Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
Issued on July 11, 2025, at 10:51 AM CDT
Fellow Minnesotans,
As a candidate for Governor in 2026, I am deeply concerned about the potential for systemic fraud and mismanagement within our state’s public assistance programs, which may be causing significant harm to some of our most vulnerable residents. Recent reports have raised troubling questions about the integrity of agencies tasked with safeguarding the well-being of Minnesotans, and I believe it is our duty to demand transparency and accountability from those in leadership positions.
I am calling upon key figures in our state and county governments to address these serious concerns. To the leadership of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, including the Commissioner, I ask: What measures are being taken to ensure that federal and state funds intended for vulnerable populations are not being misdirected or improperly withheld due to administrative errors or policy overreach? To the leadership of Carver County Health and Human Services, including its administrators, I pose this question: How are you ensuring that local oversight prevents the exploitation of programs designed to support individuals with disabilities, and what steps are being taken to address allegations of record tampering or service denials that may disrupt care?
Furthermore, I urge the leadership of third-party organizations managing these programs to clarify their role. To those at the helm of financial management services providers contracted by the state, I ask: How are you guaranteeing that administrative fees are justified and do not impose undue financial burdens on participants, potentially leading to systemic harm? And to our elected representatives, including members of Congress with ties to affected communities, I inquire: What actions are being taken to investigate claims of political influence or cover-ups that may shield such issues from public scrutiny?
These questions stem from a growing pattern of concern—evidenced by past cases like the Feeding Our Future scandal and the Evergreen Recovery overbilling scheme—where federal programs have been exploited, leaving Minnesotans without the support they deserve. Across our state, plausible examples highlight how local citizens may be shorted and denied support. For instance, elderly residents relying on home care services might be receiving fewer hours than allocated due to inflated administrative costs, forcing families to cover gaps out of pocket. Similarly, individuals with chronic conditions could be facing delays in medical equipment delivery because of misallocated budgets, leaving them without essential aids for weeks. Additionally, parents of children with special needs might find their respite care reduced due to unexplained fee deductions, placing undue strain on household finances and emotional well-being. These scenarios reflect a troubling trend where bureaucratic inefficiencies or profiteering may be depriving Minnesotans of their entitled support.
The plausible harm to residents, particularly those relying on consistent care, cannot be ignored. We have seen instances where millions in public funds were misappropriated, and similar vulnerabilities may exist in programs serving our disabled population today.
I stand committed to protecting the innocent and supporting whistleblowers who courageously bring these issues to light, even at great personal risk. While specific cases must be handled with care to shield those involved, the broader systemic issues demand our attention. As Governor, I will prioritize aggressive action against white-collar crime, streamline oversight to cut through bureaucratic waste, and ensure that our state’s generosity is not exploited by those who game the system. We must rebuild trust by scrutinizing administrative bloat and restoring integrity to our public services.
I call on all Minnesotans to join me in demanding answers and advocating for reform. Together, we can protect our communities and ensure that every dollar serves its intended purpose. For more on my vision, visit parrish4mn.com.
Sincerely,
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
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