State Representative Lombardo outside the State House, October 2025 by John F Gately.
State Representatives Lombardo and Boldyga are calling upon Governor Maura Healey to review child care attendance and expenditures in response to Nick Shirley’s viral YouTube video of potential fraud in Minnesota late last year.
The letter comes almost simultaneously with breaking news this afternoon that a federal agent agent shot and killed the driver of vehicle in Minnesota.
"Massachusetts invests hundreds of millions of dollars each year in this program to support working families and early education," said Representative Lombardo. "With alarming similarities to systems plagued by fraud elsewhere, we must act now to verify that every dollar is being spent appropriately and not wasted on unverified claims or misappropriation."
The GOP Representatives are particularly seeking to verify actual voucher paid child attendance records and a cross check of enrollment compared to building capacity and written attendance logs.
Shirley visited several child care centers in Minnesota that seemingly had no children present during regular business hours.
Last night in Plymouth Massachusetts, the Board of Selectmen considered but tabled a town-wide sanctuary policy - only to affirm the police department’s pre-existing policy.
"Taxpayers and families deserve confidence that this assistance is reaching its intended purpose. A top-to-bottom review will identify any gaps in oversight, prevent potential abuse, and strengthen a program that's essential for thousands of Massachusetts residents."
According to the letter the review would include:
Verification of voucher payments based on documented child attendance records, not estimated enrollment.
Cross-checking enrollment against attendance logs and facility capacities to detect overbilling or "ghost children."
Accuracy of family eligibility, including income verification and residency.
On-site inspections of providers to confirm legitimate operations.
Analysis for duplicate payments, overpayments, or billing discrepancies.
Review of provider compliance with licensing and background checks.
Assessment of EEC's internal controls and anti-fraud measures.