Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, says Rep. Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, will serve as the chairman of the Ways And Means General Fund Committee after the resignation of Rep. Jim Barton, R-Mobile, was announced on Wednesday.

Hubbard says it was an obvious choice because Clouse was the co-chairman of the committee during the 2013 legislative session and Clouse’s position has chairman of the House Banking and Finance Committee.

“At the times when revenue is 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 as proven that he is willing to and able to meet the challenge.” Hubbard says. “Unlike the out-of-control spending of the federal government, Alabama is required to live within it’s means. I am 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 responsible of $1.7 billion in appropriations and funding state agencies including: Medicaid, the Court System, the Department of Public Health and Safety, and Department of Corrections.

Clouse was honored to take over as chairman on the committee.

“As chairman, I will continue to make common-sense decisions that ensure taxpayer dollars are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible.” Clouse says. “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 comprised of Dale and Houston counties, since 1994.

Yellowhammer news reported earlier this month that Barton would likely resign.

Rep. Barton held the seat of House District 104 since 2000. It covers Mobile county.