FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: GEORGIA LEGISLATOR RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD FOR FIGHTING WELFARE FRAUD
AWARD HONORS LEADERSHIP ON REFORMS PROTECTING STATE PROGRAMS FOR THE TRULY NEEDY
Georgia Rep. David Clark was honored with the Foundation for Government Accountability’s 2015 Protecting the Vulnerable Award Oct. 26 for his leadership to prevent fraud and protect the Peach State’s welfare programs for the truly needy.
As chairman of the Georgia House Study Committee on Welfare Fraud, Rep. Clark empowered his state to seek out fraudulent applications for welfare benefits in programs like Medicaid, helping to ensure those services will be around long-term for those who need them. Strong partnerships between the FGA and leaders like Clark have saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, including welfare benefits that were being paid to lottery winners and the dead.
“Modern technology is making it easier for states to catch fraudsters who want to scam the system. Leaders like Rep. Clark are working to give state agencies the tools they need to be effective in the 21st century,” said Tarren Bragdon, FGA CEO.
“It’s critical that we protect our social safety nets for those who truly need them, like vulnerable children, the elderly, and the disabled. That means rooting out fraudsters whose theft makes our programs unsustainable.”
Clark is one of a handful of state leaders from around the country being recognized by FGA for their work in 2015. These recipients are the first group of legislators to be honored with this annual award.
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