Fraud in Minnesota
Federal prosecutors allege that as much as half of the $18 billion of federal money used to support 14 Minnesota social service programs in recent years appears to have been stolen or fraudulently obtained. The allegations include shell organizations that submitted claims for federal reimbursements but never provided the services to warrant the reimbursement—services like feeding needy children, providing housing assistance, or access to medical care.
Analysis and eternal perspective: Once again, there is a political blame game running parallel to this story, and it certainly appears that governing authorities may have been negligent or worse. Much like our previous story, those who are ultimately found to be responsible for any proven fraud should be held to account, regardless of political affiliation.
This story also warrants a broader careful review of how the U.S. administers both federal and state programs. There will always be a debate about what types of programs and which specific programs deserve public financial support. This story signals that debate should also include a careful analysis of the structure of any such programs determined worthy of support. It is incumbent on elected officials to ensure the integrity of all government-run programs and a scandal this widespread suggests a very significant lapse in that integrity.
What about your life and mine? How squeaky clean are our personal and business practices? If held up to the light, would they pass scriptural muster? They should, but human nature is such that they only will if we subject ourselves to the scrutiny of transparency. Matt 10:26-27 reminds us that all which is concealed will be made known and encourages us to proclaim in the daylight what God has instructed in the secret place.
It is counter to human instinct, but that is precisely the point. Your human instinct and mine will lead us astray, but the disinfectant of God’s Word will redeem!