Minnesota Daycare Received $231,472 in Federal Pandemic Loans

A Minnesota daycare facility received $231,472 in federal pandemic-era loans from the Small Business Administration in April and May 2020. The loans were later forgiven, according to records reviewed in a Senate investigation. The facility, listed as Quality Learning Center in SBA filings, operated under the name "Quality Learing Center" with a misspelled sign.

9 million from Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program in the prior year and approximately $10 million in state funding since 2019.

Senator Requests Review Sen.

Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) sent a letter to the SBA’s Office of the Inspector General asking for an examination of the federal assistance. Records show the loans were disbursed and forgiven, but no documentation details how the money was spent on salaries, rent, or other expenses.

"The crooks behind the ‘Learing Center’ didn’t stop there," Ernst wrote. S. " Ernst stated that Americans expect tax dollars to be spent responsibly and warned that those who misuse government funds face potential criminal investigation. The daycare case is one of 28 matters she has referred to the SBA inspector general.

5 million in annual federal funding to Minnesota while reviewing 13,600 COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling $430 million that raised fraud concerns. The review included $3 million linked to the Feeding Our Future scandal. Federal charges filed before the daycare video went viral have resulted in 65 convictions, according to the Justice Department.

The Post contacted the SBA and its inspector general for comment but received no immediate response.