Senate Review by Sen. George Burns
It has been a wonderful start to the new year, and we’ve hit the ground running here at the Capitol. Tuesday, Jan. 3 was the Senate’s constitutionally required organizational day. We started off the day by confirming results of the most recent election, giving approval for Sen. Greg Treat to continue his service as President Pro Tempore, and leadership teams for both caucuses were announced. We finished our work in our chamber and then joined the House of Representatives for a joint session to adopt rules for the 59th Legislature.
During the organizational day, we also confirmed the committee chairs and assignments for the upcoming session. I am very proud to serve as vice chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Regulatory Services. I’ll also serve on the Business and Commerce, Aeronautics and Transportation, Public Safety, and Appropriations Committees.
My colleagues and I left the organizational day feeling optimistic about all we can accomplish when session begins on Feb. 6, although, we know there is much work to be done. The Board of Equalization (BOE) recently met and shared their initial certification indicating we will have slightly over $13 billion available to appropriate for Fiscal Year 2024. On the first day of session, when the governor delivers the State of the State address, he’ll also share his executive budget based on the December BOE figures. The board will meet again later in February to make their final certification, and that’s what the Legislature will use in developing the budget. I hope to see our state remain fiscally conservative as we work to divvy up funds between state agencies, programs and projects.
There is no better way to learn about the legislative process than seeing it first-hand. High school students in Oklahoma have the opportunity to spend a week at the state capitol through the Senate Page Program. During their week they will be able to sit in on live floor hearings, attend committee meetings, and complete various tasks related to daily operations of the Senate. Pages will also get to visit various Oklahoma City sights and restaurants during their stay, along with the possibility of visiting educational places like the Oklahoma History Center or Oklahoma Judicial Center.
I would love to extend this opportunity to eligible students in my district. If you are a junior or senior and interested, please call or email my office and we will be happy to help you start the application process. The Senate also offers internships, and you can inquire about available intern positions here: https://oksenate. gov/contacts/senate-intership.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. If you have any questions about legislation, or need assistance with an issue, please contact me by email at George.Burns@ oksenate.gov or by phone at 405-521-5614.