Gibbons Appoints Sen. Gary Nodler as Appropriations Committee Chairman
Jun 13, 2007

JEFFERSON CITY – Senate President Pro Tem Michael R. Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, this week announced he has appointed Sen. Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, to serve as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is largely responsible for crafting the state’s budget that is constitutionally due each year.

Senator Nodler was appointed to the appropriations committee during his first year in the Senate in 2002. He then became vice-chairman in 2004 under then-chairman Sen. Chuck Gross, who recently retired from the Senate.

“Gary’s leadership and experience make him the best person to serve as chairman to protect the taxpayers,” Sen. Gibbons said. “It is an incredible responsibility to serve as the architect of a budget that exceeds $20 billion. His predecessor Chuck Gross set the standard for budget writing, and I believe Gary will succeed as well at crafting a budget that provides for the critical functions of government that taxpayers can afford.”

“I am very pleased with this new appointment,” said Sen. Nodler. “Over the past five years, I have worked with great appropriations chairmen, Senators John T. Russell and Chuck Gross, who established high standards of leadership for this committee.”

As appropriations chairman, Sen. Nodler will now oversee the budget-writing process, making sure the state’s spending plan continues to be presented balanced and on time.

“Every year, the appropriations committee deals with billions of dollars of Missouri’s money, making sure it is spent responsibly,” Sen. Nodler said. “In fulfilling this public trust, rest assured that each and every day, I will approach the state’s budget with the understanding that these funds are ours; yours and mine, and with the assurance that they are invested in a way that meets the greatest needs we face today as well as securing the best future for our children and grandchildren.”