Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, joined lawmakers and industry leaders Thursday morning at the Oklahoma State Capitol to speak at the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Multistate Collaborative, a national forum focused on shaping the future of flight.  Hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, the event drew stakeholders from across the country to discuss policy, infrastructure and innovation related to electric aircraft, vertical takeoff systems and Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS).  “Oklahoma has a proud aviation legacy, and we're not slowing down,” said Miller, who chairs the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Transportation. “From workforce development to regulatory modernization, our state is making strategic investments to lead the next chapter in aerospace. It was an honor to stand with industry experts and fellow lawmakers committed to keeping Oklahoma on the leading edge.” Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City, also attended the event and spoke about the broader impact of aviation on Oklahomans.  “Thankful to Representative Nicole Miller for inviting me to sit with her and learn more about AAM,” said Hefner. “It's exciting to be a part of the second largest industry in Oklahoma and learn how this can help other areas like health care and people in Oklahoma who have a disability.” Rep. Clay Staires, R-Skiatook, emphasized the importance of streamlining and updating aeronautics policy to support future growth in the sector.  “As the aviation industry evolves, our policies must evolve with it,” said Staires. “Events like this help us better understand the needs of the industry and the opportunities for Oklahoma. Solving traffic congestion will require us to think vertically rather than horizontally, and advanced air mobility gives our state the chance to lead that shift. We’re working to ensure Oklahoma remains competitive and ready to support this new era of air mobility.”  Formed in 2023, the AAM Multistate Collaborative brings together state leaders working to prepare for the integration of advanced air mobility into local communities. The group focuses on aligning state-level planning with evolving federal guidance.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, and Rep. Josh Cantrell, R-Kingston, were selected to join the 2025 class of the Milbank Fellows Program, a national initiative that supports state leaders working to improve health outcomes across the country. The representatives are among just 24 policymakers nationwide chosen for the yearlong fellowship. Both lawmakers serve on House health committees, with Roe as the chair of the Public Health Committee and Cantrell as the vice chair of the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee. Roe brings more than 40 years of experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner, while Cantrell is a former county commissioner with a strong interest in rural health issues. "I'm honored to share that I have been selected to join the 2025 class of the Milbank Fellows Program, a national initiative that brings together leaders from across the country to focus on improving health policy and outcomes," Roe said. "The knowledge and connections I will gain through this fellowship will help inform our efforts to address health disparities, improve access to care and support healthier outcomes for all Oklahomans." "I’m honored to represent Oklahoma and our values as we work through this program to strengthen health and human services across our state," Cantrell said. The Milbank Fellows Program is designed for state leaders in both legislative and executive branches. Fellows receive intensive leadership training, access to national experts and participate in in-depth discussions on population health, evidence-based policy and integrated service systems. The program includes three in-person meetings and ongoing virtual sessions throughout the year.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Education Oversight Chairman Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, released the following statement after recent mandate by State Superintendent Ryan Walters to end all end-of-year state testing:  " End-of-year state assessments are mandated by both state and federal law. The Legislature has consistently worked to make student testing more efficient and meaningful for students, parents, and teachers. We look forward to continued collaboration with Superintendent Walters and school districts so that any proposed changes to student testing align with state law and provides clear, actionable information on student college and career readiness."