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3 golden objects Minnesota Legislature

Office of the Legislative Auditor

Legislative Audit Commission

Evaluation Subcommittee
Minutes

April 5, 2019

Members Present: Members Absent:
Representative Connie Bernardy    Representative Sondra Erickson
Representative Rick Hansen Senator Michelle Benson
Representative Duane Quam Senator Mary Kiffmeyer
Senator Nick A. Frentz Senator Ann H. Rest
Senator Mark W. Koran  

 

Representative Bernardy, Chair, called the Legislative Audit Commission (LAC) Evaluation Subcommittee meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. The purpose of the meeting was to select evaluation topics to recommend to the full LAC for review by the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA).

Judy Randall, Deputy Legislative Auditor, said that given the quick turnaround time on the legislative survey, there had been a good response; 151 legislators had responded. She reminded members that when considering the results of the survey, they should also consider balance of size and OLA resources when making final topic selections. Ms. Randall also noted that all meeting materials were online the day before the meeting, except for the survey results due to last minute submissions that morning. She then proceeded to read aloud the number of votes for each topic.

Ms. Randall also noted that two of the topics that rated highly on the survey were programs under the Department of Human Services: Licensing and Oversight of Child Care Centers and Personal Care Assistance. She said that when more than one evaluation topic under one agency is chosen, it is hard on the agency because OLA staff typically require agency staff to provide data and time for the evaluation. Therefore, she suggested that the subcommittee only choose one of these topics. In addition, it was noted that bills were moving through the Legislature that would change the Child Care Assistance Program, so the timing of an evaluation on Oversight of Child Care Centers may not be good.

Ms. Randall also pointed out two additional topics that rated highly on the survey: Probation Sentencing and Safety in State Correctional Facilities. She explained that even though these topics are not under the same agency, they both would fall under the same legislative oversight committee. Therefore, she suggested that only one of these topics be chosen.

After some discussion, Representative Hansen moved the following list of topics to recommend to the full LAC: (1) Minnesota Department of Human Rights, (2) Personal Care Assistance, (3) Pesticide Regulation, (4) Public Utilities Commission’s Public Engagement Processes, and (5) Safety in State Correctional Facilities. Hearing no objections, the motion prevailed.

With no further business, Representative Bernardy adjourned the meeting at 9:22 a.m.

Representative Connie Bernardy, Evaluation Subcommittee Chair

Shelly Gilb, Recording Secretary

 

Mentioned

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