OKLAHOMA CITY–A budget agreement was announced on Wednesday at the State Capitol that includes increased funding for education, transportation, public safety and health care, among many other areas. The budget for Fiscal Year 2020 also earmarks $200 million for Oklahoma’s savings account, bringing rainy day funding to more than $1 billion. State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom says the budget is one of the strongest in recent years, giving more support in critical areas, while still showing fiscal restraint by having enough left over to boost the state’s savings account.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Darcy Jech is commending the Senate’s approval of several gubernatorial executive nominations this month.  Elk City community members Bob Newcomb, Dr. Keith Fuchs and Joe D. Hall were all tapped to serve by Gov. Stitt, with Jech carrying the nominations through the confirmation process.   David Dyson was also nominated by Gov. Stitt earlier this year, but his nomination did not require Senate confirmation.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Force 50 Foundation recently recognized and honored numerous individuals, organizations and corporations who have distinguished themselves in the service of Oklahoma veterans. Sen. Paul Rosino was among those honored at their second annual Veteran’s Service Awards Banquet. The retired Navy veteran received the Distinguished Service Award for his work while in the legislature to improve the lives of veterans and their families in Oklahoma.  

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Darcy Jech is commending the Senate’s approval of the gubernatorial executive nomination of Kingfisher resident Kurt Bollenbach, who was nominated to serve by Gov. Stitt.  Jech carried the nomination through the confirmation process. 

The Governor along with the House and Senate announced an $8.2 billion budget agreement for FY’20.  Sen. Paul Scott, R-Duncan, released the following statement Wednesday afternoon.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Three transportation measures authored by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom were signed into law by Governor Stitt this month, bringing Oklahoma into compliance with federal regulations.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Two measures authored by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom aimed at modifying state alcohol laws were signed into law by Governor Stitt this week. 

Senate Bill 113 allows a Retail Wine License or a Retail Beer License holder to sell beer or wine on credit when the holder of such license is a private membership club, marina, golf course or country club that normally charges food, drinks and other purchases to the member's monthly dues account in the regular course of business. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure authored by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom that regulates self-driving cars in the state was signed by Governor Stitt this week. 

Senate Bill 365 creates the Oklahoma Driving Automation System Uniformity Act. The measure preempts local laws and asserts that only the state may enact laws or regulations regarding the use of motor vehicles equipped with driving automation systems in Oklahoma.

OKLAHOMA CITY –   State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom is commending the Senate’s approval of Ann Neal’s reappointment to the Oklahoma Arts Council. Neal will serve a three-year term ending July 1, 2022.

“It is an honor and a pleasure to carry Ann Neal's nomination to the Oklahoma Arts Council for the Governor,” said Bergstrom, R-Adair.  “The governor clearly sees the legacy of her years of service in Arts and Humanities and wants to continue to bring her expertise to the state level.  Ann will continue to be a great ambassador for northeastern Oklahoma on the state Arts Council."

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure authored by State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom aimed at stronger consumer protections in regards to meat labeling was recently signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt.