Oklahoma 2021 Legislative Preview

The primary field of battle this session, aside from the budget, figures to be public health, including handling of the coronavirus epidemic and Gov. Kevin Stitt's attempt to push through an overhaul of Medicaid despite many lawmakers’ objections.

This year's legislative filings also reflect the struggle for direction and leadership of the Oklahoma Republican Party. With the party’s control of state government at or near an all-time high, history suggests the GOP’s most intense fights are likely to be internal rather than with the few Democrats left in the Capitol.

Who are the leaders?

HOUSE SPEAKER: Charles McCall, R-Atoka

Salary: $65,432

Age: 49

McCall's ability to hold his caucus together will be tested as the Republican majority swells to 82 of 101 seats. He is term limited in 2024.

HOUSE MINORITY LEADER: Emily Virgin, D-Norman

Salary: $59,864

Age: 33

Entering her second term as minority leader, Virgin and her small band of Democrats will have a hard time holding the majority accountable. She is term limited in 2022.

SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM: Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City

Salary: $65,432

Age: 40

A former staffer for U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, Treat is very direct and well-liked by those on both sides of the aisle but has occasionally cross swords with Gov. Kevin Stitt. He is term limited in 2024.

Senate Minority Leader: Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City

Salary: $59,864

Age: 60

Regarded as a quiet, contemplative leader, known for her thoughtful questions and debate. Floyd is term limited in 2024.

More salaries for FY2021

Gov. Kevin Stitt: $147,000

Other senior leadership positions: $59,864

Other legislators: $47,500

Note: Does not include per diem and mileage reimbursements paid some legislators.

Appropriations

FY 2021 Appropriations:  $7.715 billion

Common education $3.0 billion, 38.9%

Health Care Authority $1.0 billion, 13.0%

Higher education $770.4 million, 10.0%

Human Services $713.8 million, 9.2%

Corrections $531.1 million, 6.9%

Mental Health & Substance Abuse $334.9 million, 4.3%

Transportation $170 million, 2.2%

Career Tech $137.5 million, 1.8%

Public Safety $95.2 million, 1.2%

Juvenile Affairs $93.0 million, 1.2%

All others $870.1 million, 11.3%

Note: Does not include direct apportionments, federal funds or revenue derived from non-tax sources.

Source: Oklahoma Legislative Bureau

Breakdown by gender, party

House seats: 101 (82 Republicans, 19 Democrats)

Senate seats: 48 (39 Republicans, 9 Democrats)

House votes required for passage of revenue bill: 76

House votes required to pass other bills and concurrent resolutions: 51

Senate votes needed for passage of revenue bill: 36

Senate votes required to pass other bills and concurrent resolutions: 25

House: 22 women, 78 men, 1 non-binary

Senate: 9 women, 39 men

TERM LIMITED AFTER THIS SESSION

Four in Senate: Sen. Mark Allen, R-Spiro; Sen. Kim David, R-Porter; Sen. Marty Quinn, R-Claremore; Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Ardmore

Six in House: Rep. Tommy Hardin, R-Madill; Rep. Jadine Nollan, R-Sand Springs; Rep. Dustin Roberts, R-Mead; Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy; Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell; Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman

Tips for talking to legislators

• Attempt to establish a relationship with your legislators before you have an issue to discuss with them.

• Personal contact is usually more effective than telephone calls, emails or letters.

• Avoid form letters, emails and scripted telephone calls. If you write, do so in your own words.

• Do use the telephone to make appointments or to voice opinions on short notice. In most cases, you will be speaking to a lawmaker’s assistant. Be respectful and to the point.

• Lawmakers tend to pay more attention to people who live in their districts.

• Be prepared. Know your facts, explain your position and why it’s important to you, tell your legislator why it benefits his constituents.

• Stick to the issue at hand.

• Remain calm.

Video: Tulsa World's 2021 legislative agenda

Tulsa-area legislators and how to contact them

Highlight of bills filed for 2021 legislative session