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For several months now, state revenues have been rolling in above the estimates, pointing to a bright economic future for Oklahoma. On Monday, the state Board of Equalization (BOE) verified the positive fiscal outlook by certifying their preliminary revenue estimate for Fiscal Year 2023. We will hit another historic high next year as they estimate the Legislature could have just over $10.3 billion to appropriate this coming session.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, has filed a bill to help ensure individuals awaiting competency restoration treatment necessary for them to stand trial have access to that treatment sooner.  Senate Bill 1113 would provide for jail-based treatment.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Assessments began on Wednesday, Sept. 1 that will ultimately enable the state to eliminate the waiting list for developmental disability home and community-based services.  That’s according to Sen. Paul Rosino, vice chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, and Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson, who have been working with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to address the issue.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, and Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, issued the following statements after the Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing Tuesday on the Department of Corrections’ (DOC) announcement of the closing of the William S. Key Correctional Center in Fort Supply.  Among those appearing before the committee were Tricia Everest, Cabinet Secretary of Public Safety, Deputy Secretary Jason Nelson, Scott Crow, DOC Director, and Ashlee Clemmons, DOC Chief Financial Officer.  

Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat met with media to provide an update following sine die adjournment.

Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd met with media to provide an update following sine die adjournment.

OKLAHOMA CITY – About 40 states nationwide have waiting lists for services for individuals with developmental disabilities.  Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, said legislation he presented in the Senate on Wednesday to lay the foundation for eliminating Oklahoma’s own waiting list was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt Thursday. 

OKLAHOMA CITY –The Legislature paid tribute to retiring Higher Education Chancellor Glen D. Johnson on Wednesday, thanking him for his service to the state and wishing him well as he begins his next chapter.  Senate Appropriations Chair Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, and House Chair of the Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education Mark McBride, R-Moore, are coauthors of Senate Concurrent Resolution 10, honoring Johnson’s extensive service to the state. Johnson retires as chancellor Sept. 30, 2021.

Senate Minority Leader Kay Floyd, Sen. Michael Brooks, Sen. Julia Kirt and Sen. J.J. Dossett met with media to provide an update on session.

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 13, 2021)— A state budget agreement reached Thursday maintains all state core service funding, provides tax relief to individuals and businesses, and makes targeted new investments in key priorities like education, economic development, health care and infrastructure. The agreement also replenishes more than $700 million in state reserve funds that were significantly reduced to offset pandemic-related revenue reductions last year.