December 6, 2022
Senator Koran, Chair, called the Legislative Audit Commission (LAC) meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. The purpose of the meeting was to (1) hear an overview of the Legislative Auditor performance review, (2) approve the appointment of the Deputy Legislative Auditor for the Program Evaluation Division, (3) discuss the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) budget scenarios for the FY2024-2025 biennium, and (4) discuss proposed OLA housekeeping language.
Senator Koran invited Michelle Weber, Executive Director, Legislative Coordinating Commission, to provide an overview of the Legislative Auditor performance review. Ms. Weber explained the process that was followed to complete the performance review on Judy Randall, Legislative Auditor. Several members provided feedback on Ms. Randall’s performance during her first year as Legislative Auditor, and gave her high praise for her work thus far.
Judy Randall, Legislative Auditor, requested the LAC’s approval of her appointment of Jodi Munson Rodríguez as the Deputy Legislative Auditor for the Program Evaluation Division (PED). Ms. Randall gave a brief history of Ms. Munson Rodríguez’s career and reminded the members that she had e‑mailed them Ms. Munson Rodríguez’s resume and cover letter several weeks prior to the meeting. She said that Ms. Munson Rodríguez was in attendance at the meeting and would be willing to answer any questions that members had. With no questions or comments from members, Senator Kiffmeyer moved to appoint Ms. Munson Rodríguez as the PED Deputy Legislative Auditor. The motion carried, and Ms. Munson Rodríguez was officially appointed. Ms. Munson Rodríguez thanked Ms. Randall and the commission for the opportunity to lead the division.
Senator Koran said the next agenda item was the OLA budget scenarios for the FY2024-2025 biennium. Ms. Randall said that she wanted the members to understand the structural issues with OLA’s budget and shared four possible budget options for FY2024-2025. Several members expressed interest in Option 4, which was an increase to the base appropriations. Representative Hansen moved to accept the adoption of Option 4 from OLA’s Budget Scenarios, along with additional funding to provide performance and cost-of-living increases for OLA staff; the motioned carried.
Senator Koran moved to the next agenda item on OLA housekeeping language. Ms. Randall said that the memo she included in the meeting materials was not exact language changes, but a summary of the proposed changes. She said that the changes are largely noncontroversial and mostly clarifying language. The proposed changes were to Minnesota Statutes, 3.97, subd. 2; 3.972, subd. 3; 3.978, subd. 2; and 3.979, subd. 3. There was much discussion among members regarding the proposed language change to Minnesota Statutes, 3.978, subd. 2, which would clarify that auditees must provide OLA independent and direct access to their data systems. It was determined that more discussions would need to occur to fine tune any proposed language.
Senator Koran acknowledged the five LAC members who would not be returning to the Legislature next session: Senator Benson, Senator Kiffmeyer, Representative Bernardy, Representative Erickson, and Representative Pierson. Senator Koran said that he wanted to give those members an opportunity to say a few words. Senator Kiffmeyer, Senator Benson, and Representative Bernardy each gave a brief statement. Senator Koran noted that this was the last LAC meeting with the current composition and himself as Chair.
With no further comments, Senator Koran adjourned the meeting at 10:11 a.m.
Senator Mark W. Koran, Chair
Shelly Gilb, Recording Secretary
