By M. Scott Carter
Southwest Ledger
The Second Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature is over. It was adjourned Thursday, meaning early. At least, that is what legislative leaders told Southwest Ledger.
So, what happened? At first glance, it looks like the 149 members of the Legislature cobbled together a $12.8 billion budget and increased spending for public schools. Lawmakers also allocated more funds for public school literacy and added several more days to the public-school day calendar.
At the same time, they debated numerous policy issues and, on occasion, overrode a gubernatorial veto.
At first glance, it seemed like a typical legislative session. It wasn’t.
This session, which kicked off an election year, was an ongoing political fight designed to demonize the individual and end their career. There was name-calling and threats. There were insane amendments that some tried to add to legislation.
Between threats from the ultra-right-wing Freedom Caucus and the ongoing struggle between House and Senate leadership, several issues that needed to be addressed weren’t.
And instead of solving those problems, this time, this 2026 election season, those problems continue. They will be around next year.
Of course, we will – most likely – have many new legislators, a new governor and several other new officials. Perhaps this next group of politicians will work to put Oklahoma in a better place. Perhaps this group will work with those in the Legislature who are focused and trying to do some good.
Perhaps the effort will be there because Oklahoma truly needs leaders in its state government.
There is a chance that politicians such as Sens. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, and Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, will be replaced with those whose main goal is to make Oklahoma better — not just push their narrow, ultraconservative agendas.
Perhaps this election cycle will show Oklahomans that a quality public servant is focused on making their place better and who works hard to address the issues that the public faces.
It’s not about rhetoric or spin, it’s about service.
This state has a long and unique history and, over the years, its legislature has worked to address many problems and focused on making the life better for all its citizens.
It’s time to return to that idea and that way of doing business.
Oklahoma is a noble place with noble people.
And now that the Second Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature is over, it’s time, again, to find those noble people and ask them for help.
We need that help now more than ever.
M. Scott Carter is an award-winning political and investigative reporter with more than 40 years’ experience covering federal and state government and politics in Oklahoma. He can be reached at scott.carter@swoknews.com.