Representative Mike Osburn

R

District 81

Hi, I’m Mike Osburn and I represent the people of Oklahoma’s 81st District.


representative

Leadership

Rules Committee Chair

60th Legislature

News & Announcements

May 7, 2026
Recent Posts

Osburn Condemns Gov's Veto of Sunset Act Reform

Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, today condemned the governor's veto of House Bill 3320, a move Osburn said ignores the need for smarter, more effective government. HB3320  would establish a sunset review process for all statutorily created entities, requiring them to demonstrate a clear public need to continue operating. After legislative review, entities must implement any required changes within one year or be dissolved. "The governor's veto of House Bill 3320 is a deeply misguided move that prioritizes outdated bureaucracy over meaningful, effective governance. "Under the current sunset process, the Legislature spends numerous hours every year considering dozens of sunset renewals bills without any actual teeth beyond allowing them to entirely expire. HB3320 was designed to bring Oklahoma’s oversight process into the modern era. Instead, the governor chose to protect a broken, bureaucratic ritual that produces more paperwork than progress. "Let me be clear: every agency, board and commission remains subject to open meetings, public records laws, audits and legislative scrutiny at any time. This bill would have allowed the Legislature to focus on underperforming agencies, requiring specific changes and better accountability rather than wasting time on agencies that are already operating efficiently. The governor’s veto rejects a streamlined approach in favor of maintaining an arbitrary system and continues uncertainty surrounding the very boards and commissions that regulate critical services across our state. "The Legislature, and the people of Oklahoma, must continue pushing for reforms that make government more accountable and focused on results. The governor could share in this effort but instead chose the status quo." Osburn quoted former President Ronald Reagan: "The people are the government. What we create we ought to be able to control." He also pointed to the governor's veto last year of a bill extending the operations of the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, a move that risked the livelihoods of more than 77,000 Oklahomans and could have risked the health of thousands of citizens.  Legislative action  was taken to allow the Board to continue operating. 

Mar 27, 2026
Recent Posts

STATEMENT: Osburn Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection

Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, announced today that he will not seek reelection to House District 81: "Serving Edmond and the great state of Oklahoma has truly been the honor of a lifetime. "When I first stepped into the Capitol, I didn’t have a grand plan to become a ‘career politician’. In fact, if you had told me back then I’d spend a decade in this seat, I probably would’ve laughed and asked where the nearest exit was. But somewhere between the long committee hearings, late nights at the Capitol and the responsibility of representing the people of Edmond, this work became deeply personal. "I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside good people, building lasting relationships and being part of work that truly matters. "Some of the legislation I’m proudest of may not have always made headlines, but mattered where it counts. From strengthening our state workforce and improving civil service systems, to helping bring clarity to criminal justice sentencing and modernizing our elections calendar, I focused on doing the kind of work that quietly makes Oklahoma stronger and more effective. "At the end of this term, I will have spent ten years in the House and cast votes on more bills than I can count. Through it all, I’ve tried to approach each decision with one simple question: Is this good for the people I represent and the future of our state? "During my time in office, Oklahoma faced some significant challenges. Difficult budget years, the teacher walkout, and the uncertainty of COVID all come to mind. But I’m proud that our state didn’t just endure those moments. We came through them stronger. We made historic investments in public education, built the largest rainy day fund in state history and kept Oklahoma moving forward during some very uncertain times. "A role like this doesn’t belong to one person; it belongs to an entire family. I am incredibly grateful to my wife, Holly, and our three amazing children for their patience, sacrifice and unwavering support. They’ve sacrificed a lot over the last ten years, and I’m looking forward to giving more of that time back to them. "While I will miss the work and the people more than I can fully put into words, I will leave elected office with a full heart and a deep sense of pride in what we’ve accomplished together. It has been an incredible honor to serve the people of Edmond and the state of Oklahoma. Though this chapter is coming to a close, my commitment to this community and this state is not. That call to serve never really goes away—it just finds new ways to show up." Osburn was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as chair of the House Rules Committee. He represents House District 81, which encompasses central Edmond.

Mar 9, 2026
Recent Posts

Measures Addressing State Superintendent and Education Board Pass Committee

Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, passed two measures aimed at modifying governance and oversight of the Oklahoma State Board of Education through committee. House Joint Resolution 1055  would create a state question asking voters whether to make the state superintendent of public instruction an appointed position beginning in 2034.  House Bill 3327  would increase the board’s membership and give two appointments each to the Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tempore.  "Oklahoma has witnessed extreme volatility at the State Department of Education and its board in recent years, and our constituents are demanding improved stability and oversight," Osburn said. "By involving the Legislature and the governor in appointments of the superintendent and board members, we can align the department and board with the constitutional responsibility of the people’s elected representatives. Most importantly, these measures will reinforce public trust in one of Oklahoma's most critical agencies. Best of all, we will let the people themselves decide whether the state superintendent remains an elected position or an appointed one." HJR1055 proposes a state question that, if approved by voters, would change the process by which the state superintendent of public instruction is selected. Under the proposal, the State Board of Education would gather applications, conduct interviews and produce a list of three to five candidates. The governor would appoint the superintendent from that list, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The resolution also outlines removal procedures for the superintendent. The superintendent could be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of both the House and Senate, or by order of the governor combined with a two-thirds vote of either legislative chamber. "Over the past three years, Oklahomans have witnessed the efficiencies, or lack thereof, of both elected and appointed state superintendents," Osburn said. "I believe now is the perfect time to ask the people whether they're satisfied with the current election process or if they want the position to be appointed." Under HB3327, legislative leadership would each appoint two members to the board. The state superintendent would continue to chair the board, and the governor would also appoint four additional members. The bill also specifies that members may only be removed for cause by the official who appointed them. If both measures take effect, the governor would appoint a total of five of the nine seats on the Board, including the State Superintendent. Both measures now can be considered on the House floor.