As we near the end of this year’s legislative session, things are moving fast at the Capitol. We’ve just hit another deadline with over 270 Senate bills and joint resolutions passing through House committees. With our next big deadline on May 8, we’re seeing some important progress. In fact, a few key bills have already been signed into law.
One bill that made it through the House this week is SB269, which focuses on carbon sequestration. This bill gives the Corporation Commission the responsibility to oversee CO2 injection and storage, making sure these processes are handled safely. It also creates a new fund to support future carbon sequestration projects, which is an exciting step forward for Oklahoma as we work toward cleaner energy solutions while protecting the environment.
Education has been another major topic this week. We’ve passed a number of bills aimed at supporting our students and teachers. For instance, one bill bans cell phones during class to help reduce distractions, while another expands math programs and provides more resources for students with disabilities. We’re also taking steps to retain and support our teachers by improving training programs and offering more resources. These efforts are all about closing achievement gaps and making sure every child has access to a high-quality education.
Mental health services have also been a big concern lately. Unfortunately, funding cuts are impacting some key providers who have already delivered services. The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has requested $4 million to help cover some of these losses, but the actual shortfall is much larger—around $63 million. Providers like CREOKS, GRAND Mental Health and Family and Children’s Services were recently notified that their funding will be cut by May 10. I’m committed to making sure Oklahomans who rely on these services get the care they need, and I’ll continue advocating for more transparency and accountability in how these services are funded.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. What’s important to you and your family? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or call my office at (405) 557-7355. I look forward to hearing from you and working together to make Oklahoma even better.
–Rep. Ken Luttrell serves District 37 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of Kay and Osage county.
