Christmas is just around the corner. What a joyous time of year. I love the displays of lights, the music, the general cheerfulness in the air, the anticipation of spending time with family and the food. But most of all, I'm reminded of the gift of a Savior to the world. For that I am most grateful.
This year, I have much to be thankful for. I will again get to represent House District 59 for two more years. I was officially sworn into my new term Nov. 16 in House Chambers. This is a solemn ceremony and a wonderful opportunity for legislators to invite family members and close friends to observe as we take our oaths to serve our constituents and the state of Oklahoma. The House has 16 new members this year. It's been great to welcome and get to know them. Oklahoma also has a good contingency in Congress this year. I'm glad for the positivity post-election.
On that note, Oklahoma continues to have strong tax revenues. In November, the state treasurer reported gross receipts to the treasury for the past year set a new record high for the sixth consecutive month. Twelvemonth gross receipts through November are $17.36 billion, up by $2.44 billion, or 16.3 percent, from the prior 12 months. There's been some volatility in oil and gas, but at the moment even those receipts are high.
This positive trajectory gives us the opportunity to continue our work on tax reform. The past two years, we were able to lower the personal income tax rate as well as the corporate tax rate. We also recommended several changes to the grocery tax and other areas to help those most in need. We will continue to look at ways to further these reforms this year.
This session, I will continue to support our public schools and work to restore trust and respect for our public school teachers. Oklahoma teachers do a phenomenal job. The Legislature has worked hard over the past six years to pass teacher pay increases and get more money into our classrooms. Education funding is now at an all-time high, but we must continue to support those who educate our next generation of future leaders and those who will be entering our workforce. I'll do my part.
I also will continue supporting our agriculture producers and rural conservation projects as we recover from this drought. I fought this year to secure additional funds for area farmers and ranchers. I will look for opportunities to do the same going forward.
Please follow regular updates on my House Facebook page or reach out anytime at (405) 557-7407 or Mike.Dobrinski@okhouse.g ov.
In your service, Mike Dobrinski