Every day, I hear the same concern from families across San Diego County: “Is our government spending our tax dollars responsibly?”
It’s a fair question — and frankly, it’s one that deserves a clear answer.
Recent investigations across the country have uncovered deeply troubling cases of fraud in publicly funded programs. In Minnesota, authorities are investigating what may be one of the largest public-benefit fraud schemes in U.S. history — with millions of taxpayer dollars allegedly reimbursed to facilities that appeared empty and non-operational.
And closer to home in California, hospice care fraud cases have revealed providers billing government programs for services never delivered and enrolling patients who were not terminally ill — collecting millions before being caught.
These stories erode public trust. They reinforce what many people already fear — that government is not always protecting taxpayer dollars the way it should.
That’s why I’ve formally requested a public presentation from County leadership outlining exactly what safeguards are in place here in San Diego County to prevent, detect, and respond to fraud in our publicly funded social service programs.
Let me be clear: I am not alleging wrongdoing locally. But we should not wait for a scandal to demand transparency.
Here’s what I’ve asked County staff to publicly present:
• How we audit and monitor publicly funded programs
• How reimbursements are verified before payment
• How on-site inspections are conducted
• How we coordinate with state and federal agencies
• What enforcement actions are taken when fraud is detected
• How taxpayer funds are recovered
San Diego County distributes billions of dollars every year to support seniors, veterans, working families, and vulnerable residents. These programs matter — and protecting their integrity matters just as much.
Public trust is fragile. When families are struggling with the rising cost of living, high taxes, and everyday expenses, they expect their hard-earned dollars to be safeguarded with rigorous oversight and transparency.
That’s what this is about.
We must be proactive, not reactive. We must demonstrate accountability, not assume it. And we must earn back public confidence through openness and strong oversight.
I will continue fighting to ensure your tax dollars are protected and that government works for you — not against you.