Melissa Hortman Speaker of the House Minnesota District 368 House of [ies Representatives September 4, 2019 Representative Kurt Daudt 267 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 By electronic delivery Dear Representative Daudt: he work of the Department of Human Services (DHS) is critical to the people of Minnesota. ‘he Minnesota House of Representatives is ready to work with Governor Walz and his administration to ensure it is serving the needs of Minnesotans. DHS oversees some of the most complex and important medical programs in the State of Minnesota. It needs to constantly review and evaluate federal and state programs to ensure the programs are accountable, have integrity, and are accomplishing their goals. My intention, in consultation with committee chairs, is to give the new DHS commissioner 90 days to investigate the issues she sees in the department, and then report on what she has discovered, and provide her recommendations on how to proceed. In my view, it’s not appropriate to ask the former interim commissioner who has completed her work and service to the State of Minnesota to testify at a hearing. It is also not appropriate or useful to ask a brand new commissioner who has just started her work to come and testify. Governor Walz and his administration have repeatedly indicated that they weleome all input on organizational issues at DHS. I would encourage you, members of the minority caucus, and all those concerned to share your thoughts and perspectives with the Governor. As we move through the process and consider improvements to DHS, it is my expectation that this issue will be treated with the seriousness it deserves — as you said, this should not be a partisan issue. DHS provides incredibly important services, and we look forward to working with all members and stakeholders to ensure the agency is meeting the needs of Minnesotans. 8710 Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn Park Minnesota 55443, 267 State Office Bulding, 100 Rev. Dr. Martn Luther King J. Blvd, St Paul, Minnesota 55155 651 205 4200 Email rep molasa horiman@jrouse mn ® NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE senSincerely, Melissa Hortman Speaker of the House ce: Majority Leader Ryan Winkler Chair Tina Liebling Chair Rena Moran Chair Dave Pinto Chair Jennifer Schultz Governor Tim Walz Commissioner Jodi Harpstead