Ann Arbor Times

State Representative Jason Woolford (R-Howell) addressed the House Oversight Committee on Tuesday, raising concerns about waste, fraud, and abuse within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Woolford focused on the administration of public assistance programs, especially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

According to Woolford, Michigan's SNAP program has an overpayment error rate of nearly 10%, which is higher than the national average of 6%. He warned that this discrepancy could lead to significant federal penalties for the state. Woolford stated, “This is a red flag. An error rate this high not only threatens public confidence but could expose our state to massive federal penalties. That’s hundreds of millions of dollars that could be invested in schools, roads, or supporting families who truly need help. With my work in the Oversight Committee, we could save the state $100s of millions of dollars.”

Woolford criticized MDHHS for its current verification practices for benefit applicants. He said individuals can receive benefits by providing minimal information such as a name, address, and Alien Number if applicable, without needing to submit a Social Security number even when claiming U.S. citizenship. “Verification is virtually nonexistent,” said Woolford. “Phone interviews have replaced in-person checks, and home visits are rarely conducted. MDHHS blames federal guidelines, but the states have the authority to enforce stricter documentation requirements. Michigan just isn’t doing it.”

He called for reforms including ending self-attestation policies and requiring verification of Social Security numbers, identity, and residency. He also urged holding MDHHS leadership accountable for what he described as high error rates and mismanagement.

“The people of Michigan deserve to know their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent responsibly, especially when it comes to programs designed to support struggling families,” said Woolford. “Right now, MDHHS is falling short of that responsibility.”

“We must protect vulnerable families from a system that’s being drained by fraud,” said Woolford. “When criminals game the system, honest families are the ones who pay the price.”

“From the White House to the state house, Americans are fed up with unaccountable government,” said Woolford. “Taxpayers deserve transparency, and families in need deserve a system that works. This committee has a duty to ensure public assistance reaches its rightful recipients and not those who abuse it. Michigan can and must do better.”