ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz took questions from the media Wednesday afternoon about the massive fraud case involving the non profit Feeding Our Future.
“I wish there was more outrage that we had criminals that were brazen and took this,” Walz said. “I hope folks feel that that’s that’s important. I’m certainly glad to see, and I want to thank the FBI for doing that investigation. And I would be remiss if I didn’t say so.”
Last week, Walz originally blamed a Ramsey County judge for ordering the Minnesota Department of Health to continue making payments to the organization, even as there were suspicions about its legitimacy.
He shifted his focus a bit on Wednesday.
“What I’m angry about and can’t stand is these people are criminals (who) did this,” said Gov. Walz said.
Walz made the comments at a press conference in St. Paul before he and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan received flu shots.
“The judge wanted kids to get their food,” Walz said. “The judge did not want fraudsters to take the money. Neither did (Minnesota Department of Education).”
The Department of Education responded on Friday night saying that Judge Guthamnn told them that if MDE were to continue the legal fight to withhold payments, MDE would incur sanctions and legal penalties. The court held MDE in contempt for not processing Feeding Our Future Applications.
Walz said he’s proud of the Minnesota Department of Education, and he’s not worried that his Republican challenger Scott Jensen’s campaign contributions are increasing in the wake of the scandal.