Senator Hall, Representative Caldwell Comment on Latest LOFT Report
OKLAHOMA CITY — Leaders of the LOFT Oversight Committee issued the following statements today on a Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency report examining the Oklahoma Department of Human Services’ verification processes for childcare subsidies to prevent fraud and misuse within the system.
Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, Co-Chair of the LOFT Oversight Committee:
“As a state, we have to balance protecting and supporting the childcare industry, which plays a vital role in maintaining a strong workforce, with making sure taxpayer dollars are protected. In Oklahoma alone, quality childcare providers are serving over 57,000 children, providing a safe and supportive place for them to learn and grow while mothers and fathers are at work. Regretfully, we’ve seen in other states that fraudulent payments have reduced program funds available for eligible parents who depend on childcare assistance to maintain employment or attend education programs. The Legislature has a duty to protect taxpayer dollars, and this LOFT report shows how we can better prevent waste, fraud and abuse within our childcare system. There may be a few bad actors within the industry, but the vast majority of Oklahoma daycares offer top-notch childcare that gives working parents peace of mind when they’re back at work.”
Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Faxon, Co-Chair of the LOFT Oversight Committee:
“Every taxpayer dollar matters, especially when we’re talking about a program designed to help working families afford childcare. We are not Minnesota, and we have a responsibility to make sure Oklahoma’s system has the safeguards necessary to prevent fraud and ensure these dollars reach the families who actually need them. My concern is that when fraud occurs, the people ultimately being hurt are the very families this program was created to serve. If an agency is continually asking the Legislature for additional resources, we have to be able to see that those resources are being paired with strong internal controls, proactive fraud detection and accountability. We have to bird-dog this process and make sure every dollar is being adequately spent.”
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