Our first week in the 58th Legislature was very busy with a steep learning curve as expected. I hit the ground running with committee assignments to Agriculture and Rural Development, Transportation, Appropriations and Budget for Judiciary, and vice chair of Utilities. I am pleased with these and will continue working hard for House District 59 in these areas.

The governor delivered his State of the State address to our joint session, outlining his plans and hopes for our state. He praised those public schoolteachers across Oklahoma who have returned to the classroom and are once again teaching the next generation to the best of their abilities. As I have done for nearly the last year now, I support the governor in his efforts to allow local citizens, administrators and school boards to determine what is best for their communities. The governor also pointed out how much, despite depressed oil and natural gas prices, the economic situation in Oklahoma has improved since re-opening our economy last June. Our rebound is much stronger than most states around the country, with vaccination rates in the top 10, infections trending down, and while mental health is still a concern we are much better off than those states with restrictive lockdowns.

Many of you have contacted me since November, concerned with your inability to hold various public meetings for fear of COVID and yet unable to meet virtually in violation of open meetings laws. On Monday, Feb. 8, the House passed Senate Bill 1031 to allow virtual options for public meetings once again. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature. The provision is to remain in effect as long as Oklahoma is under an emergency order or will expire February 15, 2022, whichever is sooner. That will give the Legislature time to address it again next session if the virus is still an issue.

As we discussed before, Medicaid expansion will create serious financial issues to be resolved this session. The governor has moved our Oklahoma State Department of Health a long way down the road toward using managed care organizations (MCOs) these last several months. The OSDH signed agreements with four MCOs in late January before the start of session. I am receiving many calls, emails and letters from rural providers concerned with how they will be affected. MANY answers are needed before contracts with providers are approved and budgets are funded. I know the representatives in the House and Senate would appreciate your input as we work on this in the weeks to come.

Prior to my election and since, I have heard from many of you with frustrations related to the Department of Public Safety and obtaining various licenses and testing at their facilities during the pandemic. It has created hardships for young drivers, those seeking new employment opportunities, and it has placed undue hardships on our public schools that are unable to get licensed bus drivers. There are at least two bills addressing this through allowing additional testing at our Career Tech centers and allowing tag agents to offer additional local services. Both of these seem like great options, and I hope we can work together with the Senate to get these in place very soon.

It was my honor last week to recognize Coach Coleman and the Watonga Lady Eagles for their back-to-back Class 2A Cross Country Championship. It’s now playoff time for basketball in Northwest Oklahoma, and I wish continued success for all of our area teams. Hats off to the players, parents, coaches and school administrators that have safely navigated the challenges and kept their teams healthy so far. Lord willing, we can wrap up this season at the BIG HOUSE with more victories and state champions in HD59!

Please reach out to me anytime at mike.dobrinski@okhouse.gov or (405) 557-7407. It is my honor to represent you at our State House.

In your service,

Rep. Mike Dobrinski