Sen. Julia Kirt’s Press Releases

The Oklahoma Legislative Mental Health Caucus this week announced an expanded leadership team and two major priorities for the 2022 Oklahoma Legislative Session.

The caucus, which began in 2021 with about 30 members, will expand its bipartisan, bicameral leadership in 2022. Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, and Rep. Merleyn Bell, D-Norman, will serve as co-chairs alongside the caucus’ founding co-chairs, Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Josh West, R-Grove.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, have introduced legislation to improve transparency about who is currently being served by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) and who is still waiting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Democratic Leader Kay Floyd

Senate Democrats released the following statements in response to the proposed congressional map announced today:

“It is clear from the proposed map released today, the goal was to draw gerrymandered congressional districts to protect incumbents from competitive elections,” said Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City.

Senators Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, hosted an interim study Wednesday looking into film and media arts programs for kindergarten through 12^th grade students. The study connected primary and secondary school opportunities with the rapidly expanding opportunities in Oklahoma’s film and production industry.

Sen. Julia Kirt will lead an interim study to examine the resources needed for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities transitioning from public schools to further education, employment and independent living.

The Oklahoma City Democrat said the study will analyze the benefits and potential drawbacks of people with developmental or intellectual disabilities staying in school longer as well as the pros and cons of utilizing federal funds available for disabled students.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A trio of state Senators are attending the 2021 Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills (CALS) in Little Rock, AR, this week. Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen.

State Sen.

OKLAHOMA CITY - A joint legislative committee will help prioritize proposals for state government’s share of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Under federal law, ARPA funds for state governments are to be used only to respond to the public health emergency and negative economic effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Such uses can include payments to state agencies, nonprofits, industry and households. They can also include investments in public infrastructure.

Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, Sen. Michael Brooks, Sen. Julia Kirt and Sen. J.J. Dossett met with media to provide an update on session.