Culver explains first week in session

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah, said the Legislative session got underway Monday, Feb. 3, and the House and Senate convened in joint session to listen to Gov. Kevin Stitt's annual State of the State address.

Culver said Stitt outlined his plan of wanting to cut income taxes by a half a percent this year, asking the Legislature to craft a plan to eventually get it down to zero.

"Many in the House are willing to study this, but we don't want to shift the income tax burden over to property owners. We did cut the state's portion of the grocery tax last year, so that's given taxpayers some relief. It's a somewhat flat revenue year compared to the past few years where we've had higher revenues," Culver said.

House leadership has said they'll be willing to discuss the revenue picture more fully once the Board of Equalization meets later this month.

Stitt also talked about making Oklahoma the best state for business in the nation. Culver said he believes that's something most people would be in favor of.

"We'd all like to see more jobs for Oklahomans and more thriving businesses. This comes with a combination of factors – lessening some regulations, having a skilled and trained workforce and offering some incentives," Culver said.

Culver said he presented a few bills in committees this week and got to listen in on plenty of other legislation being discussed.

"I also chaired my first committee of the year as vice chair of the House Civil Judiciary Committee. Floor work will be pretty light until more bills make it through our new two-step committee process. But we are required to gavel in and out each legislative day – Monday through Thursday. By about mid-March our work on the floor will really pick up. We'll hear multiple bills presented and get to ask questions and hear debates on the more controversial measures," he said.

Also this week, House members were visited by several groups. Homeschool families came one day, and constituents from across the state distributed roses to their elected officials on Rose Day. This annual day is a reminder of the sanctity of life of the unborn. It always draws a big crowd, Culver said.

Anyone needing assistance from Culver are asked to call his Capitol office at 405-557-7408 or email him at bob.culver@okhouse.gov.