The Oklahoma Legislature solidified its leadership yesterday with the House and Senate electing their chamber leaders during the Legislature’s organizational day.
Representative Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, now holds the title of Speaker of the House after receiving 78 votes, all along party lines, as reported by Oklahoma Voice. In an equally partisan decision, Senator Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, was elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate with 39 votes. Hilbert expressed his commitment to the role, "I am excited and deeply humbled to serve the state of Oklahoma in this capacity," he said, as obtained by the House's official release. "This is not a responsibility I take lightly."
During his tenure as Speaker, Hilbert is set to take on challenges such as reducing cellphone usage in Oklahoma schools. Meanwhile, Paxton emphasized the need for unity and promised to pursue legislation that would benefit children in the state, encouraging them to remain within its borders, as detailed by Oklahoma Voice.
Aside from Hilbert, Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, was elected as Speaker Pro Tem of the House. Moore has served as chair of the House Higher Education and Career Tech Committee and is a proponent of conservative causes, such as protecting the Second Amendment and improving education, "I am truly grateful for this opportunity given to me by my peers and I am eager to get to work with Speaker Hilbert," Moore stated, according to OKC Fox. "Together, we will focus on strengthening our state's economy and addressing the needs of all Oklahomans - whether in schools, on our roads, in hospitals, workplaces, or public service agencies. The best days for Oklahoma are still ahead."
The 60th legislature is expected to convene on February 3, and adjourn no later than May 30, as announced in the official House release.
