by Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy, and Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist
Check out the new Friday Five
There is a new way to get the latest info on food security policy discussions that impact Oklahoma. Follow HFO on social media and each Friday, we are sharing the Friday Five – five fast facts about the latest developments in our space.
State Updates
The state legislature has roughly one month left to wrap up the regular legislative session. Many bills continue to move through the legislative process, though that number continues to decrease as each legislative deadline passes.
- HB 1111 (Rep. Pogemiller) – Requires Oklahoma Human Services to take full advantage of the Elderly and Disabled Simplified App Process (EDSAP): Dormant.
- HB 1575 (Rep. Lawson) — Creates a unified and streamlined eligibility and enrollment system within the Department of Human Services to improve access to and management of services: Passed Senate HHS, referred to Senate Appropriations.
- HB 1577 (Rep. Lawson) — Requires Medicaid to cover the cost of medically necessary human milk for premature babies: Dormant.
- SB 190 (Sen. Pederson & Rep. Pae) — Reauthorizes the option to donate a tax refund to a food bank: Passed House Appropriations.
- SB 806 (Sen. Pugh & Rep. Moore) — Creates the Food is Medicine Act to incentivize contracted nutrition service entities through the Health Care Authority and Dept. of Education: Passed House Oversight HHS.
Session Proposals Sought for Hungry for Action Conference
Save the date for Oklahoma’s only anti-hunger conference, Hungry for Action, taking place October 1-2, 2025 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center! We’re now accepting proposals for sessions. Do you or someone you know work with underserved communities, focus on connections between food and health, or promote inclusive approaches to programs? Submit a proposal today. Please fill out this form before Friday, May 9.
Federal Updates
Federal Budget
Earlier this month, Congress completed a crucial step in the budget process by agreeing to topline budget numbers through a budget resolution. This budget resolution is a part of an optional, procedural approach called budget reconciliation. Budget reconciliation allows for faster consideration of certain and specified changes in law to align federal spending revenue and the debt limit with agreed-upon budget targets. Importantly, a reconciliation bill can avoid the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold and provides lawmakers with the chance to pass legislation with a simple majority vote.
During the reconciliation process, the House sought to direct the Agriculture Committee, the committee that oversees most funds for federal nutrition programs, to cut $230 billion from their budget. While the specifics are not outlined in this step of the process, the goal to cut $230 billion from the Agriculture Committee’s jurisdiction was extremely concerning, as it would certainly impact crucial anti-hunger programs. The Senate instead directed the Agriculture Committee to cut $1 billion, and the House agreed.
With the budget resolution passed, the work begins on deciding where these budget cuts will be made. This is a great time to contact your US Representative and Oklahoma Senators Lankford and Mullin to share with them the importance of SNAP and other federal nutrition programs in Oklahoma.
Farm Bill
Congress did not pass a Farm Bill in 2024, further delaying the important legislation that should have been passed in 2023. We expect there will be movement on a Farm Bill this year, but the timing is still uncertain.
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