Best Place to Raise a Family

Minnesota is the #2 Best place to raise a family. (Massachusetts ranked #1.) According to Wallet Hub.  See:  https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-raise-a-family/31065.

 

Early Learning and Outdoor Programs

Olmsted county is seeking Black or African American parents or caregivers who have at least one child eight years old or younger to participate in a focus group. The focus group will be in May.  The discussions will explore parents’ experiences with reading to their children and spending time in nature to support early learning and development.  For more information please see the Olmsted County website:  https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/government/county-news-events/county-news/May-2026-early-learning-and-outdoor-programs?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

 

Olmsted County Parks and Trails

Olmsted people were asked about what they enjoy about the county parks and what changes they would like to see.  The input that was provided will guide the master plan for the parks which will be finished by the end of 2026.  For more information see the County Parks and Trails website:  https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/government/county-news-events/county-news/Community-feedback-shaping-the-future-of-Olmsted-County-parks?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

 

Olmsted Detects and Prosecutes Fraud

Olmsted has three employees dedicated to investigating potential fraud, waste, and abuse.  These employees also gather evidence so that the County Attorney can prosecute those committing fraud.

The county staff determines eligibility for SNAP food assistance (formerly food stamps), the WIC (Women Infants and Children) program, waiver services, and a variety of other assistance.  Eligibility is determined at the time of application, renewal, or changes of a family’s situation and can be rechecked at random times.

The county staff ensures that services and payments are within the scope of the program and meet only the assessed needs; scrutinizes rate setting and rate exception requests; collaborates with DHS and other state agencies including the Office of Inspector General to maintain financial integrity.  The county’s internal processes reduce waste and looks for fraud by employing Billing and Compliance Specialists and uses 2-layer verification prior to payment approval.  Bills are not paid until it is assured that the service meets policy guidelines.  This slows the process of vendors and recipients receiving payment for services but is necessary to ensure financial integrity.  Recipients of services are also checked on other data bases to prevent duplicate cases from being funded.  Vendors of services are also checked to ensure that they are following program guidelines and not abusing vendor privileges.

Because of the processes that Olmsted County has employed, $663,672 was recovered in 2024 and $723,760 in 2025.  (Money recovered is returned to the State.)  I expect this number will increase as our processes get better.  If the State modernizes the computer data systems, more money will be saved by ensuring proper eligibility.

In addition to preventing overpayments, overseeing vendor compliance, and ensuring proper eligibility, I support prosecuting fraud when it is uncovered.  Increasing the staff time it takes to prepare for fraud cases will pay off for the county and the State.

 

Report Suspected Fraud and Abuse

If you suspect Fraud and Abuse of public benefit programs you can report it:

• HHH Office of Inspector General for Medical Assistance/Medicaid. Phone: 800-HHS-TIPS. Email: HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov
• Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center for suspected abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults:  Phone: 844-880-1574
• HUD office of Inspector General for housing fraud or abuse:  800-347-3735
• Minnesota Department of Health – WIC Program for suspected abuse or fraud in the Women, Infant and Child program. Phone 800-657-3942.  Email:  wicvendor@state.mn.us
• Or you can contact Olmsted County at:  507 638 6770.  More information on the website:  https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/residents/services-individuals-families/financial-assistance/public-assistance-fraud

 

Graham Park for the People of Olmsted County

The Multipurpose Building at Graham Park is progressing on schedule.  Soon the Pre-stressed concrete walls will go up.  The interior of the building is about the size of a football field.  It will have space for the county fair animals that used to be in several buildings.  It will also be able host community events, rallies, concerts, trade shows, and even motosport shows.  The floor can be flat and open for sport events but also be covered with dirt for animals and other events.  Interior supports will hold scoreboards and audio/visual rigging.  Air handling systems will ensure that the air quality is good for any event.  The goal for the facility is to have events scheduled for most weekends.  Unfortunately, the building will not be ready for the 2026 county fair; the first events will be scheduled for early in 2027.