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3 golden objects Minnesota Legislature

Office of the Legislative Auditor

Topic Selection Subcommittee
Legislative Audit Commission

Minutes

April 19, 2005

The Topic Selection Subcommittee of the Legislative Audit Commission meeting was called to order by Chair, Senator Sheila Kiscaden, on Tuesday, April 19, 2005, at 3:05 P.M. in Room 125, State Capitol.

Members present:

Representative Sondra Erickson    Senator Sheila Kiscaden
Representative Rick Hansen Senator Claire Robling
Representative Tim Wilkin Senator Ann H. Rest

 

Senator Rest announced that there would be a meeting of the full Legislative Audit Commission on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 1:00 P.M. in Room 107 State Capitol for the purpose of reviewing the report on the Information Technology Security Audit of the Department of Public Safety’s web-based motor vehicle registration renewal system. She noted that if a quorum is present, the commission could take action on approving program evaluation topics as well.

Senator Kiscaden recognized James Nobles, Legislative Auditor. Mr. Nobles recommended the subcommittee approve eight topics, six of which would be started immediately, and two to be worked on when those are completed. He reviewed the criteria established by the commission for selecting topics. Mr. Nobles introduced Joel Alter, Program Evaluation Coordinator, who briefly reviewed the sixteen topics under consideration.

Senator Kiscaden recognized Deborah Parker Junod, who answered questions related to the scope of an evaluation of tax compliance.

Senator Kiscaden recognized John Yunker, who answered questions related to the scope of an evaluation on the financial condition of public pension funds. Mr. Yunker also responded to questions concerning an evaluation of transportation investments.

Senator Kiscaden recognized Judy Randall, who answered questions concerning an evaluation of consolidation of DHS programs into block grants.

Senator Kiscaden recognized Mr. Nobles, who responded to a question from Senator Rest on whether or not a study of public assistance for non-citizens could also look at the contributions they make. She recognized John Patterson, who answered questions concerning identifying non-citizens.

Senator Kiscaden recognized Judy Randall, who answered questions concerning the timeliness of a study on adoption of children under state guardianship.

Members noted those topics they felt would be valuable to the Legislature. It was noted that once topics are approved by the full commission, roundtables involving legislators and legislative staff would be held to help define the scope of the studies.

Representative Wilkin moved that the following topics be submitted to the full commission for study by the Program Evaluation Division:

  • Department of Revenue Tax Compliance Programs
  • Administration of Child Support Enforcement
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
  • Pesticide Management
  • Liquor Regulation
  • School District Integration Revenue
  • Public Assistance for Immigrants

 

Motion was seconded by Senator Rest. Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 4:15 P.M.

Senator Sheila Kiscaden, Chair

Jean Barnhill, Recording Secretary

 

Office of the Legislative Auditor, Room 140, 658 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55155 : legislative.auditor@state.mn.us or 651‑296‑4708