Chickasha representative gets new responsibilities
State Rep. David Perryman’s leadership role will increase during the next legislative term. Perryman, D-Chickasha, has been advanced from Democratic caucus secretary to minority floor leader. He succeeds former state Rep. Ben Sherrer, of Chouteau, who was term-limited last year.
The Democratic Caucus leadership team includes a dozen members, including Rep. Scott Inman, D-Del City, the caucus leader.
“I am honored to be selected by Leader Inman. My experience with parliamentary procedure will be an asset in helping monitor floor activity of the House. I also appreciate the opportunity to coordinate with the majority party to make sure our bills are heard,” Perryman said.
Four members of the minority leadership team are serving their sixth and final terms in the Oklahoma Legislature, and five of the team members are “sophomore” legislators.
Perryman is in his third term as a representative. He said there are a multitude of issues that need to be addressed this term.
“The budget dwarfs all other issues but we also have to take action to properly fund education and adopt a bill to allow our driver’s license to be secure enough so our citizens can board airlines and enter military bases,” he said.
“There are a number of other issues that face rural Oklahoma such as health care, funding of roads and bridges, and devastating cuts to ag extension services and the 4-H program. Under funding of mental health and the Department of Corrections are concerns that must also be addressed when we have sufficient revenues.”
Perryman will need the help of other party leaders to accomplish such goals this term.
“We have a top-notch mix of veterans and newcomers in our leadership team as we start the 56th Oklahoma Legislature,” Minority Leader Scott Inman said. “I am honored to be surrounded by such a qualified group of associates.”
As the floor leader, Perryman will work to advance legislation proposed by his colleagues and to manage caucus activities on the floor of the House of Representatives.