Rep Martin Appointment

Norman Republican Named Budget Vice Chairman OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 10, 2008) - A

Norman Republican was appointed vice chairman of the powerful state House Appropriations and Budget Committee by the Speaker of the House today.Rep. Scott Martin, R-Norman, will serve beside Rep. Ken Miller, the chairman of the budget committee and will have a role in crafting the state budget as bills with a financial impact are heard in his committee.

"I consider it a true privilege to serve in this capacity and I look forward to working with the Speaker and Chairman Miller in the upcoming legislative session," said Martin.House Speaker Chris Benge said he is confident Rep. Martin will continue to push pro-growth fiscal policies for Oklahoma that will help its people prosper while also attracting business to the state.“I look forward to working with Rep. Martin to ensure our taxes remain low and government is streamlined so our tax dollars are saved for vital services Oklahomans need like education and public safety," said Benge, R-Tulsa. With the country in a recession, Rep. Martin stressed how important it is to ensure government is efficient with taxpayer dollars. "In this difficult financial time, now more than ever, it is important that the people's resources are used as judiciously as possible," said Martin.

"Oklahoma's strong workforce and recently enacted fiscally conservative policies like tax cuts and restrained spending have put Oklahoma in a better financial situation than many states nationwide."I'm committed to looking for innovative ways to keep growing Oklahoma, and working with my colleagues to find solutions as we set the budget and make sure the people's money is spent in ways that benefit the entire state," he said.Rep. Martin previously served as the vice chairman of the General Government and Transportation Committee, and also sat on Human Services Committee, the Energy Subcommittee and the Arts and Culture Subcommittee.