For Immediate
Release: November 5, 2004
Hobson, Morgan Name Appropriations
Team
Senate President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson and
Appropriations Chairman Mike Morgan named chairpersons Friday
for the seven Appropriations Subcommittees that will write
the Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007 state budgets in the 50th
Oklahoma Legislature.
“In my opinion we’ve assembled an extremely
talented team who will make sure that state government is
providing critical services to the people of Oklahoma in
an efficient and effective manner,” said Hobson, D-Lexington.
Senator Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore, will chair the Subcommittee
on Education and serve as Appropriations Committee vice
chairman.
“Education is more than half of our state budget.
I look forward to working with Senator Crutchfield as we
begin the important task of raising teachers’ salaries
in our state to the regional average and tackling the myriad
of education funding challenges that lie ahead,” said
Morgan, D-Stillwater.
Senator Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta, will chair the Subcommittee
on General Government and Transportation. Shurden is beginning
his 19th year in the State Senate after having served six
years in the House of Representatives. He most recently
chaired the Senate Tourism and Wildlife Committee. Senator
Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant, will serve as vice chair.
Senator Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, has been named as the chairman
of the Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Regulatory
Services. Rabon was first elected to the Senate in 1996
and recently won re-election to a third term. He most recently
served as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Senator
Robert Kerr, D-Altus, will serve as vice chair.
Senator Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, will chair the Subcommittee
on Public Safety and Judiciary. Corn, who served four years
in the House before being elected to the Senate, has previously
served as chairman of the Retirement and Public Health Committee.
Senator Debbe Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, will serve as vice
chair.
Senator Bernest Cain, D-Oklahoma City, will head up the
Subcommittee on Human Services. Cain was first elected to
the Senate in 1978 and is also chairman of the Health and
Human Resources Committee.
Senator-elect Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, has been named chairman
of the Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Adelson
previously served as Secretary of Health in Governor Brad
Henry’s cabinet. Senator Angela Monson, D-Oklahoma
City, will serve as vice chair.
Senator-elect Susan Paddack, D-Ada, will chair the Subcommittee
on Select Agencies.
“We have a great mix in this group of veteran lawmakers,
some of the young members who are going to be the future
leaders of the Senate and two of the brightest incoming
freshmen in this year’s class. I’m confident
each of them is up to the task and I’m excited about
working with our new appropriations team as we continue
to make Oklahoma an even better place to live, work and
raise a family,” Hobson said.
For
more information contact:
Senate President Pro Tempore's Office -
(405) 521-5605
