DeWine pushes back amid federal scrutiny
At a Statehouse news conference Monday, DeWine and top agency leaders insisted Ohio’s system for overseeing publicly funded child care is “tough, layered and data‑driven,” saying recent reports of overpayments and waste do not reflect the overall integrity of the program. He acknowledged that fraud and billing errors can and do occur, but said those cases are being identified through audits, unannounced inspections and data checks that are already built into the system.
DeWine’s remarks come as federal officials review how states guard against fraud in child care subsidies, amid high‑profile allegations in Minnesota that have fueled broader questions about whether states are adequately policing the flow of federal child care dollars. The governor said he welcomes oversight but cautioned that “broad‑brush accusations” risk undermining trust in thousands of legitimate providers and the families who rely on them.
New “child care fraud” bill on the table
The press conference was timed to coincide with the rollout of a new proposal at the Ohio Statehouse that would give investigators additional tools and formally brand the package as the “Child Care Fraud Prevention Act.” The measure would tighten rules around the state’s automated child care attendance system by explicitly banning providers from knowingly accepting payments for children who are not in attendance, rather than just those not enrolled.
Under the bill, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) would gain clearer authority to suspend or terminate contracts with providers suspected of misusing public dollars or acting with intent to commit fraud. The Attorney General would be required in certain circumstances to investigate alleged criminal or civil violations in the publicly funded child care program and would be empowered to pursue prosecutions or civil remedies when warranted.
Sponsors have also proposed shifting several million dollars in state appropriations over the next two years to bolster DCY’s fraud‑detection and enforcement capacity, while trimming a separate child care incentive program. Supporters say the legislation is aimed at closing “gaps” in current oversight and ensuring the state can quickly cut off public funds when credible allegations of fraud surface.
State touts existing safeguards and enforcement
DeWine and DCY officials argued that, even before the new bill was introduced, Ohio has been aggressively monitoring child care centers that accept public funds through the state’s publicly funded child care (PFCC) program. In 2025, DCY carried out more than 10,000 unannounced health and safety visits at roughly 5,200 facilities statewide, resulting in 38 closures, including a dozen tied to fraud referrals, DeWine has previously said.
The governor’s office has also highlighted “multiple layers of accountability,” including electronic attendance tracking, cross‑checks of billing data, and the ability to revoke licenses or end contracts when providers violate state rules. The pending bill would further codify DCY’s power to suspend licenses without a prior hearing in cases where there is reason to suspect misuse of public dollars or intentional fraud, a step supporters say allows the state to move quickly while investigations are pending.
Balancing fraud concerns with community fears
The debate over child care fraud in Ohio has been shaped by viral online accusations that have zeroed in on centers operated by Somali American and immigrant owners, drawing threats and vandalism and prompting warnings from state leaders about vigilantism. DeWine has repeatedly stressed that while fraud must be taken seriously, residents should not conduct their own investigations or target specific communities, urging them instead to report concerns through official channels so state investigators can follow up.
Advocates warn that sweeping fraud rhetoric could deepen stigma against immigrant‑run centers and destabilize child care access in neighborhoods that already struggle with limited options. DeWine said the goal of both current safeguards and the new bill is to protect children and taxpayer dollars, not to “shut down legitimate businesses or scare families away from safe, good‑quality care,” underscoring that the vast majority of providers follow the rules.
What comes next at the Statehouse
The “child care fraud” legislation is now in the early stages of the legislative process and has been referred to a House committee focused on children and human services, where hearings are expected in the coming weeks. Lawmakers will debate the scope of new enforcement powers, data‑sharing and surveillance provisions, and how to balance tighter oversight with the need to keep child care accessible in a state that already faces severe staffing and affordability challenges.
DeWine has not formally taken a position on the bill’s final language but signaled he is open to additional tools that complement the safeguards his administration says are already in place. For now, his administration is trying to send a dual message: that fraud is real and will be prosecuted, but that Ohio’s child care system is largely sound and should not be defined by the most extreme allegations.