The end of another most challenging deadline week has passed and I’d like to take an opportunity to update everyone on events important to House District 59.

There are many issues ongoing, but I would like to provide a brief summary on a couple of the most pressing.

The House and Senate are making good progress on a budget agreement, but there are still obstacles to overcome.

One of those is agreeing on a solution for off-formula public schools regarding the mandated teacher pay raise we passed last session.

With extensive assets in both petroleum and wind infrastructure in our district, we are unique in having over half of the public schools – 12 – either partially or totally off the school funding formula.

These schools are still awaiting $2.6 million to fund the mandated raises already paid during this school year, which is only a couple weeks from completion.

I have been assured a solution will be found, and I intend to see it through.

Meanwhile, NextEra Energy Resources has a solar facility project underway in rural Garfield County. This is one of several such projects in the works around our state.

Local area opposition prompted me to issue a statement to local media which was used in a recent newspaper article.

Not included in that story was my belief that most renewable projects, including solar and wind, would not be economically feasible if not for substantial federal subsidies to the renewable industry.

Also, concerns have been raised as to the safety of aircraft utilizing Woodring and Vance Air Force Bases with this facility in close proximity.

I have verified that letters of no objection have been issued by both the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration along with a clear verification at a recent city commission meeting by Vance Air Force Base Vice Commander Col. Matthew A. Astroth who stated the project poses no threat to aircraft nor the mission of the base.

During my four years at the Capitol I have learned a great deal about our unique state energy portfolio.

We have an abundance of clean natural gas and extensive investment in wind production over the last 20 years.

OG&E, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority and our many rural electric cooperatives have made investments in these various renewables in recent years to provide the lowest cost of power possible.

We still have coal generation that has served us well during extreme weather events, even with unending efforts by the Biden Administration to eliminate fossil fuel electricity generation.

I support Governor Stitt visiting Washington, D.C., recently along with two dozen governors to protest Biden’s current ban on liquified natural gas exports, which is hurting states like ours.

Lastly, it is always such a privilege to be able to honor our state champion schools at the Capitol.

I have hosted the Seiling football team and girls basketball teams from Seiling and Lomega.

I look forward to recognizing the Okarche boys basketball team and two academic teams from Leedey.

Our rural schools continue to excel in the classroom, the show ring and on the fields and courts of athletic competition.

Please remember, if I can help you with something, do not hesitate to reach out.

You also can follow regular updates on my House Facebook page or call or email anytime at (405) 5577407 or Mike.Dobrinski@ okhouse. gov.

In your service, Mike Dobrinski