April 2, 2002
Members present:
| Representative Ruth Johnson | Senator Dave Johnson |
| Representative Dan Larson | Senator Ann H. Rest |
| Representative Dan McElroy | Senator Claire Robling |
| Representative Michelle Rifenberg | Senator Jim Vickerman |
| Representative Wes Skoglund | Senator Deanna Wiener |
Members absent:
| Representative Steve Dehler | Senator Bill Belanger |
| Representative Peggy Leppik | Senator Sheila Kiscaden |
| Representative Mary Jo McGuire | Senator Thomas Neuville |
The Legislative Audit Commission meeting was called to order by Senator Ann H. Rest, Chair, at 9:25 A.M. The purpose of the meeting was to select topics for the Program Evaluation Division of the Legislative Auditor's office to research and present reports to the 2003 Legislature.
Chair Rest introduced Roger Brooks, Deputy Legislative Auditor, who gave background information on the topic selection process. Mr. Brooks indicated that, because of the current budget uncertainties and state hiring freeze, the number of reports that can be researched are limited by staff availability. He then presented the Topic Selection Sub-committee's recommendations, which included Contracting for Professional/Technical Service, Recreational Trails, MinnesotaCare, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Medicaid Fraud and Abuse, Charter School Financial Accountability, Higher Education, and one Best Practices review, Preserving Older Housing. The sub-committee recommended the first four program evaluation topics, with the intent to pursue research on three more (in order mentioned) as staff and budget become available.
Senator Rest acknowledged Mr. Charlie Meyer, Chair of the Best Practices Advisory Council, and asked him to address the area of Best Practices topic selection. Mr. Meyer indicated that the Advisory Council's recommendation is to undertake a Best Practices Review on Preserving Older Housing.
After discussion of possible research questions to be included in several of the program evaluation reports, as well as a reminder that the upcoming legislative roundtables also address areas of interest and concern, a motion was made by Representative Skoglund for the Office of the Legislative Auditor's staff begin work on Contracting for Professional/Technical Service, Recreational Trails, MinnesotaCare, Metropolitan Airports Commission, Medicaid Fraud and Abuse, and Preserving Older Housing: A Best Practices Review; if resources allow, the other three studies are to be undertaken in order presented to the Commission. Motion passed.
Chair Rest adjourned the meeting at 10:00 A.M.
Senator Ann H. Rest, Chair
Barbara Wing, Acting Recording Secretary
