Abbott Orders Review of HHS Commission

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Republican Governor-elect Greg Abbott wants a review of the state’s sprawling health agency in the wake of $110 million in no-bid contracts that criminal prosecutors are now investigating.

Abbott said Wednesday that a new “strike force” will become the latest outfit to investigate contracting and management at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

The massive agency is under heavy scrutiny following revelations in December that an Austin tech company received a lucrative state contract without going through the usual bidding process. Two high-ranking state officials have already resigned and others have been placed on leave.

Prosecutors with the state’s Public Integrity Unit and the state auditor have already opened separate investigations.

The announcement comes a day after the Texas Legislature returned to work.

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