Sen. Haste to lead Aeronautics and Transportation Committee and Subcommittee on General Government and Transportation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. John Haste has been chosen to chair the Senate’s Aeronautics and Transportation Committee for the 59^th Legislature. Formally called the Senate Transportation Committee, the policy panel has been restructured to highlight the increasing impact of the aviation industry in Oklahoma, the state’s second leading economic driver.

“Aviation and aeronautics have an annual economic impact of $44 billion, supporting more than 205,000 direct and indirect jobs, and the average salary of a direct employee in aviation is $73,300,” Haste said. “Transportation infrastructure is also critical to our state’s economy, growth and for public safety.  I’m excited to lead this committee, especially considering how important these areas are to our state and Senate District 36.”

Haste has also been reappointed as chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and Transportation, and he will continue to serve as vice chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.  He’ll also retain his seat on the full Appropriations Committee and will serve on the Senate Rules Committee, and Business and Commerce.

“Just since my first term in the Senate, I can see the tremendous strides we’ve made in strengthening the budget and our economy, and passing policy that will truly move our state forward, not just in the short term, but for years to come,” Haste said.  “I’m very optimistic about Oklahoma’s future, and grateful for the positions I’ve been entrusted with to help shape that future.”

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For more information, contact:  Sen. John Haste at 405-521-5602 or email John.Haste@oksenate.gov.