[JTN] California’s Assembly Republican Caucus on Wednesday called for a special legislative session to investigate an estimated $180 billion in fraud in taxpayer-funded programs.
“Fraud absolutely is linked to the cost-of-living crisis,” Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, R-San Diego, said during a news conference at the Capitol. “Every dollar, every penny of fraud is money that should be going to needy families in the form of government services that they are now seeing cuts in. Every dollar that’s given out to a fraudster is a dollar that should be given back to a taxpayer.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Assembly Minority Leader Health Flora and caucus members sent a letter to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, pointing to a new estimate that California may have lost at least $180 billion to fraud across state programs. Flora said the estimate was based on audits, public records and prior investigations. He called on Newsom to call a special session to determine the extent of fraud and improper payments and "advance reforms to strengthen oversight and recover taxpayer funds."
"Form a Committee!"
Republican lawmakers at the press conference said they were particularly concerned about fraud and waste in programs meant to help California’s homeless population, money being spent on fraudulent hospice programs and sober living facilities. |