Governor Peter Shumlin announced new administration appointments Thursday, noting that his two new cabinet secretaries are starting their jobs at a tough time for the state.
Governor Shumlin says incoming Administration Secretary Justin Johnson and Human Services Secretary Hal Cohen will help the state confront difficult choices.
Johnson is currently deputy secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources. He is replacing outgoing Administration Secretary Jeb Spaulding.
Hal Cohen, who served as director of Capstone Community Action, will become secretary of Human Services. Interim Human Services Secretary Harry Chen is returning to his post as health commissioner.
Last week the administration announced it needs to cut $17 million from this year's budget. Next year the state is facing an expected $100 million budget shortfall.
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