Alva Review-Courier -

Thousands of teachers flooded the Capitol last week, filling our halls and our offices as they lobbied for more education funding. As hectic as it was, I really enjoyed the conversations I had with teachers both inside and outside of House District 58.

Civil engagement is a worthy cause. Talking to your representative helps us be better lawmakers. And though I wish we were all rallying in celebration, I am thankful for the opportunity to discuss possible solutions with so many educators on the front lines for education. It has been very informative.

The House was able to pass an additional piece of legislation on April 3 providing about $20 million for common education. This bill helps fulfill our funding need after the hotel/motel tax was repealed. The bill would close a tax loophole provided to third-party sellers on sites like Amazon. It’s legislation that makes sense and provides our small businesses with a level playing field with businesses without brick-and-mortar locations. The measure passed 92-7. The Senate also passed this bill, so it’s now on its way to the governor’s desk.

Gov. Fallin signed several bills last week as well, including raises for state employees and school support staff. State employees will see raises between $750 and $2,000, depending on an employee’s current pay. School support staff will receive a $1,250 raise.

Fallin also signed House Bill 3705 last week, which is the funding bill for K-12 education for Fiscal Year 2019. Under HB 3705, common education will receive $2.9 billion, almost $500 million more than what schools saw for FY18. This amount includes $33 million for textbooks, $17 million for the state aid formula and $24.7 million for flex health care benefits. This is the most funding common education has ever received. That money does not include the $20 million passed through Amazon, which will be funneled into the 1017 fund to also assist schools.

I have really enjoyed the productive conversations I have had with so many constituents over the past week. It speaks volumes about our teachers’ dedication to their students that educators in House District 58 would drive so far, wait in long security lines and wade through crowded hallways to discuss their classroom needs.

I hope everyone who visited the Capitol feels their time was well-spent, and I am optimistic I’ll continue hearing from teachers over the next days, weeks and months. Education is not something that is fixed overnight, but I believe we can make progress when we work together.

You can reach me at [email protected] or by calling 405-557-7339. Thanks, and God bless.