House Media

Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, has been appointed to serve as a member of the Oklahoma-Israel Exchange Commission (OKIE). She was appointed by Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, for a term that began effective immediately. "I’m honored to join the Oklahoma-Israel Exchange Commission and support their mission of building meaningful connections between Oklahoma and Israel," Gise said. "This partnership has already produced powerful initiatives, and I look forward to contributing to projects that foster cultural understanding, economic growth and global innovation." The Oklahoma-Israel Exchange Commission works to strengthen ties between the State of Oklahoma and the State of Israel through collaborative programs and partnerships that span commerce, agriculture, culture and education. Through its efforts, OKIE promotes mutual understanding and goodwill while supporting innovative projects that improve lives in both communities. Gise has been a strong supporter of Oklahoma’s relationship with Israel during her first term in the House. She has authored and supported multiple pro-Israel measures, including bills addressing antisemitism.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, Jim Grego, R-Wilburton and David Smith, R-Arpelar, issued the following statement today following the death of former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh. Nigh was born in McAlester and graduated from McAlester High School. He later graduated from what is now Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. He later taught social studies at McAlester High School. "George Nigh is absolutely legendary and beloved in our area of the state," said Grego and Smith who share representation of McAlester. "No one cared a bit about his political party. All they knew was he was a fierce advocate for Oklahomans and Oklahoma. He had our best interests at heart and spent a lifetime showing us how to accomplish much through hard work, determination and love of others." Nigh’s decades of service to the state included time in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, multiple terms as lieutenant governor and governor. Nigh served as president of the University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond, and was a constituent of Miller's. "Oklahoma has lost a legend. George Nigh was the very epitome of what it means to be a public servant. He was a relentless champion for our state and had a unique talent for bringing together people from all walks of life. He innately understood that what makes Oklahoma special is the people who call this state home. During his time in public office and as president of the University of Central Oklahoma, he fiercely told Oklahoma's story. He built UCO into the powerhouse institution it is today, and the university and surrounding Edmond community blossomed during his time at the helm. His mentorship will be greatly missed, and we will keep his family in our prayers."

Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert has launched a new initiative titled "Capitol to Community", a series of events held across the state over the interim with the goal of strengthening connections between legislators and the Oklahomans they serve.   The format of Capitol to Community will vary depending on the community, but the goal remains consistent: a full day on the ground, engaging directly with local leaders, businesses, educators and residents.   The first stop took place this week in Ada, Oklahoma, with Representative Ronny Johns, R-Ada, hosting members of the House Majority Caucus for a day-long visit focused on community engagement, listening and learning.   “This series is about stepping outside the Capitol walls and meeting people where they are," said Speaker Hilbert. "It’s about listening to local challenges, celebrating community successes and ensuring that our legislative goals align with the everyday needs of Oklahomans.”   The first stop of the day began with a meeting at the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce, where Governor Bill Anoatubby, among others, briefed attendees on major infrastructure projects and tribal-state partnerships. The group then visited East Central University for a “Lunch & Learn” focused on mental health challenges facing the region. A robust panel featured professionals from Project Aware, The Clinic, Brandon Whitten Institute, and more, offering perspectives on addiction recovery, school mental health programs, and behavioral health services.   In the afternoon, participants toured the ECU campus to examine deferred maintenance needs, followed by visits to the AMRIZE Cement Plant and the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET), which featured hands-on simulations used to train Oklahoma’s peace officers.   “As a lifelong Ada resident, I couldn’t be more proud to host this first event in House District 25,” said Rep. Ronny Johns. “This visit was a chance to showcase our community, but was a reminder of how impactful it can be when state leaders take the time to engage directly with local voices, including those from communities outside their home districts."   Speaker Hilbert emphasized that the series is just beginning. Additional stops in communities across Oklahoma are planned throughout the interim, with Broken Arrow and Woodward next on the list in August and September.