Fasano: Loss of Chairmanship 'A Badge of Honor'

Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, has released a statement after being removed by Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, on Wednesday from the Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriation and the Senate Committee on Budget.

Fasano, who has opposed the Haridopolos-backed prison privatization efforts now stalled in the Senate, was chairman of the Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriation.

Fasano's statement:

In my 18 years of elective office, I have always and will continue to vote my conscience. I have stood up for the little guy and gal, those who otherwise would not have a voice in the legislative process. I will always speak out when I see injustice, no matter what the consequences may be.

No matter how big the bully in the schoolyard may be, if the loss of a chairmanship is the result of taking a stand for what is right, I wear that loss as a badge of honor.

As the final days of the presidents tenure come to a close, I encourage him to stand up for taxpayers and consumers to ensure that each and every tax dollar is spent wisely. The special interests should not prevail. I hope that he will do what is right and remember why we were all sent to Tallahassee.