I'm gearing up to help host several interim studies at the Capitol this fall.
First up is a study with Rep. Brad Boles from Marlow on advancing electric energy generation for future economic development. This will be from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 22.
Balancing Solar in Oklahoma’s “All Of The Above” Energy Plan is scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 30. I want to determine the demand, benefit and potential of upcoming solar generation and battery backup energy projects within our state and possible safety regulation that may accompany them.
Both studies will be held in Room 206 at the State Capitol before the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
I'm also hosting a study with Reps. Bob Ed Culver of Tahlequah and Eddy Dempsey of Valliant to better understand the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's procedures for prioritizing and deciding the extent at which to upgrade and widen our rural two-lane roads. We also hope to discuss options to accelerate the pace of these projects within ODOT's eightyear plan. The date for this study is not yet set.
On a separate note, I want to wish everyone in House District 59 a good school year. I have high hopes for children learning new skills and subject matter, reconnecting with their friends and learning to excel in different academic or athletic pursuits. I'm grateful to all the parents, teachers and administrators who work tirelessly to ensure students learn and grow into all they were created to be. When you're driving, please keep an eye out for children, buses and school zones.
The elimination of the state portion of the sales tax on groceries takes effect Aug. 29. The 4.5% cut is estimated to save every Oklahoman more than $100 annually, even more for an entire family. Cities and counties will still charge their portion of the tax, which is used for city services, police and fire protection and other EMS services, among other uses. But eliminating the state portion will allow Oklahomans to keep more of their hard-earned dollars.
The latest General Revenue Fund report for the month of July – the first month of Fiscal Year 2025 – came in about $17 million, or 2.8%, above collections in July 2023 and $10.8 million, or 1.8%, above the monthly estimate. State finance officials will be monitoring the effect of the grocery tax cut, but expect the state's revenues to continue performing in line with projections as the year progresses. Our FY24 state revenue also exceeded our estimates, and we made deposits in our state's savings accounts. This shows that the grocery tax was not only in order – allowing Oklahomans to keep more of their income - but it was accomplished without hurting necessary services.
On a final note, I want to provide an update on Watonga dam construction.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, bids were due to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services on Aug. 16. Bids will be evaluated and a recommendation will be made to the ODWC for selecting a contractor. Once selected, the contractor will have up to six weeks to mobilize at the job site.
Tentatively, by Oct. 1, the contractor will begin renovation. The contract calls for completion within 270 days of the bid being awarded. The anticipated completion date is July 1, 2025.
All engineering, designing, bidding and contract solicitations for this project have, are and will continue to be done through OMES' Construction and Property Division. I've been assured directors at the ODWC have been in contact with the OMES CAP director regarding the priority nature of the project. The hope is that the process will be expedited wherever feasible.
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 or Mike.Dobrinski@okhouse .gov.
In your service, Mike Dobrinski