State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto

State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, (R-Dist. 27) was appointed as chairman of the state’s Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations. The announcement by Senate President Mike Haridopolos was made over the weekend.

Benacquisto’ district stretches from parts of Fort Myers, most of Lehigh Acres and across the state to West Palm Beach. Haridopolos announced changes to committee assignments including Benacquisto’s appointment Friday afternoon.

The Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations represents the Senate in budgeting and overseeing the funding and other financial matters of the following state entities, Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development; Department of Transportation; Department of Community Affairs (including the Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Housing Finance Corporation); Department of State; Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; Department of Military Affairs; and the Agency for Workforce Innovation.

“The broad jurisdiction of this subcommittee provides great opportunity to continue to seek ways to improve government efficiency, protect the taxpayer’s investment, and promote economic development to help spur job growth. I am honored that the president of the senate has bestowed his faith in me to chair this important committee,” Benacquisto said.