Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ pick to head the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has won approval from a Republican-controlled legislative committee.
The Senate’s health committee voted 4-1 Wednesday to approve the appointment of Andrea Palm to serve as secretary of the state health department. That agency oversees Wisconsin’s BadgerCare Plus Medicaid program, SeniorCare and a host of other public benefits programs.
Speaking to WPR earlier this month, Palm said her agency’s top priorities include combating opioid addiction in Wisconsin.
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Palm’s nomination now goes to the full Senate which is expected to vote in October. Republicans hold a 19-14 majority.
Republican Sen. Andre Jacque voted against confirmation, citing concerns about Palm hiring a former Planned Parenthood lobbyist as a deputy.
Palm and all of Evers’ other Cabinet secretaries have been working all year pending confirmation votes in the Senate. If rejected, they would lose their jobs.
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