Video & Transcript Research : 'DHS'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/16/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So I guess I would prefer not to add it today, but I'm happy to continue discussing with you and DHS
- <00:49:34.720>
to discussing with um with you and DHS to discussing with um with you and DHS - about this and and conversation with DHS about this and and will<01:08:42.400>
continue <01:08 - <01:15:42.040>
We ready and willing to work with DHS. - We ready and willing to work with DHS.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (05/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- c> Child<00:59:40.480>
Development partners at DHS, Child Development partners at DHS, Child - We want to support DHS in their search to fill the bureau chief position.
- We want to support DHS in their search to fill the bureau chief position.
- DHS for families who need support. DHS for families who need support.
- You know, they DHS S is Bailey Wick.
Summary:
The committee met with DHS Chief Financial Officer Nathan White to receive an update on the department’s budget lapse and vacancy rates. White explained the difference between the “back-of-the-budget” reduction and lapse assumptions, saying DHS is facing a current biennium reduction of about $23 million and estimating roughly a $60 million general fund lapse in state fiscal year 2025, compared with about $13.5 million the prior year. He said DHS’s lapse is driven largely by program utilization, labor market conditions, contract spending, and statutory carry-forwards in areas such as Medicaid and developmental disabilities, which tend to produce a smaller lapse in the first year of the biennium and a larger one in the second year. He also noted that the House and Senate budgets differ on some operating items, including Medicaid rates, with the Senate having struck a House proposal to reduce rates by 3%.
Members questioned White about whether DHS ever spends down lapse money on last-minute purchases. He said the department does not engage in that practice, though it does retain some flexibility in its facilities budget for emergencies. He also described the process for transferring funds within and between class lines, including the need for fiscal committee approval above statutory thresholds, and gave examples such as moving funds to cover overtime in the SYSC budget and to ensure Medicaid payments for nursing facilities. White said such transfers are public and transparent and are reviewed by the governor and Executive Council.
The committee then discussed DHS staffing. White said the department has a little over 3,200 authorized positions, with a vacancy rate around 14.5%, and that a hiring freeze had been imposed a few months earlier while exempting direct care positions. He said DHS is planning for about a $30 million general fund reduction to personnel, equivalent to just under 400 positions, and is managing postings centrally to stay within budget by July 1. In response to questions about the loss of about $80 million in federal funds, White and Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly said DHS avoided layoffs by shifting staff into vacant positions, but that the cuts affected community contracts, public health workers, laboratory work, and some IT/data projects. Tilly said roughly 20 positions were affected, most were reassigned, a few staff left voluntarily, and the department has less flexibility going forward if more federal funding ends.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- What benchmarks must DHS meet?
- , with respect to cultural changes at DHS, with respect to cultural changes at DHS, just<01:26:14.120
- <01:30:48.360>
DHS We've had about 5,000 claims denied. - DHS is aware of the issue and is in process of fixing these claims.
- <01:41:45.000>
operational operational system for DHS, operational operational system for DHS,
Keywords:
home care, licensing, fines, advisory council, grant program, client safety, healthcare regulation, HF3375, Minnesota disability waiver, waiver rate system, human services, individualized home supports, individualized home supports with training, individualized home supports with family training, positive support services, employment support services, employment development services, employment exploration services, billing limits, service authorization year
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Thu Mar 13, 2025 @ 10:00 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- DHS, thank you so much.
- DHS, thank you so much.
- That's not just here for DHS.
- Uh, for DHS, yeah, sorry.
- behalf of DHS director Ryan yammani we behalf of DHS director Ryan yammani we are<00:45:41.880>
in
Summary:
The Committee on Human Services and Homelessness heard two SNAP-related bills on March 13, 2025. SB 960 SD1 would appropriate funds to DHS to improve SNAP administration, including additional positions. Testimony from Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Food Industry Association, AARP Hawaii, Hawaii Appleseed, and many others strongly supported the measure, emphasizing high food insecurity, the importance of SNAP federal dollars, and the need to reduce delays and improve access. DHS said vacancies and retention are the main barriers, with staffing shortages statewide across processing centers. The department described efforts such as wikiwiki hiring, bringing back retired workers, using interns, and improving call center efficiency, and said it had requested a 5% performance incentive package estimated at about $1.1 million per year, though that request did not make the governor’s budget. Members asked about vacancy counts, staffing distribution, and how the bill would interact with other SNAP funding; DHS said some funding was tied to the new eligibility system and that staffing requests would need to be separate. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion heard.
The committee then heard SB 961 SD1, which would require DHS to adjust minimum certification periods and participate in the Elderly Simplified Application Project. Supporters, including AARP Hawaii, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Appleseed, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and additional organizations and individuals, said the bill would reduce red tape, help kūpuna, and ease administrative burden. DHS supported the concept but said the current legacy system cannot automate these changes and that any implementation would require manual processing until the new system is in place. DHS and committee members discussed the risk of higher error rates and timeliness problems with manual processing, noting the department had recently been assessed a $1 million penalty for high payment error rates and was already in corrective action for timeliness. Members also discussed the anticipated fall 2026 rollout of the new system and whether the bill should be delayed until then; DHS said it preferred to assess the new system first before pursuing waivers and related changes. The committee then moved on to the next measure after the discussion.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- First up, Director Yammani providing comments, DHS.
- First up, Director Yammani providing comments, DHS. Thank you.
- DHS. Sorry. No. Yeah. See Betty Lou Larson on Zoom. Catholic Charities of Hawaiʻi, in support.
- DHS. Sorry. No. Yeah. This is for continuous glucose monitor.
- <00:13:35.040>
DHS. <00:13:35.839>DHS. <00:13:36.399>Sorry.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee heard testimony on several resolutions. HCR 190, asking the Department of Health to convene a demolition waste reduction work group, drew only written testimony; the Department of Health provided comments in opposition and the Department of Attorney General Services supported it. HCR 91, on requiring insurers and managed care providers to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices, received supportive testimony from SHIPA and an amputee youth advocate who described the high cost and importance of sports prosthetics. HCR 174, on examining the availability and use of land-based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system, drew support from the Office of the Public Defender, youth advocates, and a youth council that described land-based learning as culturally rooted and rehabilitative. HR 171, on assessing the social and financial effects of mandatory coverage for continuous glucose monitors, received support from SHIPA, the Hawaiʻi Medical Association, and kidney care and dialysis groups. HCR 146, on the Elderly Simplified Application Project for SNAP, drew support from disability, hunger, and public health groups, with DHS explaining it could implement the project but would need to do manual certification work until its new system is ready.
During decision-making, the committee deferred HCR 190 because the Department of Health said it could not carry out the work group without an appropriation. The committee voted to pass HCR 91 as is. HCR 174 was recommended for passage with amendments to clarify that the resolution would request continued use of land-based learning programs and to reflect existing work already underway. HCR 171 was recommended for passage with amendments to correct a statute description. HCR 146 was recommended for passage with amendments to add language that DHS should apply for and implement the project when capable, acknowledging current system limitations. All recommendations were adopted, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Finance and Policy Committee 3/25/26
Housing Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Because isn't that something that's typically taken care of by DHS?
- It's different from the way it would be done through DHS, which would be on an individual basis, but
- <00:15:37.920>
those <00:15:38.240>at <00:15:38.560>this programs via DHS. - Exactly. those at this programs via DHS.
- <00:16:20.880>
and residents need and what uh DA DHS and residents need and what uh DA DHS
Keywords:
affordable housing, housing finance, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, low-income housing tax credit, LIHTC, Section 42, compliance period, housing stability, rental housing, affordable rental housing, homelessness, housing insecurity, housing supply, preservation, recapitalization, distressed properties, regulatory relief, local affordable housing aid, Interagency Council to End Homelessness
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 3/10/26
Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Transcript Highlights:
- from are from DHS, MCOs, occasionally from law<00:29:13.960>
enforcement. - This does not require DHS to use this language, although it is very similar.
- This does not require DHS to use this language, although it is very similar.
- This does not require DHS to use this language, although it is very similar.
- This does not require DHS to use this language, although it is very similar.
Keywords:
medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud, payment withholding, withheld payments, program integrity, public funds, state agency, program participant, credible allegation of fraud, administrative reconsideration, contested case, chapter 14, data practices, confidential data, protected nonpublic data, anti-fraud
Summary:
The committee approved the minutes from March 5 by voice vote and welcomed new member Representative Van Binsbergen. It then took up House File 2354, which Chair Liebling moved to re-refer to the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. Representative Norris presented the bill as an updated version of the Medical Assistance Protection Act, aimed at strengthening the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, closing loopholes, equalizing fraud penalties, and increasing penalties for large-scale Medicaid fraud. Attorney General Ellison said the bill would add 18 specialized staff to the unit, moving it from 32 to 50 positions, and argued the federal-state matching structure makes the Attorney General’s office the proper home for the funding because the unit is dedicated to Medicaid fraud work.
Nick Wonka, director of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, explained the bill’s provisions affecting committee jurisdiction: expanded subpoena authority to obtain financial account contents in provider-fraud investigations, conforming legal representation language to preserve the unit’s authority, venue changes to allow charging in counties where parts of the offense occurred, and a restitution change to let courts order restitution for related conduct in the same scheme. He said the subpoena change would speed investigations and align the Attorney General’s authority with other agencies, and that the restitution change would help recover more fraudulently obtained Medicaid funds.
No public testimony was offered. Members questioned why the funding should go to the Attorney General’s office rather than the BCA, whether the new records authority was federally required, how the venue language would work across state lines, and whether the added FTEs indicated the fraud problem was larger than expected. Ellison and Wonka responded that the federal grant requires the work to stay within the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, that the unit’s investigators are specialized and work with, but separate from, law enforcement, and that the venue provision applies only within Minnesota while out-of-state matters would be referred to the appropriate authorities. The amendment that had been posted was withdrawn and not offered.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- that DHS is using? that DHS is using?
- saying both the counties and DHS so they're more compatible, or are you saying DHS?
- Are you also saying DHS needs IT later.
- <01:04:16.799>
so you know, both the counties and DHS so you know, both the counties and DHS - saying DHS? saying DHS? >> Director<01:04:20.960>
B. >> Director B.
Bills:
HR1
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- You got a DHS question? Senator Wicklund. Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair.
- Are there any concerns you have about the way it's working at DHS?
- So, the the way it's working at DHS?
- whose provider is experiencing a DHS whose provider is experiencing a DHS what<01:08:21.080>
- payments by DHS. payments by DHS.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 02/06/25
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- first up, we'll have Dave Greeman, CFO of DHS.
- So we spent quite a bit of time, DHS also working with our county and tribal partners, to look at how
- accountable for meeting those hold DHS accountable for meeting those needs<01:25:34.400>
and < - Myself and my staff and fiscal staff worked carefully with DHS on how to make sure that the proposals
- So we tried to create a structure that allows DHS to bring back to us outcomes as they're working on
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee met on February 6, 2025, for an update on emergency medical services (EMS) policy and implementation. Senator Seberger described the work of the EMS Task Force, which traveled statewide to hear concerns from providers about staffing, reimbursement, and retention. She said the task force led to the Sprint Medic model and two innovation zones in Otter Tail and St. Louis counties, and she urged continued monitoring and possible reconstitution of the task force to evaluate what is working and what could be expanded statewide. She also said future EMS work should continue to explore alternative response models and telemedicine, but that the most immediate need is additional funding, especially to address unpaid non-transport calls.
Dylan Ferguson, director of the newly formed Minnesota Office of Emergency Medical Services, gave a detailed update on the office’s structure and priorities after the transition from the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board. He described the office’s three divisions, the appointment of deputy directors, the first meetings of the advisory councils, and work on a statewide EMS strategic plan. He also reviewed the $24 million emergency ambulance aid program, explaining its 40-40-20 formula, the emphasis on rural services, the reporting and spending deadlines, and the positive response from ambulance providers. He noted that the $6 million Sprint paramedic grant program is underway, with Otter Tail County moving forward and St. Louis County still finalizing its application.
Ferguson also outlined the office’s budget request for modest staffing and contract-cost increases, two rulemaking efforts to update outdated ambulance vehicle standards and expand medication options for basic life support services, and ongoing data collection on workforce needs, violence against EMS providers, and ambulance crashes. He highlighted the paramedic scholarship program administered by the Office of Higher Education, saying nearly 300 scholarships have been awarded. Members and Senator Seberger praised the EMS reforms and emphasized that non-transport calls create significant unreimbursed costs, especially for rural and volunteer services, but no votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 19th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Janet Mann, DHS Secretary. Just a quick update.
- folder there under today's agenda, that's where we left off with Mary Franklin and our friends from DHS
- I know when we had talked before, Mary Franklin, we had what the folks of the DHS office would do would
- So that DHS office really needs to know what in the world is going on.
- So that DHS office really needs to know what in the world is going on and what's available, not just
Summary:
The subcommittee received a brief DHS update on the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver reimbursement rate process, with Secretary Janet Mann reporting that the new cost reporting period began in January and that DHS has begun provider and contractor conference calls as the process moves forward.
The bulk of the meeting focused on DHS’s overview of TANF and, especially, SNAP changes under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill. Mary Franklin explained new SNAP work requirements for adults ages 18 to 64 who are not otherwise exempt, including the three-month time limit in a 36-month period unless they meet an 80-hour monthly work, volunteer, education, or training requirement. She also reviewed exemptions, noted that some prior exemptions were removed while new tribal-related exemptions were added, and described SNAP Employment and Training providers, budgets, service areas, participant characteristics, and outcomes. Members asked about how mandatory referrals will work, whether funding and vendors are sufficient, how cross-program participation is tracked, how verification and recertification will be handled, and how error rates and sanctions will be managed. DHS said mandatory participants will be referred directly to providers, verification will occur at application and recertification, interviews can be by phone, and the department will return with more information on error-rate mitigation and other requested data.
DHS then outlined upcoming Medicaid community engagement requirements for the ARHOME population under the same federal law, which must be implemented by January 1, 2027. The department said it is preparing policy, system changes, data matching, communications, and an outbound customer-service verification process, with a soft launch planned for July to help identify who would meet the requirement or need to provide more information. Members raised concerns about notice, local versus centralized decision-making, and how clients will document work, school, caregiving, or medical exemptions. The meeting concluded with broader discussion of the Alliance for Opportunity audit and a shared emphasis on using SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and workforce programs together to improve outcomes, expand training options, and better connect Arkansans to education and employment opportunities. The committee also discussed extending the audit contract at a future meeting and adjourned without taking any formal vote in the transcript provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Republican Press Conference 1/21/25
Transcript Highlights:
- There was a vacancy in DHS, vacancies in MDE, and that can't occur.
- was vacancy in in there's vacancy there was vacancy in in uh<00:09:15.519>
in <00:09:15.760>DHS - <00:09:16.600>
vacancies <00:09:17.440>in uh in DHS vacancies in uh in DHS vacancies - She said the first session will feature the current Commissioner of DHS, Jodi Harpstead, who is still
- Our first session is that we've invited the current Commissioner of DHS, Jodi Harpstead, to come.
Summary:
The meeting focused on a package of anti-fraud bills and oversight reforms. House File 3 would direct the Office of Legislative Auditor to compile existing audit and recommendation data into a matrix or numeric score showing how well agencies have implemented past recommendations over a five-year look-back period, with the goal of giving legislators a clearer, more usable accountability tool. Supporters said it would not create new data, only aggregate what already exists, and estimated the bill’s cost at about $240,000. They argued it would help lawmakers identify agencies that repeatedly fail to address waste, fraud, and abuse.
House File 2 would require state employees and agencies to immediately report suspected fraud to law enforcement and to legislative committee leaders, require unannounced in-person site visits for grant recipients, and add criminal penalties for failing to carry out those duties. House File 1 would create an independent state Office of Inspector General to investigate fraud in state government, with subpoena power, authority to stop payments, and the ability to share information with other agencies. Speakers said the new office should be independent and nonpartisan, separate from existing agency inspector general functions, and more focused on investigations than the Legislative Auditor.
Members also discussed the new fraud and oversight committee, which will meet on Mondays and plans to invite DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead to testify. The committee said it will work alongside standing committees, create a whistleblower reporting website, and investigate issues as they arise. In response to questions, Robbins said HF 3 already had a fiscal note and HF 2’s fiscal note was still pending. She also said the committee is considering AI tools to flag irregularities in state programs, and that such tools might have detected problems like those seen in Feeding Our Future.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, December 3, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- President Trump and DHS are lying. President Trump and DHS are lying.
- If DHS cannot be held House.
- DHS is not rogue.
- DHS has to be held accountable.
- DHS has to be held say enough.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Jun 19th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- Lori McDonald from DHS if you would come to the table and have a seat. And members, if you know Ms.
- McDonald, you know what a great loss to the state and to DHS in particular this is going to be after
- McDonald, you know what a great loss to the state and to DHS in particular this is going to be after
- The subcommittee met again yesterday, June 19, and reviewed and approved emergency rules for DHS regarding
- The subcommittee met again yesterday, June 19, and reviewed and approved emergency rules for DHS regarding
Summary:
The Arkansas Legislative Council met and first adopted the previous meeting minutes, then honored Lori McDonald of the Department of Human Services for nearly 28 years of state service. Members read a resolution recognizing her legislative, constituent, and leadership work at DHS, and the council adopted it unanimously. McDonald thanked members for their support, and the Senate also presented her with a citation, a flag flown over the Capitol, and a commemorative coin.
The council then received the May 2026 revenue report, which showed gross adjusted collections of $7.76 billion year-to-date, up 4.4% from the prior year, and net available for distribution of $6.36 billion. The Bureau of Legislative Research noted collections were running above last year and that the updated forecast reflected a surplus. The Executive Subcommittee report was adopted after members were told it had approved captive insurance premiums and deductibles, a claims administration contract, emergency DHS rules, waiver requests, committee fund allocations, and the cancellation of the regular July ALC meeting in favor of only meeting for urgent matters.
Several subcommittee reports were then adopted, including Administrative Rules, Game and Fish and State Police, Hospital/Medicaid/Developmental Disabilities, Lottery Oversight, Occupational Licensing Review, Peer Review, Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and Personnel. During the Administrative Rules discussion, members questioned the Department of Education about delays and vendor performance under the ClassWallet contract; department officials said they were meeting regularly with the vendor, keeping expense review in-house, and would consider other options if needed. In Personnel, the Department of Commerce clarified that a reallocation request was part of a broader departmental realignment and shared services move, not the Arkansas Workforce Connection waiver. The council also reviewed and took action on several communications, including filing retirement system investment summaries as reviewed, approving rural community grant funding, giving favorable advice for state park acquisitions/expansion, approving special maintenance funding for state parks, and filing proposed Office of State Technology service rates as reviewed before adjourning.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Jun 19th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- Lori McDonald from DHS if you would come to the table and have a seat. And members, if you know Ms.
- McDonald, you know what a great loss to the state and to DHS in particular this is going to be after
- McDonald, you know what a great loss to the state and to DHS in particular this is going to be after
- The subcommittee met again yesterday, June 19th, and reviewed and approved emergency rules for DHS regarding
- and Medicaid, and an update on reimbursement rates under the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver by DHS
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Performance Audit Oversight Committee (02/06/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:04:42.320>
I'd I think one of the problems is we could send our auditors out to DHS and - is that maybe we call in Lori Weber and Nathan White and whoever the contract administrator is from DHS
- and uh and uh get auditors out to uh DHS and uh and uh get a<00:05:41.520>
report <00:05:41.759 - the contract administrator is from DHS the contract administrator is from DHS and<00:06:07.680><
- <00:09:58.160>
come I think the idea of having um DHS come I think the idea of having um DHS
Summary:
The Legislative Performance Audit and Oversight Committee met to accept prior minutes and receive updates on ongoing audits. Audit staff reported progress on three education-related reviews: special education (34 of 71 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), education freedom accounts (22 of 41 observations completed, draft expected in the second quarter and final in the summer), and the doorway program (5 of 13 observations completed, draft expected by the end of February and final by April or May). No committee questions were raised on the audit status update.
The committee then discussed possible future oversight topics, beginning with SNAP and concerns about fraud and work requirements. Members suggested inviting DHS officials and contract administrators to explain program operations and compliance, and also discussed whether the Department of Justice Medicaid fraud unit or other experienced officials could provide useful context. Members noted New Hampshire’s existing oversight layers, including the Executive Council and the joint HHS oversight committee, while also expressing interest in hearing more directly from department staff about staffing and contract management capacity.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on whether to pursue an audit of special education at the local school level. Members debated whether to wait for the ongoing statewide special education review and a legislative study commission report, or to begin scoping a local audit now so work could start sooner. Supporters argued that local-level spending, identification rates, and effectiveness vary widely by district and that an audit should examine both costs and outcomes; others cautioned that the scope would need to be manageable given limited audit staff and that the statewide report may help narrow the focus. The committee also briefly discussed a potential audit of the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services, but no decision was made on that item.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 1/21/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It includes DHS, DCYF, MDE, DEED, DPS, Department of Administration, Revenue, and Minute.
- <00:42:30.800>
Um deployed data scientists to DHS. Um deployed data scientists to DHS. - If so so for example<00:53:14.600>
in <00:53:14.680>DHS example in DHS example in DHS all - Okay, I'll follow up with DHS. Thank you, Representative Elkins. Thank you, Madam Chair.
- Okay, I'll follow up with DHS. correct. Okay, I'll follow up with DHS. Thank<01:42:13.960>
you.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/10/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- deals with, you know, how will DHS deals with, you know, how will DHS get<00:19:07.200>
this< - billing would go through the DS DHS billing would go through the DS DHS process<00:20:58.000>
- From the Medicaid side or is this going to come from the general fund, DHS?
- Um, and also because DHS has to follow federal requirements which 256B.064 follows.
- Um, this section applies to other programs within DHS.
Keywords:
long-term care, insurance policy, healthcare, partnership policy, Minnesota, human services, wage increase, support workers, shared services, community first services, medical assistance, sanctions, healthcare services, monetary recovery, government accountability, assisted living, training, unlicensed personnel, resident rights, safety regulations
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Feb 19th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Janet Mann, DHS Secretary. Just a quick update.
- folder there under today's agenda, that's where we left off with Mary Franklin and our friends from DHS
- I know when we had talked before, Mary Franklin, we had what the folks at the DHS office would do would
- So that DHS office really needs to know what in the world is going on and what's available, not just
- The ladies from DHS and the other departments that we're talking about.
Summary:
The subcommittee first recognized the Arkansas Community Colleges Leadership Institute and received a brief DHS update on the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver reimbursement process, including that the new cost-reporting period began in January and provider/contractor calls are underway. The main presentation then focused on SNAP and TANF, with DHS describing federal changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill that tighten SNAP work requirements for adults ages 18 to 64 without certain exemptions, remove some prior exemptions, and add new federal definitions for Native American populations. DHS also reviewed SNAP Employment and Training providers, their service areas, projected budgets, participant characteristics, and outcomes, noting that the program is currently voluntary but will shift toward mandatory participation for those subject to the new rules.
Members asked detailed questions about how mandatory participation will be implemented, how referrals will be made, what other training options exist, how verification of work, volunteering, disability, and exemptions will be handled, and whether DHS has enough funding and provider capacity. DHS said it will conduct verbal and written notices during eligibility interviews, make direct referrals to providers, use six-month recertifications and documentation from employers or volunteer organizations, and apply sanctions for noncompliance after determining whether a good cause exists. Members also requested additional data, including age breakdowns of at-risk SNAP recipients, provider-level outcomes and costs, and information on other training programs such as WIOA.
The committee then moved to Medicaid community engagement requirements for ARHOME, which DHS said are also required by the same federal law and must be implemented by January 1, 2027. DHS said it is preparing policy, system changes, communications, and a customer-service/outbound verification vendor, and plans a soft launch beginning in July to help clients understand what would be required if the rule were already in effect. Members raised concerns about timing, local versus central decision-making, and how clients in rural areas will be notified and assisted. The meeting concluded with broader discussion of the committee’s workforce-development goals, the recently released Alliance for Opportunity audit, and interest in continuing the contract with that group to help guide future reforms.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2431 5/17/25 - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that's why we do not want it to move to DHS, and we want to keep it funded where it is because
- And so that's why we do not want it to move to DHS, and we want to keep it funded where it is because
- And so that's why we do not want it to move to DHS, and we want to keep it funded where it is because
- And so that's why we do not want it to move to DHS, and we want to keep it funded where it is because
- And so that's why we do not want it to move to DHS, and we want to keep it funded where it is because
Summary:
The meeting focused on a House counteroffer to a higher education budget and policy agreement, with Ken Savory walking members through spreadsheet changes and Mr. Hopkins reviewing policy items. On the budget side, the House adjusted several appropriations and savings targets, including state grants, child care grants, student teacher and shortage area grants, student parent support, spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury research grants, dual training grants for legal cannabis employers, and University of Minnesota cannabis research. The House also noted no change to Minnesota State, alignment with the Senate on the summer academic enrichment program, and that remaining state grant parameters would continue to be negotiated.
On policy, the House said some items were agreed to and grayed out, including campus sexual misconduct policy and treatment of appropriations. The House kept its original position on the NN Mayo Clinic Partnership and did not include K-12 direct admissions or the College Financing Literacy Act. It also proposed adjusting OHEI appropriations for competitively and legislatively named grant programs so administrative cost reserves would conform to 10% and 5% parameters when current law is below those levels.
The committee then heard testimony in support of continuing the spinal cord injury/traumatic brain injury grant program at its current level. Joey Carlson described his spinal cord injury, his career path, and how the program helped advance research and industry connections, while Matthew Broadick argued the program has produced clinical trials, FDA approval-related progress, jobs, and strong return on investment. He also said the program belongs at the Office of Higher Education rather than the Department of Health because its mission better fits research and innovation. Members asked about the program’s long-term home, and the witnesses defended OHE’s role. No votes were taken; the chair thanked the House for the offer, said it would be reviewed, and recessed the meeting.