Speaker Names Committee Vice Chairmen

House Speaker Chris Benge expanded his group of committee leaders by announcing his vice chairmen today. Six Democrats are included.

The vice-chairmen will work side-by-side with the House committee chairmen, who were announced last week.

“I am confident our committee vice chairmen, from both parties, will use their expertise in varying issue areas to pass needed legislation to continue to move our state forward,” said Benge, R-Tulsa

Republicans hold the majority in the House 61-40 members. Committee membership will be named at a later date. The 52nd Legislature is set to convene Feb. 2, 2009.

The House Committee Vice Chairs for the
2009 session are:

Administrative Rules & Agency Oversight:
Vice Chairman
Rep. George Faught, R-Muskogee

Agriculture & Rural Development:
Vice Chairman
Rep. John Enns, R-Enid

Common Education:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City

Economic Development and Financial Services:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City

Energy & Utility Regulation:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Weldon Watson, R-Tulsa

General Government:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan

Government Modernization:
Vice Chairman
Rep. David Derby, R-Owasso

Higher Education & Career Tech:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Bill Nations, D-Norman

Human Services:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Wade Rousselot, D-Wagoner

International Relations & Tourism:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Purcy Walker, D-Elk City

Judiciary:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Fred Jordan, R-Jenks

Public Health & Social Services:
Vice Chairman
Rep. David Derby, R-Owasso

Public Safety & Homeland Security:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Steve Martin, R-Bartlesville

Rules:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Mike Jackson, R-Enid

Transportation:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Charlie Joyner, R-Midwest City

Veterans and Military Affairs:
Vice Chairman
Rep. John Carey, D-Durant

Wildlife:
Vice Chairman
Rep. R.C. Pruett, D-Antlers

Appropriations and Budget Committee and Subcommittee Vice Chairmen include:

Appropriations & Budget Committee:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Scott Martin, R-Norman

A&B Subcommittees vice chairmen are

Appropriations Subcommittee Education:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville

Appropriations Subcommittee
General Government & Transportation:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Colby Schwartz, R-Yukon

Appropriations Subcommittee Health:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R-Moore

Appropriations Subcommittee
Human Services:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Marian Cooksey, R-Edmond

Appropriations Subcommittee
Judiciary & Public Safety:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa

Appropriations Subcommittee
Natural Resources & Regulatory:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Skye McNiel, R-Bristow

Appropriations Subcommittee
Revenue & Taxation:
Vice Chairman
Rep. Neil Brannon, D-Arkoma