OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jay Steagall, R-Yukon, announced he filed House Joint Resolution 1036 applying to Congress for an Article V convention to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution requiring the federal government to pass a balanced budget on time each year. The joint resolution would withhold salaries for the president, members of Congress and U.S. Supreme Court justices during a government shutdown. It also would make members of Congress and the president ineligible for re-election if they fail to pass a balanced budget by the last Thursday of March each year. "Every day, families and small businesses in Oklahoma make tough choices to balance their budgets," Steagall said. "It’s time for Washington to do the same. Congress cannot keep piling more debt onto the American people. This resolution says enough is enough." Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, two-thirds of state legislatures may direct Congress to call for a convention for proposing amendments, which are enacted only after three-fourths of the states ratify the proposal. Steagall’s resolution seeks to join Oklahoma with other states pushing for fiscal responsibility at the federal level. "Americans deserve a government that plans responsibly and meets its obligations," Steagall said. "I hope this resolution encourages other states to consider similar action so we can collectively hold Washington accountable and protect the nation’s finances."
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, today issued the following statement in response to changes announced regarding the State Department of Education: "Superintendent Fields will bring a wealth of administrative and education experience to the Department of Education and I look forward to working with him, Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin and their team as we seek to use data-driven research and measurable results to guide decision-making and strengthen education across our state for all students. We have much work to do, but I am confident with the momentum we have had in recent years with record investment in education, a focus on teacher retention and recruitment, ending virtual days and banning call phones, we will continue to make our education system better. Additionally, I continue to support as I always have the Governor’s push to make the State Superintendent of Public Instruction being an appointed position. Education is one of the most important issues we tackle at the state Capitol, and having a single point of accountability to the public is critical to making real change in any system. Representative Mike Osburn and I intend to file a resolution next legislative session asking the people of Oklahoma to consider this change. Students, teachers and families deserve accountability and a system that prioritizes results. Our kids deserve it.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Members and former educators of the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus responded on Thursday to changes announced to the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). “Today, Governor Stitt announced drastic changes to OSDE. I want to congratulate Superintendent Lindel Fields, and I look forward to meeting him and working with him on behalf of our students, teachers, and families. I also look forward to meeting and working with Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin. I am hopeful that these appointments will be an improvement to the last State Superintendent, but it is important to remember that the bar has not been set at a high level. “The challenges our public education system faces have been longstanding before the previous superintendent and seriously need to be addressed by legislative leaders. We must set a higher standard for ourselves to come together to eliminate these challenges that can be solved by working together. Republicans have had the reins on state government in Oklahoma for nearly two decades and they have prioritized tax cuts for the wealthiest and investments in private school vouchers with public tax dollars. This has left public education in Oklahoma underfunded for several years. It is my hope that the new team at OSDE works to listen to teachers and experts on the best ways to improve public education for everyone–students, teachers, and families. I disagree with putting forth legislation to make the Superintendent of Public Education a governor-appointed position. If we want to see the changes needed to our public education system, it should be up to the public to choose, and up to the legislature to listen.” – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City “Whomever holds the job of State Superintendent must focus on two critical areas: stopping the teacher exodus and realigning the job to its true north–serving our kids, supporting our teachers, and reassuring families that the State Superintendent is there to help Oklahoma become, once again, one of the top states in the nation for student success. “We have everything we need to get this job done. We just need the right person to blaze the path. I wish Mr. Fields every success, and look forward to helping him achieve it.” – House Assistant Democratic Leader Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa “I’m glad the new superintendent showed respect for teachers and for civility. That’s a needed rebuke of Ryan Walters’ methods. There’s a lot to do. We don’t just have to right the ship, we have to rebuild it, and that will take a greater commitment to public education than we have seen from this administration so far.” – Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa “While I am cautiously optimistic about Lindel Fields’ appointment today as interim superintendent, there is significant work ahead to address the harm caused by the previous administration while also meeting the challenges facing Oklahoma’s schools. Experience shows that strong public and legislative oversight remain essential. I also want to be clear: I will strongly oppose any effort to turn the superintendent into a governor-appointed position rather than one elected by the people. The Legislature’s past decision to put OSDE appointments into the governor’s hands is part of why we’re in this mess. Checks and balances can’t work when power is consolidated and oversight is removed. Oklahomans must stay engaged: attend school board meetings, communicate with legislators, and demand transparency to ensure this office serves students first, not politics.” – Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa “My great hope is that once the mess left by Ryan Walters is cleaned up, Mr. Fields and the administration will think outside the box to solve actual problems, instead of doubling down on the failed education policies (over-testing, private school vouchers, profiting, and the vilifying of teachers) that got us here in the first place.” – Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman -END-