Sen. Thompson receives final committee assignments; ready for demanding role of Appropriations Chair

Sen. Roger Thompson said he is continually tracking economic factors that impact the state budget as he prepares for the upcoming legislative session.  It was announced in June that Thompson, R-Okemah, will serve as Senate Appropriations Chair in the 57th Legislature, filling one of the most crucial roles in state government.

Thompson said in recent years, all members of the Senate have been appointed to the full Appropriations Committee.  This year, there will be just 16 members, including the chair and vice chair.

“I want to point out that all 48 members will still have a vote on each and every budget bill when they come to the floor of the Senate.  But with a smaller membership within the Appropriations Committee, we were able to focus on appointing senators who have special expertise in the appropriations and revenue process.  That means we can better analyze the legislation our subcommittees are sending to us,” Thompson said.  “This change will enable this committee to be more efficient, go deeper into the bills and help all of us to be better stewards of every public dollar we appropriate.”

Thompson said the State Board of Equalization will meet on December 19th at the Capitol to make its initial certification of how much revenue will be available for the fiscal year 2020 budget, which begins July 1, 2019.

“Right now we’re keeping a close eye on oil and natural gas prices. Those prices don’t just impact the next budget, but the current budget cycle as well.  Oil prices have decreased in recent weeks, so that’s something we’re really watching,” Thompson said.  “We need to be extremely cautious in the coming months, and I’ll really be looking out for any legislation that could negatively impact revenue streams funding our core services.”

In addition to chairing Appropriations, Thompson will also serve as a member of the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Rules Committee.  The Finance Committee, which Thompson previously chaired, oversees all legislation dealing with revenue and the tax code.  The Rules Committee considers legislation dealing with the state’s constitution and elections as well as other complex issues. 

Sen. Roger Thompson at 405-521-5588 or email thompson@oksenate.gov