logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
commentary
October 19, 2023
Special Session
By Æ State Rep. Randy Randleman (405) 557-7375 ^ ??f I randy.randleman@okhouse.gov

Last week I was involved with the special session. The special session was called by the governor to reduce taxes for Oklahomans.

On Tuesday morning, the House Republican Caucus met to discuss the tax relief. We talked about the four bills that were ran through the House this year for tax relief, but these were not heard by Senate, causing the governor to call the special session to address this issue. If we waited for the next session, the tax would be the following year.

One question raised during discussion was whether we have the money to allow a tax relief and keep Oklahoma active and pursuing growth.

The state of Oklahoma currently has over $4 billion in savings. The state government runs similar to the process that we use in public schools. Public schools and the state are required to keep a 5% carry over to make sure they can finance the following year. At this time, the state government has a 10% carry over or more.

The Senate adjourned the special session sine die on Tuesday afternoon, but the House could still return next week. We are prepared to discuss avenues forward with both our colleagues in the Senate and the governor, but since the Senate adjourned, we left this week with little progress.

Additionally, I have spent time with House Speaker Charles McCall discussing the adolescent psychiatric unit we established in southeast Oklahoma. Until this time, we have never had a psychiatric unit to serve our adolescents in the southeast Oklahoma are. However, if they are placed to be evaluthey they can only stay seven days. As a result, we are now working on an adolescent psychiatric hospital that will have 22 beds for individuals who may want to commit suicide or have other severe psychological factors.

I have met with McAlester Hospital CEO Shawn Howard and others. There is a contract with an individual who will be building the hospital. We are now working on critical access. If we can receive critical access, the hospital will be funded at 101% by the federal government, which means your hospital will never go away.

I will always support the needs of District 15. I have progressed in the House of Representatives by servmain ing on committees for Medicaid and Medicare, mental health, and school services. When session resumes, I will continue to work with my colleagues to reject bills that come from the Senate that I do not believe are the best paths forward.

These are some of the things that I have accomplished in the House of Representatives. It has been a pleasure serving everyone in District 15 and I am looking forward to continuing to serve.

Rep. Randy Randleman, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.

Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
B:, Sports...
Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
By Rodney Haltom sports EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
The Seminole Chieftains were lucky to go home with a 34-27 win over the Checotah Wildcats Friday night. Checotah’s penalties that accumulated to over 100 yards. The Wildcats moved the football up and ...
this is a test
D is for Duvall
A: Main, News...
D is for Duvall
By LADONNA RHODES STAFF WRITER 
September 11, 2025
When your last name is Duvall then you more than likely wear a cowboy hat, ride a horse and have sat in many rodeo arenas over several decades. So when word got out that the Jim Norick Arena was being...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
9/11 – Never Forget
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
At about 7 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, I strolled into the Las Vegas Sun newsroom where I worked as an entertainment reporter. The room was quiet, a palpable feeling of dread filled the air as the f...
this is a test
Checotah FFA earns historic award
A: Main, News...
Checotah FFA earns historic award
September 11, 2025
The Checotah FFA Chapter has been recently recognized in the 2025 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. “We are so excited that the Checotah FFA was given a National 3-sta...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Chief issues executive order to implement Treaty of 1866 Freedmen ruling
By PATRICK FORD SPECIAL REPORT 
September 11, 2025
Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill has issued Executive Order No. 25-05, outlining the Nation’s plan to comply with a landmark Supreme Court decision requiring the incorporation of the Treaty ...
this is a test
Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
A: Main, News...
Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
September 11, 2025
Heartland Heritage Museum and Art Gallery 114 N. Broadway Checotah, Oklahoma Saturday, September 13 at 1 p.m. Don’t forget to join us for an afternoon of discovery and connection with others who share...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A site out of this world
A: Main, News...
A site out of this world
By MIKE BARNES 
September 11, 2025
In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/AT...
this is a test
Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
News
Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
September 11, 2025
Over 900 students from across the state came to compete in the first annual Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest. “We couldn’t believe how many participants came for our first event,” Zachary Ilbery sa...
this is a test
Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
News
Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
By JERRY FINK MANAGING EDITOR 
September 11, 2025
Mayor James Hickman perhaps summarized best when he sent a letter of appreciation to Karen Weldin and the Vision Eufaula Board of Directors for one of the best Wine & Art Festivals held in the city. “...
this is a test
News
Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk
September 11, 2025
Saturday, Sept. 20 On-site registration begins at 5 p.m. Out of Darkness Walk begins at 6 p.m. At Eufaula Cove Pavilion Special speaker, live music, resources Everyone welcomed to walk!
this is a test
News
LEA 2025 Golf Tournament Sept. 26
September 11, 2025
The 2025 Lake Eufaula Association Golf Tournament will be held Friday Sept. 26 at Arrowhead Golf Course, 3657 Main Park Rd. , Canadian. Registration is at 8 a.m., shotgun start is at 9 a.m. and lunch ...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy