The current chancellor for the University System, Charles Reed, served as Graham's chief of staff. Since the emergence of a more competitive political system in Florida, the Governor's influence over major policy issues has weakened. The role of the Lieutenant Governor in Florida, as in many other states, is primarily one of a figurehead. The State Legislature The Appropriations Committee in the House and the Ways and Means Committee in the Senate make most of the important decisions about state priorities and spending, including higher education. These descriptions are particularly apt since Florida has moved toward a more competitive, two-party state.
All parties then work from the same estimates in developing the budget.
The Governor submits his budget to the Legislature and the Legislature develops its own budget. The conference process resolves disagreement over spending priorities between the House and the Senate. Once the conference committees reach agreement, the House and Senate usually support the outcome and the budget goes to the Governor for his approval. The legislative appropriations process drives higher education policy in Florida. The influence of the chairs of the Appropriations and Education Committees with regard to higher education funding and policy is significant.