Tag: Jodi Harpstead

Opinion: Minnesota can end deep poverty; let’s start with common sense changes

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NOTE: Jodi Harpstead is Minnesota’s Commissioner of Human Services.

Nearly 250,000 Minnesotans live in deep poverty, which means they make no more than 50% of the federal poverty level. That’s $888 per month or less for a family of three or $517 or less for a single adult. Think about trying to live on that much. 

A new report from the Minnesota Department of Human Services holds a mirror up to some hard truths about what life looks like for far too many of our neighbors. 

The stress of being poor leads to higher rates of chronic health conditions. Children and adults living in deep poverty die at a rate two times higher than their peers. And adults in deep poverty experience 40% more preventable ER visits.  Continue reading.

State’s top DHS official pitches plan to rebuild trust in troubled department

Jodi Harpstead took over as commissioner of the Department of Human Services in September.

Since her arrival, most news about the department has been negative: more than $100 million in overpayments or refunds; breaking state procurement law more than 200 times, including letting vendors and grantees begin work before a contract was signed; employees spending money on products and/or services without prior approval, although there’s been no evidence money was misspent; allegations of whistleblower retaliation; and the recently closed investigation into former Inspector General Carolyn Ham.

Ham, placed on paid administrative leave for many months, was not disciplined and has been reassigned to the general counsel’s office.

 Read more at Session Daily