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House GOP Leader Demands Answers from Gov. Walz Over $4 Million to Questionable Daycare Center
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer has publicly challenged Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to explain how a daycare center with misspelled signage and apparent minimal activity received approximately $4 million in state funding. The controversy emerged after a viral video showed a YouTuber attempting to investigate the Quality “Learing” Center in Minneapolis.
“Four million dollars of hard-earned tax dollars going to an education center that can’t even spell learning correctly. Care to explain this one, Tim Walz?” wrote Emmer on social media platform X. The Republican congressman, who represents Twin Cities suburbs and St. Cloud, is the third-ranking leader in the House of Representatives.
The controversy comes amid a widening scandal involving Minnesota’s social services programs. Federal and state authorities are investigating what could amount to more than $1 billion in fraudulent disbursements, with U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson suggesting the figure could climb even higher once investigations conclude.
The video in question, created by YouTuber Nick Shirley, shows him approaching the daycare facility on Nicolett Avenue. Upon arrival, a woman can be heard yelling warnings about “ICE” (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to those inside, apparently mistaking the YouTuber for immigration officials. When Shirley identified himself, the woman repeatedly told him to leave.
According to documents referenced in the video, the Quality Learning Center received approximately $1.9 million in fiscal year 2025 from the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), with total disbursements reportedly reaching $4 million. State records indicate the center is licensed to care for 99 children, though the video suggests little activity at the location.
The facility has already been under scrutiny for accumulating 95 violations from the state human services agency between 2019 and 2023, according to local media reports. These violations ranged from failure to keep hazardous items away from children to lacking proper records for more than a dozen listed children. Despite these issues, documentation reviewed by Fox News Digital showed the center’s current license remains valid until the end of 2026.
The Minnesota fraud investigation has already uncovered serious problems with other programs, most notably “Feeding Our Future,” a child nutrition initiative that allegedly diverted significant government funds. Federal authorities, including the Treasury Department under Secretary Scott Bessent, have taken active roles in investigating the broader fraud case.
The scandal has particular political sensitivity as some reports indicate a portion of the fraudulent funds may have ended up in the hands of the Somali terrorist group Al-Shabab. Much of the alleged fraud has been linked to operations within the Somali community in the Twin Cities area.
The controversy puts additional pressure on Governor Walz’s administration, which has faced growing criticism for oversight failures in state-administered social service programs. Multiple federal agencies are now involved in the investigation, with House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer recently warning that “the walls are caving in” on Walz as the probe widens.
Fox News Digital attempted to contact the daycare using the number listed in state government documents but was unable to complete the call. Requests for comment from Governor Walz’s office and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison were not immediately returned.
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13 Comments
This is concerning if taxpayer funds were misused or misspent. Proper oversight and accountability are essential for government programs, especially those involving public education or childcare. I hope the investigations shed light on what happened and ensure responsible use of funds going forward.
This is a troubling situation that raises questions about the oversight and decision-making process behind the $4 million grant. Proper due diligence and accountability measures are essential when it comes to the use of public funds, especially for early childhood education initiatives.
This seems like a troubling situation. I’m curious to learn more about how the funding decision was made, what requirements or oversight were in place, and whether there were any red flags that were overlooked. Responsible use of public funds should be a top priority.
Hmm, $4 million is a significant amount of funding. I’d like to know more about the background and intended purpose of this grant. Were there clear performance metrics and reporting requirements? Transparency is crucial when public money is involved.
Agreed. Taxpayers deserve to understand how their dollars are being spent and what tangible benefits were delivered. I hope the governor provides a detailed explanation to address the concerns raised.
Four million dollars is a significant amount of taxpayer money. I’d be very interested to learn about the process that led to this grant being awarded, the criteria used, and any oversight mechanisms in place. Responsible use of public funds should be a top priority.
Agreed. Transparency and accountability are crucial when it comes to how government money is spent. I hope the investigations provide a clear and detailed explanation of what happened and lead to improvements in the grant allocation and monitoring process.
The misspelled signage and apparent lack of activity are red flags that warrant closer scrutiny. Proper due diligence is essential when allocating public funds, especially for early childhood education initiatives. I hope the investigations provide clarity on what happened here.
The misspelled signage is certainly concerning and raises questions about the quality and legitimacy of the operation. Proper oversight and accountability measures are needed to ensure government funds are used effectively to support early childhood education and development.
This is a concerning situation that highlights the need for robust oversight and accountability measures when it comes to government spending, especially on programs intended to benefit children and families. I hope the investigations lead to improvements in how public funds are managed and monitored.
Four million dollars is a significant amount of taxpayer money. I’d like to understand the process that led to this grant being awarded, the criteria used, and any oversight mechanisms in place. Responsible use of public funds should be a top priority.
Absolutely. There needs to be a thorough review to ensure proper procedures were followed and taxpayer dollars were spent appropriately. Any issues or irregularities should be addressed to prevent similar problems in the future.
Misuse of public funds is always concerning. I hope the investigations into this daycare center shed light on what happened and lead to improvements in how grant money is allocated and monitored in the future. Transparency and accountability are key.