The Oklahoma House of Representatives has elected state Rep. Jeff Hickman of Fairview as the next speaker of the House, one of the most powerful positions in state government.
The House voted 69-29 along party lines Monday to select Hickman over Democratic Leader Scott Inman of Del City.
Hickman said he wants to keep taxes low and state regulations to a minimum.
Governor Mary Fallin released this statement after the announcement:
He said education funding, prison overcrowding and the unfunded liability of the state's pension systems are some of the biggest issues in Oklahoma.
“Jeff Hickman is a dedicated leader who has earned the respect of his colleagues,” said Fallin. “I am confident he will be an effective and hardworking speaker of the House. I look forward to working with him in his new role as we continue to pursue commonsense conservative policies that will help create jobs and eliminate government waste.”
Hickman had been serving as House Speaker pro tem under former House Speaker Kris Steele.