Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Human Services cutting jobs

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Officials with the Minnesota Department of Human Services are eliminating 43 jobs, as they try to correct an ongoing shortfall in their current budget.

They sent notices to 35 employees last week. The other eight positions are currently vacant.

Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson said the layoffs are within the Direct Care and Treatment division.

“We tried to reduce the deficit by holding openings, reducing out of town travel, but we weren’t able to make it,” Jesson said. “So, we targeted administrative and managerial positions that were not related to the direct care of clients in our facilities.”

Jesson said efforts are underway to help the affected employees find other jobs within state government.

The agency’s fiscal problems are linked to the cost of recent lawsuit settlements and improvements needed at the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter. State lawmakers have been working on a deficiency bill that would solve several agency budget shortfalls, including $10.3 million for the hospital.

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton’s new budget proposal would increase funding for the department. But the two-year spending plan also downsizes a chemical dependency treatment program known as Community Addiction Recovery Enterprise.

It also closes a psychiatric hospital for children, located in Willmar. Jesson said the governor’s plan would increase the number of beds in locations throughout the state.

“They do great work in the Willmar facility, but right now we have five or fewer children being served by more than 40 staff. I think part of that is the location in Willmar.”