Category: Capitol Updates

A peek at the governor’s FY2026 budget proposal (Capitol Update)

The legislative session began last week with Gov. Stitt’s State of the State address and the unveiling of his executive budget. The speech didn’t seem much different than his previous efforts with the governor claiming “a mandate to support and… Read more [More...]

Mostly flat budget requests from state’s health, human services agencies (Capitol Update)

In the final week of budget hearings before the legislative session began this week, the health and human services agencies asked for basically maintenance increases for next year's budget. [More...]

Lawmakers weighing agency needs, budget cuts, and $4.6 billion in state savings (Capitol Update)

As the 2025 legislative session approaches, the appropriations and budget subcommittees continue to hear Fiscal Year 2026 budget requests from state agencies. Most of the agencies are asking for modest budget increases. Among the small but important agencies in the… Read more [More...]

Proposed legislation could help modernize state’s justice system (Capitol Update)

First Lady Sarah Stitt, who is serving as Senior Policy Advisor on the Women’s Justice Commission, joined other state leaders for the Commission’s conference in Tulsa last week. The Commission, chaired by former Obama Attorney General Loretta Lynch, is part… Read more [More...]

Early budget picture signals Oklahoma returning to scarce funding (Capitol Update) 

But with at least a $191 million hole in the budget to start, it looks like Oklahoma will revert to form with scarce funding. The money stashed away in various accounts during the past few years may be a cushion, probably avoiding cuts to important state services. But Gov. Stitt will likely renew his mantra of calling for tax cuts, despite his executive agencies’ requests for additional funding. [More...]

Would legislative involvement improve state budget projections? (Capitol Update)

Attorney General Gentner Drummond is raising a troubling issue regarding the certification of funds available for appropriation by the legislature. Drummond refused to attend the Dec. 20 State Board of Equalization meeting saying he did not have confidence in the… Read more [More...]

Upgrading teacher salaries can reverse state’s growing teacher shortage crisis (Capitol Update)

Instead of slashing income taxes and stashing cash away in various holding accounts, the efforts of these legislators could be greatly enhanced if the Legislature would demonstrate to teachers the state values their calling by vastly upgrading teacher salaries. [More...]

Speaker announces House leadership, committee chairs; adds new oversight committees (Capitol Update)

Incoming Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, finalized his leadership and committee chair appointments last week in preparation for the upcoming legislative session that begins Feb. 3. [More...]

Steps to improve budget transparency next session (Policy Matters)

This column originally ran in the Journal Record on May 29, 2024 This legislative session, lawmakers placed great emphasis on budget transparency. It’s been revealing to watch the process unfold, but there are steps lawmakers can take to build on… Read more [More...]

Addressing the complex needs for mental health services for people held in state’s custody (Capitol Update)

In an opinion piece in the Tulsa World last weekend, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler appears to find himself again at odds with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) over its interactions with the… Read more [More...]