Today, Governor Walz announced he is beginning the process to hire an outside firm to examine the mismanagement and dysfunction at the Department of Human Services. Senate Republican leadership responded with the following statements:
Senate Health and Human Services Committee Chair Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) released the following statement:
“We are thankful the Governor is taking the restructuring of DHS seriously following repeated Republican calls to action. Breaking up the Department is a monumental task, and something the Legislature has examined before. We know what happens when Democrats go it alone, ignore bi-partisanship, and force their ideas on Minnesotans: the result is MNsure. Instead, we should replicate the MNLARS approach, when Senate Republicans have a seat at the table and voice in the debate, we find solutions that benefit the whole state. So, for the benefit of “One Minnesota,” the Governor must collaborate with the legislature and both parties if he wants DHS to operate with integrity.”
Senate Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) Release the following statement:
“Republicans have been talking about DHS problems for years, since before MNsure. Just like we did with MNLARS, if the Governor is willing to work with us, we’ll bring our ideas and solutions to the table. Republicans will continue to provide accountability to every agency, not just DHS, with constant evaluation of performance and management to make sure state government is working effectively and efficiently in every corner of the state. The agencies are fully funded after the last session, so we expect them to be fully functional.”