Legislative Democrats to host Capitol Conversation on the state budget

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.

“The budget impacts everyone in our state, and we want members of the public to come tell us what they’d like to see prioritized,” said Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “We’re talking about taxpayer money and how we allocate that. We’ve been hearing a lot about cuts in mental health services – do you think that needs to be a higher priority? What about roads and bridges? Funding for education? This is the most important job we have as legislators, and we would love to hear your views.”

The budget-focused Capitol Conversation will take place on Tuesday, October 7, in room 535 of the state Capitol, beginning at 5:30 p.m. There will be a budget overview presented by the Oklahoma Policy Institute to help explain the budget process, then members of the public will have up to three minutes to share their priorities for how tax dollars should be used.

“I’m looking forward to our next Capitol Conversation with the public, so they can tell us what matters to them as we look at how Oklahoma tax dollars are spent,” said Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa.

Those who would like to submit comments for any of these sessions, or would like more information, can email: Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov

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For more information, contact:   
Sen. Julia Kirt: 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov    
Rep. Melissa Provenzano: 405-557-7330 or Melissa.Provenzano@okhouse.gov