Incoming Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos today announced Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) will chair the Florida Senate Reapportionment Committee. Senator Gaetz was first elected in 2006 and previously served as Superintendent of Schools in Okaloosa County.
“With the passage of Amendments 5 and 6, Senator Gaetz will have the responsibility of leading our efforts in redrawing legislative and congressional districts,†said incoming Senator Haridopolos. ““This may be the most challenging committee chairmanship of all but Senator Gaetz’ leadership will help us navigate this once a decade process.â€
Other leadership positions include:
· Senator John Thrasher, Rules Chair
. Senator J.D. Alexander, Budget Chair
Rules Chair John Thrasher (R- Jacksonville) will chair the Rules Committee. He joined the Senate in a special election in 2009. Prior to his service in the Senate, Senator Thrasher served in the House of Representatives from 1992 to 2000. From 1998 to 2000, Senator Thrasher served as Speaker of the House.
“Having led the House of Representatives, Senator Thrasher is uniquely qualified to be Rules Committee chair,†said incoming President Haridopolos. “He has my upmost trust and I’m proud to have Senator Thrasher on my leadership team.â€
Budget Chair J.D. Alexander (R-Winter Haven) will chair the newly restructured Budget Committee, which includes seven subcommittees. He has served in the Senate since 2002 and prior to that served in the House of Representatives for two terms. Senator Alexander chaired the old Senate Ways and Means Committee for the past two years.
“Senator Alexander has a passion for holding government accountable,†said incoming President Haridopolos. “There is no better fiscal watchdog in the Senate and with declining tax revenues, he’ll ensure Floridians’ money is spent in the wisest way possible.â€
All new committee chair assignments take effect November 16 when the Senate meets in organization session.