A.G. Gancarski
For the second straight year, Northeast Florida Republican Rob Bradley will chair the Senate Appropriations Committee.
With Rep. Travis Cummings chairing the House’s budget panel, that means Clay County has two lawmakers overseeing statewide spending decisions for the 2019 Legislative Session.
Bradley replaced Jack Latvala ahead of the 2018 Legislative Session, when the Clearwater Republican quit the Senate amid sexual misconduct claims. The Fleming Island Republican also is well-positioned with Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis.
Both he and Cummings endorsed DeSantis weeks ahead of the primary, part of the first wave of elected leaders willing to break from DeSantis’ primary opponent, Adam Putnam.
Late last year, Bradley described his approach as “getting the job done with as little drama as possible.”
And given the ideological and temperamental alignment he shares with Clay County colleague Cummings, it’s hard to imagine too much rancor in the process.
After a budget accord was struck last year, Bradley pointed to budgetary successes, including $100 million for the Florida Forever environmental land-buying program and $400 million for a school-safety initiative in the wake of the Parkland mass shooting in February.
Pay raises went to state law enforcement officers, assistant state attorneys, state firefighters, assistant public defenders and probation and detention officers in the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Bradley, as one would expect, is optimistic about the upcoming Legislative Session.
“The Senate will continue to advocate for low taxes, healthy reserves and necessary investments in our education and infrastructure systems,” Bradley said.
And what is clear: Bradley feels comfortable regarding his priorities regarding environmental spending being shared by the executive branch: “I’m particularly excited that Governor-Elect DeSantis shares my passion to preserve Florida’s unique environment. I look forward to working with him to build on the good work that has already been done.”
That optimism extends to dealing with the House also.
“With President Galvano’s leadership, I fully expect that the Senate will have an outstanding working relationship with the House and our new Governor. The stars are aligned for an incredibly productive two years,” Bradley added.
Two budget subcommittees also will be chaired by Bradley’s regional brethren.
Sen. Aaron Bean (who also happens to be Bradley’s brother-in-law) will helm the Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and Sen. Travis Hutson will head up the Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development.
On Monday evening, Bradley tweeted: “I’m humbled and honored to continue serving as @FLSenate Appropriations Chair. Thanks to our President and my dear friend @BillGalvano for this incredible opportunity.”
While the Legislative Session can often be turbulent, it’s clear that the budget chair expects smooth sailing going in. If so, that will boost the fortunes of all, including the new Governor he supported during the primary process.
