Friends,

It’s hot!! I hope everyone is faring ok through the continued 100 plus temperatures. Maybe things will cool off now that the legislature has finally adjourned until February 2024.  

Special Session Vote

On Monday, the House voted on the state-tribal compact extensions for tobacco. Senate Bill 26X extends all existing state-tribal compacts on tobacco taxation through Dec. 31, 2024. This is the second of two veto overrides on compact extensions. Earlier in June, the House voted to override the Governor’s veto of House Bill 1005X which extends existing state-tribal compacts on motor vehicle licensure through Dec. 31, 2024. The date is the only change in the new laws.  The compacts provide important revenue streams to the State and as such, I supported both of the overrides. Immediately following the overrides, the Governor filed a lawsuit with the Oklahoma Supreme Court to clarify who has the constitutional authority to negotiate the compacts. In it he claims the legislature usurped its authority by extending the compact negotiation term, though as recently as 2021 the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the Oklahoma Governor does not have exclusive jurisdiction. So the saga continues. 

What’s on Your Mind

This weekend we went out knocking on the doors of HD70 residents. My goal was to check in with folks after my first session, make sure they have all my contact information and listen, listen, listen! Top of mind for most voters in HD 70 is the current State Superintendent of Education and his impact on students and teachers. You all are probably following but in case not – here is an article that discusses the most recent State Board of Education meeting when the Secretary suggested that a state takeover was possible.  

The last district where the State had to intervene was the Western Heights district in Oklahoma City. I urge you to read this article about the Western Heights case – it was an extremely egregious situation wherein the district was neither taking corrective action nor even responding to the State Department of Education and parents were clamoring for help.

The Western Heights case starkly contrasts any accreditation issues at Tulsa Public Schools as the District has been very responsive and continues to work with the Department of Education to address concerns. I urge everyone to learn the facts and follow this matter closely. In a takeover scenario, the Secretary of Education appoints a superintendent  and every decision made by the local board must be approved by the State Board—obliterating local control and giving decision making authority over our tax dollars and our children to unelected political appointees. An unnecessary state takeover of Tulsa Public Schools would destabilize and damage our whole community with our kids being hit the hardest. I cannot emphasize enough how devastating it would be for our public schools to lose local and experienced control. The disarray would have a far reaching negative effect: everything from losing teachers and students, to decreasing property value, to damaging employee recruitment, to overcrowding in other districts, to intangibles like loss of community trust and demoralization of staff and families, and so much more. As a former school board member, I am a strong supporter of our local elected board making decisions for public schools because they are accountable to local voters.  

Interim Studies 

Interim studies take place during the months while the legislature is not in session. These studies are used to learn more about a proposed policy and help others understand why it may be a good or bad idea for related legislation to advance. A variety of interim studies were approved including my priority requests: investigating causes of medical debt and barriers to affordable and accessible childcare. Other studies of note include mental health and licensure barriers to workforce, state disaster strategies and mitigation, updated graduation requirements, and child labor laws. Once there is a schedule of when the hearings will take place, I will share that information with you and you can watch online or attend in person at the State Capitol.

For any newcomers to Stay In the Loop, you can see all past Stay in the Loop issues on our website:  www.suzanneforstaterep.com. If you know of anyone who would like to receive updates, please ask them to email or call my legislative office.  

Enjoy the end of the summer – stay cool but wring it out for the last bit of fun! Our next constituent conversation is set for September and we will share details of time and place soon.   In the meantime, please reach out if you have neighborhood, group or association meetings you would like me to attend. And as always, if there is an issue or idea you’d like to discuss please reach out.  

Let’s keep going – 

Suzanne