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Maple River Education Coalition PAC
105 Peavey Rd, St 116 
Chaska, MN  55318 
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March 15, 2001

GOP Senators Demand Crim. Investigation of CFL-United Way Scandal

Senator Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) and Senator Michele Bachmann (R-Stillwater) today called for an immediate criminal investigation in response to a report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor which uncovered serious irregularities and potential violations of state and federal law involving the Minnesota Department of Children, Families & Learning (CFL). Senators Limmer and Bachmann asked for the investigation in a letter to U.S. Attorney Robert Small, Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner, Olmsted County Attorney Raymond Schmitz and three other county attorneys.

Senators Limmer and Bachmann also called for the formation of a Joint House-Senate Legislative Committee to investigate the situation and asked the Ventura Administration to respond to allegations regarding CFL’s apparent inappropriate actions concerning $93,000 in grants from the Pew Charitable Trusts. This money was deposited with the United Way of Olmsted County to avoid returning unspent funds, stashing monies in an unauthorized bank account which would have circumvented state accounting policies and procedures.

“We are asking the proper prosecutors to launch an immediate criminal investigation to determine if any laws were broken in this case,” said Senator Limmer. “At the same time, we believe legislative leadership should form a Joint Legislative Committee to investigate these charges. Those of us elected to office are sworn to uphold the U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions, and I believe it is our responsibility to determine if any legal wrongdoing has occurred in this case.”

“Although the Ventura Administration has sent a letter acknowledging the Legislative Auditor’s report, it has been very quiet about these findings,” said Senator Bachmann. “The inquiry of the Legislative Auditor demands an answer. We are hopeful that they will join us in taking this matter very seriously. There remain many unanswered questions surrounding the CFL-United Way investigation that must be fully uncovered.”

Senator Limmer noted that the legislature is a good collector of information, but ultimately much of this case may be determined by prosecutorial authority. “This case needs to be thoroughly investigated so that these sorts of activities will be avoided in the future and to ensure that full disclosure of these activities will be open to the full light of day,” said Senator Limmer.

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