What’s Old is New Again?
Resolutions passed by the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee would add two positions to the Florida Cabinet if they continue to advance in the current legislative session. The committee unanimously approved resolutions SJR 942 and SJR 1424, which would make the Commissioner of Education and Secretary of State elected positions that would be part of the Cabinet. The Cabinet currently includes the Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Agriculture.
The Commissioner of Education and Secretary of State previously were elected Cabinet positions until voters approved a 1998 amendment making both positions appointed and removing them from the Cabinet. In order to turn back the clock and restore these positions to the Cabinet, the resolutions would need to be approved by three-fifths of the House and Senate and receive 60 percent approval by voters in November.