Senate Holding Confirmation Hearings Tuesday for Several State Commissioners

(KNSI) – Confirmation hearings for several department commissioners are set for today at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Many thought after Governor Tim Walz signed all of the budget bills into law that was to be the end of the special session, but the Senate said starting July 6th, confirmation hearings would take place for at least four of the governor’s. Only the Senate is meeting today. The House is adjourned, and no more bills can be passed in the special session.

Last year, the Senate voted not to confirm Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley and Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Nancy Leppink.

After someone is appointed as commissioner, confirmation is not required for that person to serve, but the Senate holds power to confirm someone or not. Committees will hear testimony from board officials before voting. A vote not to confirm a commissioner means that person is fired.

Among the commissioners whose jobs are in jeopardy include Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Laura Bishop, Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho, and Iron Range Resources Commissioner Mark Phillips.

Governor Walz issued a statement saying because Republicans put off the hearings and choosing to do their work in overtime, he is calling on Senate Republicans to “forgo the thousands of taxpayer dollars they take each day in per diem,” and “I expect that they will conduct their work expediently, professionally, and free of any political theatre.”

Walz also said that these confirmation hearings could have taken place two years ago when the commissioners were first appointed.

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