Recent content from Jessie Van Berkel
Minnesota agencies too lax on grant safeguards, legislative auditor finds
A new report called for changes in how the Behavioral Health Division and State Arts Board give out taxpayer dollars.
Study: Minnesota's sex offender system is 'failed investment'
The state is spending more than $110 million this year on a sex offender program that locks up about 730 people. A new report calls for an end to the 30-year-old system.
Racial disparities in child protection prompt Minnesota legislation, federal complaint
Black children are twice as likely as white kids to be removed from their parents. For Native American kids, the disparities are even more stark.
Minnesota plan to close state addiction treatment facilities faces pushback
DHS wants to divert resources to address mental health crisis. Some fear Minnesota is "robbing Peter to pay Paul" and women with addiction will suffer.
Could Minnesota be among the first states to offer a basic income program?
No-strings-attached cash programs are popping up across the country. Minnesota has been home to five of the experiments. Now lawmakers are talking about $100 million to provide basic incomes to thousands.
Minnesota's 'archaic' tech wastes critical caseworker time, counties say
Gov. Tim Walz proposed $15 million for upgrades. Far more is needed to overhaul a crash-prone system used for child protection and other services.
Minnesotans with disabilities say Lyft, Uber departure would leave them stuck
Rideshare services have allowed more independence for many people who don't drive. But some say the companies have a poor track record of providing accessible services to all.
Trump administration denied Minneapolis nearly $1M over 'defund the police' comments
A federal audit found the rejection of the city's proposal to address rising opioid overdoses was "seriously flawed" and contained critical errors and omissions.
Group home rental licenses: Tool for oversight or discrimination?
Lawmakers are considering whether to exempt small group homes and assisted living facilities from rental licensing regulations. City officials are worried.
What the Minnesota Department of Human Services breakup means for you
State leaders hope splitting up the agency that serves about 1.5 million Minnesotans will lead to better service and more accountability.