by Bailey Ashbaker, Senior Policy Analyst and Engagement Specialist, and Jessica Dietrich, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy
State Updates
House Speaker Charles McCall will announce his approval or disapproval of proposed House interim studies no later than July 26. A few studies relevant to poverty, hunger, and child well-being include:
- IS 24-048, Rep. Schreiber: Is lack of childcare an impediment to economic growth and sustainability for Oklahoma?
- IS 24-055, Rep. Pae and Rep. Alonso-Sandoval: Rural Healthcare Access
- IS 24-085, Rep. Caldwell: Low Income Housing for Homeless in Rural Areas
- IS 24-096, Rep. Waldron, Sen. Kirt: Exploring County Jail Services and Diversion Programs in Oklahoma
- IS 24-099, Rep. Waldron: Improving Family Outcomes through School-Based Social Work in Oklahoma
To view the full list of approved House interim studies, visit https://former.okhouse.gov/Committees/ShowInterimStudies.aspx.
Election Results and Updates:
- Congressional and Statewide:
- U.S. Representative District 3 winner – Frank Lucas
- Corporation Commissioner Republican winner – Brian Bingman
- State Senate
- Three incumbent State Senators were defeated in their primary election:
- SD 13 – Senate President Pro Temp Elect Greg McCortney, R-Ada
- SD 37 – Sen. Cody Rogers, R-Tulsa
- SD 43 – Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan
- Four senate runoff elections set for August 27:
- SD 3: Incumbent Blake Stephens vs. Julie McIntosh
- SD 15: Lisa Standridge vs. Robert C. Keyes
- SD 33: Christi Gillespie vs. Shelly Gwartney
- SD 47: Kelly Hines vs. Jenny Schmitt
- Eight senate elections set for November 5.
- Three incumbent State Senators were defeated in their primary election:
- State House
- One incumbent house member was defeated in their primary election:
- HD 33 – Rep. John Talley, R-Stillwater
- Six House runoff elections set for August 27 – four House seats will be determined on August 27. Districts include:
- HD 20: Mike Whaley vs. Johnathan Wilk
- HD 32: Incumbent and House A&B Chairman Kevin Wallace vs. Jim Shaw
- HD 50: Stacy Jo Adams vs. Andrew Aldridge
- HD 53: Jason Blair vs. Nick Pokorny
- HD 60: Mike Kelley vs. Ron Lynch
- HD 98: Incumbent Dean Davis vs. Gabe Woolley
- Ten house elections set for November 5.
- One incumbent house member was defeated in their primary election:
Join Us at Hungry for Action
Hungry for Action 2024 is more than just a conference; it’s an investment in your growth and impact. We’re dedicated to providing you with an enriching experience filled with valuable knowledge, essential tools, and powerful connections. As Oklahoma’s only statewide conference focused on ending hunger, our goal is to bring together diverse communities from across the state to learn and take ACTION! Our time together will focus on five key themes:
- Federal Nutrition Programs
- Food Equity and Food Justice
- Food Systems
- Health and Hunger
- Root Causes of Hunger
You can receive the 20% early bird discount if you use the code “QUICK” if you register before August 9. Scholarships are available. Find more details and scholarship information on the Hungry for Action registration page.
Lived Experience and Resource Network (LEARN)
HFO values the active involvement of people with lived experiences of food insecurity and/or hunger. We believe unique insights and perspectives should guide decision making, policy development, and program design. Community engagement is about ensuring that those who experience food insecurity and/or hunger have a say in designing and implementing solutions.
The 8-month training program is designed to:
- Provide information about Hunger Free Oklahoma, hunger in our state, and how various programs operate in our community.
- Expand knowledge on policy and government in our state.
- Build a community with others who have lived experience.
- Learn about storytelling and how to share your story.
- Build advocacy skills and create agents of change.
Learn more and apply here. Application deadline is August 2.
Federal Updates
August Recess – Time to Engage
Congress traditionally takes the month of August off from session in Washington, D.C. and heads back to their respective districts for an in-district work period, a time commonly referred to as “August recess.” For advocates, this is an important time to engage with your federal elected officials right here in Oklahoma. Keep an eye out for any town halls your Members of Congress host and attend if you are able. Engaging in district often means there is more time for conversation with both the Member of Congress and their staffs.
Farm Bill
Congress will not pass a Farm Bill this summer, after not reaching an agreement ahead of their August recess. When Congress returns in September, their focus will be on passing a short-term budget extension and possibly a short-term Farm Bill extension. Both the budget and the Farm Bill need to be extended by September 30, 2024.
To date, House Republicans have released their Farm Bill priority framework and legislative text, Senate Democrats have released their Farm Bill priority framework and a section-by-section summary, and Senate Republicans have now released their Farm Bill priority framework and a section-by-section summary.
Federal Budget
Congress has begun work on the FY 2025 budget, which must be passed by September 30, 2024. One promising policy in the mix is 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.
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