PBA 'Disappointed' in Fasano's Removal from Budget Committees

The Florida Police Benevolent Association has released a statement in reaction to Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, removing Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, as chairman of the Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriation and from his seat on the Senate Committee on Budget.

The PBA has challenged the states $16.5 million effort to privatize prisons in Central and South Florida. Fasano has opposed the privatization effort that has stalled in the Senate.

Haridopolos said he has lost confidence that Fasano would help the chamber work toward balancing the budget without raising taxes.

The PBA release states:

The Florida Police Benevolent Association is disappointed in the decision to remove Senator Mike Fasano from the position as chairman of the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee.

Senator Fasano is a strong supporter of law enforcement officers and their families. He is also a watchdog of the taxpayers money and his questioning of the alleged cost savings from privatization should be applauded not condemned."