REPRESENTATIVE NEIL HAYS (405) 557-7302
This week brought historic progress at the Capitol. I’m proud to share that we have reached a responsible and conservative budget agreement that delivers real tax relief, protects vital services and keeps Oklahoma moving in the right direction.
Together with House and Senate leadership and Governor Stitt, we announced a state budget deal that includes meaningful tax cuts for every Oklahoman. This budget simplifies our income tax structure by eliminating the three lowest brackets and reducing the overall rate by a quarter point. Most importantly, it lays the groundwork for a longterm “path to zero” personal income tax. That conversation is still ongoing, but the goal is clear, let Oklahomans keep more of what they earn.
The total budget includes $12.59 billion in state spending while preserving a historic $3.5 billion in savings. We are cutting taxes and investing in our priorities, all without putting the state’s future at risk.
This agreement reflects our values. It includes landmark reforms to our workers’ compensation and lawsuit systems, longoverdue changes that protect businesses and bring balance back to our courts.
The budget also includes major long-term investments: $250 million for a new veterinary hospital at OSU, $200 million for a pediatric heart hospital at OU Health, $41.6 million to upgrade Oklahoma National Guard facilities, $312 million to purchase the Lawton Correctional Facility and $71.25 million for the Oklahoma PACT Act to help counties repair unsafe roads and bridges.
We are adding $25 million to the common education funding formula, a vital step in retaining teachers and keeping them working here in Oklahoma. We’re also fully covering an $88.5 million increase in flex benefits for educators and a $5 million boost for maternity leave costs. With these changes, we are not only supporting our teachers but also investing in the future of young Oklahomans by ensuring access to a highquality education.
We also approved an important piece of legislation, House Bill 1727, that will allow the children of Oklahoma teachers to qualify for the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program. It’s a small but important way to support our educators and invest in their families.
This week also brought a meaningful moment of unity. The House and Senate held a joint session to honor Oklahoma’s veterans, active-duty servicemembers and their families. During this Joint Session we recognized this year’s Veteran and Military Family of the Year recipients. It was a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many Oklahomans in uniform, and our duty to serve them with gratitude and action.
Finally, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the recent passing of Muskogee County District Attorney Larry Edwards. Larry’s legacy of service will never be forgotten. Appointed by Governor Stitt in 2021 and elected in 2022, Larry brought integrity and strength to the office. He will be deeply missed.
This session is not over, but I am proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. This budget reflects conservative leadership that delivers results, lower taxes, responsible spending and investments in the future of our families and our great state.
It’s an honor to serve you at the Capitol, and I’m always here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me at neil.hays@okhouse. gov or call my office at (405) 557-7302. I’d love to hear from you!
Neil Hays serves District 13 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of McIntosh, Muskogee and Wagoner counties.
