Culver gives Capitol update after committee deadline

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Bob Ed Culver, R-Tahlequah, said they are hearing multiple bills on the House floor each day they're in session now that the committee deadline is over.

They have until March 27 to pass bills out of the House and over to the Senate. After that, they'll begin hearing Senate bills in House committees and then on the House floor.

"Two of the bills we passed this week would help protect and strengthen Oklahoma's five military bases. House Bill 2516 would create the Base Infrastructure Needs and Development (BIND)-Schools Fund, which can be used to invest in infrastructure, improving common education facilities located on military bases in the state. House Bill 2518 would create a technology fund that could be used to purchase licenses and software associated with military simulation training," Culver said.

He added it's hoped that both of these measures will make sure military bases and other military infrastructure in the state will not be up for closure and to increase the odds that these facilities might expand in the state.

At the same time they're hearing bills, House budget leaders continue to work on the state budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1.

"This past Monday, March 10, we had a bit of fun at the Capitol. We held Bob Wills Day, hosted by the Oklahoma Arts Council,  the Oklahoma Historical Society, and the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP), with an assist from the Oklahoma Film & Music Office," Culver said.

This day honors Hall of Fame artist Bob Wills, who was known as the King of Western Swing music. Wills made this type of dance music popular from the 1930s through the 1950s. He died in 1975.

"In the 1980s, a state senator started the annual Bob Wills Day, but it was stopped while the Capitol was being renovated starting in 2014. It started up again in 2023, and I'm glad. It's always a great time," Culver said.

This day celebrates Wills' life and legacy. There was a full day of live music performances by many musicians from throughout Oklahoma, and many couples joined in for some dancing around the Second Floor Rotunda.

"There was also a Western fashion contest. I'm thankful for all who helped make this day happen," Culver said.

Also this week, they had representatives from SoonerStart visit the Capitol to talk about the services they offer Oklahoma families.

"This program helps meet the needs of families with infants or toddlers, ages birth to 3 years old, who have developmental delays and/or disabilities. The program provides resources to family members and helps infants and toddlers with learning and development. It's a good program for those who need the help," 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.