This was a deadline week for the state Legislature. All bills had to advance from their chamber of origin by March 27 to stay active this session.
The House was able to advance 440 measures to the Senate by our deadline, and we are receiving 321 Senate measures to consider. We’ll begin hearing these in House committees this coming week.
I was able to pass seven bills to the Senate in advance of the deadline. These range from protecting vulnerable veterans to keeping our state and local investments free from influence by foreign adversaries.
At the same time, we’re continuing to work on our state budget. This week, the House updated budget numbers in its online transparency portal, detailing the House position on how the FY26 budget should be crafted.
The portal, known as Budget HQ, was created in 2024 in an effort to bring transparency to the state budgeting process both for the full House membership and the public. The numbers are a starting point for negotiations with the Senate and Governor over the FY26 budget.
Budget leaders have been working with the Senate and governor to find areas of agreement and identify areas where we differ. We hope to continue close negotiations so we can achieve a budget that benefits all Oklahomans. Passing a balanced budget is the one constitutional obligation of the state Legislature each year. This must be achieved before we adjourn sine die May 30.
On the financial front, the state received good news this week that our credit rating has been updated to AA+ from AA-, from stable to positive, by S&P Global Ratings. This is our highest rating in decades. It reflects our commitment to responsible financial management and our consistently positive financial results. It shows our dedication to funding pension liabilities and maintaining healthy reserve balances to cushion against fiscal uncertainty. It’s nice to be rewarded for our disciplined approach.
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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