Next Senate leader taps new top officers
As Oklahoma’s government transitions from a fiscal crisis that has lasted years, new legislative leaders will take over in the Oklahoma Senate.
State Sen. Greg Treat, who will officially take on the top position in November after his predecessor leaves office because of term limits, announced Wednesday that he would appoint Kim David, R-Porter, to succeed him as Senate majority floor leader.
David has been serving as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. That position will now be held by state Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah. Both senators sat with Treat for a Facebook Live video announcing the decision.
After several revenue failures and budget shortfalls, the state appears to be gaining a foothold toward fiscal stability. Treasurer Ken Miller reported that April was the 13th consecutive month showing state revenue growth. David, one of a handful who wrote the upcoming year’s budget, said in Miller’s monthly economic report that Senate leadership have focused more on finding recurring revenue instead of “one-time” money.
“Policy changes in recent years have led to revenue growth,” David said. “The (fiscal year 2019) budget is far more stable than past budgets precisely because it relies far less on one-time money. As the economy continues to recover, it is our goal to continue this trend.”
Treat echoed that optimism on Wednesday.
“She has led in a very positive way on the appropriations side in tough budget years,” he said. “It looks like we’re in better budget years going forward, thanks to some of the work you’ve done and others.”
He also said Thompson has “shown a real ability to dive into issues, to look at spreadsheets that bore many of us and get excited about it.”
“Your abilities match the jobs extremely well, and I’m excited,” Treat said.
The announcement was a moment of levity at a Capitol building racked with tense political fights over the past year as lawmakers debated how, and even whether to raise revenue.
They eventually adopted the first tax increase in almost three decades, with most of the new money earmarked for teacher pay raises.
An improving economy suggests officials won’t have to make midyear budget cuts that have put state agencies on edge, and Oklahoma’s Rainy Day Fund will grow instead of be used to fill budget gaps.
“I’m going to be extremely honest with you, we’re going to have more money next year,” Thompson said. “It’s going to make this job a little easier, and I appreciate that.”
Thompson said he will lead discussions on tax reform and continue another GOP policy: reforming apportionments, also known as off-the-top spending. By reducing the amount of money automatically diverted to state agencies, more of the state’s collections will be distributed based on lawmakers’ priorities.
“We’ve got to make sure every tax dollar that is collected is spent wisely,” he said.