I want to thank our extraordinary educators who work tirelessly to help all students learn, grow, and fulfill their potential.
I want to thank our extraordinary educators who work tirelessly to help all students learn, grow, and fulfill their potential.
I just got back from the Bridge the Gap gala in Bixby. It’s a grassroots movement founded to support Bixby Public Schools financially. Its goal is to continue to address the gap between the amount of funding we receive from the state and the cost of meeting the academic needs of all students in a highly effective and comprehensive way.
I have four kids in public education - I choose public education and think the world of it. However, I have parents in my district who homeschool and parents who send their kids to charter and private schools. I am here to be the voice of all forms of education and ensure that all our teachers are acknowledged and appreciated in House District 24.
A goal of mine is to visit all the schools in House District 24 and recognize all of our excellent teachers.
This past week, several House education bills that would have given Oklahoma schools more money and parents more educational choices for their children were amended in the Senate. The amendments would substantially lower funding for 492 of the 517 school districts across Oklahoma compared to the House education plan. Additionally, 32 school districts, which would have received a combined $8.45 million in the House education plan, would not receive any funding under the Senate amendments.
In House District 24, seven out of the eight schools would receive less money under the Senate amendments. This legislation undoubtedly will go through some further changes before a final version is agreed upon.
We only had a little floor work this week as the bills we received from the Senate were still being assigned to their House committees, but it should pick up next week!
It’s been a great couple of weeks, and I plan to keep you informed throughout session! Again, thank you for electing me to represent House District 24.
It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns at 405-5577306 or chris.banning@okhouse.gov.
--- Rep. Chris Banning, a Republican, serves District 24 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers parts of Creek, Okmulgee and Tulsa Counties.
