Jan 26 2025 2 mins
Oklahoma is gearing up for a busy legislative session with over 3,000 bills filed for the 2025 session, including 1,928 House Bills and 1,123 Senate bills[1][2]. Key legislation includes bills aimed at increasing school meal access, expanding summer EBT participation, simplifying SNAP applications for older adults, and raising the income threshold for SNAP eligibility[1].
In government news, Governor Kevin Stitt has set special elections to fill vacancies in House Districts 71 and 74, with candidate filing scheduled for January 27-29 and special primary elections on April 1[1]. The Oklahoma House of Representatives has elected Rep. Kyle Hilbert as Speaker, while Sen. Lonnie Paxton was officially elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate[1].
On the economic front, Oklahoma has been ranked the 6th best state to start a business in 2025, thanks to its affordable office space, low labor costs, and favorable cost of living[3]. This ranking, provided by WalletHub, highlights Oklahoma's strong performance in multiple categories, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.
In community news, education remains a focus with bills like SB 28 aiming to increase school meal access[1]. Infrastructure projects and public safety initiatives are also on the horizon, though specific details are yet to be announced.
Weather-wise, Oklahoma experienced a cold start to the year, with forecasts predicting snow in the first week of January 2025[4]. While the state did not have a white Christmas, the possibility of a white New Year was more likely due to below-average temperatures.
Looking Ahead:
- The 2025 legislative session is set to begin on February 3, with the State of the State address from Gov. Kevin Stitt.
- Special elections for House Districts 71 and 74 are scheduled for April 1, with potential runoffs on May 13 and general elections on June 10.
- The Farm Bill, which was not passed in 2024, is expected to see movement this year, though the timing remains uncertain[1].
In government news, Governor Kevin Stitt has set special elections to fill vacancies in House Districts 71 and 74, with candidate filing scheduled for January 27-29 and special primary elections on April 1[1]. The Oklahoma House of Representatives has elected Rep. Kyle Hilbert as Speaker, while Sen. Lonnie Paxton was officially elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate[1].
On the economic front, Oklahoma has been ranked the 6th best state to start a business in 2025, thanks to its affordable office space, low labor costs, and favorable cost of living[3]. This ranking, provided by WalletHub, highlights Oklahoma's strong performance in multiple categories, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.
In community news, education remains a focus with bills like SB 28 aiming to increase school meal access[1]. Infrastructure projects and public safety initiatives are also on the horizon, though specific details are yet to be announced.
Weather-wise, Oklahoma experienced a cold start to the year, with forecasts predicting snow in the first week of January 2025[4]. While the state did not have a white Christmas, the possibility of a white New Year was more likely due to below-average temperatures.
Looking Ahead:
- The 2025 legislative session is set to begin on February 3, with the State of the State address from Gov. Kevin Stitt.
- Special elections for House Districts 71 and 74 are scheduled for April 1, with potential runoffs on May 13 and general elections on June 10.
- The Farm Bill, which was not passed in 2024, is expected to see movement this year, though the timing remains uncertain[1].