A Senate Review

It’ll be a race to the finish line the next couple of weeks as we diligently work alongside the House of Representatives to complete the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, which will begin on July 1. The budget is the number one responsibility of the legislature to complete each year, and we’ll fulfill our constitutional obligation to this duty.

The budget funds more than 60 state agencies that serve the people of Oklahoma, ranging from the State Department of Education and Oklahoma Department of Health, to little known agencies like the Commissioners of the Land Office, Department of Mines and Indigent Defense System.

All of our agencies perform services that are important to Oklahomans, which is why we continue to fund them. Many of these agencies also work in unison to provide useful programs for citizens they serve, and it’s very rewarding as a legislator to see different groups come together to make a difference in the lives of Oklahomans.

One of the partnerships I’m most proud of is between the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Department of Human Services. The “Fostering Outdoor Oklahoma Families” event officially launched in September of 2020 and brings together foster families to enjoy the great outdoors and abundant fishing opportunities our state has to offer. Participating foster children receive a new rod-reel-tackle combo to use at the event and take home, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Foundation provides fishing licenses to foster parents who’d like to continue fishing as a family after the event.

Outdoor education is so important, and it seems like there are less and less of our children who know how to navigate fishing, hunting, camping and other outdoor activities. This is a great program to give these families some sense of normalcy and a fun activity to participate in utilizing some of the great resources our state has to offer.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Tourism and Recreation Department also often partner together to promote our state as a tourist destination to travelers and a budding place to begin a business. Tourism is Oklahoma’s third largest industry, with $9.6 billion in direct spending, $708 million in local and state tax revenue, and 103,600 tourism jobs in 2018.

A key economic driver, tourism is flourishing in our state and will continue to grow, especially with the help of the Department of Commerce. This is just another example of two state agencies working hand-in-hand to create a better Oklahoma.

As our state moves forward, I imagine more and more state agencies will look to create programs and opportunities for Oklahomans that will increase the quality of life for many, as well as efficiencies within agencies. Our state has always been great, but I truly believe the future is very bright.

Thank you for allowing me to be your voice at our state Capitol. If there’s anything I can do to help you, please reach out. You can contact me by email at Darcy.Jech@oksenate.gov or by phone at 405-521-5545.