Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – Friday, Oklahoma House Democrats and Oklahoma Senate Democrats held a press conference urging the Governor to declare a state of emergency and call a special session to help fund lapses in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. A few funding avenues were mentioned during the press conference, such as dipping into Oklahoma’s rainy day fund and helping food banks meet their goal of doubling their efforts. “We are calling on the Governor to act and help the nearly 700,000 Oklahomans–most of whom are children, veterans, and seniors–as SNAP benefits lapse starting tomorrow,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “We have avenues to enact real solutions for Oklahomans. We can access up to $300M of our Rainy Day Funds, funds the Governor has bragged that we cannot add another dollar into because they are so full. Both the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma have said that an additional $5.5M to each organization would help to double their efforts. There is one solution right there. We understand that we do not have the means to completely make up for the lapse of SNAP benefits, but there are ways to provide a temporary fix that could help buy Oklahomans time. Other states with Republican leadership are coming up with solutions. Now is not the time to cling to White House talking points. It is time for Oklahoma leaders to stand up, lead, and serve Oklahomans.” Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, is urging Republican colleagues to act. “Our state’s Republican leaders had time to prepare for this crisis, and they did not,” said Kirt. “We have reached out with temporary solutions to help feed Oklahomans, and Republicans have not acted fast enough. We must come into a special session and appropriate as many dollars as we can to feeding our children while we wait on the President and Congress to act. We cannot allow hungry children to be political pawns.” Chair and Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) joined to push for action and explain the impact SNAP benefit lapses have on their districts. OLBC Chair Rep. Ron Stewart, D-Tulsa, says his district will be hit especially hard by the lapse in SNAP benefits. “House District 73 will be among the hardest hit—simply by nature of our demographics in northwest Tulsa,” said Stewart. “Our community is made up of diverse families who rely on SNAP benefits at a disproportionately higher rate. The lone grocery store in this food desert is a small, privately owned business that will undoubtedly feel the impact of reduced sales. The challenges facing District 73 mirror those of many rural communities across Oklahoma—different in geography, but nearly identical in struggle. Families throughout our state are going to feel the same pain. With November 1st on the horizon, time has run out. We cannot afford to wait for more harm before taking decisive action. While this is clearly a humanitarian crisis, it is also a matter of public safety. Oklahomans will suffer, and we must recognize that the ways some may respond to food insecurity carry broader implications for our communities. This reality should concern every legislator in our state.” OLBC Vice Chair Sen. Nikki Nice, D-Oklahoma City, says we cannot rely on food banks and non-profits alone. “It is irresponsible to ask 211, food banks, and non-profit agencies to meet this need when they were already underfunded and stretched thin before this crisis,” said Nice. “People in the community are already doing everything they can, and they are counting on their tax dollars to take care of people when there is a need, not to sit idle in bank accounts while the President and Congress use hungry children as bargaining chips.” The entire press conference can be viewed on the  Oklahoma House Democrats Facebook Page.  -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, released the following statement following the death of Porum Police Officer Richard Phillips, who was killed Thursday morning in a vehicle accident in Pittsburg County.  “I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Patrol Officer Richard Phillips, who was tragically killed Thursday morning in a vehicle accident in Pittsburg County. Officer Phillips was a proud Marine veteran, a devoted father and a dedicated public servant who served his community and country with honor. He was the kind of officer any department would be proud to have, hardworking, compassionate and committed to the call of service.  My family extends our heartfelt prayers to Officer Phillips’ children, his loved ones and his brothers and sisters in law enforcement as they mourn this tremendous loss. May they find comfort and peace in the days ahead.”  -END-   Rep. Tim Turner, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.

ARDMORE, OK — Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and members of the House Republican Caucus visited Ardmore this week as part of the ongoing Capitol to Community tour, an initiative designed to connect state leaders directly with local residents, businesses and organizations to better understand community priorities and challenges. On Monday, legislators spent a full day engaging with Ardmore leaders and stakeholders during tours, presentations, and discussions that highlighted the city’s economic strengths, innovation, and commitment to public service. The day began with presentations from City Manager Kevin Boatright and Chamber President & CEO Bill Murphy. Attendees then participated in a walking tour of the city’s Depot District and downtown area, where local revitalization efforts and small business growth were on display. Members also heard from Steve Rhines, President and CEO of the Noble Research Foundation, and Jake Foster, CEO of Kerr Pumps, both of whom shared insight into the role of Ardmore’s private sector in driving innovation, sustainability and workforce development. The afternoon included tours of major employers at the Ardmore Industrial Airpark, including DOT Foods, Michelin, Murray State College’s Ardmore Campus, Southern Tech, and King Aerospace, showcasing Ardmore’s unique blend of education and infrastructure investment. The day concluded with a panel discussion on mental and community health, featuring Jessica Pfau, CEO of Lighthouse Behavioral Wellness Centers, and Daryle Voss, President and CEO of Mercy Ardmore. “The Capitol to Community series allows us to spend meaningful time in cities across Oklahoma, seeing firsthand the partnerships that make our state stronger,” said Speaker Kyle Hilbert. “Ardmore stands out for its balance of economic development and community care." Representative Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, said the event was an important opportunity to showcase the city’s growth and leadership: “Ardmore is a community that never stops moving forward,” said Rep. Townley. “Whether it’s the groundbreaking research at Noble, the work happening at Kerr Pumps and King Aerospace, or the dedicated efforts of our educators and healthcare professionals, Ardmore continues to be a driving force in southern Oklahoma. I’m proud to welcome Speaker Hilbert and my colleagues here to see the incredible work being done.” The Capitol to Community tour will add two more destinations including Lawton and Guthrie.