Overview
- House Majority Whip Josh Williams and 42 GOP lawmakers urged DCY Director Kara Wente to expand unannounced inspections of Columbus providers after videos alleged billing for absent children.
- Gov. Mike DeWine emphasized Ohio’s safeguards, including attendance-based payments verified by parent PIN with photo or site-specific QR codes, unannounced health and safety checks, and data reviews.
- Ohio investigators acted on 124 public fraud referrals in 2025, resulting in 61 repayment orders and 12 program closures, according to state officials.
- HHS has frozen roughly $185 million in Minnesota child care funds following fraud probes, contrasting with Ohio’s attendance-based payment model that DeWine says reduces risk.
- The Trump administration has indicated providers may need receipts or photo evidence before receiving additional federal funds, with any impact on Ohio providers and families still unclear.