New Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Spring Hill, tapped state Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, to lead the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Simpson announced the new chairwoman in a memo sent out on Friday.
“We are all well aware that the ongoing pandemic has placed a tremendous amount of stress on Florida’s economy, and in turn our state budget. While the most recent reports indicate that our state is recovering more quickly than we initially thought possible, there is no question that much of our time over the next two years will be spent studying issues related to our budget,” Simpson noted in the memo.
“I have served with Senator Stargel throughout my entire time here in the Senate and have witnessed her ability to effectively manage complex policy and budget issues. She will be a key member of the Senate leadership and will work to ensure all senators have the opportunity to play a role in drafting our state budget. Along those lines, you can expect to receive additional information from Senator Stargel in the coming days,” he continued.
“Even under traditional circumstances, the detailed and time-intensive post of Appropriations chair is one of the most demanding responsibilities in the Legislature. Kelli is a strong leader, and I am confident she will be an effective member of the Senate leadership in this important role,” Simpson concluded.
Stargel made her first bow in Tallahassee in 2008 when she was elected to the Florida House. Four years later, she won a Senate seat. Stargel represents parts of Polk and Lake Counties and faces term limits in 2022.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
