Hansen, former Senate staffer, leaves House for Senate health

House staffer Mike Hansen, whose work under indicted House Speaker Ray Sansom got him called before a grand jury, is moving to the Senate.

Senate spokeswoman Jaryn Emhof said Hansen starting next month will fill the vacancy in Health and Human Services Appropriations that just came with the retirement of Elaine Peters. Emhof said the Senate asked Hansen to take the post because of his "expertise in healthcare and Medicaid and experience in the appropriations process."

She said it will be "of great value during these difficult economic times." Hansen will serve under the direction of Ways and Means Staff Director Skip Martin.