Minnesota Senate Republicans hold hearings later this week (Wed p-m) on the latest problem uncovered at the state Human Services Department. Some employees, reportedly in violation of state law, allowed vendors to perform work without signed contracts, and other employees purchased products without required permission. Republican Representative Nick Zerwas from Elk River says, “Department of Human Services appears to be a group of individuals that punishes whistleblowers, punishes people that don’t just put their head down and go with the flow.” Zerwas is calling for a criminal investigation.
Commissioner Jodi Harpstead, who took the helm about two months ago, says the Human Services Department is taking necessary steps to regain the trust of lawmakers and Minnesotans.