State Representatives Jill Cooper and Kate Klunk have announced plans to introduce the Protect Child Care Funding Act in Pennsylvania. The proposed legislation comes as federal investigators examine fraud allegations involving day care centers in Minnesota, where some facilities reportedly accepted public funds without serving any children. In response, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services temporarily halted Minnesota’s federal child care funding.
The new bill would give the Pennsylvania auditor general authority to audit child care programs managed by the Department of Human Services. It also requires cooperation from the state agency during these audits.
“Each year, over $1 billion is invested in child care because both taxpayers and lawmakers recognize how important these programs are. Child care providers throughout the state work diligently to operate these programs on shoestring budgets, so if dollars are being wasted through fraud and abuse schemes, we need to hold those responsible accountable and allocate those funds where they belong,” said Rep. Jill Cooper. “It is an honor to work with Chairwoman Klunk on this important bill, and I look forward to promoting it throughout the House chamber.”
Rep. Kate Klunk added: “A dollar used fraudulently or wasted is a dollar that could have helped a working family afford child care or a program provider offer a more competitive salary to its staff. Pennsylvania has a dedicated and thorough elected official in Auditor General Tim DeFoor and I have confidence that if there are instances of fraud and abuse, he’ll find them. I appreciate Rep. Cooper’s work on this topic and will do everything possible to see it advance.”
Cooper has circulated a co-sponsor memorandum among House members regarding this proposal, which will be formally introduced at a later date.
