Rep. Tom Emmer (R‑MN) is demanding answers from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after a viral video showed an allegedly inactive daycare center that has received millions in federal taxpayer dollars. The clip, captured by YouTube journalist Nick Shirley, appears to show a “Quality Learning Center” in South Minneapolis with no children or staff present during normal weekday hours despite having received up to $4 million in federal aid.
Shirley’s video quickly drew attention online for its depiction of an empty facility, including a sign that misspelled “learning” as “learing.” When Shirley asked why the center was not operating, an unidentified woman shouted, “Don’t open up,” mistakenly claiming Shirley and a companion were Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, even though they were citizen journalists.
“There’s no one here,” Shirley said on the video as he stood outside the quiet center. Emmer reposted the footage on X and called out Gov. Walz directly, writing, “4 million dollars of hard earned tax dollars going to an education center that can’t even spell learning correctly. Care to explain this one, @tim_walz?”
Shirley later published a follow‑up report on YouTube alleging the center received $1.9 million in federal funds in 2025 alone, with approximately $4 million distributed over the past two years. Other public records cited in reports indicate that the Quality Learning Center has received nearly $8 million in federal taxpayer funding since 2019.
The controversy comes amid broader scrutiny of alleged social services fraud in Minnesota, particularly in the Twin Cities. Recent reports have highlighted significant losses in federal welfare funds, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson stating that half of the $18 billion in federal welfare dollars are lost to fraud—an amount reportedly exceeding the GDP of Somalia, according to the Government Accountability Institute.
The Quality Learning Center itself has faced a history of regulatory problems. A 5KSTP investigation found that the center was cited for 95 violations by the state human services agency between 2019 and 2023. Violations included failing to keep hazardous items away from children and not maintaining records for at least 16 children, raising questions about compliance with basic safety and reporting standards.
Emmer’s demand for explanations reflects growing concern among Minnesota Republicans about fiscal oversight and accountability in social services spending. The lawmaker’s public call for action places pressure on Gov. Walz, a Democrat, to address how public funds are allocated and monitored, especially amid scandals over misuse tied to state programs.
The viral video has become a flashpoint in the larger debate over federal spending, oversight of daycare and social service providers, and accountability from state leadership. Emmer’s challenge to Walz signals that conservative lawmakers intend to keep the pressure on as investigations continue and taxpayers demand transparency.
