Senate Review by Sen. George Burns

Since my last column, a historic education package was announced by the Senate, House and governor. $500 million will go directly into the education funding formula to provide teacher pay raises of $3,000 to $6,000, depending on years of experience, and six weeks paid maternity leave for educators. Additional funding will go towards a three-year literacy program, a threeyear school safety and security pilot program and the Redbud Fund, which benefits school districts that don’t receive the same ad valorem tax collections as others.

The budget has been our main focus over the past few weeks, but we have also been considering hundreds of executive nominations to numerous state boards, agencies and commissions. I carried three of the nominations, which the full Senate approved. Kurt Neal of Broken Bow was approved to serve on the Board of Trustees for Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He will serve a nine-year term through June 30, 2032. Another Broken Bow resident, Charles Darby, was approved to serve a seven-year term on the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. He succeeds himself in this position and will continue serving through May 14, 2030. Nick Grant of Spiro was also approved and will serve a seven-year term on the Carl Albert State College Board of Regents, ending July 1, 2030. I’m thankful for their service to our state and community.

Last week, I had the opportunity to welcome two more students to serve as Senate pages.

Shaylyn and Braylyn Citty are twins and juniors at Broken Bow High School. I greatly appreciate their assistance on the floor and to my office. During their time here, they learned about state government processes and participated in a mock legislative session. Shaylyn and Braylyn also shared their vocal talent at the Capitol by performing the state song, Oklahoma!, and other classic songs such as How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. They’re very involved in their school and community, and I wish them the best of luck in their future educational endeavors and military pursuits.

The Legislature is constitutionally required to adjourn on Friday, May 26 at 5 p.m. This year, a concurrent special session was called to allow more time to continue work on budget measures, if needed. Not only does the Legislature have a constitutional mandate to write and pass a balanced budget, more than any other measures undertaken by lawmakers, the budget ultimately impacts every single person in our state through the services and programs provided by our state agencies and institutions. The Senate continues to carefully consider many appropriations for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1. I’ll keep you posted as we complete our legislative work for this year.

If you have any questions about legislation, or need assistance with an issue, please contact me by email at George.Burns@ oksenate.gov or by phone at 405-521-5614.