The week of Feb. 21-24 was Public Education Week at the State Capitol. Because Feb. 21 is also President's Day, when most schools are closed, we had a number of public school supporters – including students, parents, teachers and administrators – visit us at the Capitol. They attended session and committee meetings and many visited lawmakers' offices. It was great to see so many people championing public education.
Oklahoma Republicans have increased funding for public education by over $750 million, or 33%, over the last five years. This includes more money for textbooks and other classroom materials and activities as well as increased teacher and support staff pay. We also increased funding for rural schools that receive below-average amounts in local property taxes. I know the pandemic has created challenges for educators and students, but I truly believe the best days for public education are ahead in Oklahoma.
Also this session, Oklahoma House Republicans are focused on broadband expansion. Legislation that will bring high-speed internet to 95% of our state in five years will be heard soon. House Bill 3363 would create an Oklahoma Broadband Office, using federal pandemic relief funding, to support the buildout of this critical infrastructure throughout the state.
The office will collect and distribute all funds available for broadband expansion, establish policies to maximize the use of funds, create and update a Statewide Broadband Plan to achieve 95% coverage by 2027, and maintain a mapping system of all broadband infrastructure in the state. The office will be funded with federal funds and will sunset once relief funds are spent.
The speaker of the House said in a quote that broadband is as essential as phones and roads in modern life. He's right. We need broadband for schoolwork, for telehealth services, to do our jobs and more. This was never more apparent than during the pandemic. This expansion will prepare us for the future.
On a final note, I want to discuss the progress of my House Bill 3994, which is an attempt to try and restore some equity and balance to the relationship between manufacturers and franchise auto dealers in our state. I had a 33-year career as a rural auto dealer before selling my business and retiring before joining the Legislature. I experienced firsthand the pressure and coercion from manufacturers that continue to reduce competition and force many rural dealers out of business. The intention is to help ensure competition and our hometown sales and service opportunities will continue in Oklahoma for years to come. This helps not only our local economies but our state overall.
This bill was scheduled to be heard in the House Business and Commerce Committee, but the meeting was cancelled as the House was closed because of icy road conditions. It should be heard by the time this article prints.
It's an honor to continue to represent the people of House District 59 in our state House. Please follow regular updates on my house Facebook page and reach out anytime at (405) 557-7407 or Mike.Dobrinski@okhouse.gov.
*Mike Dobrinski serves District 59 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Dewey and parts of Blaine, Canadian, Kingfisher and Woodward counties.