Sen. Howard named to key committees ahead of session

State Sen. Brent Howard has been appointed to four Senate committees for the 57th Legislature. Howard, R-Altus, will serve on the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee, the Judiciary Committee, the General Government Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

            The Agriculture and Wildlife Committee primarily deals with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and Conservation.

            “Whether you’re talking about farming, ranching, promoting Oklahoma products, fighting wildfires or hunting and fishing, these departments have a huge impact on this district,” Howard said.  “It’s critical to our economy and our way of life, and I look forward to serving on this committee.”

            The Senate Judiciary Committee deals with legislation pertaining to the state’s courts and related issues, while the Senate Committee on General Government deals with legislation related to the laws that govern the functions of state agencies, boards and commissions, and county and city governments.

            Howard’s assignment to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services means he’ll be considering appropriations legislation in areas such as the Department of Health, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and the Department of Human Services.

            “I look forward to working on this subcommittee to ensure funding for improving access to health and mental health services, better protecting children in foster care or helping promote the dignity, well-being and independence of our seniors throughout our state,” Howard said.  “These four committee assignments ensure the people of District 38 will have a strong voice in the legislative process in areas that are near and dear to rural Oklahoma.”

Sen. Brent Howard at 405-521-5612, or email brent.howard@oksenate.gov