The majority of Oklahoma Pork's board of directors recently met to discuss state policy priorities, upcoming opportunities for Capitol engagement, and other timely issues as our team prepares for the upcoming legislative session that will run from early February to the end of May in Oklahoma City.

On Monday, the 2024 legislative session will officially commence at the State Capitol. Both chambers are led by term-limited members who will complete their maximum 12 years of service in 2024. Our State House of Representatives, led by Speaker Charles McCall from Atoka, and our State Senate, led by President Pro Tempore Greg Treat of Oklahoma City, will meet until the end of May to consider many of the 2,000 new bills filed this year and some of the 1,500 carry-over bills from 2023 still eligible for action.

Monday's excitement will kick-off with a joint meeting of the House and Senate where Governor Kevin Stitt will share his policy priorities for the upcoming year in his annual "State of the State" Address. Based on the governor's continued push for reform in these areas, he will likely focus on tax cuts, economic development, tribal relations, and education policy. After joint session, a busy week of floor activity and committee meetings will take place for our elected leaders.

As you may remember, the Oklahoma Pork Council has a three-person policy team working to protect your freedom to operate. Oklahoma Pork's executive director Kylee Deniz leads our organization, industry relations manager Ashton Mese Johnston monitors priority issues within our state and federal policy portfolio, and contract lobbyist James McSpadden represents our producers at the State Capitol each day during legislative session.

To confirm who directly represents you in both chambers, click here to easily enter your address and find your legislators. Drop these two state leaders a note or give their office a call to introduce yourself as the legislative session commences.