The Legislature officially adjourned “sine die” on Thursday. It has been an honor to serve House District 13 during the second session of the 59th Legislature.

After weeks of intensive budget negotiations, legislative leadership has finalized an agreement for the Oklahoma state budget, set to begin on July 1. While it required compromise, and no one got everything they wanted, I am satisfied with the outcome. It is a fair and balanced budget; importantly, the governor has publicly committed not to veto any portion of it.

This year’s $12.47 billion budget, slightly lower than last year’s, maintains flat funding for many state agencies as requested by the governor in his State of the State address while addressing the needs of Oklahomans statewide. The budget focuses on key areas like education, public health, and human services.

Regarding education, we allocated $2.65 million for paid student teaching and $8.5 million for the Inspired to Teach scholarship incentives to support future teachers. Additionally, we have earmarked $240 million to develop new engineering and science facilities at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, enhancing STEM education and meeting the demand for skilled professionals in Oklahoma’s workforce.

For public health and human services, we have increased long-term care rates, expanded the OSU Medical Center in Tulsa, and provided additional funding for the Department of Mental Health to address children’s mental health needs. We have also made significant investments in public safety, with $18 million allocated for county sheriff pay raises and $10 million to support victims of domestic violence.

We achieved all this while putting nearly $5 billion into savings, ensuring Oklahoma remains fiscally responsible and prepared for future challenges It has been a productive year, and I look forward to continuing to serve House District 13.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-5577302 or neil.hays@okhouse. gov.

Rep. Neil Hays, a Republican, serves District 13 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers McIntosh, Muskogee and Wagoner County.