State lawmaker criticizes new law maintaining governor-appointed GRU Authority Board

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - State Rep. Yvonne Hinson (D-Gainesville) released a statement Monday, arguing against a law which affirms the governor-appointed GRU Authority Board’s control over the utility.

The bill “expressly preempts” control of any utility authority board created after 2022 to the state. Gov. DeSantis began appointing people to GRU’s authority board in 2023.

GRU CEO Ed Bielarski said Friday the bill ensures the authority board puts customers first.

“As a municipal utility, we have to care for all our customers and under the state-mandated authority, that’s what we’re doing,” Bielarski said. “We’re building a strong foundation for the utility going forward that will benefit everyone in the community.”

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