Monson breaks ground as member of Hobson's Senate leadership team

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Nov 12, 2002 by Marie Price

When senators convene for the 2003 session in January, their new leadership team will feature its first woman and first African American, Sen. Angela Monson, D-Oklahoma City.

Monson will be one of three assistant majority floor leaders. She was named to the position by Senate President Pro Tempore-elect Cal Hobson, D-Lexington, who will also assume his new duties in January with his official election by the full Senate.

Hobson said his new administration needs Monson's leadership skills and expertise.

"No one works harder or has a better knowledge of the legislative process than Senator Monson," said Hobson.

Monson has served in the Senate since 1993 after serving a term in the state House. She currently is chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

"This really is a great opportunity, not just for me but for the people of my district," she said. "The leadership position will ensure that my constituents will always be at the head of the table when major decisions are made."

Traditionally, assistant majority floor leaders oversee and guide the daily operations of the Senate. They also help set the body's agenda, deciding which legislation is to be considered on a daily basis. They also have input in development of Senate policy and procedure.

Hobson has also named the individuals who will chair the newly streamlined list of Senate standing committees, as well as budget subcommittees.

Standing committees

Aerospace and Technology (new): Sen. Gilmer Capps, D-Snyder.

Agriculture and Rural Development: Sen. Bruce Price, D-Hinton.

Business and Labor: Sen. Maxine Horner, D-Tulsa.

Commerce (new, three merged panels): Sen. Jim Maddox, D-Lawton.

Education: Sen. Penny Williams, D-Tulsa.

Energy, Environment and Regulatory Resources: Sen. Kevin Easley, D- Broken Arrow.

Finance: Sen. Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo.

General Government: Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore.

Human Resources: Sen. Bernest Cain, D-Oklahoma City.

Judiciary: Sen. Jerry Smith, R-Tulsa.

Rules: Sen. J. Berry Harrison, D-Ponca City.

Sunset: Sen. Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant (an incoming freshman).

Retirement and Group Health: Rep. Kenneth Corn, D-Howe (another freshman, formerly a House member).

Transportation: Sen. Gene Stipe, D-McAlester.

Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Safety: Sen. Sam Helton, D- Lawton.

Wildlife and Tourism (two merged panels): Sen. Frank Shurden, D- Henryetta.

Appropriations

Education: Sen. Herbert Rozell, D-Tahlequah.

General Government and Transportation: Sen. Keith Leftwich, D- Oklahoma City.

Public Safety and Judiciary: Sen. Dick Wilkerson, D-Atwood.

Natural Resources: Sen. Rick Littlefield, D-Afton.

Health and Social Services: Sen. Ben Robinson, D-Muskogee.

Human Services: Sen. Robert M. Kerr, D-Altus.

Select Agencies: Sen. Daisy Lawler, D-Comanche (freshman).

Announced as the respective chair and vice chair of Senate appropriations on Friday were Sen. Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater, and Robinson.