Staff Report
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn) announced Wednesday that Representative Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) will serve as chairman of the Ways and Means General Fund Committee following the recently announced resignation of Rep. Jim Barton (R-Mobile).
Hubbard said the choice was obvious because of Clouse’s performance as co-chairman of the committee during the 2013 regular legislative session and his leadership position as Chairman of the House Banking and Finance Committee.
“At a time when revenues are shrinking and expenses are growing, chairing the Ways and Means General Fund Committee demands a great deal of time, effort and wisdom, and Rep. Clouse has proven that he is willing and able to meet the challenge,” Hubbard said. “Unlike the out-of-control spending from the federal government, Alabama is required to live within its means. I am absolutely confident that Chairman Clouse will continue to practice fiscal responsibility and do what’s best for our taxpayers.”
The Ways and Means General Fund Committee is one of the most influential panels in the Alabama Legislature, overseeing appropriations of $1.7 billion and providing funding for the vast majority of state agencies including crucial programs like Medicaid, the Department of Corrections, the Court System, and Public Health and Safety.
“I deeply appreciate Speaker Hubbard’s confidence in handing me the responsibility that comes with being chairman of the General Fund Committee,” said Clouse. “As chairman, I will continue to make common-sense decisions that ensure taxpayer dollars are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible. Under Speaker Hubbard’s leadership, we are reforming state government and changing the way Montgomery operates. I am committed to continuing those reforms.”
Clouse has served House District 93 since 1994, which encompasses Dale and Houston Counties. A graduate of the University of Alabama, he is Vice-President of Clouse Marketing Company in Ozark.
