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Two commissioners from Gov. Tim Pawlenty's administration won confirmation support today  from Senate committees.

The Senate Business, Industry and Jobs Committee approved the confirmation of Department Labor and Industry Commissioner Steve Sviggum on a unanimous voice vote. 

Sviggum, a former Republican Speaker of the House who served three decades in the Legislature, told Senators that he is adjusting to his new role as a regulator.

"For all citizens, best interest of the state on an application of the law and regulating the intent of the law you pass. That doesn't mean everybody is always going to agree with the decision that gets made, but I'll try to follow that law very, very closely and directly," Sviggum told the committee.

The Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee gave a unanimous vote of support to Department of Health Commissioner Sanne Magnan. 

Both confirmations now go to the full Senate for final action.

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2025 Minnesota legislative session

Tim Pugmire

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Two commissioners from Gov. Tim Pawlenty's administration won confirmation support today  from Senate committees.


Senate committees recommend approval of key appointments

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