Benge Cuts Committees, Names Chairmen

House Speaker Chris Benge announced today a streamlining of the House Committee structure and named committee chairmen.

Last session, the House operated with 10 standing committees and 26 subcommittees. Benge, in an effort to further streamline the committee structure, saud today that there will be 18 full standing committees in the House and seven budget subcommittees when the 52nd Legislature returns in February.

“This committee structure will allow for a better allocation of staff and member time and resources,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “The changes will help both members and the public better understand where a bill stands at any given time.”

Speaker Benge also named his committee chairmen today. They are:

● Administrative Rules & Agency Oversight: Chairman Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow
● Agriculture & Rural Development: Chairman Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon
● Common Education: Chairman Rep. Ann Coody, R-Lawton
● Economic Development and Financial Services: Chairman Rep. Dan Sullivan, R-Tulsa
● Energy & Utility Regulation: Chairman Rep. Mike Thompson, R-Oklahoma City
● General Government: Chairman Rep. Lisa Billy, R-Purcell
● Government Modernization: Chairman Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie
● Higher Education & Career Tech: Chairman Rep. Todd Thomsen, R-Ada
● Human Services: Chairman Rep. Pam Peterson, R-Tulsa
● International Relations & Tourism: Chairman Rep. Shane Jett, R-Tecumseh
● Judiciary: Chairman Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs
● Public Health & Social Services: Chairman Rep. John Trebilcock, R-Broken Arrow
● Public Safety & Homeland Security: Chairman Rep. Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa
● Rules: Chairman Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell
● Transportation: Chairman Rep. T.W. Shannon, R-Lawton
● Veterans and Military Affairs: Chairman Rep. Gary Banz, R-Midwest City
● Wildlife: Chairman Rep. Phil Richardson, R-Minco

Appropriations & Budget Committee: Chairman Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond ○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Education: Chairman Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing
○ Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government & Transportation: Chairman Rep. Guy Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City
○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Health: Chairman Dr. Doug Cox, R-Grove
○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Services: Chairman Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa
○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Judiciary & Public Safety: Chairman Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore
○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources & Regulatory: Chairman Rep. Dale DeWitt, R-Braman
○ Appropriations Subcommittee on Revenue & Taxation: Chairman Rep. Jeff Hickman, R-Dacoma.

Republicans hold the majority in the House 61-40 members. Committee membership and vice-chairmen will be named at a later date. The 52nd Legislature is set to convene Feb. 2nd.

Share |