As we move into the thirteenth week of the Second Session of the 60th Legislature, we have reached an important milestone at the Capitol. All Senate bills had to be reported out of oversight committees to remain eligible for consideration this year.
Measures that did not meet that deadline will not advance. At the same time, the Governor has now signed into law many of the budget bills that outline how state agencies will use their funding in the coming year. With those steps behind us, our attention now turns primarily to the House floor, where we are hearing Senate bills that have made it through the process. We are moving at a steady, productive pace and there is a real possibility we could complete our work early this session.
There is also encouraging news when it comes to education. Governor Kevin Stitt recently signed Senate Bill 1778 into law, strengthening Oklahoma’s Strong Readers Act. This update is focused on helping ensure every child can read at grade level by the end of third grade.
It places an emphasis on earlier reading screenings, targeted interventions based on the science of reading, and stronger support for our teachers in the classroom. It also improves communication with parents so they can better follow their child’s progress. The goal is simple and important. We want to identify reading challenges early and provide the right support so students can succeed. We know that up to third grade, students are learning to read, and after that point, they are reading to learn. Strong reading skills are the foundation for success in school and beyond.
This week also brought a time of reflection as we marked the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. The Oklahoma House of Representatives recognized this solemn occasion through House Resolution 1046.
We heard from individuals who shared personal memories of April 19, 1995, when the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was attacked, taking 168 lives and injuring hundreds more. It is a day that forever changed our state. In the face of that tragedy, we saw the very best of Oklahoma. Neighbors helped neighbors, strangers became family and a spirit of unity emerged that we now call the Oklahoma Standard. That example of compassion and strength continues to guide us today.
I remain proud to represent our district and the people who make it such a strong and special place to call home. It is an honor to serve as your voice at the Capitol, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. If you ever have questions, concerns or simply want to share your thoughts, my door is always open. I am here to listen and to serve you.
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 Dis-trict 13 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes parts of McIntosh, Muskogee and Wagoner counties.
