Simpson selected to chair key Senate Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore-designate Sen. Greg Treat announced he has selected Sen. Frank Simpson as chairman of the Appropriation Subcommittee for Health and Human Services.

“I am humbled to have such trust placed in me.  One of our greatest responsibilities as legislators is to protect the health and well-being of Oklahomans.  The decisions made in this subcommittee impact every Oklahoman, and I look forward to working to meet the needs of our fellow citizens,” said Simpson, R-Springer. 

This powerful Sub-Committee is responsible for appropriating and budgeting revenue for twelve health and human services agencies including, among others, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Health, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority, the Office of Juvenile Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Together, these agencies receive over $2.2 billion in state appropriations or one-third of the overall state budget. 

“The agencies that deliver health and human services comprise a large piece of the state budget and are critical to the well-being of our citizens and the health of our economy,” said President Pro Tempore-designate Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.  “Senator Simpson has the experience and expertise to oversee this area of the budget, to ask tough questions and get answers that will help us ensure your tax dollars are used wisely and efficiently. I know Senator Simpson will do a great job and I appreciate him accepting the challenge.”

Senator Roger Thompson, incoming Senate Appropriations Committee chair, said he looked forward to working with Senator Simpson to dig deep into the state budget.

“As the incoming chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I look forward to working with Senator Simpson,” said Senator Roger Thompson, R-Okemah. “We will be working closely together to craft a meaningful budget and set spending priorities that support core government services”.