Schwarzenegger Appoints Workers’ Comp Chief as Legal Affairs Secretary
Andrea Hoch (R), director of the Division of Workers' Compensation, on Thursday was named by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) as his new legal affairs secretary, the Sacramento Bee reports. Hoch will replace Peter Siggins, who left the position last month to serve as the governor's interim chief of staff (Furillo, Sacramento Bee, 10/7)
Prior to her confirmation as director of the DWC in April, Hoch faced opposition from workers' compensation attorneys and union leaders over rules she implemented. Some said that the rules would reduce permanent disability benefits for seriously injured workers (California Health Line, 4/29).
Schwarzenegger in a statement said Hoch "is a well-respected legal mind" and a "talented attorney who shares my vision for the future of California." Attorney General Bill Lockyer (D) also strongly endorsed Hoch, who had previously served as head of the attorney general's civil law division (Sacramento Bee, 10/7).