The 2025 legislative session has officially concluded as the Senate adjourned Sine Die at 12:25 a.m. on May 30. It was a productive session, with numerous measures passed to improve the lives of Oklahomans and continue moving our state forward.

This year’s state budget is also reflective of our efforts to invest in the future of our state. The $12.59 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 includes a $121 million increase for public education and provides additional resources to improve roads, bridges, public safety, healthcare, and critical infrastructure across Oklahoma. Further, the Legislature passed a bill to reduce the personal income tax rate beginning in tax year 2026, lowering it from 4.75% to 4.5%, with additional quarter- point reductions to come when revenue benchmarks are met. This is a step in the right direction to put tax dollars back in the pockets of hardworking Oklahomans, and in turn, back to our local communities and businesses.

We also sent multiple critical measures across the finish line this session, including House Bill 1422, which increases the maximum bond capacity for the Grand River Dam Authority from $2 billion to $3.6 billion. With this bill becoming law, our district will see investments in natural gas generation units and enhancements to existing infrastructure. This increase in bonding authority will have no fiscal impact on the state but will have immeasurable benefits for GRDA and Northeastern Oklahoma as a whole, expanding our natural gas generation capabilities to meet growing energy demands.

I was also proud to receive the Legislature’s approval for Senate Bill 207, which establishes the Oklahoma Rare Disease Advisory Council. This panel will provide guidance, recommendations, and education on rare diseases to various stakeholders, and more importantly, they will advocate for the needs of individuals and families who face the challenges of living with a rare disease. Having watched my sister and family navigate a rare disease diagnosis and care, my hope is that having this board in place will lead to increased awareness, enhanced services, and expansion of resources for Oklahomans with rare diseases. Additionally, this measure will establish a revolving fund for newborn screening. Providing this screening for infants will result in rare diseases being detected sooner, leading to better health outcomes and ensuring they can get the specialized care they need as soon as possible.

I’m thankful to each of my fellow lawmakers who supported these measures, especially Representative Josh West of Grove, who carried both measures in the House and was instrumental in securing their passage in the opposite chamber. I look forward to making additional strides through our work in the interim and as we prepare to return to the Capitol next session.

It is an honor to represent Senate District 4 and advocate for our shared values at the Capitol. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or if I can assist you with a legislative matter. You can reach us by email at Tom.Woods@oksenate. gov or by phone at 405-521-5576.