This past week we hosted Higher Education Day at the Capitol!

I had the privilege of joining Seminole State College for a luncheon. The students and representatives from across the campus and community showcased strong support for higher education.

I presented House Bill 1774 to the General Government Committee this week, and it passed. The bill removes the exemption for the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission from the competitive bidding requirements of the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act.

This past week the House of Representatives announced its education plan, focusing on a policy that works for every student, every parent and every teacher in our state.

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, authored House Bill 2775 and House Bill 1935, creating the Education Funding Act of 2023. It provides for less government intrusion into the local district and the personal finances of Oklahomans.

The education plan comes in two parts.

First, the House is proposing a $500 million in increasing funding for public schools. It will fund $2,500 pay raises for every teacher not designated as an administrator; $50 million to be distributed to schools receiving below-average funding from annual local tax revenue; and $300 million to be distributed to public school districts on a per-pupil basis.

Second, the House is presenting the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act, which would allow a $5,000 annual tax credit for parents of eligible students that attend private schools and a $2,500 credit for homeschooled students.

Good education is the key to future success, so the House is continuing to lead the way in providing record levels of classroom funding for our schools.

This plan does what’s best for our students, supports strong parent involvement in their children’s education and ensures that our teachers have the resources needed to excel in their jobs.

It’s been a great week. I intend to continually keep you informed of what is happening at the Capitol, and I look forward to a great session!

Please feel free to reach out with any thoughts or concerns on legislation. You can contact me at (405) 557-- 7372 or danny.williams@okhouse.gov.

Rep. Danny Williams, a Republican, serves District 28 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Pottawatomie and Seminole counties.