Walz appoints statewide fraud‑prevention director and launches program‑integrity push
Gov. Tim Walz on Dec. 12, 2025, formally appointed a statewide fraud‑prevention director and announced a program‑integrity initiative. The effort is intended to strengthen anti‑fraud oversight and coordination across state agencies.
📌 Key Facts
- Gov. Tim Walz appointed a statewide fraud‑prevention director.
- The appointment was made on Dec. 12, 2025.
- The role is a statewide director position focused on fraud prevention.
- Walz announced a program‑integrity initiative alongside the appointment.
- The program‑integrity initiative is intended to strengthen anti‑fraud oversight across state agencies.
📊 Relevant Data
More than $1 billion in taxpayers’ money has been stolen in three fraud plots in Minnesota, largely by members of the Somali diaspora.
How Fraud Swamped Minnesota’s Social Services System on Tim Walz’s Watch — The New York Times
Spending on Minnesota's autism program increased 3,000% from about $6 million in 2018 to nearly $192 million in 2023.
FBI investigates Minnesota autism centers, which have exploded in growth since 2018 — Minnesota Reformer
The number of autism providers in Minnesota increased 700% from 41 in 2018 to 328 in 2023.
FBI investigates Minnesota autism centers, which have exploded in growth since 2018 — Minnesota Reformer
Proposed causes of high autism rates among the Somali diaspora include genetics, vitamin D deficiency, and environmental toxins.
A Review of Autism Spectrum Disorder among the Somali Diaspora — Scientific Research Publishing
📰 Sources (2)
- Gov. Tim Walz formally appointed a statewide fraud‑prevention director on Dec. 12, 2025.
- Alongside the appointment, Walz announced a program‑integrity initiative to strengthen anti‑fraud oversight across state agencies.