Carter will file Legislation to Prevent Fraud in Summer Food Programs

August 23, 2011

(AUSTIN, TX) – Representative Stefani Carter (R-Dallas) will file legislation next session to ensure the integrity of entities seeking funds from the government to operate summer food programs.

Yesterday, Dallas-Fort Worth’s FOX News outlet ran a story detailing the fraudulent activities of a local man claiming to operate a summer food program. The man, a former ex-convict, reportedly received more than a million dollars since 2009 from the State of Texas to run two separate programs. However, after a short period, the programs began to deteriorate. The lunches served to the children were inadequate, and the programs appeared to be cut short, even though the man took state money. Now, authorities including the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) have launched an investigation to determine where the money went.

“Legislation is clearly needed to prevent an instance such as this from recurring,” said Carter. “It is unacceptable for the State to distribute taxpayer dollars to anyone without knowing the criminal background of the recipient. At minimum, if an applicant has a conviction in theft or fraud from the past seven years, the application should be denied, and if an applicant steals our taxpayer dollars, he or she should also be forced to pay every single dollar back.”

During the 82nd legislative session, Senator Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) passed legislation to allow TDA to conduct a criminal background history record check on entities seeking to obtain low-cost meals for child-care centers and child-care homes. If background investigations reveal specific criminal convictions, applications can be denied. While this was a positive move, the new law covers only child-care centers and child-care homes. It does not require criminal background checks for those operating summer food programs like the one currently being investigated.
“I intend to close this gap and ensure that those receiving funds for summer food programs have a background which demonstrates a high degree of ethics and superior business integrity,” said Carter. “These programs can play a vital role in our communities, and I will not allow the State of Texas to be taken advantage of and our resources squandered, especially in this economic downturn.”

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