from staff
The 60-day 2011 legislative session began March 8. Sen. John Thrasher, a Republican representing District 8, chairs the Duval Legislative Delegation.
Thrasher, an attorney, was elected to the Senate in October 2009 and was subsequently re-elected.
He served in the House of Representatives 1992-2000 and was House Speaker 1998-2000.
The Daily Record has been featuring legislators during the session.
What is the biggest issue facing Northeast Florida this session?
I believe a number of issues impact the Northeast Florida area as well as the entire state: creating jobs, reducing taxes for all Florida taxpayers and providing adequate resources for our school children across the state. But one issue unique to our area and I know is important to my constituents is the protection and preservation of our St. Johns River. I’ve worked hard within the resources our state has to find funding to continue the work of protecting and preserving one of our most treasured natural resources.
What will your role be in resolving it?
As an at-large member on the Senate Budget Conference Committee, I look forward to the opportunity to discuss with my colleagues the importance of providing adequate funding for the St. Johns River. Currently, the Senate has set aside $10 million for the St. Johns River and we hope the House will concur as the budget negotiations move forward.
What bill are you sponsoring or supporting that you consider most significant?
Two significant bills I sponsored this session are:
SB 626 - Shands Sovereign Immunity.
This legislation will place clear, specific provisions in Florida Statutes to codify that the Shands Hospital in Gainesville is under the operational control of the University of Florida and subject to sovereign immunity.
SB 478 - Tax Collector Statutory Revisions.
I sponsored this legislation at the request of Florida’s 67 county tax collectors. This bill will streamline their operations, bring the tax collectors’ offices up to speed with the use of new technologies, and eliminate duplicative functions which, in turn, will save Floridians time and hard-earned tax dollars.
Do you have support for them?
Yes, SB 626 unanimously passed through each scheduled committee and is poised to be sent to the governor.
Yes, SB 478 unanimously passed through each scheduled committee as well as the Senate floor. After action by the House, it too, will be sent to the governor.
What’s the hottest legislative issue this week?
The most important legislative issues into the final days of the session tend to revolve around the budget. The Florida Constitution requires the Legislature to pass a balanced budget and we plan to do so without raising taxes and fees.