Darcy Jech, left, an Oklahoma state senator, presented Kingfisher Rotarians with a review of the past legislative session which began the first Monday in February and ended on the last Friday in May. Jech, a Rotarian, said the state had a “healthy” budget surplus of over $600 million after pay raises for state teachers and state employees, and public safety funding increased as well. He said he expected recent criminal justice reform, which reduced the charge of some drug possessions from felony to misdemeanor, to decrease prison overcrowding, which currently ranks No. 1 in the nation. Jech said Gov. Kevin Stitt wants to implement a $200 million savings account for the state, as the cap for the state’s “rainy day fund” was currently $800 million, which would allow the state to have $1 billion in reserves. Jech said Stitt’s “Right Here, Right Now” approach to running state government featured a common-sense business approach to finding solutions to the problems that face the state. He said next year’s session will include an in-depth look at health care. Oklahoma currently offers SoonerCare, and does not participate in the Affordable Care Act. Jech was introduced by Rotarian Randy Mecklenburg, right. [KT&FP Staff Photo]