Sunday, October 25, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Steele Elected House Speaker - Designate
OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 19, 2009) – House Speaker Pro Tempore Kris Steele was elected Speaker-designate by acclamation today for the 53rd Legislature.
The House Republican caucus met today to vote on who will be in line to become Speaker of the House should Republicans hold onto their majority following the fall elections next year.
“It is a tremendous relief knowing the House will be in such capable hands,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, who because of term limits cannot run for re-election in 2010.
“Representative Steele possesses all of the qualities needed to be a strong leader of the House of Representatives—he brings a great amount of integrity to the position, he has a genuine concern for all Oklahomans, and he is incredibly knowledgeable on the issues facing Oklahomans today. He is a hard worker with a servant’s heart and I know he will serve the House to the best of his abilities.”
Benge, who will serve as Speaker of the House through Nov. 2010, also praised the House Republican caucus for the smooth leadership transition.
“Today’s election shows we are all united in our support for Kris and stand ready to continue our push for a better state for all Oklahomans,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.
Rep. Steele said he was humbled by the support shown by his colleagues and is ready to work with Speaker Benge in his final legislative year.
“Our caucus is united behind one purpose—making Oklahoma the best state possible,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “This election provides a clear leadership transition that will allow us to make long-term policy plans. I look forward to working with not only all of the members of the Republican caucus, but all House members to move our state forward.”
Rep. Steele represents District 26 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, and completed his Master Degree in Education from East Central University in 2006.
Steele and his wife Kellie have been blessed with two daughters, 6-year-old Mackenzie and 5-year-old Madison.
Steele has been a pastor and currently serves as associate pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Shawnee.
Steele’s experience in education, volunteer work and government has provided him with a solid foundation as a state legislator. He was first elected to the House in November, 2000.
While in the Legislature, Steele has led the way on a number of health care reform initiatives. His Rx for Oklahoma plan helps low-income Oklahomans and senior citizens gain access to quality, safe prescription drugs.
Also, he helped turn a number of other health care reform measures into law, including proposals to lower health care insurance costs and ensure the safety of vulnerable Oklahomans who live in long-term care facilities. Steele also championed legislation to require background checks on Court Appointed Special Advocates, create the Oklahoma Task Force on Hunger and expand health savings accounts as an option for all state employees.
As co-chair of the Children and Juvenile Law Reform Committee created by the Kelsey Smith-Briggs Child Protection Act of 2006, he conducted a systematic review and study of all laws and procedures in Title 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes and passed legislation to reclassify, update, reform and recodify the statutes.
His work on behalf of at-risk children landed him a place in the Child Advocacy Institute Hall of Fame. In addition, as co-chair of the House Health Care Reform Task Force, Steele helped develop reforms and incentives for quality, affordable health care for all Oklahomans.
Steele will begin his final legislative term in 2011, and is set to serve as Speaker of the House for the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions.
The House Republican caucus met today to vote on who will be in line to become Speaker of the House should Republicans hold onto their majority following the fall elections next year.
“It is a tremendous relief knowing the House will be in such capable hands,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, who because of term limits cannot run for re-election in 2010.
“Representative Steele possesses all of the qualities needed to be a strong leader of the House of Representatives—he brings a great amount of integrity to the position, he has a genuine concern for all Oklahomans, and he is incredibly knowledgeable on the issues facing Oklahomans today. He is a hard worker with a servant’s heart and I know he will serve the House to the best of his abilities.”
Benge, who will serve as Speaker of the House through Nov. 2010, also praised the House Republican caucus for the smooth leadership transition.
“Today’s election shows we are all united in our support for Kris and stand ready to continue our push for a better state for all Oklahomans,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.
Rep. Steele said he was humbled by the support shown by his colleagues and is ready to work with Speaker Benge in his final legislative year.
“Our caucus is united behind one purpose—making Oklahoma the best state possible,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “This election provides a clear leadership transition that will allow us to make long-term policy plans. I look forward to working with not only all of the members of the Republican caucus, but all House members to move our state forward.”
Rep. Steele represents District 26 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, and completed his Master Degree in Education from East Central University in 2006.
Steele and his wife Kellie have been blessed with two daughters, 6-year-old Mackenzie and 5-year-old Madison.
Steele has been a pastor and currently serves as associate pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Shawnee.
Steele’s experience in education, volunteer work and government has provided him with a solid foundation as a state legislator. He was first elected to the House in November, 2000.
While in the Legislature, Steele has led the way on a number of health care reform initiatives. His Rx for Oklahoma plan helps low-income Oklahomans and senior citizens gain access to quality, safe prescription drugs.
Also, he helped turn a number of other health care reform measures into law, including proposals to lower health care insurance costs and ensure the safety of vulnerable Oklahomans who live in long-term care facilities. Steele also championed legislation to require background checks on Court Appointed Special Advocates, create the Oklahoma Task Force on Hunger and expand health savings accounts as an option for all state employees.
As co-chair of the Children and Juvenile Law Reform Committee created by the Kelsey Smith-Briggs Child Protection Act of 2006, he conducted a systematic review and study of all laws and procedures in Title 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes and passed legislation to reclassify, update, reform and recodify the statutes.
His work on behalf of at-risk children landed him a place in the Child Advocacy Institute Hall of Fame. In addition, as co-chair of the House Health Care Reform Task Force, Steele helped develop reforms and incentives for quality, affordable health care for all Oklahomans.
Steele will begin his final legislative term in 2011, and is set to serve as Speaker of the House for the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
DC Marcher to Speak at GPRW
Dr. Larry Goss of Walters (right in pix), was one of a score of Oklahomans who journeyed to our Nations Capitol on March 11 to participate in the 'tea party' rally.
Dr.Goss joined 10's of thousands of patriots from across America to protest governement policies on health care and other areas.
Dr. Goss will be the guest speaker for the Great Plains Republican Women on Thursday October 15. He will be recounting the trip to DC and the events that occured on and around the March 11 event.
All Republican women in Lawton and surrounding counties (men too) are invited to attend the meeting at 'The Event' in Lawton. Details at right under Calendar.
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