Oklahoma House Democrats are out with their “policy priorities” for the legislative session that begins on Monday in Oklahoma City and among them is a focus on affordability of utility and energy costs.
Energy costs were on the list of priorities revealed this week by the Democratic Caucus as members prepare for the Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature. They said the policy agenda as announced “prioritizes affordability for Oklahoma families and ensuring their paychecks can keep up with everyday life.
The House Democrats believe one way to prioritize affordability is to ensure Oklahomans are charged fairly for utility/energy costs by holding corporations accountable. HB 3392 by Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, directs the Corporation Commission to examine how large industrial projects such as data centers and energy-intensive manufacturing impact our electric grid, and ensure that everyday Oklahomans aren’t stuck paying for electricity they did not ask for and of which they are not the primary beneficiaries.
“Oklahoma House Democrats know whether it be groceries, rent, health care, insurance, or child care, the cost of being alive keeps going up,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City.
“Oklahomans are continuously choosing between which needs to meet each month in order to make it to the next pay period. It is up to state leaders and lawmakers to do what we can to ensure Oklahomans can support themselves and their families. That starts with giving every working Oklahoman a livable wage and focusing on policies that lower costs.”
Recently, the Tulsa Area United Way released a report showing nearly 50% of working Oklahoma families are working more than one job and cannot cover basic necessities. While there is an upcoming state question to raise the minimum wage, there are actions legislators can take now. Leader Munson is the primary House author of HB 2230, which requires the state minimum wage to be the greater of $15 per hour or the federal minimum wage.
Insurance and premium rates are also on the rise. HB 4286 by Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, prohibits an insurance company from using a person’s credit score to determine the rates they pay for insurance. The measure is designed to protect hardworking Oklahomans who are being priced out of basic financial stability by an insurance system that punishes people for their credit history rather than their actual risk.
Another measure House Democrats have proposed to address skyrocketing insurance rates is HB 3384 by Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater. The measure would require annual homeowner’s policy renewal premium increases to be capped at a maximum of 10%. Oklahomans’ home insurance rates were reportedly projected to increase by 8% in 2025. This measure would ensure Oklahomans are not blindsided by rising costs.
To combat rising health insurance costs in Oklahoma, HB 3675 by Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, requires a qualified human to be the final qualifier for health insurance claims at risk of denial when processed by AI to ensure proper accountability and oversight when charging Oklahomans.
House Democrats know that groceries are too expensive. In 2024, House Democrats led a bipartisan effort to successfully eliminate the state sales tax on groceries. This year, Leader Munson has introduced HB 3959 to eliminate unfair personalized algorithmic and surveillance pricing. This policy works to stop companies from unfairly charging Oklahomans different prices for the same items.
House Democrats also unveiled legislation to help fund our public schools in Oklahoma and ensure public dollars go toward public schools. Right now, millions of Oklahomans’ tax dollars are going toward the Parental Choice Tax Credit that reportedly benefits only the wealthiest Oklahomans.
HB 3684 by Rep. Provenzano would eliminate the Parental Choice Tax Credit and redirect those dollars toward our public schools. House Democrats believe investing in public education gives Oklahoma a chance to rise in the national ranks while giving our students the best opportunities for success.
This session, Oklahoma House Democrats remain committed to helping working Oklahomans’ paychecks keep up with everyday life through real policy solutions that prioritize affordability for Oklahomans.