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REP. CODY MAYNARD
March 18, the Legislative Showmanship was held at the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Legislators from every corner of the state joined Oklahoma’s future farmers and ranchers for the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the world’s largest junior livestock show. It was an excellent opportunity to meet with the future agriculture industry leaders.
This annual event hosts over 7,000 FFA and 4-H members and more than 13,000 heads of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and ag mechanics. OYE awards nearly $2 million to exhibitors and more than $300,000 in academic scholarships. It has a $25 million economic impact on the Oklahoma City economy. I want to thank Hunter Duke, a part of the Durant FFA chapter, for coaching me and allowing me to show his pig. Agriculture education programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America create opportunities for Oklahoma’s youth to build life skills and grow students into dedicated, committed young adults who appreciate the value of hard work and determination.
This week Senate Bills will be first- and second-read and assigned to House committees, and the same will happen to our bills in the Senate. We’ll have until April 8 to advance bills from our Appropriations & Budget subcommittees, until April 12 to pass them in regular standing committees, and until April 19 to pass them in our full A&B Committee. April 25 is the third-reading deadline for bills from the opposite chamber.
The Senate last Monday passed Senate Resolution 31, which contains their work on the state budget. They are suggesting $11.6 billion be split between various state agencies for Fiscal Year 2025, which starts July 1. That’s down from the $13.9 billion the state Board of Equalization certified in February. The Senate said they’ve taken out one-time revenue and are estimating $313 million less from the recent grocery tax cut.
It’s important to note that the House will still be negotiating with the Senate on the final state budget. The Senate has come forward with these figures and it gives us a great place to start.
Again, thank you for electing me to serve District 21. It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-5577366 or cody.maynard@okhouse. gov.
Rep. Cody Maynard, a Republican, serves District 21 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Bryan and Marshall counties.