A state law that bars legislators from working for a state agency within two years of leaving office doesn’t apply to two former state legislators hired by the incoming state insurance commissioner, an Oklahoma Insurance Department official said.
Insurance Commissioner-elect John Doak announced that ex-state Sens. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, and Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, and former Rep. Mike Thompson, R-Oklahoma City, will serve in his administration as deputy insurance commissioners.
Brogdon, who complained about state government spending during his campaign, lost the GOP gubernatorial primary last year to U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, the eventual winner of the governor’s race. Brogdon and Thompson, who ran unsuccessfully for the 5th Congressional District seat, left office in November.
Laughlin couldn’t seek re-election in 2008 because of term limits and unsuccessfully ran for state treasurer last year.
Oklahoma’s constitution bars a legislator from working for a state agency within two years of leaving office unless the salary comes from private or federal funds. But former lawmakers may take paid positions with the state within that period if they are paid with money not appropriated from the Legislature, assistant Insurance Commissioner Rick Farmer told The Oklahoman.
About 99 percent of the agency’s budget comes from fees and penalties, Farmer said.
Records show legislators allocated about $2 million this fiscal year to the Insurance Department. The agency’s total budget for the 2009 fiscal year was about $209 million.
“We are well within the confines of the rule of law,” Brogdon said.
Farmer said the three former lawmakers’ salaries haven’t been determined.
“Salary negotiations are still ongoing,” Farmer said.
Outgoing Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland had one deputy insurance commissioner and three assistant commissioners in her administration. Doak announced he is hiring four deputy commissioners in addition to the three former lawmakers.
Salaries for the assistant and deputy commissioner posts in Holland’s office ranged from $67,900 to $92,000, records on the state finance office’s Web site show.
Brogdon said he didn’t think his taking a post with a state agency conflicted with his belief that state government was too big.
Information from: The Oklahoman
Topics Legislation Talent Oklahoma
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