St. Paul Reporter

Minnesota State Representative Bidal Duran (R–Bemidji) has responded to a federal investigation into alleged widespread fraud in the state’s Housing Stabilization Services program. The program was designed to assist Minnesotans with disabilities or complex health needs in avoiding homelessness and institutionalization.

A federal affidavit reportedly describes the benefit as “easy to obtain” and vulnerable to abuse. According to allegations, some providers enrolled clients and billed tens of thousands of dollars per person for services that were never delivered, leaving intended recipients without support.

Duran, who is a former law enforcement officer and combat veteran, called for significant changes. “The Housing Stabilization Services program was created to help vulnerable Minnesotans with disabilities or complex health needs avoid homelessness and institutionalization. However, a federal affidavit describes the benefit as ‘easy to obtain’ and highly susceptible to abuse. Providers have been accused of enrolling clients and billing tens of thousands of dollars per person for services that were never delivered while the individuals the program was supposed to help were left behind.”

He urged for aggressive reforms aimed at closing loopholes, prosecuting offenders, and strengthening oversight across state-funded programs.