House Republican Caucus Unveils Pro-Growth Strategic Plan

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Republican Caucus today unveiled their 2013 legislative agenda, which included a three-point plan addressing economic development, education reforms and infrastructure funding and maintenance.

Speaker T.W. Shannon

“Oklahomans have spoken loud and clear this year by voting in the largest Republican majority in Oklahoma history,” said House Speaker T.W. Shannon, R-Lawton. “They want overreaching regulations that limit their freedom repealed. They want policies enacted that protect their rights, that encourage job growth and prosperity and that improves our education system so their children can have a brighter future.”

On infrastructure, Speaker Shannon proposed an eight-year, pay-as-you-go plan to directly fund the upkeep and repair of infrastructure.

“In the past, the model has been to neglect infrastructure to the point of decay and then to take out bonds to repair those needs,” said Shannon. “Our plan will be similar to the eight-year transportation plan we introduced last year that allows us to prioritize projects based on need and to pay our way as we go without adding more debt onto the backs of hardworking Oklahomans.

Oklahoma House Republicans to Unveil Strategic Plan

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Oklahoma House Republicans will release this session’s agenda and goals on Thursday, January 31 at the state Capitol.  Republican leaders will give brief statements on key agenda items and take questions from the media.

Who: Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon, House Republican Caucus Leadership

What: Release of Republican Caucus Agenda

Where: Governor’s Blue Room, State Capitol

When: Thursday, January 31 at 11:30 a.m.

Inman Names Remaining Leadership Positions

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Democratic Leader yesterday announced the final leadership positions within the caucus for the 2013-2014 legislative sessions. 

Last week Leader Scott Inman of Del City named Ben Sherrer of Chouteau the Democratic Floor Leader, and this morning he unveiled the assistant leadership team who will work with Floor Leader Sherrer to advance democratic ideals on policy issues in the House chamber.

“I have chosen exemplary leaders who bring integrity, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic to these positions,” said Leader Inman. “They are a diverse group of leaders and I appreciate the strengths in the differences between each of them.”

Appointed as Assistant Democratic Floor Leaders are Steve Kouplen of Beggs, Jeannie McDaniel of Tulsa, Brian Renegar of McAlester, Wade Rousselot of Wagoner, Mike Shelton of Oklahoma City and Emily Virgin of Norman. 

Mike Brown of Tahlequah was re-appointed to the position of Democratic Appropriations and Budget Advisor. 

“These are all critical appointments that will strengthen our caucus going forward, and both Floor Leader Sherrer and I are excited to work with such a dynamic, intelligent and committed group of public servants in the coming session,” said Leader Inman.

House Democrats Announce Leadership for 54th Legislature

OKLAHOMA CITY -  House Democratic Leader Scott Inman today announced his leadership team appointments for the 54th Legislature.

“I am incredibly proud to be surrounded by such a dynamic and energetic leadership team, and I know moving forward that they will each work tirelessly to champion our democratic ideals on the House floor,” said Leader Inman, D-Del City.

Senate Democratic Leader Burrage announces leadership team

The Senate Democratic Caucus announced their leadership team for the 54th Legislature Monday. Senator Sean Burrage will once again serve as Democratic Leader.

“I’m honored to once again be entrusted to lead our caucus. I’m looking forward to working on those issues important to our members and constituents,” said Burrage, D-Claremore. “Our caucus members have a tremendous amount of expertise and we are anxious to put that knowledge to work for the citizens of Oklahoma and work with our colleagues across the aisle to strengthen Oklahoma’s economy and protect our state’s hardworking families.”

Burrage will be officially re-elected to his leadership position on Tuesday, January 8 when the Senate convenes for its Organizational Day.

The Democratic Leadership team is as follows:

House Leadership Appointments Announced

OKLAHOMA CITY – Incoming Speaker of the House T.W. Shannon announced the first round of appointments to powerful leadership posts today, tapping a diverse cross-section of the majority Republican Caucus.

"I have worked with these members for years as I served in the legislature, and now it is my honor to serve with them as leaders of this great body," said Speaker-elect Shannon, R-Lawton. "Each of them brings different talents, experiences and perspectives to our leadership team, and they will serve our colleagues well in their new positions."

Shannon chose Rep. Fred Jordan, R-Tulsa, and Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan, as Majority Leaders to help lead the House. Each will bring a unique perspective and experience to the job. Rep. Jordan, an attorney and businessman from Tulsa, and Rep. Johnson, a small business owner from Duncan, both bring separate talents that will help steer the House agenda both within the House of Representatives and with other branches of government.

Rep. Jordan expressed his eagerness to serve as Majority Leader.

"I'm honored to be serving at such a critical time in Oklahoma's history,” said Jordan. “There are many important issues before us, and it will take a lot of hard work and unity for us to come up with solutions. I look forward to being a part of that process, and I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by Speaker-elect Shannon."

"The House majority party is a diverse group of talented, experienced people who have lots of energy," said Johnson. "All of us will be working hard throughout the next session to push our specific bills through the legislative process. It gets pretty intense at times, so, one of the duties of the Majority Leader will be to help the Caucus stay focused. A unified Majority Caucus with common goals will be crucial to our success. I look forward to the task."

To serve as the next Majority Floor Leader, Shannon chose veteran legislator Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa. A former Majority Whip and senior member of the House, Peterson's legislative experience will serve the House well as the next Majority Floor Leader.

"I'm very humbled and honored to have this opportunity," said Peterson. "I am looking forward to serving with Speaker-elect Shannon in this new leadership role."

To serve as the next Majority Whip, Shannon chose Rep. Todd Thomsen, R-Ada. Rep. Thomsen serves as a coordinator for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"This is a very humbling opportunity for me, and I am honored that our Speaker-elect would ask me to serve in this capacity," said Thomsen. "I am very thankful to be able to serve my colleagues and my constituents in this leadership role, and I will do my best to earn their trust."

And finally, Shannon tapped Norman Republican Scott Martin to chair the powerful Appropriations and Budget Committee. Rep. Martin currently serves as the vice-chair of the Appropriations and Budget Committee.

"Chairing the Budget Committee is probably one of the toughest jobs in the House, but I'm up to the task," said Martin. "You don't make a lot of friends when you have to tell people 'no', but taking care of our tax dollars means we have to say 'no' to a lot of spending items.

“Considering all the uncertainty we are seeing with the federal budget, this could prove to be a difficult year for our budget here in Oklahoma. I'm honored to have this position, and I will work hard every day to watch over our tax dollars."

Shannon said he will be announcing other leadership positions in the coming weeks, including the list of committee chairmen and vice-chairmen.

"We haven't finalized every position yet, but I feel very confident we have a strong and talented group of leaders from throughout the Caucus," said Shannon. "Things feel really good right now. Our Caucus is energized and unified, and I am very optimistic about what we can accomplish this session."

Bingman Announces Leadership Staff and Senior Senate Staff

Oklahoma Capitol - Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, announced Friday the members of his Leadership staff and members of the senior Senate staff for the First Session of the 54^th Oklahoma Legislature.

Cheryl Boothe will continue to serve as Executive Assistant to the President Pro Tempore. “Cheryl has been a trusted aide for many years,” said Bingman. “I am thankful for her enthusiasm, talent, and commitment to Oklahoma. She will be essential to our success in the coming legislative session.” Boothe is a graduate of Oklahoma State University. Previously, she worked in the private sector before serving as an aide in both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate.

Amy McCord will return to the Leadership staff, managing the front desk as Administrative Assistant. Amy is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and majored in Biology and Forensics. “Amy is a skilled and dedicated individual with a sincere desire to serve her fellow Oklahomans,” said Bingman. In addition to her service in the Pro Tem’s office, Amy works with her sister and mother as a wedding planner in Oklahoma City.

John Willbanks will remain part of the Leadership staff as Appointments Secretary for Boards and Commissions. “John is one of the most dedicated and earnest public servants I know,” said Bingman. “His broad experience, even temperament, and exceptional judgment makes him the perfect fit to manage the civic appointments process.” Willbanks is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and holds a Public Relations Certificate from Rice University. Before joining the Leadership staff, Willbanks worked with former Appropriations Chairman Sen. Mike Johnson.

Trait Thompson returns to the Leadership staff and will serve as Senior Policy Advisor to the President Pro Tempore in the 54^th Legislature. “Trait has proven himself as a bright policy mind with a thorough knowledge of the legislative process. His passion for promoting a pro-jobs, pro-growth environment in Oklahoma is admirable,” Bingman said. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Oral Roberts University with a graduate degree from the George H.W. Bush School of Government at Texas A&M University. Before joining the Leadership office, Thompson worked on the campaign staff of Governor Mary Fallin. In addition to his public service, Thompson serves as a member of the Capitol Preservation Commission and teaches in the Political Science Department at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City. Thompson is also an ordained minister. He resides in the Oklahoma City area.

Jonathan Nichols, a former member of the Oklahoma State Senate, joins the Leadership staff as General Counsel to the President Pro Tempore for the 54^th Legislature. “Senator Nichols is a dedicated public servant and skilled legal advisor,” said Bingman. “I am excited to have Jonathan’s counsel and unique skill-set as we tackle the challenges facing Oklahoma.” Nichols graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and spent several years as an award-winning Assistant District Attorney before being elected to the Oklahoma state Senate. During his time in the Legislature, Senator Nichols served as Republican Caucus Chairman, Chairman of the Rules Committee, and worked intently on public safety initiatives.

Nathan Atkins will again serve as Leadership Assistant to the President Pro Tempore and Communications Director. Atkins has an extensive background in government and conservative politics. “Nathan’s dedication to smaller, simpler, and smarter government serves the Senate Republican caucus well,” said Bingman. A native of Edmond, Atkins attended Edmond Santa Fe High School and the University of Southern California. Previously, Atkins managed the 2010 re-election campaign of Congressman Tom Cole. He was part of the team that worked to elect Congressman James Lankford in 2010, and has worked for U.S. Senator James Inhofe. Additionally, he is active in civic causes in the Oklahoma City community, where he currently resides.

In addition to Leadership staff, Pro Tem Bingman announced senior Senate staff positions.

Randy Dowell will continue serving as the Senate Chief of Staff and Fiscal Director. Dowell, a graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, joined the Oklahoma state Senate staff as a Fiscal Analyst in 1999.

Bingman also announced he has selected Paul Ziriax, the Secretary of the Senate and the State Election Board Secretary, for a third two-year term. The Secretary of the Senate will be formally elected by state Senators in January. By law, the Secretary of the Senate also serves as State Election Board Secretary. The Secretary of the Senate directs the Senate's floor staff, is the custodian of official Senate records, and provides parliamentary assistance to the Senate's presiding officer. The State Election Board Secretary is the chief administrative officer of the State Election Board agency and is the state's chief election official.

Ziriax has served as Secretary of the Senate and State Election Board Secretary since 2009. Ziriax previously served for six years on the Senate staff as a media and policy advisor to the Co-President Pro Tempore and two Senate Minority Leaders, and was chief of staff and press secretary to former U.S. Congressman Wes Watkins.

House Republican Majority Caucus Elects Leadership

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two days after the election that gave Republicans a historic 72-29 seat control in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the House Republican caucus today elected its leadership and re-affirmed state Rep. T.W. Shannon as their choice for House Speaker-elect.

Speaker-elect T.W. Shannon
R-Lawton

Speaker-elect Shannon is only the sixth Republican speaker in state history.

“I am truly honored and, frankly, humbled by the support of my colleagues,” said Shannon, R-Lawton, who ran unopposed for the position. “We face many challenges in the upcoming session, but I view challenges as opportunities to lead and make our state better for every Oklahoman.

“Our nation is at a tipping point, and I truly believe Oklahoma can be a light for the rest of the nation to follow. Leaders in Washington, D.C. have proven they are incapable of leading. We have the will to get things done, and I am ready to collaborate with the entire House body to develop a conservative, free-market, limited-government agenda that will create strong, prosperous families and grow our economy.”

The Republican caucus also elected several top leadership positions today and voted on proposed caucus rules.

In addition to electing Shannon, the caucus chose state Rep. Mike Jackson as Speaker Pro Tempore-elect.

“I am looking forward to working with Speaker-elect Shannon and the members of the caucus,” said Jackson, R-Enid. “It is a privilege to serve the members, and I feel like 2013 is going to be a great year for the people of Oklahoma.”

State Rep. Weldon Watson, R-Tulsa, who also ran unopposed, was chosen as Caucus Chairman.

"It has been a privilege to serve the caucus as Chairman during the past two years, and I am honored to continue serving," said Watson. "Our caucus has continued to grow. We have a great opportunity to govern and I am excited about the potential we have to make a difference for the future of Oklahoma."

Other elected leadership positions include:

• Vice Caucus Chairman, state Rep. Harold Wright, R-Weatherford, who ran unopposed.
• Caucus Secretary, state Rep. Elise Hall, R-Oklahoma City, who ran unopposed.
• Assistant Majority Floor Leader, state Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing.
• Assistant Majority Floor Leader, state Rep. Charles Ortega, R-Altus.
• Assistant Majority Floor Leader, state Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City.
• Assistant Majority Whip, state Rep. Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher.
• Assistant Majority Whip, state Rep. Steve Vaughan, R-Ponca City.
• Assistant Majority Whip, state Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell.
• Assistant Majority Whip, state Rep. Sean Roberts, Hominy.

"I'm humbled that my colleagues feel I have good judgment and trust me to do the job," said Wright, who was elected for a second term. "I always look at this position as a way to serve the members, much like I serve my own constituents. Serving the caucus can be a thankless job sometimes, but it is vitally important if you are going to build coalitions that get the people's work done."

"I am very honored to be elected by my fellow representatives to a position of leadership," said Hall. "We have a great opportunity to enact truly conservative policies during the next two years and I plan on working as hard as I can to repay my colleagues for their support."

During the next several weeks Speaker-elect Shannon will announce additional appointed leadership positions.

On Wednesday, November 14 at 11:00 a.m., the newly elected members of the entire House will be sworn in at the Capitol. In early January, the full House will convene for an organizational day to formally elect House leadership.

Rep. Renegar Assumes New Duties in Democrat Caucus

OKLAHOMA CITY - Last week House Democratic Leader Scott Inman, D-Del City, announced his appointment of Representative Brian Renegar, D-McAlester, as the newest Assistant Floor Leader to the House Democratic Caucus.

Rep. Brian Renegar
D-McAlester

Rep. Renegar will assume Rep. Al McAffrey’s floor leader position. Rep. McAffrey was elected to the state Senate last week in a special election. 

“Currently Rep. Renegar serves as the Senior Advisor on Agricultural issues for our caucus, as well as one of our Senior Water Policy Advisors. I am very pleased he is willing to step up and take on this additional leadership role,” said Leader Inman. “I know he cares deeply about the welfare of our state, and I have the utmost confidence that he will continue to work tirelessly in this position to serve the people of Oklahoma.”

DHS Commission Votes to Settle Class Action Lawsuit

Reform Effort Shifts Gears

Oklahoma City—The Human Services Commission of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services held a special meeting December 20, 2011 at 5:30 PM to consider a settlement proposal in the DG vs. Yarbrough class action lawsuit.  Commission members approved a motion by a vote of 6 to 3 to authorize Chairman Brad Yarbrough to sign a settlement if approved by the Contingency Review Board. 

“While the terms of the settlement remain confidential, I can say that the terms are unique in this kind of litigation,” said Howard Hendrick, Director of OKDHS.  “Both sides were willing to entertain a new approach to resolving class action civil rights claims involving child welfare systems.  The strength of our defense and the excellent work our child welfare workers do every day changed the conversation about how these kinds of cases should be resolved.  The future improvements, the details of which must yet be developed, are outlined in a framework that both sides hope will satisfy our shared desire to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families.”

The Contingency Review Board consists of the Governor, Speaker of the House, and the Senate Pro Tem.  The board is expected to meet on Wednesday, December 28 to review the settlement proposal.

The commission first met in executive session for more than five hours before returning to open session to vote on the proposed settlement.

Attorney General Scott Pruitt intervened in the lawsuit shortly after taking office earlier this year. Intense work by Pruitt and his staff along with DHS commissioners taking a more active role in the litigation in recent months led to the proposed settlement. 

The settlement is good news because the state is avoiding a potential takeover of our foster care system by the federal courts. It's good news for children in foster care because the agreement is focused on improving safety for children in state custody.

A working group created by Speaker Kris Steele in September continues meeting around the state with DHS stakeholders exploring ways to improve the entire child welfare system. 

The speaker has positioned the House of Representatives well by beginning work on significant structural reforms well before last night's vote by the commission. The working group plans to present a report containing findings and recommendations before the start of the 2012 legislative session. 

Sen. Burrage chosen as next Democratic Floor Leader

Sen. Sean Burrage
D-Claremore

Claremore lawmaker Sean Burrage has been chosen to serve as the next Senate Democratic Floor Leader. Members of the caucus held a vote on Tuesday to decide who would follow Sen. Andrew Rice in the leadership post. Rice, D-Oklahoma City, recently announced he would resign from the Senate effective January 15.

Burrage said he was honored to lead the Senate Democrats in 2012.

“I believe we must always be focused on what’s good for our state—not what’s going to score the most political points. We want a stronger economy and top-paying jobs for our citizens. We want our children to have the best educational opportunities possible and we want to be safe when we are at school, work or at home. We want roads and bridges that are modern and safe as well. When we can agree on how to achieve those things, then those are programs we’ll support,” Burrage said. “But if proposed legislation comes at the expense of our most vulnerable citizens, then we’ll be fighting to give those individuals a voice in the Senate.”

Burrage, an attorney and father of two, was reelected without opposition to a second term in the Senate in 2010. He currently serves as Assistant Democratic Floor Leader in the Senate. His committee assignments include the Full Appropriations Committee, the Senate Standing Committees on Energy and Transportation, and he is the vice-chairman of the Committee on Health and Human Services.

Burrage also serves on the Senate Select Committee established to reform and strengthen Oklahoma’s pension systems, and served as vice-chairman of the 2011 Senate Redistricting Committee.

Senate Pro-Tem Brian Bingman congratulated Burrage on his new role in the Senate.

"I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to my friend Senator Burrage on his election as the next Minority Leader,” Bingman said. “I have had the privilege of working with Sean for several years and have seen first hand his thoughtfulness and temperament. Though we may not agree on every issue, I believe Senator Burrage to be a man of integrity who will facilitate a healthy and honest public debate as the Senate works to move Oklahoma forward."

Governor Mary Fallin released a statement today on the selection of Burrage as the new Senate Minority Leader.

“My congratulations go out to Senator Burrage for his election to the post of Minority Leader,” Fallin said.  “I look forward to working with him to build bipartisan consensus on policies that will create jobs, make government more efficient and accountable, and continue to move Oklahoma forward.  Senator Burrage is a responsible, conscientious and effective lawmaker and I know he is more than up to the task.”

Burrage concluded by expressing gratitude to his fellow Democrats.

“We are committed to our constituents, and to creating public policy that will move our state forward,” Burrage said. “Again, I thank my fellow Democrats for the trust they’ve placed in me. I’m looking forward to working on behalf of all our citizens in the coming session.”

DeWitt named Majority Floor Leader, other leadership changes made

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Dale DeWitt has been named the next Majority Floor Leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

House Speaker Kris Steele named DeWitt, R-Braman, to the position Friday to replace outgoing Floor Leader Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa, who is leaving office later this month. DeWitt will become Floor Leader effective Dec. 1.

Rep. Dale DeWitt
R-Braman

“Dale DeWitt is a true leader whose talents and wisdom will serve Oklahoma extremely well as the House’s next floor leader,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “His effective work this year in crafting the House redistricting plan is something that united our entire chamber when it could have easily turned into something highly contentious and divisive. This is the type of positive dynamic I know Dale will bring as floor leader.”

As Floor Leader, DeWitt will be responsible for assigning bills to committees, scheduling bills for floor hearings and running business on the floor during session. In addition to serving as Floor Leader, DeWitt will continue serving as chairman of the House Redistricting Committee. He will also maintain his current membership on other House committees. The responsibilities of the position of Majority Leader, which DeWitt previously held, will be distributed among other House leadership positions.

“I am honored and excited to serve in this new capacity and pledge to do everything I can to serve the entire House,” DeWitt said. “I recognize this is a unique privilege and intend to treat it as one.”

Steele made a handful of other changes Friday to caucus responsibilities.

“These changes are all about putting the right people in the right place at the right time so we can build on the success of last session,” Steele said. “Our caucus is full of diverse talents and it is our responsibility to maximize those talents in the best possible ways.”

Rep. Harold Wright, R-Weatherford, was named Deputy Floor Leader. As Deputy Floor Leader, Wright will assist with the duties of the Floor Leader’s office.

Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City, was named chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Services. Nelson has been leading the bipartisan group of House members that is reviewing the Department of Human Services.

“Given the importance of the work Representative Nelson is leading on DHS, it’s logical for him to serve as chairman of the committee most responsible for the agency’s budget. Having him in this role will be a big help to the House DHS reform group’s ongoing development of organizational, structural and resource allocation reforms for DHS,” Steele said.

Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa, was moved to the chairman position for the House Committee on Energy and Utility Regulation.

“Ron’s valuable experience in the energy sector and as a committee chairman will serve the House extremely well as he takes on his new role,” Steele said.

House Speaker-designate elected

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. T.W. Shannon has been elected House Speaker-designate for the 54th Oklahoma Legislature.

Rep. T.W. Shannon
R-Lawton

The House Republican Caucus elected Shannon, R-Lawton, as Speaker-designate during a caucus meeting Monday morning at the Capitol.

Should Republicans maintain their majority in the House following next year’s election cycle, Shannon will be next in line to serve as Speaker of the House beginning in November 2012, when current House Speaker Kris Steele leaves office due to term limits.

“The House will be in good hands under Representative Shannon’s leadership,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “T.W. is a dynamic and capable leader who will continue to work hard for the state of Oklahoma. I look forward to begin working with him to ensure a smooth leadership transition next year.”

Shannon and Reps. Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview, and Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, were the candidates for Speaker-designate.

“The three candidates who made themselves available to fill this position are fine public servants and are to be commended for their enthusiastic desire to be leaders in Oklahoma’s effort to grow as a state,” Steele said.

Shannon, 33, said he looks forward to working with Steele and the rest of the House in the coming months.

“I was extremely humbled by the support shown by my colleagues today,” Shannon said. “I am excited and ready to stand behind Speaker Steele to help grow our majority in the coming election and assist in advancing a conservative agenda that will make Oklahoma a destination to live, work and raise a family.”

House Democratic Leader Scott Inman also congratulated Rep. Shannon on his election as House Speaker-designate.

“On behalf of the House Democratic Caucus, I would like to congratulate Representative T.W. Shannon,” Inman (D-Del City) said. “I look forward to working with him to find common-sense, middle-of-the-road solutions to Oklahoma’s problems. Together, we must reject overtly partisan agendas, stand up to the fringe elements of the political process and, in a bipartisan manner, focus on ensuring Oklahoma’s economy remains strong and attracts new jobs, improving public education and protecting our most vulnerable citizens.”

Shannon, an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, is a sixth generation Oklahoman and third generation Lawtonian. He has served in the Legislature since 2006, representing House District 62. Shannon previously served as a congressional staffer for U.S. Reps. J.C. Watts and Tom Cole.

Shannon and his wife, Devon, also a Lawton native, are the parents of a daughter, Audrey Grace, and a son, Tahrohon Wayne II.

Shannon holds a bachelor of arts in communications from Cameron University and a juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University.

A.G. Pruitt Elected to Office in National Association of Attorneys General

CHICAGO – Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt was elected vice-chairman of the Midwestern Region of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) by his colleagues during the association’s meeting this week in Chicago. 

Pruitt will serve with Midwestern Region Chairman Greg Zoeller, of Indiana.

“I am honored to play a leading role among the nation’s attorneys general to target some of the critical issues we face,” Pruitt said. “As the new vice-chairman, I very much look forward to working with my fellow attorneys general to tackle concerns important to Oklahomans and the Midwest.” 

State Board of Education Approves Budget, Legislative Leaders Praise Action

Legislative leaders praised the financial plan approved today by the state Board of Education, saying it maximizes classroom funding even in a tough financial environment.

“Faced with difficult choices, the school budget approved today strikes the right balance by funding those programs that provide the most direct benefit to students,” said state Rep. Earl Sears, a Bartlesville Republican who chairs the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. “The budget adopted today will allow our schools to continue their important mission of preparing the next generation of leaders for college and the workforce.”

“This is the third year the state has faced a major budget shortfall, and government continues to adjust to the ‘new normal’ of budget austerity,” said state Sen. David Myers, a Ponca City Republican who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. “However, the budget approved today for Oklahoma schools adopts the right approach by prioritizing student learning over bureaucracy and fulfilling important funding obligations established in law. I appreciate the strong leadership of Superintendent Barresi in making the tough decisions necessary to guide our schools through this tough financial time.”

State Senator Clark Jolley also praised State Superintendent Janet Barresi and members of the state Board of Education for funding reading programs throughout the state.

“Our recent reforms to end social promotion for students who can’t read after the third grade can only succeed with the appropriate level of support,” said Jolley (R-Edmond). “I appreciate the hard work that Superintendent Barresi did in making sure that reading sufficiency funding was addressed in this tight fiscal climate.”

Superintendent Barresi today recommended that the board approve an approximately $401 million school activities budget for fiscal year 2012 that includes more than $6 million for reading sufficiency programs.

Additional attachment

Speaker-elect Announces House Leadership Appointments

Speaker-elect Kris Steele

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Speaker Kris Steele today announced key leadership appointments for the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions.

“Given the significant challenges facing our state, it is critical the Legislature focus on conservative, pro-growth policies that will move Oklahoma forward,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “I believe that we have chosen a team of effective leaders who will ensure the upcoming legislative session is conducted professionally and efficiently to maximize our accomplishments.”

The leadership appointments for the Oklahoma House of Representatives are as follows:

Assistant Majority Floor Leaders:
Mike Jackson, R-Enid
Gary Banz, R-Midwest city
Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan
Lisa Billy, R-Purcell
George Faught, R-Muskogee
Leslie Osborn, R-Tuttle

Assistant Majority Whips:
Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher
Steve Martin, R-Bartlesville
Randy McDaniel, R-Edmond
Marian Cooksey, R-Edmond
Fred Jordan, R-Jenks
Dennis Casey, R-Morrison
Corey Holland, R-Marlow
Paul Wesselhoft, R-Moore

Location:NE 23rd St,Oklahoma City,United States

Speaker-elect Kris Steele announced top leadership appointments today

State Rep. Dale DeWitt, R-Braman, will serve as House Majority Leader, a new position created to facilitate leadership meetings, assist in communication with the state Senate and Governor’s Office, and help guide the majority agenda through the legislative process.

State Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa, will serve as the Majority Floor Leader and will oversee the daily floor activity of the House during. The Floor Leader will also assign bills to appropriate committees.

State Rep. Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville, will serve as chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee and will oversee the formation of the state’s budget for various agencies and departments.

State Rep. Skye McNiel, R-Bristow, will serve as Majority Whip and will head a team of assistants whips who will establish effective communication for the Republican caucus on a wide arrange of issues and work to advance legislation on the House floor.

House GOP Majority Caucus Elects Leadership

House GOP Majority Caucus Elects Leadership
Speaker-elect Steele, Speaker Pro Temp Hickman & Caucus Chair Watson Chosen

Speaker Kris Steele

OKLAHOMA CITY – Following on the heels of elections that gave Republicans a historic 70-31 margin of control in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the House GOP caucus today chose its leadership and re-affirmed state Rep. Kris Steele as their choice for House Speaker-elect.
            “I am honored and humbled by the support of my colleagues,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “As we face the significant challenges of the coming session, I am committed to a process that utilizes the talents of all 101 members of this chamber to develop and advance pro-growth, conservative policies that will move Oklahoma forward.”
            The GOP caucus elected its three top leadership positions today. In addition to Speaker of the House-elect, Republican lawmakers also selected House Speaker Pro Tempore-elect and Majority Caucus Chair.

Rep. Jeff Hickman

            In addition to electing Steele, the GOP caucus chose state Rep. Jeff Hickman, R-Dacoma, as Speaker Pro Tempore-elect and state Rep. Weldon Watson, R-Tulsa, as Caucus Chairman.
            Over the next several weeks Steele plans to announce additional appointed GOP leadership positions.
            On Tuesday, November 16 at 1:30 p.m., the newly-elected members of the entire House will be sworn in at the Capitol. In early January, the full House will convene for an organizational day to formally elect House leadership.

Steele Expresses Concern Over Schools’ Violation of New Law

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 5, 2010) – House Speaker-designate Kris Steele today said the Jenks and Broken Arrow school systems should comply with a state law granting scholarships to special needs students.

The school boards at both schools voted this week to violate Oklahoma law, which allows students with disabilities, such at autism or Down’s syndrome, to receive scholarships and transfer to schools that specialize in aiding those populations.

“It’s concerning for these schools to break the law at the expense of children with special needs, and it’s disturbing for them to ignore the law over a philosophical difference of opinion,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “If these districts have concerns, they should communicate those issues with the Legislature to bring about positive solutions that would benefit students with special needs.

“We can no more allow schools to violate the law because officials object to it than we can allow drivers to ignore the speed limit in a school zone if it ‘inconveniences’ them,” Steele said.

House Bill 3393, by state Rep. Jason Nelson, created the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program Act.

The Oklahoma program is similar to laws in Florida and Georgia that have easily withstood legal challenges. The Florida program has been in place since 1999 and now serves approximately 20,000 students with special needs.

In addition, the scholarship program does not require new spending, but merely redirects existing state funds that are currently spent on the student.

School officials claimed the transfers authorized by the scholarship program would somehow harm their financial standing, but only seven students have applied for the scholarships at Jenks and eight at Broken Arrow, according to the Tulsa World. Both schools are among the largest in the state.

“Our focus should be on helping children with special needs,” Steele said. “It’s clear the parents of these children believe a specialized learning environment will provide greater benefit for their kids.”

House Speaker Designate Announces Proposed Changes to the Conference Committee Process

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 28, 2010) — House Speaker-Designate Kris Steele announced today he intends to make changes to the conference committee process in the House that will make the procedure more transparent and open to the public.
Beginning next legislative session, Steele said he plans to put in place a hard 24-hour rule that will require a House conference committee report to be filed and posted online for a full day before it can be considered on the House floor.

Currently, House rules require House conference committee reports be posted on the calendar at least 24 hours for review. But, that rule is waived in the last two days of session. Keeping the 24-hour rule in place throughout the entire conference process will give members, the public and the press time to read bills and better determine their impact on Oklahomans, said Steele.