March 11, 2002
The meeting of the Topic Selection Subcommittee of the Legislative Audit Commission was called to order by Senator Claire Robling at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, March 11, 2002 in Room 125, State Capitol.
Members Present:
| Senator Sheila Kiscaden | Representative Dan McElroy |
| Senator Claire Robling | Representative Wes Skoglund |
| Senator Deanna Weiner |
Members Excused:
| Representative Dan Larson |
Senator Robling indicated the purpose of the meeting was to review a list of twenty possible topics for program evaluations. Subcommittee members were to select ten to twelve for which Program Evaluation Division staff were to develop background papers and survey all legislators concerning their interest in those topics. There was some discussion concerning the legislative survey. Representative McElroy expressed concern about past years where some legislators lobbied others to select certain topics. He suggested that a question asking which topic was most important and why be added to the survey. Members agreed with this suggestion. Senator Weiner suggested Commission members become mentors for junior legislators on the work of the commission and the topic selection process.
Senator Robling recognized Roger Brooks, Deputy Legislative Auditor for Program Evaluation. Mr. Brooks reviewed the twenty suggested topics, reasons they were suggested, and some questions that could possibly be addressed if chosen for study.
The Subcommittee directed the Program Evaluation Division to prepare background papers and to survey legislators on: 1) DNR trails, including snowmobile trails and other trails for off-road vehicles; 2) Metropolitan Airports Commission; 3) use of consultants; 4) charter school financial accountability; 5) MinnesotaCare; 6) higher education reciprocity; 7) shelters for battered women; 8) DNR Enforcement Division; 9) administration of Medicaid; 10) State Lottery; 11) state motor pool; and 12) health insurance for retired school district employees. Senator Kiscaden asked that the topic of health insurance be expanded to include all retired public employees.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.
Senator Claire Robling, Chair
Jean Barnhill, Recording Secretary
