by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist, and Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy
State Updates
Thank You for Joining Us at Anti-Hunger Day at the Capitol
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all advocates who were able to join us for the 2024 Anti-Hunger Day at the Capitol. Whether you attended or not, a single day is hopefully just the beginning, or a continuation of, your personal advocacy story. Read our reflections on the day in our blog.
Legislative Updates
SB 1324 (Sen. R. Thompson). Passed House Floor 4/25/24.
- Creates optional electronic universal meal application for free and reduced-price meals.
HB 3235 (Rep. Lawson). Dead pursuant to the rules.
- Creates universal benefits application for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and WIC.
Oklahoma House of Representatives announces FY25 budget and new budget transparency portal.
Election Updates
View more information on federal, state, and legislative candidates with the 2024 Candidate List Book.
House Term Limited Seats (4)
- Rep. Jon Echols, R-Oklahoma City, District 90
- Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, District 53
- Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, District 22
- Rep. Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa, District 23
House Members Not Seeking Reelection (9)
- Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, District 60
- Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa, District 67 (running for Oklahoma State Senate)
- Rep. Sherri Conley, R-Newcastle, District 20
- Rep. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, District 73 (running for Oklahoma State Senate)
- Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan, District 50
- Rep. Monroe Nichols, D-Tulsa, District 72 (running for Tulsa mayor)
- Rep. Randy Randleman, R-Eufaula, District 15
- Rep. Lonnie Sims, R-Jenks, District 68 (running for Tulsa County Commissioner)
- Rep. Mauree Turner, D-Oklahoma City, District 88
Senate Term Limited Seats (5)
- Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, District 33
- Sen. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, District 46
- Sen. Kevin Matthews, D-Tulsa, District 11
- Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, District 15
- President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, District 47
Senators Not Seeking Reelection (4)
- Sen. Tom Dugger, R-Stillwater, District 21
- Sen. Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa, District 25
- Sen. Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee, District 9
- Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, District 48
Federal Updates
Congratulations to Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole
Earlier this month, Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole was named as the new Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for overseeing and controlling the funding of the federal government. As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, Congressman Cole is both the first Native American and first Oklahoman to chair this powerful committee.
Hunger Free Oklahoma extends our sincere congratulations to Congressman Cole. We look forward to continuing our work with his office in this new role.
Federal Budget
On March 23, Congress finally sent the completed budget for the 2024 federal fiscal year, which runs October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024, to the President’s desk. Included in the final budget was a significant win for food security advocates; $1 billion in increased funding for WIC. Without this increased funding there was potential the program could run out of funds, which could have created a waitlist for the benefit.
Congress’s attention now turns to the FY 2025 budget, which must be passed by September 30, 2024. Work has already begun, including discussion of potentially expanding the Child Tax Credit (CTC). During the height of the pandemic, the CTC was temporarily expanded by Congress, helping lift millions of children out of poverty. The CTC expansion currently being considered by Congress would benefit roughly 232,000 Oklahoma children in the first year alone. To help ensure this impactful policy is passed by Congress, contact our US Senators, Senator Lankford and Senator Mullin, and ask them to support the expansion of the Child Tax Credit.
Farm Bill
The timeline for consideration of the Farm Bill moved from later this year to potentially sometime in the next few months. Currently, it is looking like the Farm Bill could be considered in the House Agriculture Committee as early as May. Keep an eye out for future updates and possible action alerts so we can ensure food security programs are protected in the coming Farm Bill.
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