Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate and House Democrats will host the second of their fall series of Capitol Conversations, and this event will focus on the state budget. While appropriations subcommittees do not afford an opportunity for public input as they debate and vote on budget bills, this upcoming Capitol Conversation will give Oklahomans a chance to share their views with Democrats who serve on Appropriations.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Leaders of the Senate and House Democratic Caucuses said Friday they are deeply troubled by how people will suffer from the ongoing cuts to mental health and substance abuse services in the state and have called for a strategic budget when the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) submits its funding request next week.  

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democrats issued the following statements after Superintendent Ryan Waters announced he would resign from office in order to accept another job.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, announces her interim study in Senate Public Safety Committee exploring the feasibility of voluntary safe gun storage partnerships in Oklahoma.

NORMAN — Sen. Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, issued the following statement after the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority announced the new route for the planned South Extension Turnpike, which would go through parts of Norman and Noble near Lake Thunderbird. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Kendal Sacchieri, R-Blanchard, today praised the $1.5 million wastewater system loan with full principal forgiveness awarded to the Lexington Public Works Authority by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB).

The project will allow Lexington to conduct a citywide sanitary sewer evaluation survey (SSES) to address water quality concerns, reduce strain on the community’s wastewater treatment plant, and ensure reliable service for residents and businesses.

OKLAHOMA CITY— Senator Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, was recently named the 2025 Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Dental Hygienists’ Association.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, received the 2025 Champion for Consumer Protection Award from AARP Oklahoma. Weaver was recognized for legislative excellence in safeguarding consumers from cryptocurrency ATM fraud.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Co-chairs of the Oklahoma Irish Caucus issued the following statement on Friday after it was announced that the Irish band U2 had been named the winner of the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, has been named the 2025 Health Innovator of the Year. The award, presented by the Oklahoma Turning Point Council, recognizes the work of elected officials as leaders in health and public health.

OKLAHOMA CITY–Senator Dusty Deevers issued on Thursday the following statement on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a national leader in the fight for truth, faith, and freedom of speech:

OKLAHOMA CITY — Senator John Haste, R-Broken Arrow, has accepted an invitation from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) leadership to serve as Vice-Chair of NCSL’s Health Standing Committee.

“This is an honor,” Haste said. “NCSL’s health work brings state legislators together to solve real problems. I look forward to representing Oklahoma’s perspective, learning from colleagues across the country, and advancing practical policies that improve outcomes for families while respecting taxpayers.”

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, today applauded the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s approval of a $2,000,000 Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity (PREP) grant for the Piedmont Municipal Authority to bolster local water infrastructure, after working with the OWRB and local officials.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, has filed legislation in honor of Turning Point USA founder and CEO, Charlie Kirk, who was tragically assassinated on September 10.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, has filed a Senate resolution honoring the life and legacy of conservative leader Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on Wednesday while speaking at a campus event at a Utah college. The 31-year-old activist devoted his career to getting young people involved in conservative politics.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today commented on Governor Kevin Stitt appointment of Donelle Harder as Secretary of State and Dustin Hilliary as Senior Advisor to the governor.

“Both Donelle and Dustin are outstanding hires to fill these roles,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “They have proven track records in the private sector, strong knowledge of the legislative process and trusted relationships in both chambers of the Legislature.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, and Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, today outlined immediate and longer-term safety actions for State Highway 67 at Fern/Warrior Road in Glenpool following Monday morning’s multi-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 9-year-old student and injured several others.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today issued the following statement after President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the Oval Office in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

In his address, President Trump condemned the act of political violence that claimed Kirk’s life, calling for unity and urging Americans to reject hatred and division. President Trump also ordered all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in Kirk’s honor.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Lisa Standridge, R-Norman, commended Governor Kevin Stitt’s launch of Operation SAFE (Swift Action for Families Everywhere). The initiative will focus on clearing homeless encampments from state-owned property and restoring order in Tulsa.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa, held a joint interim study at the state Capitol with Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, to discuss participation in Oklahoma’s State Use Program, which manages state contracts with suppliers who provide employment to individuals with disabilities.