Wolf Nominees Begin to Advance in Pennsylvania Senate

Three of Gov. Tom Wolf's Cabinet nominees have now won approval from Senate committees ahead of confirmation votes in the chamber.

Ted Dallas, the acting human services secretary, received approval Wednesday from the Public Health and Welfare Committee. That approval followed committee votes this week for Acting Transportation Secretary Leslie Richards and Acting Education Secretary Pedro Rivera.

Dallas' hearing was contentious, however, as Republican senators closely questioned Dallas about Wolf's Feb. 27 executive order that they call an attempt to help unionize taxpayer-paid workers who care for the disabled and elderly at home.

Under the order, Dallas is required to meet with representatives elected by care workers. Dallas says the process allows the representatives to share ideas and concerns about the system and could lead to changes to improve it.