State Rep. Josh Williams, a Republican from Sylvania Township, recently called for an inquiry into potential misuse of child care funds, citing concerns similar to those uncovered in Minnesota. That state has faced scrutiny over claims of widespread fraud involving public subsidies for day care providers.
Williams said Ohio must ensure taxpayer dollars are being used properly and not diverted through fraudulent enrollment records or falsified attendance logs. “We have a duty to make sure every dollar meant for working families is actually reaching them,” he said in a statement earlier this week.
DeWine, however, defended the integrity of Ohio’s system, noting that the state has long reimbursed child care facilities based on attendance rather than enrollment — a key difference he said helps deter abuse.
“We built safeguards into this program years ago for exactly this reason,” DeWine told reporters Friday. “Ohio taxpayers deserve accountability, and that’s what we already have in place.”
The governor said his administration regularly reviews compliance within the state’s publicly funded child care network and works with federal partners to monitor spending. Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services, which oversees the program, said no evidence currently suggests widespread fraud.
While Williams has not formally requested a legislative or state audit, he indicated he plans to continue pressing for transparency. DeWine said he welcomes oversight but stressed that existing controls have proven effective.
“Our focus should be on helping parents afford quality care and supporting providers who follow the rules,” DeWine said. “Let’s not politicize a program that is functioning as intended.”