Minnesota State Government Employees Express Concerns about Walz as VP Pick in Letter to Kamala Harris and DNC

A coalition of Minnesota state employees reported that they repeatedly contacted former Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic National Committee, raising concerns about Governor Tim Walzs performance, citing alleged "incompetence, fraud scandals, and retaliation."

According to the Minnesota Department of Human Service Employees account on X, which represents over 480 staff members, the group stated: "We tried our best to keep the public informed as our tweets are public. Perhaps Kamala Harris ignored fraud like her running mate?"

The account emphasized that their warnings have been consistent over time, adding: "We need fraud to stop in Minnesota and good governance to be restored." Requests for comment from both Harris team and the DNC were not immediately answered.

Walz Responds to Criticism

Governor Tim Walz addressed accusations of incompetence and declined to take direct responsibility for the ongoing fraud investigations during an interview with Star Tribune journalists at the State Capitol in St. Paul on December 12, 2024. Harris selected Walz, a two-term governor and former U.S. congressman, as her running mate in August 2024.

The employees group responded to Harris account on X in September 2024, claiming Walz had "caused incredible harm to our state & agencies and retaliated against whistleblowers." Minnesota is currently facing widespread scrutiny as federal authorities investigate multiple fraud cases, including one of the largest COVID-era schemes in the country.

COVID-Era Fraud Investigation Expands

Federal prosecutors recently announced charges against the 78th defendant in the Feeding Our Future fraud case, involving over $300 million in misappropriated federal funds from a child nutrition program, which has led to more than 50 convictions. Many of those charged are members of Minnesotas Somali community.

U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger detailed the extensive scheme in September 2022, highlighting the massive theft intended for pandemic-era child nutrition. Authorities report that what seemed initially to be an isolated incident has expanded into multiple schemes across Minnesota.

Law enforcement claims that over the past five years, several fraudulent operations emerged, including fictitious companies billing state agencies for millions in social services that were never delivered. One notable case involved Ladan Ali, who pleaded guilty to offering a $120,000 cash bribe to a juror in the Feeding Our Future trial.

State Lawmakers Support Whistleblowers

Minnesota State Representative Marion Rarick, R-Minn., confirmed that she has been investigating state fraud since joining the Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee in January. She met with the whistleblowers from the Minnesota Department of Human Service Employees account to gain insight into ongoing issues.

Another state representative, Kristin Robbins, also praised the whistleblowers on X, calling them "heroes" and highlighting their ongoing efforts to restore accountability in state government following what she described as Walzs "utter failure" to manage his agencies effectively.

Author: Sophia Brooks