For the past three election cycles, Rep. Mike Brown, D-Tahlequah, has served House District 4. He is popular with constituents and has stayed true to his Democratic base by championing causes that impact the average Oklahoman.
Brown’s swift rise in leadership, with his recent appointment as Democratic floor leader for the 52nd Legislature, is of little surprise to those familiar with his leadership skills.
“Mike is a voice of reason, compassion and strength who has earned the respect of his colleagues,” said Democrat Leader Danny Morgan, D-Prague. “He did an excellent job the last two years as assistant floor leader in mobilizing support for our party’s positions on the floor.”
Brown assumes the spokesman’s role for the Democratic Caucus in stating its position on important matters.
“I am appreciative of the support I’ve received, and as I was unopposed in this last election, I was grateful to concentrate this time on issues that can benefit our state,” said Brown. “With gratitude and humility I will do my best to serve my county, my caucus, and all the citizens of Oklahoma.”
Brown is known as an energetic and active legislator who has introduced bills to assist working families, firefighters, disabled veterans, workers’ rights, abandoned children, child care facilities, health care and prescription costs, teacher pay and the Teachers Retirement System, higher education, tourism, and alternative energy use and incentives.
He was author of legislation to ban the use of images of service members of the U.S. armed forces from being used for advertising or solicitation without consent. He has co-authored several pieces of legislation signed into law, including the Clean Campaigns Act of 2008, the Medicaid Program Reform Act, the creation of the Emergency Medical Technician Death Benefit Revolving Fund, and the requirement of state agencies and political subdivisions to purchase flags manufactured in the U.S.
Brown has been a long-standing advocate of developing alternative energy sources. He has introduced legislation to provide a tax credit to residents using a wind or photovoltaic energy system. He also fought for capital improvements for higher education, and was integral in ensuring Northeastern State University received necessary funds for renovations. As a result, NSU received the third-highest share of those allotted, obtaining almost $23 million to complete projects. Brown was instrumental in defeating a bill that singled out optometrists to limit their scope of surgical practice, and the practice of students at NSU.
During the 51st Legislature, Brown was vice chairman of the Administrative Rules Committee and was on the Economic Development and Financial Services Committee, General Government and Transportation Committee, and Tourism and Recreation Committee.
Brown is a small business owner of 29 years. He and his wife, Tammy, have been married for 35 years and have two children and seven grandchildren. Mike and his wife are strong advocates for children and youth and served as therapeutic foster parents for five years. They attend Cornerstone Fellowship in Tahlequah.
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Brown assumes new leadership role
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