Ralph Massullo eager for new role in Senate

Sen. Ralph Massullo barely had time to slide into his new job.

Fresh off the Dec. 9 Special Election win in Senate District 11, Massullo is chairing committee meetings, filing bills and meeting with constituents — all before he takes the oath of office.

That’ll come Tuesday when the Regular Session begins.

“The swearing in is ceremonial. I’m doing senatorial duties now,” he said.

Though new to the Senate, Massullo is a Capitol veteran. He served eight years in the House, left due to term limits, then waited for an opening in SD 11 that occurred when Gov. Ron DeSantis tapped Blaise Ingoglia as Chief Financial Officer.

“My main goal is to make government more efficient,” the Lecanto Republican said. “Get rid of things that are probably not as effective and concentrate on things that work better. We need to make it responsible to the people.”

As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Massullo said one focus is continuation of the Suncoast Parkway northward. The state recently opened a section between State Road 44 and County Road 486 in Citrus County; construction is underway to continue the parkway another 10 miles to U.S. 19 just north of Crystal River.

“We want to continue the Suncoast, so it doesn’t end up being a dead end,” he said. “I want to continue it up the right of ways of 19 to I-10.”

As for property tax reform, Massullo is cautious.

“I don’t know where it’s all going to shake out,” he said. “You’ve got to find where that alternative money is.”

Massullo is proposing an unrelated constitutional amendment. He sponsored SJR 1104, designed to protect students and educators who express religious viewpoints from discrimination.

“A school district shall treat a student’s voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint on otherwise permissible subject in the same manner that the school district treats a student’s voluntary expression of a secular viewpoint,” the proposal reads.

The question would go before voters in November.

Massullo, who lost his wife, Patty, just 11 months ago, is eager for this Senate new role.

“I feel good,” he said. “My goal is establishing good relationships with fellow members, help them be successful as well.”