Senate review
It was another productive week at the State Capitol as we heard bills in committee and continued to work on the state budget for Fiscal Year 2026. I’m pleased to report that five of the bills I authored have advanced out of committee. The Agriculture and Wildlife Committee gave approval to Senate Bill 280, which creates the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Grant Program. Under this program, Oklahomans would have access to education, equipment, and services related to controlling and eradicating the feral swine population in the state. I look forward to continuing to work on this program that will help to reduce the risks feral nogs pose to livestock, wildlife, crops, and property.
It was another productive week at the State Capitol as we heard bills in committee and continued to work on the state budget for Fiscal Year 2026. I’m pleased to report that five of the bills I authored have advanced out of committee. The Agriculture and Wildlife Committee gave approval to Senate Bill 280, which creates the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Grant Program. Under this program, Oklahomans would have access to education, equipment, and services related to controlling and eradicating the feral swine population in the state. I look forward to continuing to work on this program that will help to reduce the risks feral nogs pose to livestock, wildlife, crops, and property.
A bill I am incredibly passionate about, Senate Bill 207, was unanimously approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The bill creates the Oklahoma Rare Disease Advisory Council, which will offer guidance and recommendations to the public, legislature, and state agencies regarding the needs of those with rare diseases. This council will serve as a crucial advocate for these individuals and their families, ensuring the state directs its resources effectively to support them, while also promoting statewide awareness of rare diseases.
Along with our committee work, we’ve received an essential piece of information for crafting the state budget. The Board of Equalization has certified the state’s revenues for the upcoming fiscal year, which sets the limit on how much the legislature can appropriate. Given our constitutional responsibility to pass a balanced budget, we will need to factor in these numbers —which are slightly lower than last year— while reviewing state agency budget requests and other funding proposals. I’ll keep you posted as we continue working through the appropriations process.
Additionally, I’m looking forward to attending the grand opening of the Sallisaw Veterans Home on February 21. This facility is an incredible asset to our district, our state, and most importantly, our veterans who have selflessly and bravely served our nation. I am proud to see this project come to fruition, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community and the lives of our veterans.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or if I can assist you with a legislative matter. You can reach us by email at Tom.Woods@oksenate.gov or by phone at 405-521-5576.
mailto:Tom.Woods@oksenate.gov
