Legislative Leaders Comment on Budget Agreement

OKLAHOMA CITY – State leaders released the following statements Wednesday after an agreement was reached on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

Senate Majority Leader Greg McCortney, R-Ada:

“I’m appreciative of everyone who has provided input on this year’s budget as our cooperative efforts ensured the needs of Oklahomans have remained at the forefront of our conversations and negotiations. Further, I applaud Pro Tem Treat for launching transparency initiatives that have led to this all-encompassing and fiscally responsible budget agreement. This approach has ensured all voices were represented throughout the process and has set a standard for effective governance and accountability moving forward. I look forward to expanding on these efforts to make Oklahoma’s budget process the most transparent in the nation.”

Speaker Pro Tempore Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow:

“It’s often said that successful negotiation is not about getting to yes, it’s about mastering no and understanding what the path to an agreement is. During this negotiation process, neither chamber got every item they would have liked, but what we did get was a good budget for the people of Oklahoma.

It’s important to remember that the budget agreements and decisions made today can have a lasting impact in the future. I’m thankful that the House and Senate could reach an agreement, and I’m optimistic about our ability to continue addressing areas of concern and disagreement in the future.”

House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City:

“During my 12 years in the Legislature, we have encountered some of the most difficult budget issues that Oklahoma has ever seen, and we found a way to work together to lift our state up and get back on track.

Thankfully, due to shrewd budgeting practices and forward thinking, those issues have been left in the past and now the conversations regarding the budget surround how much to spend and how much to save. That’s a great problem to have. I’m thankful for the robust budget conversations that took place this year, and confident that we have delivered a budget that will address issues that matter to the citizens of our state.”

Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall, R-Perry:

“This state budget meets the needs of all Oklahomans in a comprehensive and fiscally responsible manner. I’m proud this spending plan was born out of the most transparent budget process in state history, which included countless public meetings that allowed the public to remain involved and engaged as we discussed every line item. I want to thank Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat once again for putting his faith in me to get this budget to the finish line.”

House Appropriations & Budget Chairman Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston:

“The budget agreement reached today will provide much needed funding for a wide array of projects and programs across our state. Negotiations are rarely quick and easy, but the process produced a budget that focuses on the main priority of the House: our constituents.

I’m thankful for the countless hours that House staff put into this process, and the work of our appropriation’s subchairs, and subcommittees, to ensure that we were up to date with all information necessary to negotiate in good faith.”

Senate Appropriations Vice Chairman Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City:

“This agreement reflects our commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility while prioritizing the needs of our constituents. Though the process proved difficult at times, I am appreciative of my legislative colleagues for their continued collaboration. We have crafted a comprehensive budget that supports key initiatives across Oklahoma, and I am confident that this will serve the best interests of our state for the fiscal year ahead.”

House Appropriations & Budget Vice Chairman Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton:

“Over many weeks and months, dating back to last Fall, the House has been dedicated to a transparent budget process that addresses the needs of our citizens and is fiscally responsible for the future of our state.

Today’s budget agreement delivers a budget that will do exactly that. I’m thankful for the leadership of Chairman Wallace during this process, and the hard work of House budget staff to come in early, and stay late, to make sure we were always prepared for meetings and able to negotiate a good budget for all Oklahomans.”

###