OKLAHOMA CITY – The House and Senate Veterans’ Caucus held its first meeting for the 2019 legislative session Thursday morning.

Rep. Jay Steagall from the House of Representatives and Sen. Paul Rosino from the State Senate were selected to serve as chairs of the caucus for the 57th Legislature.

The Senate Republican Caucus released their agenda for the 2019 legislative session earlier this week. Senator Paul Scott, R-Duncan, released the following statement concerning efforts to help schools return to five-day weeks.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Following the discovery of a $30 million slush fund at the Department of Health last year, a multi-county grand jury made seven recommendations to prevent future financial deceit by state agencies.  Sen. Paul Scott has authored legislation to implement one of those recommendations by punishing state employees who hide public funds under their control.  

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Sen. Micheal Bergstrom toured J-M Farms this week, getting a firsthand look at Miami’s local mushroom producer.  Bergstrom was hosted by Scott Englebrecht and McKinzie Koons.

 “J-M Farms is a vital part of our community here in northeastern Oklahoma, as well as across the state and region,” said Bergstrom, R-Adair.  “It provides approximately 600 jobs directly and indirectly in the area and ships more than 28 million pounds of product annually within Oklahoma and nine surrounding states.”

OKLAHOMA CITY –   Newly elected Senator Julia Kirt was selected to serve on four Senate committees for the 57th legislature by Senate Democratic Leader Designate Kay Floyd.

            The Oklahoma City Democrat was appointed to serve on the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, as well as the Finance and Rules Committees.  She will also serve on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. 

Tapped to serve as Vice Chair of Select Agencies Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Paul Scott has been chosen to serve on several key committees in the Oklahoma State Senate.  Senate President Pro Tempore-designate Greg Treat recently announced the appointments.

The Duncan Republican will serve as Vice Chair of the Select Agencies Committee and is one of only 21 members to serve on the full Appropriations Committee. He will also serve as a member of the Health and Human Services and Education Committees.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – State Senator Micheal Bergstrom indicated he was pleased and encouraged after the state Board of Equalization certified an estimate indicating lawmakers will have an extra $612 million to spend in the 2020 fiscal year, which begins July 1.  The Adair Republican noted the actions taken at the Capitol the last two years have put the state in a much more stable positional financially going forward. 

OKLAHOMA CITY –   State Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman was selected this week to serve on five Senate committees for the 57th legislature by Senate Democratic Leader Designate Kay Floyd.

            The Tulsa Democrat was appointed to serve on the Education, Appropriations and Budget and Rules Committees.  She will also continue to serve on both the Senate Committee for Health and Human Services and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

State Sen. Mary Boren has received her committee appointments for the 57th Legislature which includes the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions.  Boren, D-Norman, will serve on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, the Agriculture and Wildlife Committee, the Energy Committee and the Judiciary Committee.

State Sen. Carri Hicks has been given her committee assignments for the 57th Legislature. Hicks will serve on the Senate Education Committee, the Health and Human Services Committee, the Transportation Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Select Agencies.