Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, collaborated on an interim study held by the House Public Health Committee examining the challenges faced by Oklahomans who have a diagnosis of intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and a mental health diagnosis, and how they can better access care.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee held an interim study Monday requested by Sen. Carri Hicks to examine adding Omnipod insulin pump coverage for state Medicaid patients. Omnipod is a newer type of pump, easier to use, and is credited with better health outcomes.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, held an interim study to give Lake Eufaula residents the opportunity to express their concerns related to regulatory and safety issues in the area.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, released the following statements on Tuesday celebrating Morrison Elementary School being named a National Blue Ribbon School.

Morrison Elementary was one of four Oklahoma schools to earn the top national honor awarded to campuses that excel in academic achievement. The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that just 356 schools across the U.S. received the Blue Ribbon designation this year.  

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, visited the U.S.-Mexico Border to complete a three-day training provided by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Democratic Leader Kay Floyd
Capitol: (405) 521-5610

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, issued the following statement Thursday after social media brought attention to a racist event at Tishomingo Schools during Spirit Week.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, said he plans to refile legislation for the 2025 legislative session for working immigrants to legally obtain a license to drive in Oklahoma. A report by Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visas Task Force also recommended that the state issue a “driver’s privilege card” for undocumented immigrants.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Julia Kirt, a member of the Oversight Committee for the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT), issued the following statement after the watchdog agency presented its September report reviewing funding sources for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA). 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa, on Thursday reflected on his eight years serving in the Oklahoma Senate. Newhouse opted not to seek reelection this year after serving two full terms.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, the Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visas Task Force published their report, making several recommendations to the legislature for immigration-related bills. Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, spoke forthrightly against the recommendations and encouraged his fellow legislators to do likewise.

“As legislators, we must look out first and foremost for the well-being of Oklahomans,” Deevers said. “I’m afraid these recommendations fail to do that.”

OKLAHOMA CITY – The elimination of the state portion of the grocery tax takes effect today. Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville, an advocate of Senate Bill 1283, is celebrating the tax cut, which comes at a time as families across the state continue to grapple with inflation and rising living costs.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today commented on the elimination of the state portion of the grocery tax set to take effect tomorrow.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today announced the long-awaited reduction in Oklahoma's grocery tax will take effect Thursday. 

The tax cut, which was approved during this year's legislative session, marks a significant step toward easing the financial burden on Oklahoma families. It also represents the largest tax cut in state history. 

OKLAHOMA CITY — With the State grocery tax set to be eliminated on August 29, Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, celebrated the additional money going back into the hands of the people of Oklahoma.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today released the following statement after Attorney General Gentner Drummond released an expedited opinion surrounding school security funds as the legislation intended.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today released the following statement after the Oklahoma House of Representatives announced a Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) investigation into spending at the State Department of Education. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, was recently recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the public college and university Council of Presidents as a recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Service Award honoree. 

OKLAHOMA CITY- The Legislative Evaluation and Development (LEAD) Committee held its first meeting Wednesday. The committee was formed through Senate Bill 1447, authored by Edmond Republicans Sen. Kristen Thompson and Rep. Mike Osburn in the 2024 legislative session. The inaugural meeting was hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, where members were briefed on upcoming agency projects.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A new legislative oversight committee examining economic development proposals held its first meeting on Wednesday. Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, was one of 10 lawmakers appointed to serve on the new bipartisan, bicameral Legislative Evaluation and Development (LEAD) Committee.