[tps_title]Rep. Steve Clouse, House General Fund Budget Chairman[/tps_title]

The budget shortfall is the single biggest issue facing the state right now and Clouse is right in the middle of the action as the top Republican on the influential House General Fund budget committee.

While most lawmakers shy away from attaching their name to specific budget proposals, Clouse has shown a willingness to step out in front — even with politically unpopular solutions — and endure the inevitable wave of arrows.

He is also the wiregrass area’s only legislator who has risen into legislative leadership. That gives him additional clout in that area of the state.