After a major overhaul of the state’s school choice policies last year, the incoming Florida Senate President has proposed a separate committee to examine Pre-K through 12th education
Senate President Designate Ben Albritton unveiled his latest leadership assignments today, solidifying key roles for Florida’s upcoming legislative session with a focus on fiscal stewardship, educational reform, and infrastructure investments. The appointments, announced in a news release, highlight an array of experienced leaders positioned to manage Florida’s budget and guide policy across diverse sectors.
In the memo, Albritton emphasizes responsible allocation of taxpayer funds amid increasing demands from various state priorities, especially public education, healthcare, and environmental protection. Notably, Albritton announced new chairs for appropriations committees tailored to specific areas of the state budget, and proposed separate appropriation committees for Pre-K through 12th grade education and higher ed.
Among those appointed is Senator Gayle Harrell as chair of the Appropriations Committee on Higher Education, where her extensive experience is expected to sustain and advance Florida’s top-ranked higher education system. Senator Danny Burgess, a fellow homeschool parent alongside Albritton, will lead the Pre-K–12 Education Appropriations Committee, overseeing funding for Florida’s diverse educational institutions, from public schools to homeschool programs. Burgess is expected to play a pivotal role in reinforcing parental rights and ensuring educational success across varied learning environments.
Senator Jason Brodeur, who Albritton last week tapped as Senate President Pro Tempore, continues his role as chair of the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government, where he will focus on sustaining Florida’s food supply and clean water infrastructure.
Additionally, the reorganization includes Senator Ileana Garcia as chair of the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice, supporting law enforcement and prison reform efforts. Senator Jay Trumbull was appointed to chair the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee, aiming to expand access to healthcare, while Senator Nick DiCeglie takes the helm for Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development, with a special emphasis on hurricane recovery and infrastructure resilience following recent storms in his district.
In a parallel announcement last week, Albritton introduced the broader leadership team, including Senator Ed Hooper as chair of the overarching Appropriations Committee, a role critical to crafting the state’s balanced budget within the 60-day legislative session. Senator Joe Gruters will head the Fiscal Policy Committee, tasked with evaluating bills impacting the state budget, especially as Florida transitions from pandemic-era spending.
In these roles, each chair will wield considerable influence, balancing constituent needs with fiscal responsibility, all while coordinating closely with Senate Majority Leader Jim Boyd, who Albritton praised for his efforts to stabilize Florida’s property insurance market. The appointments showcase a Senate leadership prepared to tackle Florida’s pressing issues, from educational advancements and healthcare to environmental sustainability and infrastructure readiness, setting the stage for the 2024-2026 legislative term.
Here’s the full memo:
| TO: | All Senators |
| FROM: | Ben Albritton |
| SUBJECT: | Appropriations Committee Chairs |
| DATE: | November 13, 2024 |
Stewardship of hard-earned tax dollars is a tall task, particularly when it comes to working within an allocation to balance the funding priorities of the Governor, our state agencies, our partners in the Florida House, and those our Senators bring forward from their home communities.
Leading an Appropriations Committee is a significant, demanding responsibility. I have asked the following Senators to serve as Chairs of our Senate Appropriations Committees. Each of these appointments represents a substantial position of trust and authority. I’m grateful to each Senator listed below for agreeing to step into a key leadership position. Along with Chair Hooper, I know they will work hard to ensure all of your voices and those of your constituents are reflected in where we prioritize the limited taxpayer dollars we are entrusted with.
The education policy changes passed over the last two years have solidified Florida’s spot as the national leader in school choice. We are also leading the way on deregulation, which will help cut red tape and let our traditional public schools compete in the new universal choice paradigm. Meanwhile, our top-ranked higher education system continues to earn national accolades. Under President Passidomo, the committees on Pre-K–12 Education and Postsecondary Education were able to focus exclusively on the unique policy issues facing these two education systems. I am proposing we establish separate appropriations committees to allow for the same level of review of our education spending.
Senator Gayle Harrell – Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Senator Harrell will chair our Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education. Senator Harrell is our longest-serving legislator, with years of institutional knowledge gained through service in the House and Senate. She knows what it took to get our colleges and universities to the top, and what it will take to keep them there. We’ve made historic investments in our higher education system, and we need to continue to look for ways to advance research and produce the skilled workforce our growing state will demand. Senator Harrell has the experience to ensure our higher education system produces the outcomes our state and students deserve.
Senator Danny Burgess – Appropriations Committee on Pre-K–12 Education
Senator Burgess will chair the Committee on Pre-K–12 Education Appropriations. As a fellow homeschool parent, I know he highly values parental rights in education. He will work hard to balance our resources to ensure parents can make the best decisions for their children’s education, whether in one of our amazing neighborhood public schools, a faith-based private school, or a customized homeschool program. Preparing our students for a lifetime of success is paramount. This is a mission Senator Burgess can effectively lead.
Senator Jason Brodeur – Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Senator Brodeur will continue to serve as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government. He shares my passion for reform and vision for continued investment in these areas, which I chaired in both the House and the Senate. Florida’s food supply and clean water infrastructure are critically important as our state continues to grow. Likewise, Floridians expect the nuts and bolts of state government agencies to run efficiently and effectively. I know I can count on Senator Brodeur to lead the Senate efforts in these key areas.
Senator Ileana Garcia – Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Senator Garcia will chair the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice. Without law and order, nothing else we do matters. Senator Garcia is a passionate advocate for law enforcement, and will work hard to make certain our law enforcement agencies and judicial system have the resources they need to keep Floridians safe. Likewise, we have made progress in recent years to improve the conditions of our prisons, enhancing safety for our corrections officers and the inmates they guard. If we believe all human life is valuable that includes those paying their debts to society. We have work to do in this area of the budget, and I know Senator Garcia is the right person for the job.
Senator Jay Trumbull – Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services
Senator Trumbull will chair the Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services. If you don’t have your health, it’s hard to focus on anything else. Under the leadership of President Passidomo, Senator Harrell, and Senator Burton, we made significant strides in growing our health care workforce and invested in technologies that increase access and help reduce costs through the passage and ongoing implementation of Live Healthy. Senator Trumbull is a thoughtful and innovative leader who will work diligently to make certain our state investments in the health of Floridians are achieving better outcomes.
Senator Nick DiCeglie – Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Senator DiCeglie will chair the Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development. As our state continues to grow, our infrastructure is the foundation for thriving communities and businesses. Over the last few years, we have made historic investments in Florida’s transportation infrastructure, and it is important we keep up the momentum. Senator DiCeglie has the experience to thoroughly review the investments the state makes to grow our economy. Additionally, I saw firsthand the devastation the recent hurricanes caused Senator DiCeglie’s community, including his own home. As we work to recover and rebuild, he will be a strong advocate for those impacted as well as ensuring the state is prepared for future storms.
Senator Bryan Avila – Committee on Finance and Tax
Senator Avila will chair the Senate Committee on Finance and Tax. There is no question inflation has significantly impacted families across our state. We see it in obvious places like the grocery store, and we feel it as increased costs for labor and goods drive up prices for routine services like an oil change or a haircut. Over the last few years, Florida has responded with historic tax relief designed to reduce the cost of raising a family, starting a business, or retiring with dignity. Senator Avila will be a strong leader for the Senate as we evaluate new opportunities to return hard-earned tax dollars to Floridians.
I look forward to sharing more leadership announcements later in the week.