Posted on 08/06/2004 9:35:42 AM PDT by truth49
When I catch one of my grandkids with a hand in the cookie jar, or when I catch them telling me a little fib about how they brushed their teeth even as the chocolate stains are still evident in their smiles, I am compelled to act - to hold them accountable for their actions or their inactions.
Am I a mean, crotchety old grandma? Of course, not. I simply recognize that character, integrity and honesty are necessary traits for a successful and joyful life down the road.
But these traits don't just affect my grandkids or our immediate family. They affect the community as a whole. When a community of people has a serious lack of character, everyone suffers.
This is why taxpayers are demanding action to address allegations of daycare fraud in Mattawa. As most of us know by now, there were approximately 51 licensed daycares for a community of 3,000! But when Grant County's sheriff and prosecutor launched an investigation, they were stonewalled by the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
This "circle-the-wagons" response from DSHS is, sadly, not surprising. Whenever a government agency is accused or suspected of wrongdoing, the immediate response, more often than not, is to stonewall, delay and deny. But how does this serve the public?
When the State Auditor's Office looked into the Mattawa daycare situation they found DSHS distributed child-care subsidies to operators with false Social Security numbers, falsified attendance records and, in one case, a felony conviction. Why is it the Auditor can find evidence of foul play yet DSHS cannot?
In an effort to keep DSHS responsible for their actions - or their inactions - Grant County officials asked local legislators to lend some "muscle" to the investigation. As a state Senator, I joined with my two House colleagues and called a meeting on July 22nd with the head of DSHS, Secretary Dennis Braddock. Our goal was to try and help Grant County officials wade through the bureaucracy and get "straight to the horses mouth," so to speak.
Yet, again, questions asked went unanswered. Instead of showing up with the information previously requested, we received excuses, blank stares, and an apology from one staff member. Why is it so difficult for DSHS to quantify their investigation? Why is it near impossible for an agency to verify social security numbers or other forms of identification?
At one point, we were even lied to, face to face. When asked, we were told DSHS does not receive federal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) money to cover administrative costs, but that all TANF money went directly to daycare facilities when qualifying children are in attendance.
However, our legislative budget staff found this to be untrue. Statewide, DSHS is limited to up to 15 percent of TANF monies to cover administrative costs, meaning not ALL money is just for the children. There is little incentive for DSHS to reduce these federal funds since it might shrink their bureaucracy.
We also learned that while a few of these daycares voluntarily let their licenses expire, not one fine has been levied and not one act of discipline has been metered by DSHS. In fact, it is quite possible that many fraudulent daycares are still receiving taxpayer monies! This is unacceptable!
I assure you, Grant County officials and your local legislators are not giving up. If I have to press Senate Leadership for subpoena powers, where we can call up witnesses and documents similar to a Grand Jury, I will. The stonewalling and bleak excuses have gone on long enough. Taxpayers have the expectation and the right to see their money spent as efficiently and as honestly as possible.
No, it doesn't take a village (government) to raise a child. But it sure helps when that village isn't blindly dolling out your money and ignoring fraudulent activity.
(Sen. Joyce Mulliken lives in Ephrata and represents the 13th Legislative District.)
yes and no. Half of the funds used are federal funds though it's the state's responsibility to verify eligibility. GAO is currently looking at this problem.
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