-scale child care fraud case in Minnesota continues to draw national attention.
In his letter, Abbott cited data showing Texas has an improper payment rate of 0.43 percent, compared to Minnesota’s reported 11 percent. Still, he said additional safeguards are needed to protect children and taxpayer funds.
Under the directive, both agencies are required to identify high-risk childcare providers participating in the program and conduct additional site visits at those locations. The Texas Workforce Commission is also tasked with reviewing current data collection practices used within the program.
Abbott is further requiring expanded access to an online reporting portal and a fraud hotline to allow the public to report suspected fraud to both agencies.
The Texas Workforce Commission and the Health and Human Services Commission must submit a progress report to the governor by the end of the month, followed by a final report on their findings by the end of February.