Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, and Rep. Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, took the reins today when both were sworn in to their respective positionsas Florida's Senate president and speaker of the House.
Both were elected unanimously.
"We certainly have the opportunity to hit the ground running," said Gardiner in his remarks to Senate members at Tuesday's organizational meeting.
First elected to the Florida Senate in 2008, Gardiner took over the position from Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and will serve as head of the 40-person chamber until 2016.
Gardiner announced Senate committees would be selected by early December. But don't expect his committees to be large in size. The new Senate president said he doesn't want senators to serve on too many committees.
"My hope is to have senators sit on fewer committees, providing each senator more time to delve into the big issues of the day," said Gardiner. "This means, committees will be smaller, more senators will be empowered and expected to take on leadership roles."
Other appointments were made during the Senates organizational meeting. Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, was unanimously elected as president pro tempore while Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, will serve as the Senate Republican Party (majority) leader. Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, will serve as the Senate minority leader.
Both the Senate and the House vowed to push for progress during the upcoming legislative session.
In the House, new Speaker Steve Crisafulli explained the House will be unified in its approach to passing legislation next year.
"After all, its not just Democrats or Republicans who face the challenges and adversity," he said in his remarks to House members. "Its not just Democrats or Republicans who have to grapple with an unemployment rate that is still too high, with a school system that still fails too many kids, or with the reality that too many Florida families are still struggling to make ends meet."
United, Crisafulli contended, legislators can make a real impact on the state of Florida.
"As members of the House, we will tackle these challenges together," he said. "And it is by working together that we can achieve the real solutions Floridians expect from us."
Committees will begin meeting the first week of January. The regular legislative session will begin Mar. 3, 2015.
