ST. PAUL (LEARFIELD) – Republicans in the Minnesota Senate are holding hearings today on turmoil at the state Human Services Department.

State Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles will likely testify about recent investigations into the department.

“It’s a big complicated department, that delivers lots of different kinds of services,” said Nobles. “It’s had some pretty serious problems recently.”

DHS has been plagued by top management resignations, fraud in its childcare assistance program and overpayments to Native American tribes.

Yesterday, Gov. Walz announced that Lutheran Social Service CEO Jodi Harpstead will take over as the new DHS commissioner. She is set to begin her new role on September 3rd.