SE Twin Cities

Rep. Pam Altendorf (R-Red Wing) has raised concerns about a significant increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) spending in Minnesota, citing federal data that shows more than $1.5 billion was distributed in fiscal year 2023—three times the amount spent four years earlier.

Altendorf highlighted that Minnesota experienced a 174% rise in SNAP issuance between fiscal years 2020 and 2021, a period that included the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted, "No one wants people who truly need assistance to go hungry. But we also cannot turn a blind eye to potentially massive fraud happening through the SNAP program." She added that while some growth could be attributed to the pandemic, no other state saw an increase of this magnitude during the same timeframe.

She referenced U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) efforts under the Trump administration to have states share SNAP data with federal authorities, aiming to ensure benefits were directed only to eligible recipients. According to Altendorf, "While 29 states shared their data, 21 did not, including Minnesota." She further stated, "According to the USDA, massive fraud has already been uncovered in the states that cooperated with the request."

Altendorf questioned whether such rapid growth could signal undiscovered fraud: "When you increase a program expense by more than $1 billion in four years, especially in this state, it just reeks of another potential undiscovered fraud. It’s time to investigate why SNAP issuances rose so dramatically and where the funds are going. Only eligible Minnesotans should be given this aid. If we don’t take this seriously, the people who will suffer are the ones who need this assistance."

Recent USDA reports provide detailed figures on state-by-state SNAP activity for fiscal years 2021 and 2023 (https://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/snap-state-activity-reports).

In addition to her comments on SNAP spending, Altendorf pointed out findings from the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA), which reported “widespread financial mismanagement” within Governor Tim Walz's office. The OLA review cited twelve instances of improper financial practices including mishandled receipts and late or inaccurate vendor payments.

"This week, the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) found 'widespread financial mismanagement' within the offices of Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan," Altendorf said.

She also referenced recent closures and audits related to housing and Medicaid programs in Minnesota following allegations of fraud. The Housing Stabilization Services program ended on October 31 after evidence of widespread misuse emerged; Governor Walz has since called for third-party audits into billing practices for several Medicaid services.

Lastly, Altendorf marked Veterans Day by attending an event in Red Wing where she met Don Rolfs, one of two known World War II veterans living in the city.