Sen. Ed Hooper: It’s no accident Florida is in the best financial condition of any state

PALM HARBOR, Fla. – Sen. Ed Hooper, R-Palm Harbor, will be the first to admit there is more work to be done when it comes to funding projects or solving issues for people who live here – but the District 21 lawmaker believes having a surplus of money is something Floridians can be proud of.

“The State of Florida is probably in the best financial condition of any state in the union. And that doesn’t happen by accident,” he told Florida’s Voice. “That takes good planning, good leadership, in a state where people come to, move to and want to visit.”

Hooper is a member of both the Appropriations Committee as well as the Criminal and Justice Committee. He is also chairman of the Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development.

He highlighted where Florida’s money is spent, and how much funding the state has set aside for a growing population in need of better roads, bridges, airports, seaports, and being prepared for catastrophic events.

“We have incredible reserves we’re in a position where we can put a fair amount, I think more than $10-billion in reserves,” Hooper said. “We have a nice fund called the CAT fund for hurricane preparedness and spending should a devastating storm hit Florida.”

It is his job to make sure a balanced budget is sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“We’re required to pass a balanced budget, and we do so every year,” he said. “It’s our only requirement.”

“But we did so many good things this year like issues that were important to [Senate] President Passidomo, issues that were important to the governor, issues that are important to the house,” Hooper said.

The Pinellas County lawmaker said deciding who gets funding is probably one of the toughest parts of the job because every member of the legislature has a list of programs they feel passionate about.

“They all give me their big master list, and it’s more money than we could ever fund. And then I ask, ‘Okay, so now the burden is on you, you get to pick your top four priorities,” Hooper said. “Don’t make me pick them for you, you pick them, and you get me those four, and we might be able to do three of them.'”

“They look at you like well, I don’t want to do that. And it’s like, you want me to pick them? I’ll be glad to but you might not like the result,” Hooper added.

Hooper said what most people don’t understand is that no matter what priority project is presented, each proposal has to move through committees, then the chambers.

“I don’t think anybody leaves Tallahassee at the end of the session, happy. But they all feel like, at least they got some important issues resolved that, and they’ll come back next year,” he said. “And we’ll see a lot of those projects ask for again, and then we can address them.”

One area of concern Hooper continues to work toward is helping Floridians address the rapidly rising costs of car insurance and homeowner’s insurance.

In the meantime, the retired firefighter who spent 28 years in a profession that saves lives, Hooper was able to work in protections for first responders.

He worked with Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary, of Florida’s 10th District to draw attention to the opioid overdose pandemic in the United States with the institution of “Revive Awareness Day.”

“You don’t get to screen people before you respond to an emergency,” Hooper said. “You’re showing up to every event that you’re called for in a timely manner knowing that you can be exposed to a variety of issues and sicknesses and diseases or drugs, or drug users who sometimes are impossible to handle and corral.”

“My allegiance will always be making sure that the fire, EMS community and the law enforcement community are never wanting for something to keep them safe and keep our community safe,” he said.

Hooper is also passionate about affordable housing for Floridians too – part of why he is seeking $3 million for funding for organizations like Habitat For Humanity of East and Central Pasco County.

“In my district, I think they’re up to approaching 900 homes that have been built. People can get a home of their own with a no interest loan,” he said about the non-profit.

The senator is hopeful the governor will also approve $2 million for Metropolitan Ministries, a nonprofit that provides families with food through out the year, including special Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

“We try to make sure that we get them some funding to where they can offer their services, not only giving out food, but helping people learn how to get a better job, be able to rent or rent an apartment or a home,” Hooper said.

Hooper is running for reelection this November. If he wins, he will be “termed out” when that assignment ends. There is also a good chance he could become the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee under upcoming President Ben Albritton.

He remains excited about the future, but joked, “There’s only 40 of us. And you know, this is a big state.”

“It keeps you busy,” he said. “I tell people, ‘It’s the best, worst paying job I’ve ever had’ and I’m excited about the next four years.”