1. Research Department Minnesota
Patrick J. McCormack, Director House of
600 State Office Building Representatives
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-1298
651-296-6753 [FAX 651-296-9887]
www.house.mn/hrd/hrd.htm
June 30, 2011
TO: Interested Parties
RE: Letter of Recommendation for Donald Hirasuna
Dear Sir or Madam:
We are writing to recommend Donald Hirasuna.
Don worked for the House Research Department as a Legislative Analyst from 1994 through
2008. During this period one or both of us was his supervisor. (From 2008 through June 30,
2011, Don retained an affiliation with House Research, as a part-time research assistant, to allow
him to continue his research using State of Minnesota human services and tax datasets.)
Don is an accomplished and highly skilled economics analyst. In his role as a Legislative
Analyst, he worked on a wide variety of issues, ranging from economic development issues, the
economics of public subsidies for sports facilities, the economic effects of smoking bans,
unemployment benefits, and similar. A good part of his time and work, as evidenced by his
extensive body of published work, was on the economics of human services and welfare
programs, such as MFIP, and child support, along with the associated tax-based programs, such
as the earned income tax and dependent care credits.
Don is an expert in the parameters and features of these complex human service and tax
programs. His research also led him to understand many of the behavioral and policy dynamics
involved with these programs and their various interactions. This type of knowledge would
serve anyone well who is seeking to design administrative mechanisms, policies, and practices to
improve service delivery under these programs.
Like many from our office, Don developed strong communication skills. He often
communicated with legislators and senior personnel explaining the essential aspects of complex
issues. He worked with legislators, executives from state agencies, leaders from non-profits and
staffed task forces and hearings. Don is a good public speaker having testified before
committees and presented before a variety of academic and policy oriented audiences.

2. Research Department June 30, 2011
Minnesota House of Representatives Page 2
Don is a dedicated and hard worker who takes great pride in the quality of his work. Although
Don’s position in House Research did not involve management responsibility, Don did lead
several projects and we understand from Don that some of his other positions have, including
one which he undertook while on a leave of absence from his House Research position.
In conclusion, we recommend that you give Don strong consideration. Please feel free to give
either of us a call if you wish to talk about Don’s qualifications.
Sincerely yours,
Patrick McCormack Joel Michael
Director Staff Coordinator
651-296-5048 651-296-5057
PJM/JM/ct