HOUSTON – On Thursday, Governor Greg Abbott was in Houston for a campaign event focused on garnering support and endorsements from law enforcement, including the Houston Police Officers Union.
During the event, Abbott spoke with 2 Investigates about an investigation he publicly launched Monday into potential fraud among childcare providers in Texas.
“I think it would be irresponsible for state leaders not to look at their own programs to make sure there was no similar fraud taking place,” Abbott said.
On Monday, Abbott sent a letter to the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission asking both agencies to investigate potential fraud within the state’s Child Care Services program.
The call to action comes in the aftermath of a billion-dollar scandal that has engulfed the state of Minnesota in recent weeks. In the letter, Abbott cited federal data showing Texas had a 0.43% improper payment rate, compared to 11% in Minnesota.
Abbott is directing the agencies to move quickly, outlining six action steps for reviewing data and facilities.
“This is a proactive investigation to make sure there is no fraud taking place in the childcare system in the state of Texas, and if there is, to make sure it is rooted out, eliminated, and course-corrected,” Abbott said.
The governor said he anticipates receiving initial findings from both agencies by the end of February.