Capitol Update from Representative Ken Luttrell

As of last Friday, May 27, the Legislature has adjourned sine die from the second regular session of the 58th Legislature. The House has called a special session that will convene sometime this summer to vote on allocating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Over 100 project requests have been made for the close to $1.8 billion dollars that Oklahoma has been given by the federal government, and we will be deciding which project requests get funded later this summer during the special session. Additionally, Gov. Stitt has called a special session to deal with inflation relief through tax cuts to personal income and grocery taxes. It’s possible that the House will amend its special session call to include the topic of inflation relief as well so we do not have to convene two special sessions this summer. Needless to say, our work isn’t done yet.

I did want to take some time to discuss major accomplishments from this session. I am proud to have played a roll in some big wins for Oklahomans during a session where we focused on investing in the future of our state.

The Legislature passed a comprehensive budget plan focused on savings and funding core services, and I was glad to vote for:

• Funding law enforcement at record levels
• Increasing state savings to $2.6B, the most in state history
• Eliminating the years-long developmentally disabled waiting list
• Continuing to fight federal overreach
• Making generational investments in economic development, especially in rural areas.

I am proud to have helped lead the charge to create a safer, freer market for medical marijuana through multiple pieces of legislation that I voted for and cosponsored aimed at rooting out bad actors and criminal elements. Over the past two years, I have shown a continued commitment to laying a strong foundation for the future of Oklahoma by voting to strengthen state powers, protect Oklahoma values and invest in our state infrastructure. Believing that a good education is the key to future success, I have worked to insure that we provide record levels of classroom funding to public schools, higher ed and career techs.

Additionally, I voted to address the nursing and teacher shortages through comprehensive legislation aimed at attracting and retaining top talent in those fields. Along with my colleagues, I have pushed for years, with both words and votes, for as much tax and inflation relief for Oklahomans as can be responsibly provided. In the upcoming special session we will address these issues facing Oklahomans even further. I am committed to serving you, the people of District 37 and the rest of our state, and my vote will always reflect what I believe is best for the most people based on the feedback you all give me. In the coming weeks be on the lookout for more updates regarding the special sessions this summer. It’s an honor to serve as your representative in the people’s House.

That’s it for this week! If I can help you with anything, feel free to call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7355 or email me at [email protected].

Ken Luttrell represents District 37 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Kay and Osage counties.