House and Senate leaders, together with the governor, announced a budget agreement this week.
The $12.6 billion appropriation for Fiscal Year 2026 is a 0.56% increase over the current fiscal year’s appropriation. This is welcome news after a year of uncertainty about whether we’d need to make strategic cuts to essential state services.
The proposed budget is a win for state taxpayers. It cuts a quarter-percent from the state’s top three personal income tax brackets and completely eliminates income tax for the lowest earners beginning in tax year 2026. The plan also includes a path to zero income tax if certain revenue projections are met in future years.
I’ve heard a lot of pros and cons about an income tax cut, but taxpayers keeping more of their earnings is always a positive for the overall economy. People still choose to spend their money—it’s just at their own discretion, not the government’s.
This budget also continues historic funding levels for public education, including enhanced flexible benefits for teachers and an additional pay step for those with more than 25 years of experience. It increases funding for transportation, public safety, and health care. We’re also stabilizing the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for the remainder of this fiscal year, while continuing to conduct a forensic review of past and present spending at the agency.
Also this week, the Legislature convened in joint session on Monday to honor the service and sacrifice of Oklahoma’s military veterans. As a veteran myself, I know the agony of leaving family and loved ones to serve in places that are often hostile to Americans. By answering this call to duty, we keep our fellow citizens safe and free—and ensure we have a secure homeland to return to. It’s always meaningful to be recognized and supported by those who benefit from our service.
In that same spirit, we took time on May 15 to remember fallen law enforcement officers on Peace Officers Memorial Day and during National Police Week. This week was first established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963 to honor law enforcement officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. It’s important that we recognize the debt of gratitude owed to these brave men and women—and to their families who have given so much.
On a final note, it was a privilege to host the Psychologist of the Day on Monday in the House of Representatives. Caleb W. Lack, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he also coordinates the Counseling Psychology M.S. program and teaches graduate courses. He’s also a best-selling author and editor.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at (405) 557-7350 or collin.duel@okhouse.gov if I can ever be of service to you.
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