Would the Feeding Our Future fraud have happened if pandemic nutrition programs had been run through school cafeterias? Would we be talking about fraud at autism centers if special education programs were fully funded in public schools?
When outsourcing is necessary, we need to build the infrastructure to manage it — technology, systems and enough qualified state employees to oversee vendors effectively.
At the local level, which is the focus of my office, the problem looks different. Many local governments are playing shorthanded and with old equipment. There’s a nationwide shortage of accountants, bookkeepers, clerks and auditors, leaving cities, counties and towns trying to manage complex finances with fewer people. Outdated technology only compounds the issue. That’s why local audit findings are more often about errors or omissions than intentional fraud.
In service of our duty to combat waste, fraud and abuse, we at the Office of the State Auditor are focused on helping local governments address these shortages. I supported a bill to expand pathways into the accounting profession and we’re now working with local officials and stakeholders to align oversight with the greatest risks. We’re also examining how to manage Minnesota’s unusually high number of local entities and encouraging lawmakers to streamline the rules imposed on local governments — to improve compliance without overwhelming staff.
Finally, where does the public fit in? You — the people who fund and rely on government — are the owners of the team. You’re right to expect vigilance in preventing fraud. But I hope you’ll also push us to look beyond refs and coaches and focus on the players — and the systems and rules they’re working under.
That’s where the real game is won or lost.