Rep. Denise Grimsley, R-Lake Placid, was named House Appropriations Committee chairwoman last week by incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, who will take over if Republicans maintain control of the 120-member chamber.
A registered nurse and citrus company owner, Grimsley has spent the past few years as head of the Houses health care budget committee:
Here are five questions for the woman who will be one of the most powerful in the House in the coming two years, and her responses.
NSF: With a $2.5 billion deficit facing lawmakers next year, obviously either the budget will have to be cut or revenue raised. While the House leadership has been clear that it doesnt want to raise taxes, are there other possible sources of new revenue, such as fees, or closing tax loopholes that might be looked at?
GRIMSLEY: I anticipate the House will explore available options. However, I am sure members will be reluctant about placing additional cost burdens upon Floridians at a time when they are still struggling with the effects of a weakened economy. I believe first and foremost that our obligation is to examine how to best live within our means and reduce spending to fit within our revenues, while allowing for sufficient reserves.
NSF: Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott has proposed cutting corporate income tax and lowering the required local effort for schools which might mean property tax cuts. Is the House likely to push for tax cuts, even with the budget deficit?
GRIMSLEY: From looking for tax relief to help recharge our economy and help create jobs, we have always worked to lower the tax burden on Floridians. We will continue to look for ways to cut taxes while remaining mindful that we have a constitutional obligation to provide necessary services for Floridians and responsibly balance the states budget.
NSF: There are all kinds of pressing issues your successor on the health care budget committee will face, from low reimbursement rates for providers, to the increasing cost of Medicaid, and the loss of stimulus money. Whats the biggest, most important thing that has to be done in the health care budget this year.
GRIMSLEY: In health care, we will have to deal with the continuing fiscal pressure placed on the state because of the Medicaid program as well as start to deal with the future impacts and requirements of national health care reform. These are complex issues that take time and cross policy and budget lines. Continuing our effort from last year, the House will continue to comprehensively explore options to get to the right solution or solutions.
NSF: What will be the Houses appropriations stance on federal money that may be coming down the pipe, FMAP for example? How will you address those in your budget process?
GRIMSLEY: We have already received additional FMAP funding. The budget contemplated that contingency, with specific proviso allowing those funds to be added to the budget by the LBC (Legislative Budget Commission). This occurred Sept. 14. The additional funds will help offset future Medicaid deficits.
NSF: Do you plan any major staffing changes within the Appropriations Committee?
GRIMSLEY: House staff work for the speaker. I have not had any discussions with him yet regarding the appropriations staff.
