After reaching an agreement on general appropriations earlier in the day, Senate President Mike Haridopolos and House Speaker Dean Cannon late Tuesday named budget conferees who will spend the next week putting final touches on the state budget.
While there certainly had been tension between the chambers in recent days, the two leaders were all smiles and, in the opening moments of the House session on Tuesday, Haridopolos made a guest appearance to thank House members for their work on the budget.
You have all been great partners, said Haridopolos, who praised Cannon and Appropriations Chairwoman Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring. Were looking forward to bringing a balanced budget to Florida with no new taxes or special fees.
Haridopolos added that Cannon is a strong conservative.
Cannon expressed optimism on the final steps of the budget negotiations.
It is the toughest budget since my time here, said Cannon. Were poised to bring this in to a landing on time.
Later Tuesday they each named their conferees who will meet early Wednesday morning to organize.
Haridopolos named his budget point man, J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, as the chairman of the Senate Conference with Joe Negron, R-Palm City, as vice chairman. Republicans named as at-large conferees are Majority Leader Andy Gardiner of Orlando, Don Gaetz of Destin and John Thrasher of Jacksonville. They are joined by Democratic Leader Nan Rich of Sunrise and Gary Siplin, D-Orlando.
Cannon tapped Grimsley to lead the House conferees. GOP Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera of Miami will be joined by fellow Republicans Gary Aubuchon of Cape Coral, Dorothy Hukill of Port Orange, Paige Kreegel of Punta Gorda, Speaker Pro Tempore John Legg of Port Richey, Seth McKeel of Lakeland, William Proctor of St. Augustine, Rob Schenck of Spring Hill, William Snyder of Stuart and Incoming House Speaker Will Weatherford of Wesley Chapel. Democratic Leader Ron Saunders of Key West will guide three members of his caucus in the conference -- Chuck Chestnut of Gainesville, Darryl Rouson of St. Petersburg and Franklin Sands of Weston.
With the two chambers conferring over reforms to the Florida Retirement System and the pensions of state workers, Cannon turned to Ritch Workman, R-Melbourne, while Haridopolos will either go with freshman Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Wellington, or Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, to represent the Senate. On deregulation matters, Cannon named Hukill to lead the House and Haridopolos turned toAlan Hays, R-Umatilla. Gaetz and Legg will lead their respective chambers on government reorganization conferencing. Gaetz will also lead the Senate conference on setting up the proposed State Economic Enhancement and Development (SEED) Fund. Aubuchon will lead House members conferencing on the SEED Fund. Negron and Schenck will lead their chambers as they try to reach an agreement over state employee group health insurance.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
