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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 – A new runway at Wiley Post Airport is officially open, and Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, is celebrating what this means for northwest Oklahoma City.  “Wiley Post Airport is a key piece of our district’s infrastructure, contributing to economic vitality, job growth and community access,” Rep. Stark said. “This runway expansion represents more than asphalt, it’s about expanding opportunity, ensuring safety and setting the stage for even more investment in our region. Wiley Post Airport’s growth strengthens our local community and helps families in our district thrive. This is an investment in our future. As a legislator, I’m proud to support aviation projects that create long-term value for Oklahoma families and businesses.”  Located in Stark’s district, Wiley Post Airport plays a key role in Oklahoma City’s economic engine. It supports more than 30 aviation businesses, hundreds of based aircraft and a growing number of commercial and private flights. The new runway and related improvements are part of a larger push to make the airport development-ready for even more business activity.  “Northwest OKC is on the rise, and this expansion helps keep the momentum going,” Stark said. “This means more access for companies, more convenience for travelers and more growth for our local economy.”  The project is tied to the airport’s Northeast Hangar Development, which includes 70 acres of land improvements such as a new taxiway, utility lines and secured access from Rockwell Avenue.  Wiley Post Airport is operated by the Oklahoma City Department of Airports and serves as a key reliever airport for Will Rogers World Airport.  -END-   Rep. Marilyn Stark, a Republican, represents House District 100 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Oklahoma County, including Bethany, Warr Acres and Oklahoma City.

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, R-Bristow, released the following statement on the passing of Former Governor George Nigh. "Today, we mourn the loss of Governor George Nigh. He represented the Oklahoma Standard through decades of service, from reforming the executive branch and modernizing state agencies to declaring Oklahoma! the official state song. His work helped shape the direction of our state and will be remembered. My thoughts are with his wife, Donna, and the entire Nigh family during this time."

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.

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, today announced that the process for assigning interim studies to their respective committees has been finalized. Interim studies serve as a valuable tool for lawmakers to take a deeper look at topics that may require further review or data gathering before formal legislation is considered. Once assigned to a committee, meetings will be scheduled at the discretion of the committee chair. Speaker Hilbert stated that while interim study requests may be the priorities of individual members, a study may not necessarily indicate or reflect a formal priority of the House Republican Caucus. “These studies allow legislators to explore a wide range of issues,” said Speaker Hilbert. “Interim studies serve as an important tool in the toolbox of an individual or a group of legislators in preparing their policy initiatives for the 2026 session and initiating public buy-in. The interim study process provides an avenue for members to gather information, vet ideas and engage stakeholders.” The interim study period will begin on August 4, 2025, and conclude on November 6, 2025. For more information and a full list of approved studies, please visit the  Oklahoma House of Representatives website.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus adopted a resolution urging state and local leaders to abide by the U.S. Constitution and treat immigrants with the fairness and respect they rightfully deserve. The resolution reasserts that every person within the borders of the United States is entitled to due process, equal protection, and humane treatment. It also says law enforcement officers should not hide their identities or wear masks that conceal their identity when dealing with the public unless they are illness related. It also calls for every agency in the state to be transparent about who is being detained and where they are being held.  “Every single human being deserves to have the same rights enshrined in the Constitution,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “They deserve to be treated with respect, humanity, and fairness. While so many individuals, both documented and undocumented, are fearing for their safety, it is important we remember that we are human beings first and that everyone needs access to information regarding their loved ones—detained or not. Every Oklahoman deserves due process and equal protection regardless of their documentation status as written in our Constitution.” Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, a member of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, says this resolution shows Oklahoma House Democrats’ commitment to upholding the Constitution. “This resolution demonstrates our commitment to our nation’s Constitution, which grants rights to every person regardless of citizenship status,” said Alonso-Sandoval. “We are reaffirming our support for those who come to our nation, work hard every day toward the American dream, and in doing so make our state and nation stronger.” Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, a member of the Oklahoma Legislative Latino Caucus, says kindness is a shared Oklahoma value. “In Oklahoma, showing kindness to immigrants reflects who we are and who we’re called to be—people of welcome, not of walls,” Menz said. “Our public policies must be a reflection of our deepest values: compassion, hard work, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to belong.” To read a copy of the resolution in English, click  here . To read the document in Spanish, click  here . -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement of condolences after the passing of Express Employment Professionals co-founder Bob Funk Sr. at 85. “My heart goes out to my friends Bob Funk Jr. and Kim Garrett-Funk and all of the family of Bob Funk Sr.” Leader Munson said. “Mr. Funk is an Oklahoma legend, helping to employ millions in Oklahoma and across our country. His work on the Oklahoma Youth Expo Board–a beloved program for those of us in the Legislature–will be long lasting. He invested in Oklahoma and our future by using his influence to give back to a state he believed in. He will be missed, and his impact will always be remembered. I will be keeping the entire Funk family and all who loved him in my prayers.” -END-

Honoring Black Healthcare Heroes and Celebrating Community Impact Across Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (OLBCF) proudly announces the  25th Biennial A.C. Hamlin Scholarship Gala , to be held on  Saturday, September 13, 2025 , at the  National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum  in Oklahoma City. This year’s theme,  “Elevating Excellence in Healthcare and Community Impact,”  will spotlight Black healthcare professionals, past and present, who have made lasting contributions to the health and well-being of Oklahomans. From rural clinics to urban hospitals, and across generations, the Gala will honor those who have served with purpose and compassion. This signature event is named in honor of  Albert Comstock Hamlin , the first African American elected to the Oklahoma Legislature in 1907. Through scholarship, recognition, and community engagement, the gala continues the A.C. Hamlin Scholarship legacy by investing in future leaders in education, especially students attending  Langston University , Oklahoma’s only Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Champions of criminal justice reform and education equity to address maternal health disparities and supporting economic development in Black communities , the OLBC is committed to legislative excellence and transformative change. The caucus also serves as an advocacy and mentoring body, to encourage civic engagement and leadership development among the next generation of Oklahomans Representative Ajay Pittman, Chair of OLBCF , emphasized the importance of celebrating those who lead by example:  "The A.C. Hamlin Gala is a powerful reminder of the excellence that exists in every corner of our state. I am excited for this opportunity to come together and celebrate this year’s incredible honorees, individuals, and community organizations who do this great work every single day to uplift, heal, educate, and empower our communities,” said Pittman. “This event is about honoring their commitment, highlighting leadership, and promoting our investment in the future. I am most proud that the A.C. Hamlin gala continues to help support our state’s only HBCU, Langston University, and all of the students who carry forward a legacy of leadership, brilliance, and purpose. This Biennial scholarship banquet is more than a celebration; this is a call to keep striving toward a better, more united Oklahoma." Representative Ron Stewart, Vice Chair , shared his excitement for his first gala as a caucus leader: "It is an incredible honor to serve in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, representing the vibrant and resilient community of North Tulsa. As a proud graduate of Langston University and a freshman legislator, I am humbled by the opportunity to advocate for meaningful change. The A.C. Hamlin Gala gives us a chance to celebrate the very people who have shaped our neighborhoods and our future, from healthcare workers to educators and to community leaders. It is our responsibility and our joy to lift them up." In preparation for the event, the OLBCF is inviting the public to  help identify Black healthcare professionals ,  living or deceased, in Oklahoma or those who were born here, and whose work has made an impact on our communities . Whether a beloved family doctor, nurse, community health advocate, or trailblazer who opened doors for others, we want to hear their stories. Please visit the website and complete the form to share your information as soon as possible. The deadline for the entries is Friday, August 15, 2025. 25th Biennial A. C. Hamlin Gala  Event Details:   Date:  Saturday, September 13, 2025  Time:  Dinner and Program at 7:00 PM  Location:  National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum 1700 NE 63rd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111 2025 Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. Members: Representative Ajay Pittman  – Chair (District 99, Oklahoma City) Representative Ron Stewart  – Vice Chair/Treasurer (District 73, Tulsa) Senator Regina Goodwin  (District 11, Tulsa) Senator Nikki Nice  (District 48, Oklahoma City) Representative Erick Harris  (District 39, Edmond) Representative Michelle McCane  (District 92, Tulsa) Representative Aletia Timmons  (District 97, Oklahoma City) To learn more, visit   okblackcaucus.com , email  okblackcaucus@gmail.com , or call  405-557-7393 . -END-