Andy Gardiner Names Tom Lee as Appropriations Chair, Anitere Flores to Head Fiscal Policy

Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, named former Senate President Tom Lee, R-Brandon, as the chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee on Tuesday. Gardiner also tapped Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, to lead the Fiscal Policy Committee.

Each year we have a constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget, Gardiner said on Tuesday. Sound management and careful oversight of the year-round appropriations process is critical to meeting our obligation to craft our budget within the time-sensitive environment of a 60-day session.

Having previously served as our Senate president, Tom has a great deal of experience and a keen understanding of the multifaceted appropriations process, Gardiner said of Lee. He will be a key member of the Senate leadership and will work to ensure all senators have the opportunity to play a role in drafting our state budget.

While the committee on Appropriations will remain the primary vehicle to produce the General Appropriations Act, the committee on Fiscal Policy will provide an alternative path to the Senate Calendar for bills with a minimal fiscal impact, added Gardiner before turning his focus to Flores. I have served with Senator Flores for a number of years in the House, and now the Senate, and have witnessed her ability to manage complex policy and budget issues. Anitere is a strong leader and I am confident she will be an effective member of the Senate leadership in this important role.