Senate Rules Committee Advances Marko Mijic Appointment

Earlier this week, the Senate Rules Committee convened to review the appointment of Marko Mijic, for his role as Deputy Secretary, Program and Fiscal Affairs, for the California Health and Human Services Agency. Mr. Mijic in his opening remarks noted that he came to the United States 22 years earlier as a refugee with his family, speaking no English, and how his commitment to public service is “rooted in the idea that government can and must look to build an equitable, just, and tolerant society.”

Members of the committee questioned Mr. Mijic on subjects such as foster care, impacts of the public charge rule, budget proposals relating to homelessness, and they were also very interested in hearing from him about California’s response to Coronavirus. Mr. Mijic briefly walked them through the Health and Human Services Agency’s activities including working with their local partners in counties and cities, health care providers, and schools and universities, and he noted that though it was an evolving situation, he felt California was prepared and ready to respond to the novel virus.

The Senate Rules Committee voted unanimously to confirm Mr. Mijic. His confirmation now goes before the full Senate for consideration.