Former House Speaker Steve Sviggum received approval March 31 from the Senate Business, Industry and Jobs Committee to be commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry. He was appointed to the position in July 2007 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
For 29 years, Sviggum represented District 28B in the House of Representatives, including eight years as Speaker of the House.
In his new role, he manages a department of 500, which oversees workplace issues. “Our goal is simple — that everyone goes home at night from their workplace,” he said.
He told the committee he has moved from an advocate role in the Legislature to one of regulation, “in a fair and just way for the good of Minnesota and regulating the intent of the laws you pass.”
Senate President James Metzen (DFL-South St. Paul), who chairs the committee, said there was concern about possible partisanship when Sviggum’s appointment was announced; however, he complimented Sviggum on his balance and fairness. “You’ve become a pretty good manager,” he said.
The Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee voted to recommend Dr. Sanne Magnan’s confirmation as state health commissioner. Magnan was appointed to head the Department of Health in November 2007.
Both appointments await action by the full Senate.
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Minnesota Index
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At Issue: A little-used tool in the toolbox
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Stepping Down: Seizing an unexpected opportunity
Paulsen leaving state House to run for the U.S. House
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Feature: Leap of faith
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Stepping Down: Looking for better balance
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Stepping Down: Do right by the people
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Stepping Down: Focus on family time
Finstad leaving to concentrate on his children
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Stepping Down: In the middle, a man apart
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Minnesota Index
Session 2008 figures and statistics.
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