Earlier today, the Florida Senate released its official announcement of committee chairs and members for the upcoming 2007 session.  Of particular interest is the fact that the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Ken Pruitt (R-Port St. Lucie), has been organized into a council system much like the House of Representatives.  For the 2007 session, the Senate will be organized into six groups of policy committees or councils and one Joint Legislative Budget Commission.  There will be 28 standing committees as well as several Joint Committees. 

The Florida House of Representative has yet to release their committee assignments.  They are expected to be released later this week.   

Senate President Ken Pruitt Announces Committee Chair and
Committee Member Appointments
Source: The Florida Senate
December 12, 2006

Tallahassee, FL – Senate President Ken Pruitt (R-Port St. Lucie) today released the Senate committee chairs and membership for the 2006-2008 term. Senator Pruitt will be joined by Senate President Pro Tempore Lisa Carlton (R-Sarasota), Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster (R-Orlando), and Senate Minority Leader Steve Geller (D-Hallandale Beach) this morning to make public comments about the cooperative and bipartisan appointment process.

The media availability will take place on Tuesday December 12, 2006, at 11:00 a.m., Room 221, Senate Office Building.

“President Pruitt set out to create a committee structure that would result in a fair and open process, one in which every member has an opportunity to shine,” said Senator Carlton. “I believe he has set the stage for a productive two years.”

“Every Senator represents thousands of Floridians who want their voices heard in government,” said Senator Webster. “Our goal was to ensure that Senators had a position of influence so they could make a difference for the communities they represent.”

 “I’m grateful to President Pruitt and his team for carrying on the Senate tradition of working together in a bipartisan fashion,” said Senator Geller. “He’s given the Democratic leadership an unparalleled opportunity in shaping our state’s future by participating in the committee assignments and vice-chair positions. Heeding the voters’ instructions, both parties are committed to working together for the common good; a cooperation I hope and trust will continue through Session.”

“I want to thank Senator Webster, Senator Carlton, and Senator Geller for their work on these assignments,” said President Pruitt. “We now move forward from a time of organizing to the important task of governing. Florida is facing serious challenges – and I know that together we will find relief for our families.”

Senate Committee Assignments by Member

Senate Committee Assignments by Committee

Media Availability Information