House Media

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 - Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, today congratulated Lindel Fields on his appointment as Oklahoma’s new State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Gov. Kevin Stitt named Fields, a retired CareerTech administrator and executive leadership consultant from Tulsa, to serve out the remainder of Ryan Walters’ unexpired term. Fields brings more than 30 years of experience in education, including his tenure as superintendent and CEO of Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, where he helped lead the center to a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Banning said Fields’ track record as a steady, results-driven leader will serve Oklahoma schools well. “Lindel Fields is the kind of leader Oklahoma students, parents and teachers need right now,” Banning said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with him through leadership training seminars for my own executives, and I’ve seen firsthand the integrity and wisdom he brings to every room. He’s calm under pressure, clear in his vision and committed to bringing out the best in others.” Fields retired from CareerTech in 2021 and has since worked with schools, businesses and local governments across Oklahoma through his firm, Your Culture Coach. His leadership coaching has been credited with helping organizations improve performance and better serve their communities.