Minnesota News Network

  • Home
  • MNN Reporter Team
  • News
    • Politics & Government
    • Crime & Court
    • Health
    • Business
    • Entertainment
    • Weather & Natural Disaster
  • Sports
    • Gophers
    • Twins
    • Wild
    • Timberwolves & Lynx
    • Vikings
  • Minnesota Matters
  • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support
You are here: Home / News / Senate Republicans probe problems in Human Services Dept. at State Capitol hearings

Senate Republicans probe problems in Human Services Dept. at State Capitol hearings

August 13, 2019 By Bill Werner

Why did it take possibly several months to begin an investigation into how a state Human Services Department official, Inspector General Carolyn Ham, responded to allegations of fraud in the child care assistance program? At State Capitol hearings today, Republican Senator Michelle Benson asked Acting Human Services Commissioner Pam Wheelock, “Can you tell me the day the investigation started?” Wheelock didn’t give a specific date, noting time was necessary to hire an outside investigator. Benson responded, “People want to know why this took so long; why somebody was getting paid when they weren’t actually doing their job…. I can see we’re not gonna get a lot of clarity on that…. And when do you expect that her review will be completed?” Wheelock responded, “My hope would be that would be sooner rather than later, and I have reason to believe it would be.”

Human Services Department employee Faye Bernstein told lawmakers she was verbally reprimanded with comments like “you’re too focused on compliance” and then sidelined after pointing out serious problems with contracts. Acting Human Services Commissioner Pam Wheelock praised Bernstein’s persistence, saying, “It’s almost a success story in some ways, about being able to elevate those concerns, and they are brought to my attention.” Republican Senator Andrew Mathews from Milaca took issue with that comment. “I don’t believe that an employee who gets a phone call and [is] informed of repercussions that may come for testifying should be a success story in anyone’s book,” Mathews said.

Lawmakers also asked what the Human Services Department plans to do about 25 million dollars in overpayments it made to Native American tribes. Acting Commissioner Wheelock said it’s premature to make a decision on that.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: News

compeer financial celebrates beef month

compeer financial celebrates beef month

Follow us on Twitter

My Tweets

Randy Shaver continues to raise millions for cancer research (AUDIO)

The Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund raised around $450,000 over the past two days at a gala and golf outing in the Twin Cities.  Shaver is the popular KARE 11 television personality and a two-time cancer survivor.  He has been raising money with his foundation for 30 years.  Shaver says most of the […]

Gophers extend contract of soccer coach Chastain

University of Minnesota head women’s soccer coach Erin Chastain has received a contract extension through the 2027 season. Chastain, who enters her third season at the helm of the Golden Gopher soccer program, has amassed an 16-14-6 record (8-10-2 Big Ten) and a .528 winning percentage. Under Chastain’s leadership, Minnesota has had five All-Big Ten […]

Gopher volleyball announces 2023 non-conference slate

The Minnesota volleyball team has announced its 2023 non-conference schedule. The Gophers will partake in eight non-league games from Aug. 25 through Sept. 16 before Big Ten play begins. Before their first regular season match, Minnesota will host Northern Iowa in an exhibition on Friday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m. Year One of the Keegan […]

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Facebook

Copyright © 2023 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC