Sen. Thompson reappointed to lead Senate Appropriations Committee

Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, said he was pleased to continue his role as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee for the 58^th Legislature.  Thompson, who has headed Appropriations for the past two years, said he was honored that Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, had asked him to continue to serve as chair.

“This is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility—one that I do not take lightly.  Ultimately, the state budget impacts every single person in our state. When we talk about appropriations, we’re talking about the funds that support our schools, roads and bridges, public safety, health, mental health and services for some of our most vulnerable citizens,” Thompson said.  “But unlike the federal government, Oklahoma’s constitution mandates that we must write and approve a balanced budget.”

Last year, Oklahoma’s revenues were impacted by low energy prices and by the COVID-19 pandemic—factors that continue to affect revenue collections in the state.  The Legislature also faces the additional challenge of funding Medicaid expansion, which was approved by voters last June.  The latest projections are that the expansion will cost the state an additional $165 million to $247 million in Fiscal Year 2022, which begins next July 1.

Thompson said Oklahoma’s Board of Equalization will meet on Dec. 18 to make its initial certification of how much money will be available to appropriate in the coming budget year.

“We face significant challenges, but this is the job we signed on to do on behalf of our fellow Oklahomans.  We’re tasked with being the best stewards possible of our state resources, and I’m confident in the talent, abilities and dedication of my fellow members,” Thompson said.

For more information, contact:  Sen. Roger Thompson at 405-521-5588 or email Roger.Thompson@oksenate.gov. 

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