Another NE GOP child care fiasco: HHS spokesman blames Johanns, Heineman appointees for improperly claimed federal funds; cost to state: about $3,000,000

Mike Johanns (l.) and Dave Heineman

From Nebraska Watchdog:

...The feds have recommended HHS refund them all $3 million and develop policies to properly monitor the program.
     HHS spokesman Russ Reno said “this situation” developed between 2004 and 2008 and the staff responsible during that time are no longer with the department...

Nancy Montanez was appointed head of HHS by then-Gov. Mike Johanns in 2004; in December of 2006, Gov. Heineman appointed Christine Z. Peterson of Grand Island to serve as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Nebraska Health and Human Services System (HHSS). She lasted until 1/2/2009, at which point Heineman left the position vacant for six months before appointing Kerry Winterer to the post on July 13, 2009.