STATE OF MINNESOTA THIRTEENTH MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NINETY-FIRST SESSION
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES POLICY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Representative Moran, Chair of the Health and Human Services Policy Committee, called the meeting to order at 2:34 PM on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 in Room 200 of the State Office Building.
The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll.
Members present:
MORAN, Rena, Chair
MORRISON, Kelly, Vice Chair
ALBRIGHT, Tony
BAHNER, Kristin
EDELSON, Heather
FISCHER, Peter
FREIBERG, Mike
LIEBLING, Tina
LOEFFLER, Diane
MANN, Alice
NEU, Anne
PIERSON, Nels
PINTO, Dave
ROBBINS, Kristin
SCHULTZ, Jennifer
Members excused:
KIEL, Debra, Minority Lead
BACKER, Jeff
SCHOMACKER, Joe
Dr. David Sanders, Executive Vice President of Systems Improvement, Casey Family Programs, presented an overview of child welfare policy, data, and outcomes.
A quorum was present at 2:51 PM. Rep. Loeffler moved to adopt the minutes from February 20, 2019. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Dr. Sanders continued his presentation.
Jamie Sorenson, Child Safety and Permanency Division Director, Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), and Nikki Kovan, Research and Evaluation Unit Supervisor, DHS, presented an overview of African American children in Minnesota's child protection system.
Chair Moran moved HF499 be recommended to be re-referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Rep. Pinto moved the A19 amendment. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Rep. Kresha presented the bill.
HF499 Testifiers:
Traci LaLiberte, Executive Director, Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, University of Minnesota
Brian Thorbjornsen, Child Protection Worker, AFSCME Council 5
Dennis Frazier, Child Protection Worker, AFSCME Council 5
Chair Moran renewed her motion that HF499, as amended, be recommended to be re-referred to the Committee on Government Operations. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Rep. Morrison assumed the gavel at 4:17 PM.
Chair Moran moved HF554 be recommended to be re-referred to the Judiciary and Civil Law Finance Division.
Chair Moran moved the A1 amendment. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Chair Moran presented the bill.
HF554 Testifiers:
Joanna Woolman, Director, Institute for Children, Families, and Communities, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Ann Hill, Ombudsperson for African American Families, Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Families
John McClellan
Robert Small, Executive Director, Minnesota County Attorneys Association
Patrick Carter, Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)
Chair Moran renewed her motion that HF554, as amended, be recommended to be re-referred to the Judiciary and Civil Law Finance Division. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Chair Moran moved HF1050 be recommended to be re-referred to the Judiciary and Civil Law Finance Division.
Chair Moran moved the A1 amendment. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Chair Moran presented the bill.
HF1050 Testifiers:
Joanna Woolman, Director, Institute for Children, Families, and Communities, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Robert Small, Executive Director, Minnesota County Attorneys Association
Patrick Carter, DHS
The meeting recessed at 5:06 PM.
The meeting reconvened at 6:04 PM.
Presentation of HF1050 continued.
Additional Testifier:
Jennifer Sommerfeld, DHS
Rep. Albright moved the A2 amendment. THE MOTION FAILED.
Chair Moran renewed her motion that HF1050, as amended, be recommended to be re-referred to the Judiciary and Civil Law Finance Division. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Chair Moran presented HF342 for an informational hearing.
HF342 Testifiers:
Kelis Houston, Village Arms
Amelia Franck Meyer, Alia
Marquita Stephens, African American Adoption and Permanency Planning Agency
Larene Randle-Wade, Minnesota One-Stop for Communities
Latonia Robielcki, Coon Rapids
Joanna Woolman, Director, Institute for Children, Families, and Communities, Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Mary Walker, St. Paul
Commissioner Toni Carter, Ramsey County and Association of MN Counties
Rod Franks, Minnesota Association of County Social Service Administrators
Abasa Asake, Chaska
Rhia Bornmann Spears, Spears Family Law PLLC
Darnella Wade, Black Truce Peace Organization
Robert O’Connor, Maplewood
Marvalyne Tripp, St. Paul
Lester Collins, St. Paul
Mary Hartmann, St. Paul
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
Representative Rena Moran, Chair
Alyssa Fritz, Committee Legislative Assistant