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Cantrell
On Tuesday, February 20th, we celebrated National Future Farmers of America Week at the state capitol. This yearly event provides FFA members with a platform to raise awareness about the National FFA Organization’s role in developing future leaders and the significance of agricultural education.
I am honored to offer my support to the Oklahoma FFA Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in agricultural education. Through its efforts, the foundation improves teaching in various areas such as science, technology, production, processing, and agribusiness.
As the local county livestock show season approaches, it is important to show our support for the FFA and 4-H kids who are putting in all the work. These shows are the moment when all their hard work finally pays off, giving them a chance to show everyone what they’ve accomplished.
I encourage everyone in our community to support these young farmers. They are doing fantastic work and shaping the future of agriculture. Let’s remember to recognize their efforts!
Last week, the Board of Equalization certified the Legislature will have the authority to appropriate up to $13.96B toward the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget, which is $698.7 million, or 5.3% more than authorized for Fiscal Year 2024.
The Board is responsible for carrying out the state’s balanced budget procedures, as outlined in the Oklahoma State Constitution. It certifies revenue collections for prior years, sets expenditure limits forthegovernorandtheLegislature based on current-year revenue estimates and determines the overall limit on yearly expenditure growth.
NowthattheBoardhasdelivered final revenue projections, the process of determining each agency’s budget begins in earnest. Legislators can work together toward crafting a budget that reflects the varied needs and priorities of Oklahomans while ensuring fiscal responsibility and stability.
This certification is a big step in the budget process. It will help the Senate take action and give tax relief to the people of Oklahoma.
Just this week, the Senate passed a bill to eliminate the state’s portion of the grocery tax. The House passed the bill 11 months ago and has been awaiting a vote in the Senate along with an income tax cut. While the grocery tax is a goodfirststep,moreactionisneeded to give back money to the people.
Again, thank you for electing me to serve District 49. It is truly an honorandprivilegetorepresentyou at the State Capitol. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-557-7383 or josh. cantrell@okhouse.gov.
Rep.JoshCantrell,aRepublican, serves District 49 Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Carter, Love and Marshall counties.