House Speaker Charles McCall intends to find out what went wrong with the Oklahoma Department of Health. He has assembled an investigation committee to find out what led to the mismanagement of taxpayer funds. It was recently revealed that the Department of Health was short about $30 million for programs.
The committee will focus the investigation into the finances, state appropriations and other financial resources of the agency and how they were managed. The committee also has the power to investigate other agencies.
“The allegations at the Department of Health are very concerning, and I share the public’s frustration with the mismanagement of at least $30 million in taxpayer funds,” said McCall. “The Legislature has the authority to conduct an investigation, and our members want that to begin as soon as possible. This is a very serious matter, and I would encourage those associated with these allegations to cooperate fully with our investigation.”
The committee has the power to subpoena witnesses if needed.
Rep. Josh Cockroft will chair the committee. He was the chair of the investigative committee looking into sexual harassment claims against House members last year. Rep. Tim Downing will serve as vice-chair. He previously worked in the Attorney General’s Office.
McCall said the committee will begin meeting after the Thanksgiving break.
The members of the Special Investigation Committee are as follows:
Rep. Josh Cockroft, R-Wanette, Chair
Rep. Tim Downing, R-Purcell, Vice Chair
Rep. Kevin Calvey, R-Edmond
Rep. Elise Hall, R-Oklahoma City
Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore
Rep. Bobby Cleveland, R-Slaughterville
Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City
Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid
Rep. Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond
Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond
Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola
Rep. Chuck Hoskin, D-Adair
Rep. Donnie Condit, D-McAlester
Rep. Cindi Munson, D-Oklahoma City
Rep. Johnny Tadlock, D-Idabel
Interesting but biased lineup. Ten of the fifteen represent districts in central Oklahoma from Edmond south to Wanette. A disproportionate number voted against HB1019X. Apparently no one from Tulsa needs to participate in this inquiry of the Health Department.
And how could Speaker McCall leave off this group Rep John Bennett (R) Outer Space, who votes against any new revenue but files bills demanding all services in his area be maintained…….senior meals, troopers, Advantage waivers, etc.
If his constituents have any sense at all, and they may not, even an earthworm can beat this moron next year.
Cal Hobson
Sorry. Should have been HB1054X the only remotely genuine effort to deal with the budget sham and even it wasn’t very genuine in that it was rigged from the beginning to fail by McCall.
Where is investigative journalism when we need it most? Eight toadies of The Speaker were lined up to change their votes as needed and that is exactly what happened.