OKLAHOMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / From the desk of Jonathan Wilk
The first major deadline of this year’s legislative session has officially passed, and it’s been a whirlwind. By Thursday’s thirdreading deadline, the House successfully advanced 438 bills and one House joint resolution. This marks the end of the first phase of legislative work, and I can tell you firsthand — it’s been an exciting and fast-paced process.
As a first-year legislator, I’ve gained invaluable experience navigating the legislative process. From early mornings reviewing bills to long days of debate and votes on the House floor, I’ve worked hard to ensure that the policies we pass reflect the values of the people of District 20.
It’s been an honor to collaborate with my colleagues to advance meaningful legislation that strengthens our state.
While much of the focus last week was on passing bills before the deadline, we also had the opportunity to welcome Oklahomans to the Capitol for several important events. Regional Food Bank Advocacy Day brought attention to the fight against food insecurity, highlighting the incredible work being done to support families in need.
OU Day at the Capitol was a great opportunity to connect with students, faculty and alumni from the University of Oklahoma, celebrating the institution’s contributions to our state. And during Developmental Disabilities Day, legislators had the privilege of hearing from advocates and families about the challenges they face and the policies that can make a real difference in their lives. These moments remind me why I came to the Legislature — to listen, to learn and to serve.
In addition to these events, a major milestone in budget transparency was reached this week. The House released an updated version of its Budget Transparency Portal — also known as Budget HQ.
This portal was created in 2024 to bring more transparency to the state budgeting process, making it easier for both the public and the full House membership to understand the position on how the FY26 budget should be crafted. It’s an important step forward in making sure that the process is open and accessible to Oklahomans.
With the House deadline behind us, we’re now shifting gears to review 321 Senate bills that have made their way to us. This means heading back into committee rooms to closely examine these measures, debate their impact and ensure they align with the needs of Oklahomans before they move forward. The work is far from over, but I’m ready to take on this next phase and continue advocating for policies that benefit our district.
Representing you at the Capitol is a privilege I don’t take lightly. If you have thoughts, questions or concerns about the legislative process, I want to hear from you. You can email me at Jonathan.wilk@okhouse. gov or call my office at 405- 557-7308.
Thank you for allowing me to serve District 20 — I look forward to continuing this work on your behalf.
