Senate Majority Leader-designate Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook) announced today the appointment of Sen. Tom Saxhaug (DFL-Grand Rapids) as the Division Chair of two key budget areas: State Departments and Veterans. As the Division Chair, Saxhaug is responsible for overseeing the budgets for these two important issue areas.
The State Departments and Veterans Committee has jurisdiction over the budgets of all state agencies, state employee compensation, public employee labor relations, pensions and retirement, gambling, lotteries, and the Legislature. It also has jurisdiction over Minnesota’s veterans and military affairs budgets.
“This upcoming legislative session will be difficult, but the Senate DFL caucus is committed to putting partisanship aside and responsibly solving Minnesota’s budget deficit in a fair and bi-partisan manner,” said Saxhaug. “As the new Chair, I’m honored to oversee these two important budget areas and look forward to rolling up my sleeves and accomplishing the difficult work of building consensus while balancing the budget.”
“Sen. Saxhaug is well-known for his fairness, leadership and common sense,” said Sen. Bakk. “He will provide these key budget committees the leadership they need to succeed.”
Sen. Saxhaug was first elected to the Senate in 2002 and re-elected in 2006, 2010 and 2012.
The 2013 Legislative Session convenes on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at which time Sen. Saxhaug will officially become chair of this committee.
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