Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct Delays Action

The Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct reconvened Wednesday, November 5, to continue its consideration of two ethics complaints against Senator Jeff Hayden (DFL-Mpls.) levied by Senator Republican Leader David Hann and other members of his caucus.

The subcommittee deferred action on the first complaint, which questions whether Senator Hayden inappropriately used the power of his office to demand that the Minneapolis School District award a grant to Community Standards Initiative for a community engagement and empowerment project. During the meeting, Senate Minority Leader David Hann expressed frustration that questions he posed to school district board members regarding Senator Hayden’s actions were not answered. Subcommittee chair Sandy Pappas, DFL-St. Paul, laid the complaint on the table following extended subcommittee discussion and disagreement on securing the school board’s participation.

The second complaint levied against Senator Hayden focuses on his fiduciary responsibility as board member of Community Action of Minneapolis (CAM). An audit performed by the Dept. of Human Services demonstrated that CAM inappropriately used state funds for unauthorized expenses, such as travel, alcohol, golf, spas and bonuses. The complaint also questions whether Senator Hayden personally benefited from the expenditures. The subcommittee delayed action on the complaint against Senator Hayden while the state continues its investigation of the community organization.