Senate chamber
All but two of Governor Scott Walker’s picks to lead state agencies were unanimously confirmed en masse.
Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp retains her position, even though 13 Senators voted against her appointment. Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona) said Stepp has “a lack of intellectual curiosity” about science, which he says is “the purview of her department.”
“I think it’s imperative that the secretary of this science-based organization be curious and inquire about the science that underlies the administrative decisions that she’s called upon to oversee.”
Bob Wirch (D-Kenosha) said he’s “deeply disappointed” in Stepp for refusing to hold a public hearing and conduct and environmental impact assessment on the Enbridge pipeline.
“I’m concerned that the secretary is tilting more toward business than what she’s supposed to be doing — protecting our natural resources.”
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John Scocos will keep his job, with one Senator voting against confirmation — Julie Lassa, a Stevens Point Democrat.