| House Budget Committee Chair, Rep. Leslie Osborn, was removed from Speaker McCall's leadership team, today. It happened one day after she broke ranks with the speaker in her public statements about state agency funding. Here is McCall’s email to House members, in its entirety: "Members, I wanted you to be the first to know that I have replaced Rep. Osborn as Chair of the Appropriations and Budget Committee. Rep. Kevin Wallace is now Chair of the Appropriations and Budget Committee. I was greatly impressed with Kevin’s knowledge and capabilities of the budget process last session, and I appreciated his willingness to engage with all members of our Caucus. I believe he will serve our caucus and state well in his new role. As always, I welcome the opportunity to visit with you personally about this matter or any other issue of significance to you. Please call me any time if you have questions. Sincerely, Speaker Charles McCall" |  |
Democrat former AG & gubernatorial candidate, Drew Edmondson, gave Osborn his ringing endorsement...
"Speaker McCall’s actions today reek of retribution. The legislature refused to listen when DHS leaders warned that without additional funding, seniors and kids would suffer.
Rep. Osborn recognized the critical funding situation and worked to try to fill the enormous budget hole we’re in. Now she’s being punished for speaking truth to power. I am troubled that reasonable voices are no longer welcome in our legislature.
As governor, I would invite Rep. Osborn’s continued participation in the budget process. The people are best served when all voices are welcome at the table."
- Drew Edmondson
"Speaker McCall’s actions today reek of retribution. The legislature refused to listen when DHS leaders warned that without additional funding, seniors and kids would suffer.
Rep. Osborn recognized the critical funding situation and worked to try to fill the enormous budget hole we’re in. Now she’s being punished for speaking truth to power. I am troubled that reasonable voices are no longer welcome in our legislature.
As governor, I would invite Rep. Osborn’s continued participation in the budget process. The people are best served when all voices are welcome at the table."
- Drew Edmondson
Osborne's reaction:
Communications & Public Affairs
July 18, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Leslie Osborn
Phone: (405) 557-7333
Osborn Issues Statement Regarding A&B Chair Change
OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Mustang, issued the following statement today in response to notice that she is being replaced as House Appropriations & Budget chair.
"Speaker McCall’s decision to relieve me of my duties as Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee is his to make. I am disheartened by his decision, but I am not deterred in my desire to work for the betterment of our wonderful State. Oklahomans are calling out for leadership, and I intend to answer their call. Oklahomans across the state have told me they are utterly disgusted at the divisive way we conduct our business at the State Capitol. It is a sad day when we cannot have an honest conversation about the major financial and budget issues we face as a state. I have always been willing to find solutions through conversations instead of conflict. Be assured, I will continue to stand up for finding achievable solutions to the myriad of problems in Oklahoma that keep us mired in mediocracy. I am here to serve and serving Oklahomans is what I intend to do. To that end, I want to say thank you for the overwhelming support I’ve received from members of the House and the public since this news was released. I’m humbled and uplifted by this sincere support. I also appreciate Speaker McCall allowing me the privilege to chair this committee."
Communications & Public Affairs
July 18, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Leslie Osborn
Phone: (405) 557-7333
Osborn Issues Statement Regarding A&B Chair Change
OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Mustang, issued the following statement today in response to notice that she is being replaced as House Appropriations & Budget chair.
"Speaker McCall’s decision to relieve me of my duties as Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee is his to make. I am disheartened by his decision, but I am not deterred in my desire to work for the betterment of our wonderful State. Oklahomans are calling out for leadership, and I intend to answer their call. Oklahomans across the state have told me they are utterly disgusted at the divisive way we conduct our business at the State Capitol. It is a sad day when we cannot have an honest conversation about the major financial and budget issues we face as a state. I have always been willing to find solutions through conversations instead of conflict. Be assured, I will continue to stand up for finding achievable solutions to the myriad of problems in Oklahoma that keep us mired in mediocracy. I am here to serve and serving Oklahomans is what I intend to do. To that end, I want to say thank you for the overwhelming support I’ve received from members of the House and the public since this news was released. I’m humbled and uplifted by this sincere support. I also appreciate Speaker McCall allowing me the privilege to chair this committee."
