Wisconsin to pay feds $7 million for false food stamp claims

Dept. falsely reported low error rates and took bonuses for it.

A state agency that lied about error rates in distributing food stamps faces a $6.99 million fine. 

Falsely reported low error rates from 2009-2011 gave the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services performance monetary bonuses it wasn’t entitled to.

Investigators say the agency went against a consulting firm’s suggestions and started improper quality control practices that decreased the error rate reported to the USDA. The justice department said it is glad the state has cleaned up its act and cooperated in the investigation.

Virginia was accused of falsely reporting the error rate last year.