Sen. Boggs receives committee assignments

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Monday, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman announced the committee assignments for the 54th Legislature.  Sen. Larry Boggs will be serving on five committees.

            The freshman legislator has been appointed to the Agriculture and Rural Development, Tourism and Wildlife, Veterans and Military Affairs, and Public Safety Committees as well as the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Transportation. 

            “I’m very pleased with my committee assignments.  These are all areas of great interest to me and I’m looking forward to getting to work on these important issues,” said Boggs, R-Red Oak. 

            As a rancher, Boggs knows all too well the importance that agriculture plays in the state’s economy.  

            “The agricultural industry produces more revenue for our state than any other besides oil and gas so it’s imperative that we do all we can to help our farmers, ranchers and agricultural community,” said Boggs.  “The current drought has been one of the worst in our state’s history and has devastated crops and forced many to sell their livestock. It’s an unfortunate example of just how difficult and unpredictable this industry can be, but there are things we can do at the legislative level to protect these hardworking Oklahomans, their families and their business.  They play a vital role in our state and it’s important that we give them all the tools and support they need to be successful.”

            Boggs and his wife Karla are also strong advocates of tourism and protecting the state’s natural resources.  The family founded Eagles Rest Sanctuary, a nonprofit focused on protecting the nesting American Bald Eagle by providing a safe haven for them. 

            “Given my background, I am very passionate about protecting our state’s natural resources and improving tourism.  This is a major industry in Oklahoma and it’s important that we do all we can to protect our state’s lakes, rivers, parks and other tourist attractions to keep revenues flowing,” said Boggs.  “In southeast Oklahoma, tourism is what supports many of the smaller communities so we must do all we can at the Capitol to improve and protect this key industry.”  

            The Senate will convene on Tuesday, January 8 for an Organizational Day and then session will begin on Monday, February 4.