House Majority Whip Emmer Questions Gov. Walz Over Minnesota Daycare Receiving $4 Million in State Funds Amid Fraud Probe
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer has pressed Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for answers following a video that raised concerns about a daycare center reportedly receiving $4 million in state funds amid a fraud probe. The video, filmed at a location on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis, shows a building bearing the sign "Quality Learing Center" with a spelling error, and a woman warning, "Don't open up. It’s ICE," though her affiliation with the center is unclear. No children or typical daycare activity appeared to be present.
The center has reportedly received approximately $4 million in Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funds, including $1.9 million disbursed in the fiscal year 2025. Minnesota Department of Human Services records reveal that from 2019 through 2023, the center had 95 violations, including failing to keep hazardous items away from children and missing required records for over a dozen children. Despite these issues, the center’s license is said to be valid through December 31, 2026.
This concern arises amid a broader Minnesota fraud investigation involving billions in federal and CCAP funds. U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson has indicated the fraud could exceed $1 billion, and the Treasury Department is also conducting an investigation. Feeding Our Future has been noted as a significant recipient of these funds. There are ongoing allegations that some CCAP monies may have reached Somali-owned daycares and entities potentially linked to al-Shabab.
Requests for comment have been made to Governor Walz, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and the Department of Human Services as scrutiny continues over CCAP funding and related fraud in the state.
