WASHINGTON—As part of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s investigation into curbing federal and state taxpayer fraud, Congressman James Comer (R-Ky.) held a hearing today on “Fraud Prevention: Understanding Fraud in Federally Funded Programs Run by the States.” During the hearing, Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball and State Financial Officers Foundation Chief Executive Officer and Kentucky native O.J. Oleka testified on their efforts to prevent fraud and safeguard taxpayer funds. Congressman Comer praised their commitment to fighting government waste, fraud, and abuse in state-run federal programs.

During his questioning, Congressman Comer highlighted his longstanding concerns over widespread fraud in Kentucky’s Medicaid program. He pressed for details on efforts to address Medicaid fraud, but Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball testified that Governor Andy Beshear’s administration has been uncooperative and difficult to obtain information from. Congressman Comer concluded by stressing that state leaders must take the theft of taxpayer funds seriously and urged the Kentucky General Assembly to act on audit findings to strengthen oversight, reform Medicaid, and better protect hardworking Kentucky taxpayers.