Issues, Etc. Taxpayer Funding for Childcare – Joy Pullmann, 1/6/26 (0063)
Jan 6, 2026
Joy Pullmann, Executive editor at The Federalist and expert on education policy, unveils shocking findings about Minnesota's childcare funding, where nearly half may be fraudulent. She discusses the broader systemic issues of taxpayer-funded daycare, highlighting research that shows minimal societal return. Joy critiques outdated studies propping up daycare models and shares mothers' struggles with mental health linked to institutional care. With real-world implications, she points to potential fraud in other states and advocates for community-based childcare alternatives.
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Daycare Fraud Is Massive And Structural
- Minnesota's investigators estimate at least half of state childcare spending is likely fraudulent, totaling billions annually.
- Joy Pullman argues the larger problem is that taxpayer-funded daycare itself promises returns it fails to deliver.
Journalists And Citizens Uncover Empty Daycares
- Journalist Christopher Ruffo reported whistleblowers saying daycare funds have been laundered and may have reached foreign terrorist groups.
- A YouTuber and citizen investigator found many licensed daycares abandoned or closed on site visits, exposing the shell operations.
Head Start's Large Costs, Little Returns
- Head Start costs about $9 billion per year and has spent roughly $240 billion since 1965 without producing lasting societal returns.
- Pullman calls continuing to fund programs that show no net benefit a form of institutional fraud.
