The 48 men and women who serve in the State Senate come from every single part of the state. Some have to drive many hours to get to Oklahoma City each week and can’t easily make quick trips back to their district during the week for special events or family occasions. I feel fortunate that […]
Chris Evans visits with Rep. Garry Mize, Rep. John Pfeiffer and Senator Chuck Hall on the first six weeks of the legislative session on The Roundup. Each legislator discusses the big issues taking place inside the State Capitol. The Roundup is a City of Guthrie production in partnership with Guthrie News Page. If you prefer […]
HThursday was a major legislative deadline for the House and Senate. It was our Third Reading deadline, the day that bills had to be heard and voted on in the chamber they originated in. Bills that weren’t voted on by Thursday at midnight are now dead for this legislative session. We spent hours on the […]
Oklahoma City – Governor Kevin Stitt today signed five agency accountability bills that give the executive branch the authority to hire and fire agency leaders for the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority (SB 456), Oklahoma Department of Transportation (SB 457), Oklahoma Department of Corrections (HB 2480), Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (HB 2479), and Oklahoma Department of […]
OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill to require the same level of transparency from virtual charter schools as other public schools passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives today. House Bill 1395 amends language in the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act of 2012 to hold virtual charter schools subject to the same financial reporting requirements and audits as […]
HOKLAHOMA CITY – The House of Representatives today unanimously passed a measure that would provide Oklahoma school teachers some financial relief when they spend money out of pocket for their classrooms. House Bill 2502, by House Speaker Charles McCall, would provide a $1,000 tax credit that teachers can claim for classroom expenditures and fees associated […]
The most important responsibility the Legislature is charged with is to write and pass a balanced budget on behalf of the citizens of this state. Just like a family budgeting their dollars, we know there will always be more needs and wants than resources—so just like that family, it’s our job to prioritize the state’s […]
OKLAHOMA CITY— Rep. Garry Mize, R-Guthrie, announced Thursday the passage of House Bill 2511 from the Oklahoma House of Representatives. HB2511 allows the State Purchasing Director to authorize purchases for the Oklahoma Film & Music Office to utilize a state purchase card for programs, functions or services essential to the agency’s mission. “House Bill 2511 […]
The Guthrie High School wrestling team and the Coyle High School boy’s basketball team were recognized Tuesday morning at the State Capitol. State Representative Garry Mize introduced the wrestling team to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Afterwards, the team was introduced to the Oklahoma Senate by Senator Chuck Hall. The Bluejays, led by head coach […]
The upcoming April 2 election will have two seats up for grabs on the Guthrie city council. Check out the introduction videos of the four candidates and a candidate that did not draw an opponent. You can view the candidate videos following this article hosted by Guthrie Chamber of Commerce CEO Tracy Zserdin. A forum […]
OKLAHOMA CITY – The House of Representatives today passed a measure aimed at encouraging more doctors to practice in rural areas of the state. House Bill 2511, by House Speaker Charles McCall, would reduce a doctor’s tax liability by up to $25,000 annually if he or she practices in a rural community for the tax […]
CThe first month of the legislative session has been a whirlwind of activity. I wanted to share some of the more important things that have happened. Last week, the governor signed House Bill 2597, also known as “Constitutional Carry.” This allows any person to exercise their Second Amendment right to carry either a concealed or […]
The last few weeks have seen a packed schedule of committee meetings, budget and policy discussions and floor votes. Last Wednesday, the Board of Equalization announced a $575 million surplus to put toward the fiscal year 2020 budget. This number is a great indication of how well our economy is doing right now, but we […]
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved with an 11-4 vote a bill from President Pro Tempore Greg Treat that would prohibit abortion in Oklahoma when the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade or if the U.S. Constitution is amended. “Oklahoma is a pro-life state and Oklahomans have repeatedly made it […]
By the end of this week we will have completed the first month of the of the 2019 session and passed the February 28 deadline for bills introduced in the Senate to be voted on by Senate Committees. One thing we’ve been waiting for is the February meeting of the State Board of Equalization. This […]
Friday, March 8, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the April 2 Board of Education General Election, Statutory Municipal General Election and Special School Election for Guthrie SD I-1, Cashion SD I-089, Luther SD I-3, the City of Guthrie, the City of Crescent and […]
Two weeks ago, newly sworn-in Gov. Kevin Stitt kicked off the fresh legislative session with his first State of the State Address before a joint Legislature. In his address, the Governor outlined a conservative, pro-economic growth plan for Oklahoma that demands government accountability and efficiency while also addressing the needs of our core agencies. He […]
The last several weeks have been a roller coaster ride as my fellow freshmen members of the Senate and I have been preparing for the 2019 legislative session. We’ve been through caucus meetings, orientation and training sessions, awaiting our committee appointments then working with staff to get bills filed ahead of the session. It went […]
Governor Kevin Stitt delivered his first State of the State on Monday inside the State Capitol. Oklahoma’s new Republican governor wants to use a projected budget surplus to give a $1,200 pay raise for public school teachers that would bring the state to tops in the region for pay and benefits for educators. EMBARGOED COPY […]
Pictured (L-R): Rep. Kevin Wallace, Rep. John Pfeiffer and Rep. Garry Mize.
OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Charles McCall announced committee assignments for standing House committees and appropriation subcommittees of the 57th Oklahoma Legislature, including Republican Representatives Kevin Wallace, John Pfeiffer and Garry Mize. “I am thankful that we have 101 members who are willing to roll up their sleeves and serve where they are most needed,” said […]
