MADISON, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) – As the number of positive cases of coronavirus continues to rise in Wisconsin, the secretary of the Department of Health Services still needs to be confirmed by the State Senate.

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Gov. Tony Evers' pick for the job, Andrea Palm, says awaiting approval hasn't changed how she does her work.

“My goal has been to come to work every day and do the work of protecting and promoting the health and wellbeing of the people of this state,” Palm said. “And so, you know, would I like to be confirmed? Absolutely. I feel like I certainly have worked in good faith to accomplish that.”

During an interview Sunday on “Up Front,” Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) said he hopes Palm can come before the Health Committee to answer questions.

Fitzgerald says some members of his caucus have concerns about how Palm is handling the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Senate has a new minority leader who is frustrated Republicans haven't taken a vote.

After a 20-year career, State Sen. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) is retiring, opening the door for new minority leader State Sen. Janet Bewley (D-Mason).

“This pandemic exposes what we need to do for people, for businesses, for communities all across the state,” Bewley said.

Bewley says its disrespectful for Republican leaders who control the Senate to not take a vote on Palm.

“It looks for foolish, unfortunately, for the Republicans, but I think that she's a good person,” Bewley said. “I think the Republicans probably want to have someone in her position to be able to make these kinds of decisions because we do need someone in the state who is going to be responsible for public health.”

Last week, Republican legislative leaders sued the Department of Health Services after Palm extended Gov. Evers' 'Safer at Home' order.

“Andrea Palm is doing her job and for them to take this matter to the Supreme Court I think does a disservice and is almost disrespectful to the court because there's nothing wrong in what she's doing,” Bewley said. “Somebody has to declare an emergency and if not her then who? The Legislature? I'm not a health professional. I wasn't appointed by the governor. The legislature shouldn't make those decisions.”

Republicans argue that Palm doesn't have the authority and that she left the legislature out of the process.

The extended 'Safer at Home' order goes until May 26 unless the Wisconsin Supreme Court rules otherwise.