The Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce hosted its regular Legislative Forum on March 7, featuring updates from Representative Scott Fetgatter and Senator David Bullard. The two lawmakers provided insight into the current legislative session, including key bills, budget challenges and infrastructure plans.

--- Changes in the Legislative Process Rep. Fetgatter opened the discussion by highlighting changes in the committee structure within the House of Representatives. Previously, bills only had to pass through one committee before moving to the floor for a vote. Now, they must clear two committees, a change aimed at better vetting legislation before it reaches the House floor.

On the Senate side, Sen. Bullard noted that over 500 bills had been moved through committees this session - a record high. He cautioned that many of these bills will not receive a hearing, meaning advocacy from constituents is essential if they want specific legislation considered.

--- Budget Challenges & Infrastructure Priorities One of the most significant points of discussion was Oklahoma’s budget and spending priorities. Sen. Bullard expressed concern over the state’s $4.2 billion in savings, arguing that excess cash reserves lead to increased demands for spending. He emphasized that rather than giving corporate incentives, those funds should be invested in infrastructure, particularly water and wastewater systems.

Bullard has proposed Senate Bill 92, which seeks $500 million in funding for water infrastructure projects. While he acknowledged the full amount is unlikely to be approved, he stressed that even $60 million could make a significant impact, especially when combined with federal and tribal matching funds. The bill would create a revolving loan program through the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to help municipalities and rural water districts finance critical repairs and upgrades.

--- Corporate Incentives vs. Economic Growth Both legislators discussed the controversial issue of corporate incentives, often referred to as corporate welfare. While they agreed that using tax dollars to lure businesses is not ideal, they also acknowledged that Oklahoma must remain competitive with other states.

Rep. Fetgatter noted that eliminating incentives altogether would likely cause major companies, such as American Airlines and Boeing, to leave the state. Instead, he suggested that tax rebates, rather than upfront incentives, could be a better way to attract businesses while ensuring Oklahoma gets a return on its investment.

--- Medicaid Expansion & State Spending

A major concern for lawmakers is the cost of Medicaid expansion, which was passed by voters in State Question 805. Bullard criticized the initiative, stating that the state is now responsible for an additional $300 million in Medicaid costs this year alone, with that number expected to rise to $700 million due to federal matching reductions.

He warned that these costs are creating a billion-dollar shortfall in the state budget, despite increased revenue collections. The challenge, he said, is balancing spending priorities while ensuring essential services like education, healthcare, and public safety remain funded.

--- Reforming the Petition Process: Senate Bill 1027 Sen. Bullard discussed Senate Bill 1027, which seeks to reform Oklahoma’s initiative petition process - the system that allows citizens to propose and vote on state laws. The bill aims to curb out-of-state influence by requiring:

• Signature collectors to be Oklahoma residents

• At least 20 counties to contribute signatures (instead of relying on large metro areas)

• Clearer, more transparent ballot language

• Disclosure of financial backers for proposed initiatives While some attendees supported the changes, others expressed concerns that the bill could make it harder for grassroots movements to succeed. Rose Lynch, representing the Democratic Party, argued that citizens should have an easier, not harder, time petitioning their government when legislators fail to act on pressing issues.

--- Auditing Government Agencies: The Mental Health Department Scandal A surprising revelation came when Bullard discussed a $53 million embezzlement scandal recently uncovered at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The discovery delayed a scheduled Senate vote on agency reforms.

Bullard emphasized the need for more financial oversight and called for regular performance audits of state agencies. However, he noted that such audits only identify problems - it is up to the Attorney General’s Office to investigate and prosecute wrongdoing.

--- Energy & Property Rights Debate

The forum also included a heated discussion on renewable energy and property rights, particularly regarding wind farms and solar projects.

Rep. Fetgatter clarified that while he supports renewable energy, he also believes in protecting property owners’ rights. He emphasized the need for regulations that balance energy development with the rights of neighboring landowners—especially in eastern Oklahoma, where population density makes large-scale wind projects more controversial.

--- Conclusion: Stay Engaged in the Legislative Process The forum concluded with a call for citizens to stay informed and engaged. Both legislators urged residents to contact their representatives about important bills, particularly Senate Bill 92 (water infrastructure) and Senate Bill 1027 (petition process reform).

As Oklahoma navigates major budget decisions, infrastructure needs, and policy debates, the involvement of local communities will be crucial in shaping the state’s future.