Sen. James Leewright has been named vice chair of the Senate’s committee on Business, Commerce and Tourism for the 56th Legislature. Leewright, a former state representative, was the only new member of the Senate chosen for a vice chairmanship by incoming President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to put my House experience to use as the Senate’s Business, Commerce and Tourism’s vice chair,” said Leewright, R-Bristow. “Since OPEC finally made the decision to cut oil production, we’ve seen the impact on prices—that was exactly what oil producing states like Oklahoma have been waiting for. Low prices have taken a toll on our economy for the past couple of years. As the energy industry recovers, we’ll want to be in a position to build on that with policies and legislation that help create jobs and move our economy forward.”
Leewright will have additional responsibilities in helping decide policy and funding proposals with his assignments as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, as well as the committees on Retirement and Insurance, Transportation and Natural Resources.
Members will return to the Senate for an organizational day on January 3, 2017, and the session will formally begin on February 6.
