OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, House Speaker Jeffrey W. Hickman announced the chairs and vice chairs for the standing House committees and appropriation subcommittees of the 55th Oklahoma Legislature.
“I am truly grateful for our members who are willing to serve in leadership roles for our committees,” said Hickman, R-Fairview. “We are blessed with very talented members in the House, and I am confident those I have asked to serve as chairs and vice chairs will use their varied experiences in the private sector to help move Oklahoma forward.”
Administrative Rules:
Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee, Chair
Rep. John Michael Montgomery, R-Lawton, Vice Chair
Agriculture & Rural Development:
Rep. Jon Enns, R-Enid, Chair
Rep. Scott Biggs, R-Chickasha, Vice Chair
Alcohol, Tobacco & Controlled Substances:
Rep. David Derby, R-Owasso, Chair
Rep. William Fourkiller, D-Stillwell, Vice Chair
Appropriations & Budget:
Rep. Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville, Chair
Rep. Dennis Casey, R-Morrison, Vice Chair
A & B Education Subcommittee:
Rep. Scott Martin, R-Norman, Chair
Rep. Katie Henke, R-Tulsa, Vice Chair
A & B General Government Subcommittee:
Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan, Chair
Rep. Gary Banz, R-Midwest City, Vice Chair
A & B Health Subcommittee:
Rep. Doug Cox, R-Grove, Chair
Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, Vice Chair
A & B Human Services Subcommittee:
Rep. Pat Ownbey, R-Ardmore, Chair
Rep. Wade Rousselot, D-Wagoner, Vice Chair
A & B Natural Resources & Regulatory Services Subcommittee:
Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Mustang, Chair
Rep. John Pfeiffer, R-Mulhall, Vice Chair
A & B Public Safety Subcommittee:
Rep. John Bennett, R-Sallisaw, Chair
Rep. Lisa Billy, R-Lindsay, Vice Chair
A & B Judiciary Subcommittee:
Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa, Chair
Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City, Vice Chair
A & B Revenue & Tax Subcommittee:
Rep. David Dank, R-Oklahoma City, Chair
Rep. Charles McCall, R-Atoka, Vice Chair
A & B Transportation Subcommittee:
Rep. Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher, Chair
Rep. Ken Walker, R-Tulsa, Vice Chair
Banking & Financial Services:
Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell, Chair
Rep. James Leewright, R-Bristow, Vice Chair
Business, Labor & Retirement Laws:
Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City, Chair
Rep. Chuck Strohm, R-Jenks, Vice Chair
Children, Youth & Family Services:
Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, Chair
Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa, Vice Chair
Common Education:
Rep. Ann Coody, R-Lawton, Chair
Rep. Michael Rogers, R-Broken Arrow, Vice Chair
County & Municipal Government:
Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, Chair
Rep. Scooter Park, R-Devol, Vice Chair
Criminal Justice & Corrections:
Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa, Chair
Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa, Vice Chair
Economic Development, Commerce & Real Estate:
Rep. Dan Kirby, R-Tulsa, Chair
Rep. Marian Cooksey, R-Edmond, Vice Chair
Elections & Ethics:
Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R-Moore, Chair
Rep. Donnie Condit, D-McAlester, Vice Chair
Energy & Natural Resources:
Rep. Weldon Watson, R-Tulsa, Chair
Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, Vice Chair
Environmental Law:
Rep. Kevin Calvey, R-Oklahoma City, Chair
Rep. Travis Dunlap, R-Bartlesville, Vice Chair
Government Oversight & Accountability:
Rep. Tom Newell, R-Seminole, Chair
Rep. John Paul Jordan, R-Yukon, Vice Chair
Higher Ed & Career Tech:
Rep. Harold Wright, R-Weatherford, Chair
Rep. Justin Wood, R-Shawnee, Vice Chair
Insurance:
Rep. Glen Mulready, R-Tulsa, Chair
Rep. Jeff Coody, R-Grandfield, Vice Chair
Judiciary & Civil Procedure:
Rep. Randy Grau, R-Edmond, Chair
Rep. Jonathan Echols, R-Oklahoma City, Vice Chair
Long-term Care & Senior Services:
Rep. Jadine Nollan, R-Sand Springs, Chair
Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, D-Tulsa, Vice Chair
Public Health:
Rep. Mike Ritze, R-Broken Arrow, Chair
Rep. Elise Hall, R-Oklahoma City, Vice Chair
Public Safety:
Rep. Mike Christian, R-Oklahoma City, Chair
Rep. Bobby Cleveland, R-Norman, Vice Chair
Rules:
Rep. Tommy Hardin, R-Madill, Chair
Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City, Vice Chair
State & Federal Relations:
Rep. Lewis Moore, R-Arcadia, Chair
Rep. Dan Fisher, R-El Reno, Vice Chair
State Government Operations:
Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie, Chair
Rep. Mark Lepak, R- Claremore, Vice Chair
Transportation:
Rep. Charlie Joyner, R-Midwest City, Chair
Rep. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, Vice Chair
Tourism & International Relations:
Rep. Josh Cockroft, R-Tecumseh, Chair
Rep. R.C. Pruett, D-Antlers, Vice Chair
Utilities:
Rep. Todd Thomsen, R-Ada, Chair
Rep. David Brumbaugh, R-Broken Arrow, Vice Chair
Veterans & Military Affairs:
Rep. Dustin Roberts, R-Durant, Chair
Rep. Jerry Shoemake, D-Morris, Vice Chair
Wildlife:
Rep. Steve Vaughan, R-Ponca City, Chair
Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, Vice Chair
Friday, December 12, 2014
Monday, December 8, 2014
Freshman Lawmakers Attend Orientation at State Capitol to Learn Legislative Process
OKLAHOMA CITY – Most of the 22 new lawmakers recently elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives attended the first day of a two-day orientation session at the state Capitol on Monday to learn the ins and outs of the legislative process and meet the House staff.
Freshman lawmakers were instructed on how to use the electronic filing system to file a bill and how to present a bill in committee and on the House floor. The House parliamentarian instructed lawmakers on how to make a motion and covered some of the most common procedural issues that arise. The lawmakers also met House staff and learned what each division’s duties are in the legislative process. Tomorrow, the new members will learn how the state budget is put together and will hear from representatives within the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to discuss relevant ethics rules.
State Rep. Jeff Coody has a better understanding than most on what to expect. His mother, state Rep. Ann Coody, represents House District 64 at the Legislature. Still, he said the orientation exposed him to things that don’t often come up in conversations with his mother.
“There really is a lot to learn in order to be an effective representative for my constituents,” said Coody, R-Lawton. “It’s much more than just having a good idea for a bill and presenting it for a vote. There is a lot of procedural maneuvering and understanding of the rules that may be the difference between getting a bill passed or not, so I’m grateful that the House offers this to us so we can hit the ground running in February.”
Coody, an insurance agent from Lawton, was elected to House District 63 to replace former state Rep. Don Armes, who was term limited and unable to run for legislative office again.
Oklahoma City college professor and businessman Jason Dunnington said the day-long orientation was helpful for new lawmakers who often have a very limited understanding of how the process of legislating actually works.
“I think most of us have a very good idea of what takes place here at the Capitol, but there are so many long-standing rules and procedures for actually getting things done here that you have to get a head start,” said Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City. “It would be very difficult to show up on the first day of session without having first been exposed to some of these processes. Also, it was very helpful to meet the staff and get an idea of who to go to when I need assistance with something.”
Dunnington was elected to House District 88 and replaces former state Rep. Kay Floyd, who ran for and won a seat in the state Senate.
Representatives Coody and Dunnington, and their new colleagues, still have much to do before the 2015 legislative session begins. The deadline for requesting bills is this Friday, December 12, and the deadline for filing bills is January 22, 2015.
On Tuesday, January 6, the Legislature will meet for Organization Day, a Constitutionally required day for the Oklahoma House to meet, certify the members of the recently elected 55th Oklahoma Legislature and then officially nominate and vote on a new House Speaker and Speaker Pro-Tem for the upcoming legislative session that begins in February.
The 55th Oklahoma Legislature convenes on February 2, 2015 at noon.
Freshman lawmakers were instructed on how to use the electronic filing system to file a bill and how to present a bill in committee and on the House floor. The House parliamentarian instructed lawmakers on how to make a motion and covered some of the most common procedural issues that arise. The lawmakers also met House staff and learned what each division’s duties are in the legislative process. Tomorrow, the new members will learn how the state budget is put together and will hear from representatives within the Oklahoma Ethics Commission to discuss relevant ethics rules.
State Rep. Jeff Coody has a better understanding than most on what to expect. His mother, state Rep. Ann Coody, represents House District 64 at the Legislature. Still, he said the orientation exposed him to things that don’t often come up in conversations with his mother.
“There really is a lot to learn in order to be an effective representative for my constituents,” said Coody, R-Lawton. “It’s much more than just having a good idea for a bill and presenting it for a vote. There is a lot of procedural maneuvering and understanding of the rules that may be the difference between getting a bill passed or not, so I’m grateful that the House offers this to us so we can hit the ground running in February.”
Coody, an insurance agent from Lawton, was elected to House District 63 to replace former state Rep. Don Armes, who was term limited and unable to run for legislative office again.
Oklahoma City college professor and businessman Jason Dunnington said the day-long orientation was helpful for new lawmakers who often have a very limited understanding of how the process of legislating actually works.
“I think most of us have a very good idea of what takes place here at the Capitol, but there are so many long-standing rules and procedures for actually getting things done here that you have to get a head start,” said Dunnington, D-Oklahoma City. “It would be very difficult to show up on the first day of session without having first been exposed to some of these processes. Also, it was very helpful to meet the staff and get an idea of who to go to when I need assistance with something.”
Dunnington was elected to House District 88 and replaces former state Rep. Kay Floyd, who ran for and won a seat in the state Senate.
Representatives Coody and Dunnington, and their new colleagues, still have much to do before the 2015 legislative session begins. The deadline for requesting bills is this Friday, December 12, and the deadline for filing bills is January 22, 2015.
On Tuesday, January 6, the Legislature will meet for Organization Day, a Constitutionally required day for the Oklahoma House to meet, certify the members of the recently elected 55th Oklahoma Legislature and then officially nominate and vote on a new House Speaker and Speaker Pro-Tem for the upcoming legislative session that begins in February.
The 55th Oklahoma Legislature convenes on February 2, 2015 at noon.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Hickman Announces House Leadership Appointments
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Speaker Jeff Hickman today announced several appointments to leadership positions, naming the majority floor leader, floor leaders and majority whip.
Hickman named state Rep. Charles Ortega to serve as majority floor leader. Hickman said that Ortega brings a unique combination of organizational experience and temperament to an important job that helps steer the House agenda.
“Every year, there are more than 2,000 bills and resolutions in the Legislature which must be considered,” said Hickman, R-Fairview. “It is absolutely vital that we operate not only efficiently, but also in a deliberative, thoughtful way which reflects the seriousness of what our constituents send us here to accomplish. I am confident that Rep. Ortega is the right person for this job.
Ortega, who served as assistant majority floor leader during the 2014 legislative session, will be responsible for reviewing legislation and overseeing the process to determine which bills will be heard on the House floor.
“It truly is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as majority floor leader,” said Ortega, R-Altus. “This is a big job and it won’t be easy, but I didn’t come here to sit on the sidelines. I welcome the challenge, and I have a vision for how the job can be done in an effective way. Our biggest challenge as a large majority is to stay focused and unified so we can accomplish pro-economic growth, conservative goals.”
In addition, Hickman named state Reps. Jason Nelson and Lisa Billy, two highly respected members throughout the House, to serve as floor leaders. Nelson and Billy will be responsible for developing the calendar and directing floor activity, including the scheduling of bills and resolutions for votes on the floor.
“I have had a lot of wonderful experiences during my time in the House, but I really am honored to be asked by Speaker Hickman to serve in this particular role,” said Nelson, R-Oklahoma City. “This is an opportunity to serve the members by ensuring a fair and efficient process for doing our work on the floor on the House of Representatives, and I am looking forward to that.”
“I am very grateful that Speaker Hickman asked me to serve in this role,” said Billy, R-Lindsay. “Debating bills and casting votes gets all the attention, but the process behind the scenes is where the rubber meets the road. I really believe the house has a great opportunity to advance a conservative, Oklahoma-values agenda, and I am glad that I get to be a part of it.”
Finally, Hickman appointed state Rep. Gary Banz to serve as majority whip, responsible for assisting the floor leaders and for ensuring that votes are in place and members are in attendance. The whip also serves as a sounding board for members who may have concerns on upcoming legislation.
“The real benefit of this role is that I get to interact with my colleagues on a daily basis,” said Banz, R-Midwest City. “One of the great aspects of being at the Capitol is the relationships you build with people from all across this state, many of whom you may have very little in common with other than the shared commitment to making our state better. Personally, I am very excited about the upcoming session.”
The 55th Oklahoma Legislature convenes on February 2, 2015 at noon.
Hickman named state Rep. Charles Ortega to serve as majority floor leader. Hickman said that Ortega brings a unique combination of organizational experience and temperament to an important job that helps steer the House agenda.
“Every year, there are more than 2,000 bills and resolutions in the Legislature which must be considered,” said Hickman, R-Fairview. “It is absolutely vital that we operate not only efficiently, but also in a deliberative, thoughtful way which reflects the seriousness of what our constituents send us here to accomplish. I am confident that Rep. Ortega is the right person for this job.
Ortega, who served as assistant majority floor leader during the 2014 legislative session, will be responsible for reviewing legislation and overseeing the process to determine which bills will be heard on the House floor.
“It truly is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as majority floor leader,” said Ortega, R-Altus. “This is a big job and it won’t be easy, but I didn’t come here to sit on the sidelines. I welcome the challenge, and I have a vision for how the job can be done in an effective way. Our biggest challenge as a large majority is to stay focused and unified so we can accomplish pro-economic growth, conservative goals.”
In addition, Hickman named state Reps. Jason Nelson and Lisa Billy, two highly respected members throughout the House, to serve as floor leaders. Nelson and Billy will be responsible for developing the calendar and directing floor activity, including the scheduling of bills and resolutions for votes on the floor.
“I have had a lot of wonderful experiences during my time in the House, but I really am honored to be asked by Speaker Hickman to serve in this particular role,” said Nelson, R-Oklahoma City. “This is an opportunity to serve the members by ensuring a fair and efficient process for doing our work on the floor on the House of Representatives, and I am looking forward to that.”
“I am very grateful that Speaker Hickman asked me to serve in this role,” said Billy, R-Lindsay. “Debating bills and casting votes gets all the attention, but the process behind the scenes is where the rubber meets the road. I really believe the house has a great opportunity to advance a conservative, Oklahoma-values agenda, and I am glad that I get to be a part of it.”
Finally, Hickman appointed state Rep. Gary Banz to serve as majority whip, responsible for assisting the floor leaders and for ensuring that votes are in place and members are in attendance. The whip also serves as a sounding board for members who may have concerns on upcoming legislation.
“The real benefit of this role is that I get to interact with my colleagues on a daily basis,” said Banz, R-Midwest City. “One of the great aspects of being at the Capitol is the relationships you build with people from all across this state, many of whom you may have very little in common with other than the shared commitment to making our state better. Personally, I am very excited about the upcoming session.”
The 55th Oklahoma Legislature convenes on February 2, 2015 at noon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
