As we prepare for the 2021 legislative session, Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat recently announced committee leadership and assignments. I’m honored that the Pro Tem has entrusted me to lead both the Rules Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Regulatory Services as chairman.
As leader of the Rules Committee and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ll be directing my fellow members as they consider legislation that passes through each committee before moving to the floor for full Senate votes. The Rules Committee primarily handles legislative policy relating to laws, ethics, administrative rules, procedures and proposed constitutional amendments. The Natural Resources and Regulatory Services Appropriations Subcommittee oversees budget requests and recommends budget allocations to 13 different state agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor, Department of Commerce, Corporation
I’m also honored to serve again as the chairman of the Rural Caucus this year, a position that is part of our Senate leadership team. We’ll be welcoming seven new Senators to our chamber as well as working with new returning members of the House of Representatives who also represent parts of our Senate district. This includes Reps. Rhonda Baker and Todd Russ, as well as newly elected members Dick Lowe, Anthony Moore and Mike Dobrinski. These three individuals succeeded Pro Tempore Harold Wright and Reps. David Perryman and Mike Sanders. I look forward to working with them on issues that impact our shared communities.
A big part of each session is preparing next year’s budget. The Board of Equalization met on Friday to certify their initial revenue predictions for the fiscal year 2022 budget, which we will craft during the legislative session. While these initial numbers can change, it gives the legislature a starting point and allows the governor to create his proposed executive budget that he’ll present during his State of the State address.
The board initially certified that we’ll have nearly $8.5 billion to spend, which is about $600 million more than the 2021 fiscal year budget. This is good news at a glance, but we’ll have to wait until the final certification in February to fully understand the monies we’ll have available to appropriate. Revenues have been higher than many initially predicted – general revenue collections in November were nearly 5 percent higher than expected, and income tax receipts were 44 percent higher than expected. I’m proud of the way Oklahomans have worked together to support local businesses and keep their tax dollars in our state, which has helped to speed up our economic recovery.
2020 has certainly had its challenges, but I’m positive better times lie ahead. During Christmas, we’re reminded of the real reason for the season. The holidays can be a time to reflect on the good things we have – friends, family and our communities.
I appreciate the opportunity of working with you and serving you. It’s my hope that the holidays bring you good health, happiness and success. I wish all a Merry Christmas and cherished time with your family over the holidays. 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.