Sen. Leewright tapped for key appointments at Capitol

State Sen. James Leewright has been appointed to Governor-Elect Kevin Stitt’s Economic Growth Task Force, an advisory committee working on policy for Stitt’s Turnaround Plan.  In addition, Senate President Pro Tempore-designate Greg Treat has named Leewright chair of the Senate’s Business, Commerce and Tourism Committee for the 57th Legislature.

“I am honored by both of these appointments.  As a long-time businessman, I’m ready to put my experience to work creating jobs and growing Oklahoma’s economy,” said Leewright, R-Bristow.  “I’m also grateful for the citizens of District 12 for entrusting me to continue serving them in the Senate.  We’ve made such important strides in our economy and our budget.  It’s extremely important we build on those successes and keep Oklahoma moving forward.”

While the Senate Majority Leader determines which bills are assigned to a specific committee, it is then up to the committee chair to determine which bills will be heard and ensure the meetings are conducted in an orderly, efficient way.

In addition to his chairmanship, Leewright will serve as a member of the Agriculture and Wildlife Committee, the Judiciary Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Select Agencies.

“We’re all focused on preparing for the upcoming session.  Right now my fellow members and I are working with staff to draft and finalize legislation for the 2019 session,” Leewright said.

The Senate will meet for an organizational day on January 8 to formally elect the President Pro Tempore and adopt rules for the day-to-day operation of the Senate for the next two years.  The deadline for filing legislation for the 2019 session is January 17 and the session reconvenes on February 4. Senate Committees will then have until February 28 to act on bills introduced in the Senate.

James Leewright at 405-521-5528 or email leewright@oksenate.gov