News Release
FRANSON RESPONDS TO OLA REVIEW OF "TROUBLING DYSFUNCTION" AT DHS
ALEXANDRIA, MN - The Office of the Legislative Auditor released a special review Tuesday detailing nearly $30 million in improper payments made by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) over a five year period to two tribes for addiction treatment services. The audit found that "fundamental and deep reforms within DHS are needed", and that DHS "did not have legal authority to make the payments; it did not document why, when, and who decided it was appropriate to make the payments; no one at DHS takes responsibility for the decision; and no one at DHS can provide a rationale for the payments. The overpayments continued over several years and did not stop until an outside inquiry brought them to light."
Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, issued the following statement regarding the special review.
"This latest look at the dysfunction at DHS is appalling, and shows their blatant disregard for Minnesota taxpayers, spending millions of dollars improperly despite years of misconduct and no rationale for the overpayments," said Franson. "I call on House DFL leadership to move up their December hearing so we can immediately address this incredible display of mismanagement at DHS."
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