The House and Senate this week announced details of the state budget. We’ll still need to run budget legislation throughour appropriations committees and through each legislative chamber, but it’s amazing to have an agreement this early.
Here are a few highlights of what we hope to soon sign into law: Almost $80 million for reading and math programs, including our Strong Readers legislation to help students be proficient in reading by the end of third grade. About $85 million to deliver $2,000 teacher pay raises and a $23.7 million increase for flexible benefits.
The State Election Board would receive $12 million to upgrade voting software. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation would receive $15 million to provide grants through its Lake Access or Industrial Access programs. This is tied to legislation I’m running this year.
We’ve also got targeted funding for public health and mental health care as well as human services. Public safety would see a boost, includingmoneyforanewHighway Patroltrooperacademyandfunding for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs to build facilities to replace those that are cramped and outdated. State employees could see a payraise,animportantstepinmaking sure we keep people on the job to serve the needs of Oklahomans. We’ll still have about $3 billion in reserves for the future.
We’ve been able to cut $1.6 billion in taxes over the last eight years, and we are still able to deliver a budget slightly increased from the current fiscal year.
Meanwhile, House committees aremeetingtohearSenatebills,and Senate committees are considering House legislation. We held almost a dozen committee meetings in the House this week. Until bills make their way through this process, work on the House floor will be light. That should pick up over the next few weeks.
We did have a number of groups visit the Capitol this week. People 55 and older came for Senior Day on Monday. On Tuesday, we saw a number of college students for HigherEdandOklahoma’sPromise Day. We also received some statistics by proponents for affordable housing. They contend that safe, stable, affordable housing better supports our state’s workforce, drives economic growth and impacts health and well-being, which improves the lives of Oklahomans and reduces costs to the state.
Wednesday was Aero Day with numerous booths set up in the Second Floor Rotunda to showcase the state’s many aviation, aerospace and defense entities. Oklahoma has a rich aeronautic history, and this industry is a huge contributor to our state’s economy, and grows every year. On Thursday, we had advocates for Autism Day visit with us about the specific needs of those from this community.
Remember, if I can help you with anything, please do not hesitate to reach out: (405) 557-7383 or Josh. Cantrell@OKHouse.gov.
Josh Cantrell serves District 49 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Love County and parts of Carter and Marshall counties.