The Latest in Oklahoma: August 29, 2025
A&A Advocates
Oklahoma State Auditor Cindy Byrd reported that the Department of Human Services and the Office of Management and Enterprise Services mismanaged over $85 million in federal pandemic funds during fiscal year 2023. OMES failed to properly document over $21.8 million in rental assistance spending, potentially denying aid to more than 7,600 residents. DHS lacked safeguards on $63.6 million meant for child care and welfare programs. Byrd said both agencies’ current leadership is cooperating with efforts to address the issues, though the mismanagement may require the state to repay the federal government.
Health insurance premiums are expected to rise sharply for millions of Americans, with rural residents facing the steepest increasesdue to the expiration of Biden-era tax credits and other Trump-era policies. In the 32 states using federal ACA marketplaces, rural premiums could rise by 107%, compared to 89% for urban residents. Oklahoma has 116,800 rural enrollees who will be affected. Insurers are also proposing an 18% median premium increase for 2026, the highest since 2018. Experts warn these costs may lead many to drop coverage, worsening health outcomes and increasing burdens on the healthcare system.
Oklahoma Rep. Ty Burns pleaded guilty to one count of domestic abuse and two counts of assault involving his wife, daughter, and a family friend. He received one-year deferred sentences and was ordered to complete a 52-week domestic violence intervention program. Attorney General Gentner Drummond said, “These are serious charges. While there is no excuse for domestic violence, I am encouraged that the representative has taken responsibility for his actions and will receive counseling under terms of his sentence.” Burns stated, “I take full responsibility for my actions… I know I must do better for myself and my family. I deeply regret what occurred and am prepared to be held accountable for my actions.” House Speaker Kyle Hilbert added, “There is no place in society for domestic violence of any kind. I appreciate Rep. Burns taking ownership for his actions and seeking treatment.”
Shelly Lambertz has been named executive board chair of Continental Resources, succeeding her father, company founder Harold Hamm, who will serve as chairman emeritus. The leadership shift aims to maintain family control of the company and avoid acquisition by larger public firms. Lambertz has held multiple leadership roles within the Hamm family businesses and Continental Resources, where she has served on the board for six years. CEO Doug Lawler praised the transition as key to the company’s future, citing Lambertz’s deep understanding of its culture and strategy. The company remains a major player in domestic oil production and has expanded into international markets.
On August 19, 2025, the Senate Retirement and Government Resources Committee held a session on IS 25-15, where Senator David Bullard revisited the original intent behind creating Oklahoma’s Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES). Initially formed to reduce inefficiencies and duplication through agency consolidation and shared services, OMES has delivered notable cost savings, especially in IT. However, state agency leaders raised concerns about ongoing issues like procurement delays, inflated costs, and poor project oversight. Some improvements—like standardized compensation via Workday and better transparency systems—were highlighted, but officials stressed the need for further reforms. OMES Director Rick Rose proposed moving to legislative appropriations and trimming nonessential programs to stay aligned with the agency’s original mission.
Interim Studies
The interim study period began on August 1, 2025 and will end November 6, 2025.
Click to view the House and Senate interim studies.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Can we acknowledge for a second how far this state has come?” Lt. Governor Pinnell asked the crowd at a “State of the State” speech before the Tulsa Regional Chamber, “We are a state today that other states are looking to, and for companies looking to on-shore operations to America, Oklahoma is towards the top of that list.”