The House this week considered dozens of bills that specify how state agencies are to expend funds in Fiscal Year 2027, which starts July 1. These are in addition to the general appropriations’ bill that already has been signed into law by the governor. The GA bill gives the overall framework for the state budget, but the spending limits bills detail how the money is to be spent for programs and services that support Oklahomans.
These bills include
• funding for education, including $2,000 pay raises for teachers and other full-time certified school employees, as well as increases for specific reading and math initiatives;
• the Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics for long-term infrastructure projects;
• raises for state employees and certain court reporters;
• Cost-of-living adjustments for state retirees, between 3% and 6% depending on the number of years of retirement;
• transportation, including about a $16 million increase for the Department of Transportation, which manages the eight-year plan for roads and bridges maintenance as well as the County Improvement for Roads and Bridges (CIRB) fund. The increase also covers money for lake and industrial access plans, which will help in areas like lake Texoma;
• meeting the state’s responsibilities for Medicaid and other health and mental health care needs;
• childcare teacher recruitment and retention to help fill childcare needs across the state;
• public safety projects such as a new Highway Patrol Trooper Academy and upgrading facilities for the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs;
• an upgrade for voting software by the State Election Board;
• water grants to update water infrastructurethroughoutthestate;
• economic development, particularly in rural areas of the state.
There were 47 spending limits bills in total.
Also this week, Ardmore was a stop for Lt. Gov. Pinnell’s 38th Annual Turkey Hunt. This tradition showcases Oklahoma communities to prospective out-of-state companies and site selection representatives. Pinnell said it’s one of the state’s most unique and effective ways to introduce business leaders to Oklahoma.
Thelieutenantgovernorsaidhe’s proud to show why more companies are choosing to grow in the state. This is due to our skilled workforce, our strong economy and our probusiness environment.
“There’s no better way to experience Oklahoma than by visiting our communities firsthand,” Pinnell said.
Organized in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the invitation-only event brings together business leaders and decision-makers from across the country. Ardmore’s stop on the turkey hunt came April 15. I’m very proud of this community and know they showed those on the tour their very best.
We’ll continue hearing Senate bills in House oversight committees this next week. Those that pass will be available for consideration on the House floor. Work on the floor will increase as we work towards concluding this year’s legislative session.
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.