Staff report

U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Salem, introduced legislation to require states to explain how they coordinate data and processes to catch potential fraud in childcare oversight.

The Stop Child Care Fraud Act amends the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. The proposal would require each state to provide a description of internal controls to ensure program integrity and accountability as well as the processes in place to investigate and recover fraudulent payments, impose sanctions on clients or providers in response to fraud, and the procedures in place to document and verify eligibility.

Rulli, whose district includes all of Mahoning and Columbiana counties, said: “This legislation ensures state agencies are working together, sharing information and holding fraudulent providers accountable. It’s commonsense oversight that protects Ohio families and safeguards taxpayer dollars.”

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

It currently has no co-sponsors.

Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, said in January that Ohio’s existing safeguards properly vet childcare facilities.