Senate Pro Tem Treat names Roger Thompson co-chair of LOFT oversight committee

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat has named Senator Roger Thompson as co-chair of the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) oversight committee.

Senate Bill 1, signed into law recently, created LOFT to serve as an independent office to provide the Legislature and the public with objective data on agency budgets and programs. LOFT will be overseen by bipartisan committee of Senate and House members. The Senate president pro tempore and the House speaker each name a co-chairs and members of the oversight committee.

“Roger Thompson is a tireless worker, detail-oriented, and creative problem solver. It is why he excelled as Senate Appropriations Committee chair, and it is why he will do a great job as co-chair of the LOFT oversight committee. I appreciate his willingness to take on this important role,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “LOFT will be a game-changer for the Legislature and the public in holding state agencies accountable. Armed with objective data and research from LOFT and not the agencies themselves, legislators will be able to make more informed decisions when setting budgets and evaluating program performance. LOFT will enhance and increase transparency and accountability and I’m very eager for the organization to take shape and begin its work.”

Treat said he will announce the remaining Senate members of the oversight committee soon.

“I appreciate Pro Tempore Treat’s leadership and vision for LOFT, and I thank him for trusting me with this important job,” said Thompson, R-Okemah. “As Senate Appropriations chair, having more information and research from a source other than the state agency will be a remarkable tool to help us dive deep in evaluating performance and creating the state budget. I am excited for LOFT to begin work and provide objective information to lawmakers and the public.”