Minnesota Senate Republicans have hearings this afternoon (2pm) on the latest problems at the state Human Services Department. Employees reportedly allowed vendors to perform work without signed contracts, in violation of state law. Senate Finance Committee Chair Julie Rosen from Vernon Center says her approach is to “start asking some really tough questions like, what are you going to do about it? What have you done? And perhaps they need a little more push on adjusting their entire attitude in the department.”
Rosen says she’s surprised she hasn’t seen outrage from Governor Tim Walz. His Human Services Commissioner, Jodi Harpstead, says that department is taking necessary steps to regain trust of legislators and Minnesotans.