Representative Josh West

R

District 5

Hi, I'm Josh West and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 5th District.


representative

Leadership

Majority Leader

58th Legislature

Majority Floor Leader

60th Legislature

Assistant Majority Floor Leader

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Mar 11, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes Legislation to Strengthen Oklahoma Military Bases

The  House passed legislation  of f  the  floor today that would allow for additional state investments in infrastructure tied to Oklahoma's five military bases. House  Speaker  Kyle Hilbert authored House Bill 2516 and House Bill 2518, which create revolving funds at  the  state Treasury for use by  the  Oklahoma Military Department.  The  Base Infrastructure Needs and Development (BIND) fund will have a technology and a schools component that will allow for additional support to  the  state's military bases in  the  hopes  of  preventing any future base closures and expanding operations when possible. "Oklahoma has a long history across multiple branches  of   the  military and we want to send a loud signal that  the  state supports our bases," said Hilbert, R-Bristow. " The se funds will allow funds to accrue over time so we are able to take advantage  of  potential expansion opportunities as  the y become available and fight against any potential closures in  the  future." House Bill 2516 creates  the  BIND-Schools Fund, which can be used to make infrastructure investments improving common education facilities located on military bases in  the  state. House Bill 2518 creates  the  BIND-Technology Fund, which can be used to make infrastructure investments including  the  purchase  of  license and software associated with military simulation training. Both funds are intended to decrease  the  likelihood  of  military base and other military infrastructure closure or increase  the  likelihood  of  military base and other military infrastructure expansions in  the  state. " The  military plays an important role in our state's economy, but also in  the  values we live in our state," said Floor Leader Josh West, R-Grove, and an Army veteran. " The re is no greater investment than shoring up our military bases and making sure we are poised for any needed growth in our military in  the  years to come." Both bills passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and will now head to  the  Senate for further consideration. -END-

Aug 12, 2024
Recent Posts

STATEMENT: Reps. Josh West, Burns, Banning Question State Superintendent's "Problematic" Leadership Tactics

Reps. Josh West, R-Grove, Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Chris Banning, R-Bixby, today released the following statement reacting to disparaging comments made by State Superintendent Ryan Walters about Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller after a disagreement over delayed Title I allocations. After Bixby Public Schools experienced delays in receiving Title I funding, Miller tweeted his concerns and questioned when his district would receive the initial allocation. Days later, Walters retorted, calling Miller a "clown" and a "liar." "As former military leaders, we know the qualities that define good leadership: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. Just as important are the lessons on how not to lead. "Over the past four years, we've witnessed Ryan Walters' often questionable leadership. In the past two weeks, he has violated the Open Meetings Act, denied legislators access to executive sessions, deprived districts of rolled-over money meant for school safety and now is putting children's lives at risk by withholding appropriated funds for emergency asthma inhalers. "After Walters chose to name-call Bixby Superintendent Rob Miller, a former Marine who faithfully served the Constitution and protected our rights, we decided we couldn't sit back any longer. Though we do not speak for others, we cannot stand by while a respected leader and veteran is insulted and demeaned for simply doing his job. Walters' behavior is unbecoming of any leader, especially the highest-ranking person in the Oklahoma public school system. "Our time in the military taught us to listen to those serving on the front lines. That same principle applies here. School superintendents like Miller provide valuable insights into local issues, and yet Walters refuses to listen to those around him or take responsibility for his missteps. "As elected officials, paid with taxpayer dollars and entrusted with the future of our state, we must hold ourselves accountable to Oklahomans and have the integrity to admit when we are wrong. We had hoped Walters would eventually grow into his role, but after two years of problematic leadership tactics, our patience is wearing thin."  West, the current chair of the House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, founded the Legislative Veterans Caucus, which he chaired from 2017-2019. He received numerous military awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with “V” Device for Valor. He was critically wounded in a firefight in Karbala, Iraq, in 2003 and was medically retired from the U.S. Army after nine years of service. Burns currently serves as the Chair of the Legislative Veterans Caucus. In 2011, Burns was wounded in a near ambush in the Saygal Valley in Afghanistan. He retired from the 45th Infantry Brigade in 2018 after 20 years of service. Burns has also received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, as well as several numerous military awards and decorations. Banning, a member of the Legislative Veterans Caucus, was in Operation Provide Comfort, which was in conjunction with the Operation Desert Storm – Desert Shield Era. In the immediate wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, Banning was on the frontlines of rescue and recovery missions for which he received the Humanitarian Service Metal. Banning is now a service-connected disabled veteran. 

Aug 1, 2024
Recent Posts

Governor Ceremonially Signs HB3673, Establishing the Oklahoma Tricare Reserve Select Reimbursement Program

Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday ceremonially signed a bill supporting the health and well-being of military personnel. House Bill 3673, authored by Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, establishes the Oklahoma Tricare Reserve Select Reimbursement Program to provide grants to military members on state active duty orders for more than 30 days. These grants will reimburse eligible personnel for the cost of purchasing Tricare Reserve Select insurance coverage, benefiting both the service members and their immediate family members.  "This legislation represents our commitment to the men and women who serve our state," Miller said. "By alleviating the financial burden of healthcare costs, we are ensuring that they can focus on their vital duties without worrying about the health and well-being of their families." Miller said the Oklahoma Tricare Reserve Select Reimbursement Program will be a critical resource for those who serve on extended state active duty, providing them with peace of mind and essential healthcare coverage. Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, coauthored the bill. Her district includes Tinker Air Force Base. "This program ensures that those on state active duty are supported not only in their critical roles but also in securing the healthcare coverage they need for themselves and their families," Stanley said. "I appreciate Representative Miller, Governor Stitt, and the special guests who joined us for the ceremonial signing of this legislation. It is always an honor to come together in support of our service members and to celebrate policies that serve those who have served us." Rep. Josh West, R-Grove, also attended Wednesday's ceremonial signing. "As a veteran who was wounded in combat, I can't stress enough the importance of having the proper amount and the right type of insurance coverage not only for ourselves but for our family members," West said. "I'm grateful to see this bill signed into law to begin helping our military members with the cost of such coverage." Miller worked on the legislation with the National Guard Association of Oklahoma (NGAOK). "The National Guard Association of Oklahoma is excited on the signing of HB 3673 as it will provide another needed benefit to our Oklahoma Guardsmen while they are serving the state," said James Hight, who serves as president of NGAOK. "We would like to thank the many legislators, Governor and the Oklahoma National Guard for putting in the work to ensure Oklahoma Guardsmen have all the tools they need to complete any mission they are given. The Oklahoma National Guard is always ready and always there because of the countless efforts of so many to ensure they are the best Guardsmen in the country." The program will be administered by the Oklahoma Military Department. HB3673 takes effect Nov. 1.