The Oklahoma House approved a $12.82 billion state budget and sent it to the governor, marking a relatively early agreement that could shorten the legislative session. The plan includes modest spending growth, with increased funding for public education, teacher pay raises, and additional support for Medicaid, though not as much as requested. The proposal drew criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, who argued it does not adequately fund key services or should return more money to taxpayers.
A federal judge rejected proposed settlements between Oklahoma and several poultry companies in a long-running lawsuit over pollution in the Illinois River Watershed. The judge said the agreements failed to adequately reduce pollution, enforce penalties, or meet federal legal requirements. The settlements would have replaced an earlier court order requiring companies to fund cleanup and follow stricter oversight. State officials and industry groups expressed disappointment, warning the decision could harm poultry growers and delay a resolution to the case.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging whether tribal citizens in Oklahoma must pay state income taxes, leaving a lower court ruling in place. The decision means tribal members living and working on reservations are still required to pay state taxes. State leaders said the ruling reinforces limits on the McGirt decision, while tribal officials criticized it as undermining tribal sovereignty.
Oklahoma lawmakers are advancing a proposal to move voter-approved Medicaid expansion out of the state constitution and into state law, which would give them more control to change or limit the program.Supporters say the change would allow the state to better manage costs and eligibility, especially with expected federal funding cuts. Democrats oppose the plan, arguing it could weaken healthcare access and is being pushed toward a low-turnout August election. The measure still needs full legislative approval and the governor’s signature before going to voters.
Upcoming Deadlines
04/23: Deadline for SBs/SJRs out of Oversight, Admin Rules, Appropriations & Rules Committees
04/23: Deadline to report House measures from Senate committees
05/07: Deadline for Third Reading and Final Passage of Bills and Joint Resolutions from opposite chamber
To see the full legislative calendar, click the link to view the House Calendar and Senate Calendar.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“There’s not a single person in this body that had everything they wanted in this budget,” Rep Trey Caldwell, the House’s budget leader, said regarding the state budget. “It’s part of a grand bargain to get a record amount of money into education and trying to move the needle when it comes to giving our young children opportunities in this world.”