Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, has been tapped to help lead the Senate’s most important committee. For the next two years, Hall will serve as the vice chair of the full Senate Appropriations Committee. Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, announced the appointment Tuesday at the state Capitol.
“I am unbelievably honored by this appointment,” Hall said. “Without a doubt, the most important task we are charged with as legislators is to write and pass a balanced state budget. It’s the one thing that impacts every single man, woman and child in our state. As vice chair of Appropriations, I’ll be directly involved in budget negotiations within our chamber, with our counterparts in the House and with the governor’s office. It’s a huge responsibility, but I am excited and looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to play an even larger role in the appropriations process.”
In addition to work on the state budget, the Appropriations Committee and its subcommittees also consider policy legislation that could impact the state budget. They also conduct annual budget hearings with state agencies as preparation for writing the budget. The vice chair works closely with the chair as well as the chairs and vice chairs of the subcommittees, and often steps in to conduct meetings and hearings as needed to assist the chair.
“We know we will face significant challenges in the months ahead. Energy prices have remained low, and the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our economy as well,” Hall said. “But I will be able to draw on my experience in banking and finance as well as my previous experience as a member of the Appropriations Committee to help guide our work in the new session. I’m grateful to Pro Tem Treat for my appointment, and I look forward to working with Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson in this new role.”
The 2021 session will convene on Feb. 1.
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