2026 marks my 12th and final year in the State Senate, and after working and voting on the state budget every year since 2014, I can say that I have truly seen it all. I’ve seen our state in extreme budget shortfalls, and I’ve seen our state with record amounts in savings. But one thing remains true, no matter the amount of funds available, is that the Legislature must fulfill its Constitutional duty to craft and pass a balanced budget.
The state budget does not come together overnight but is rather a process that begins months before the session begins. The Appropriations process has been ongoing for months, starting with state agencies submitting their annual budgets, subcommittees reviewing agency requests, and the Board of Equalization certifying state revenues. The process continues with legislative leaders working through priorities, revenue estimates, and fiscal constraints to craft a responsible plan that reflects the needs of Oklahomans. Over the last decade, most of the budget agreements did not come together until the final weeks of the 16week session. However, this year differs as Legislative leaders and the governor have already released this year’s budget plan, announced during the ninth week of session.
The budget package for Fiscal Year 2027 totals nearly $12.79 billion and includes increased education funding, strategic infrastructure investments, and select one-time costs. The budget agreement includes significant public safety investments, including funding to hold an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Academy, and funds to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for a Forensic Center and warehouse, as well as appropriations to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics for a new headquarters building. These strategic investments and facilities will serve our state for many years and enhance our statewide public safety efforts.
The largest portion of the state budget each year is directed towards education, and this year we have continued to invest in education from K-12 through higher education. The budget directs $40 million to Oklahoma State University for a new agronomy building, fostering continued growth following the Legislature’s $250 million investment in 2025 to construct a state-ofthe- art veterinary medicine facility. As for common education, the state will see a $232 million increase over the prior year’s budget. With this additional allocation, Oklahoma schools will see additional funding for school security measures, as well as literacy and math initiatives.
We continually invest in education because we know that investing in our youth and improving educational outcomes means investing in the future of Oklahoma. Our commitment to strengthening education is reflected in the remarkable achievements of our local schools and the students who continue to make our communities proud.
I recently had the honor of welcoming many local students to the Capitol and highlighting their accomplishments. It was a pleasure to have the Calumet fall baseball and boys’ basketball teams, the Okarche fall baseball and boys’ basketball teams, Dover boys’ basketball team, as well as the Lomega girls’ basketball team join us on the Senate floor to recognize their State Championship wins in their respective classes. It was also a privilege to have Harper Jones, a junior at Canton High School, and Saidee Wright, a senior at Lomega High School, serve in the Senate Page Program. These young ladies represented their schools and communities well as they assisted with legislative proceedings and learned more about state government. Again, it is a privilege to recognize and celebrate the excellence that exists in our schools and continue to support the students, educators, and communities who make these achievements possible.
If I can assist you with a legislative matter, feel free to contact my office at 405-521-5545 or Darcy.Jech@oksenate.go v. We would also love to welcome you to our state Capitol and invite you to visit our office in Room 234.