Final group of senators takes oath of office

OKLAHOMA CITY – A small group of senators took the oath of office Tuesday during a ceremony on the floor of the Oklahoma Senate.

Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Noma Gurich administered the oath of office while Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell presided over the ceremonies.

Among the group was Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. It was the final time Treat, who was re-elected in November, will take the oath of office. Additionally, next session will be Treat’s third as president pro tempore, the Senate’s top leadership post.

“It is a remarkable privilege to be elected by your friends and neighbors to represent them at the state Capitol. I very much appreciate the love and support of my wife Maressa and our children, Mason, Cooper and Olivia. Without them, I would not be able to serve,” Treat said.

“I want to congratulate each senator and their families for their service. ‘Senator’ is a title that shouldn’t be taken for granted and one that should inspire each of us to work hard every day on behalf of our constituents and state,” Treat said. “It is a challenging time, but I am an optimistic person and I look forward to working in the Senate as its leader to help Oklahoma rebound, move forward and thrive. I appreciate the opportunity to serve another session as president pro tem and I look forward to working with my colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, for the good of all Oklahomans.”

Treat and three colleagues took the oath of office this week as they were unable to attend the ceremony held Nov. 16. Taking the oath Tuesday were:

• Senator Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City
• Senator Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville
• Senator Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle
• Senator Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan

The full Senate will meet for an organizational day on Tuesday, Jan. 5. The First Session of the 58th Legislature convenes Monday, Feb. 1. The deadline for requesting bills for the upcoming session is Dec. 11. Those measures must be filed by Jan. 21.