April 20, 2018
| Members Present: | Members Absent: |
|---|---|
| Representative Connie Bernardy | Representative Nels Pierson |
| Representative Sondra Erickson | Representative Duane Quam |
| Representative Rick Hansen | Senator Michelle Benson |
| Representative Tina Liebling | Senator Matt D. Klein |
| Senator Nick A. Frentz | Senator Warren Limmer |
| Senator Mary Kiffmeyer | Senator Ann H. Rest |
Senator Kiffmeyer, Chair, called the Legislative Audit Commission (LAC) meeting to order at 8:32 a.m. The purpose of the meeting was to release the Office of the Legislative Auditor’s (OLA) evaluation, Board of Animal Health’s Oversight of Deer and Elk Farms.
Judy Randall, Deputy Legislative Auditor for OLA’s Program Evaluation Division, introduced herself. Ms. Randall said that the last of this year’s evaluations, Early Childhood Programs, would be released the following Thursday morning to the House Education Innovation Policy Committee.
Ms. Randall then turned to the release of the Board of Animal Health’s Oversight of Deer and Elk Farms. She provided a brief overview of the report, and then introduced Sarah Delacueva, Evaluation Manager. Ms. Delacueva presented the key findings and recommendations, and answered members’ questions.
Senator Kiffmeyer introduced the representatives of the Board of Animal Health: Beth Thompson, Executive Director; Linda Glaser, Assistant Director; and Dean Compart, Board Chair. Ms. Thompson said the Board agrees with the recommendations, and that some have already been implemented. Ms. Thompson and Mr. Compart answered members’ questions.
Senator Kiffmeyer then introduced the representatives of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Tom Landwehr, Commissioner, and Lou Cornicelli, Wildlife Research Manager. Mr. Landwehr said that DNR agrees with the recommendations in the report and is ready to work with the Board of Animal Health to make improvements that will minimize the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Mr. Cornicelli answered several questions from members and, among other things, explained why people should not feed deer.
With no further business, Senator Kiffmeyer adjourned the meeting at 9:58 a.m.
Senator Mary Kiffmeyer, Chair
Shelly Gilb, Recording Secretary
