Thompson was first elected to the senate just four years ago and has quickly risen through the leadership ranks. The Okemah republican currently serves as the chair of the Appropriations Committee on Finance as well as serving as Vice-Chair of the Senate Republican Caucus. He also serves on the Committees for Appropriations, Education, Public Safety, Rules and chairs the Subcommittee on Select Agencies.
“I am deeply honored to have been chosen to serve as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. When I first arrived here in the Senate, we were facing year after year of financial shortfalls and other challenges-some as a result of world-wide economic conditions, some as the result of structural issues in the appropriations process,” Thompson said.
“In the last four years, we have worked hard to enact reforms and stronger checks and balances, as well as finding ways to mitigate the fallout from global economic conditions. I’m excited to have the opportunity to build on what we’ve accomplished and keep our state moving in the right direction.”
In addition to his leadership roles and committee assignments, Thompson’s expertise in state finance has resulted in membership in several national organizations, including the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Committee Task Force on State and Local Taxation, the Streamlined Multi-Sales Use Tax Agreement Governing Board, The Council of State Governments Fiscal and Economic Development Committee and the NCSL Budgets and Revenues Committee.
Thompson will officially undertake his new responsibilities as Appropriations Chairman in January when the full Senate Convenes for a one-day organizational meeting for the 2019 legislative session.