Representative Mike Dobrinski

R

District 59

Hi, I'm Mike Dobrinski and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 59th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Jun 11, 2025
Recent Posts

Dobrinski Comments on Death of Meteorologist Gary England

OKLAHOMA CITY - Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today commented on the death of longtime Oklahoma Meteorologist Gary England, a native of Seiling, OK. England died Tuesday at the age of 85. "Gary England is a legend here in Oklahoma," Dobrinski said. "His broadcasting during severe weather and storms saved untold number of lives during his decades on television. We recently named the North Canadian River Bridge north of Seiling in his honor. It's a hard loss for his family and really our entire state. My prayers are certainly with all who loved him." Dobrinski said in February he accepted a dinner invitation from constituents and friends Andrea and Brad Hutchison who were visiting the Capitol while working on some agricultural issues. "What a pleasant surprise when I arrived to meet Andrea's uncle, Gary England, and his wife, Mary. We enjoyed many humorous stories about Gary's life and career. It was a wonderful experience I will always cherish." According to the Seiling Chamber of Commerce and news reports, England was born Oct. 3, 1939. He graduated from Seiling High School in 1957, and joined the U.S. Navy, intending to be in the Navy Weather Service. He met his wife, Mary Carlisle during a short stint at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He later attended the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and meteorology. He joined Oklahoma City's KTOK radio station in 1971, then moved to KWTV, News Channel 9, a CBS-affiliated station in Oklahoma City the following year. He spent four decades keeping Oklahomans informed on weather events while helping revolutionize meteorology and winning countless awards, including multiple Emmys, the Silver Circle Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Heartland Division and the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for best in the nation in breaking weather coverage in all large markets. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2013. He retired in 2013 as chief meteorologist for KWTV. England was internationally acclaimed for his innovations in weather technology and is credited with implementing the world's first commercial Doppler weather radar, becoming the first to use the technology for direct warnings to the public. He also is credited with advancing the storm tracker system, and was known for phrases like "stay tuned; we'll keep you advised." He was the author of four books and made an appearance in the 1996 movie "Twister," which was filmed in Oklahoma. 

Apr 17, 2025
Recent Posts

Lineman Appreciation Day Recognized in House

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Thursday adopted a resolution recognizing the contribution of lineworkers throughout the state in advance of National Lineman Appreciation Day, April 18. Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today presented Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 before members of the House. "Lineworkers leave the comfort of their own homes, often in the very worst weather, to put their lives at risk so others can stay home, safe and dry, to wait for the power to come back on, which it always does thanks to the work of these dedicated individuals," Dobrinski said. "I was proud to work with my Senate colleagues to put together this resolution to recognize their significant contributions to the residents and businesses of our great state." In addition to the resolution, Dobrinski also recognized several line workers on the House floor and many more in the gallery who work for state utilities or rural electric cooperatives.  The resolution notes that lineworkers are the true heroes of the electric power industry, responsible for maintaining and repairing electrical power grids 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are often the first to respond during storms and other catastrophic weather events so other first responders can get to the scene safely. They operate under dangerous conditions and risk their lives high atop power lines to keep electricity flowing. They also play a vital role in Oklahoma's economy by maintaining the energy infrastructure that powers homes and businesses. They deserve recognition for their hard work to power local communities and keep people safe during emergencies. 

Mar 11, 2025
Recent Posts

Watershed Restoration Act Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today passed a measure in the House that would expand a program to eradicate harmful trees and shrubs in certain watersheds statewide. House Bill 2162 would create the Terry Peach Watershed Restoration Act. The act would build on legislation enacted in 2023 that created a pilot program focused on the North Canadian Watershed with the goal of exploring solutions to the infestation of red cedars and other invasive species. The measure is named after former Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach who died in 2022. "The goal is not only to improve water flow to drought-stricken areas of the state, but to protect residential properties and critical infrastructure from the great fire danger these trees and shrubs create," Dobrinski said. "The state has millions of acres it maintains, and it's imperative we protect our grazing lands and wildlife habitats and ultimately our economy." HB2162 would remove the pilot status of the program and would create a revolving fund to be administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to accomplish the goals of the program. The estimated cost of expansion is $10 million, which would have to be approved through the appropriations' process. Dobrinski said the return on investment to the state should be greater than this initial investment. Dobrinski said the pilot program created previously has already proven enormously successful, with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission eradicating many invasive species in the initial watershed area. The commission also has provided training and support for rural fire departments and burn associations to continue the work. He said part of the program has been educational with Conservation Commission crews educating the public on eradication methods and how to maintain areas that have been cleared of invasive species. He said without this measure, the state risks significant damage from wildfires. "What we saw happen in California this year is a horrible example of what could happen if we don't address this problem," he said. The bill passed the House on a vote of 88 to 4. It now moves the state Senate where t is authored by Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt.