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Here in Oklahoma, one of the main topics of conversation is the weather, but I’d say transportation is right after that. People want to know when a road they rely on is going to be repaired, or how long before all the darn road construction

While education makes up the lion’s share of Oklahoma’s budget, health and human services represents the second largest category. This week, I want to break down some of the important appropriations we’ve made in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, along with funds we’ve utilized through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to improve health in Oklahoma.

Last week, I presented an overview of the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget, which takes effect on July 1.  Over the next few weeks, I’ll be breaking down various areas within the budget to show how public dollars are being invested on behalf of our citizens.

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat held a Media Availability on 6/15/22 to discuss the ongoing legislative special session.

Speakers:

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City

Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada

Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat held a Media Availability on 6/13/22 to discuss the ongoing legislative session.

Speakers:

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City

Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville

At the heart of it, the state’s budget is about the people and the services they depend on, from public safety to mental health, education, and other vital programs and services.  For the past year, I’ve been working with my Senate Appropriations subcommittee chairs, along with our counterparts in the House, to write a budget that is driven by the philosophy that the budget is not just a spreadsheet about money – it’s about people and how these investments impact lives and shape our state’s future.  What are the needs throughout Oklahoma, and how best can we me

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, said he is drafting legislation restoring powers to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission, including the ability to hire and fire the agency’s executive director and restoring oversight of contracts and financial expenditures. 

Senate Democrats held a press conference to give an update on the 2022 legislative session. Speakers included:

Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City

Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City

Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat held a Media Availability on 5/20/22 to discuss the ongoing legislative session.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate chamber burst into applause Friday after the unanimous final passage of a bill eliminating the state’s 13-year waiting list for developmental disability services.  House Bill 4466 provides $32.5 million, the largest funding increase to this program in state history, to clear that waitlist.