House and Senate leaders came together with the governor on May 14 to announce a budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2026 has been reached.
The proposed $12.6 billion budget is about 0.56% above what was budgeted for FY25.
The most prominent feature is an income tax cut of a quarter-percent for the top three tax brackets and elimination of the bottom three brackets beginning with tax year 2026. Also included is a plan to cut the income tax to zero incrementally for all brackets once certain revenue triggers are met. This could give state taxpayers some relief and would better position us with surrounding states that have lowered or completely eliminated their income tax.
Another feature of the proposed budget that would particularly benefit our House district and many areas of the state is $2.355 million to expand eradication efforts of invasive woody species that pose both a fire hazard and drain our water supply. We've seen progress in this area because of legislation I’ve authored, so I'm glad to see the proposed dedication of dollars to ensure this work continues.
E ducation would receive almost half of this state budget. Country roads and bridge funding would receive an increase as would Rural Economic Action Plan Grants that benefit our rural areas.
Budget bills still have to run through the legislative process in both the House and the Senate – being considered first in budget committees and then on the floor of each chamber. The final bills will be sent to the governor for his consideration of signing them into law. But the fact that all three groups came together is a hopeful sign the budget can be completed before adjournment on May 30.
I'm continuing conversations with our congressional delegation about the federal hiring freeze that has adversely affected summer access to some facilities at Canton and Fort Supply Lakes.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers earlier this month announced temporary closures of some facilities at the lakes.
At Canton Lake, the primary swimming beach at Sandy Cove and the Fairview Group Camp are closed temporarily. The majority of campsites will remain available to rent throughout the summer.
I know this is a disappointment and frustrating for people who look forward to using these recreation areas. It's also an economic hit for our House district, as the number of visitors to these areas will decline temporarily. I'm told the Corps cannot safely monitor these areas with the staff they now have. That should change once the hiring freeze is lifted.
Please remember, if I can help you with something, do not hesitate to reach out. You also can follow regular updates on my House Facebook page or call or email anytime at (405) 557-7407/ Mike.Dobrinski@okhouse .gov.
Mike Dobrinski serves District 59 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Dewey and parts of Blaine, Garfield, Kingfisher and Woodward counties.