Trust But Verify

Ongoing Fraud Investigations and Local Concerns

Allegations of billions of dollars in fraud continue to surface in states such as Minnesota, with investigations now beginning in Maine and Ohio. These developments suggest that further abuse in misusing U.S. taxpayer money is likely to be uncovered. It would be naive to assume that Idaho is immune to these issues.

Presently, a debate is unfolding between Senator Bryan Lenny (R-Nampa) and Senator Wintrow (D-Boise) regarding whether $14 million in funding for Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare should be maintained or frozen while potential fraud is investigated. Senator Lenny, representing a conservative viewpoint, supports freezing the funds to verify how taxpayer money is being spent, emphasizing that it is better to ensure accountability now rather than regret discovering fraud later.

In contrast, Senator Wintrow, a liberal, asserts that there is no evidence of fraud in Idaho’s system and warns that withholding these funds would negatively impact hardworking Idahoans.

The Importance of Verification

Addressing Senator Wintrow’s position, it is crucial to recognize that without proper verification, claims of a fraud-free system cannot be substantiated. Past incidents highlight the risks of unchecked trust. For example, the Idaho Health Data Exchange wasted $93 million due to mismanagement and allegations of funneling money through unaccountable nonprofit organizations. Additionally, 100,000 people were removed from Idaho’s Medicaid expansion rolls, with thousands more still enrolled who do not qualify. These instances fuel growing skepticism toward government oversight, especially as Idaho receives 40% of its state budget from the federal government and now faces a projected budget deficit of $50 to $80 million, despite previous assurances of a surplus in the hundreds of millions.

Calls for Accountability

For the past decade, many Idahoans have called for a forensic audit of the Idaho Health and Welfare Department, yet lawmakers have not acted on these demands. The situation became even more complex when Jeppesen, the former head of the department, targeted Attorney General Labrador with accusations of ethics violations, including improper representation of the health agency and alleged misuse of confidential information. This raises questions about what might have been concealed within the department, given the apparent concern over AG Labrador’s investigations.

A Call to Action for Transparency

It is time to bring transparency to the Department of Health and Welfare by conducting a comprehensive forensic audit. Idaho’s government has expanded considerably compared to the population it serves, with 189 agencies operating despite constitutional guidelines suggesting only 23 agencies are necessary. With elections approaching, citizens must demand answers to critical questions: What is the government doing with over $14 billion in taxpayer money, and why has the state budget increased by 60% over the past six years? The title of this article encapsulates the sentiment driving these concerns.

Conclusion

“We Get the Government We Deserve.”