OKLAHOMA CITY — As another legislative session kicks off in the coming weeks, Oklahoma Farm Bureau members have set the organization’s 2023 legislative priorities to guide Farm Bureau’s work at the state Capitol.
This year’s top priorities are broken down into four primary focus areas, including rural infrastructure, Oklahoma’s future, landowner advocacy and marijuana.
Rural Infrastructure
High-speed broadband internet and wireless cell phone service has become a necessity in modern society but is hard to come by in many parts of rural Oklahoma. The expansion of these services is integral to the continued vibrance of rural communities in Oklahoma.
Access to quality and affordable healthcare is crucial for all Oklahomans, especially those in rural areas. Whether it is the preservation of rural hospitals or the expansion of rural telehealth services, OKFB has long supported the advancement of rural healthcare.
OKFB supports funding for improved maintenance to roads and bridges in Oklahoma to ensure residents can safely travel to and from their homes and companies can conduct business and transport products.
Oklahoma is no stranger to wildfire, and OKFB supports increased resources for rural fire departments and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry’s Forestry Services Division to manage wildfire across the state.
Oklahoma’s Future
Farm Bureau members take pride in engaging in civic efforts and participating in local, state and national elections. In recent years, OKFB members have become increasingly concerned with the requirements for a proposal to appear on a statewide ballot and strongly support state initiative petition reform to ensure the integrity of the petition process is upheld.
OKFB has long supported the efforts of land-grant universities and advocates for increased funding for Oklahoma State University Extension, agricultural research and the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.
With Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather patterns, assistance in years of drought is invaluable for farmers and ranchers. Farm Bureau members appreciate the state legislature’s recognition of this important issue and support the continuation and development of the Oklahoma Emergency Drought Commission.
Landowner Advocacy
Farm Bureau members oppose all forms of county zoning authority and oppose new or increased ad valorem taxes as property taxes unfairly burden farmers and ranchers who often have a large amount of land and capital that does not always generate a profit.
OKFB also supports landowners’ rights to protect livestock and property from wildlife depredation. Current laws make it difficult or impossible for farmers and ranchers to take action to protect their animals and property from invasive and dangerous species of wildlife like the black-headed vulture.
Marijuana
Oklahoma’s marijuana industry took the state by storm after medical marijuana usage was legalized in 2018. The industry has had an unprecedented impact on rural Oklahoma as marijuana grow facilities emerged by the thousands, placing a significant strain on rural Oklahoma’s utility providers and causing uncertainty with neighboring agricultural operations when it comes to basic practices like herbicide application.
As a special election approaches in March 2023 to potentially legalize recreational marijuana use, OKFB stands strongly opposed. Farm Bureau members support the continued enforcement and compliance efforts of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority and support increased transparency in medical marijuana businesses.
To learn more about OKFB’s top issues, visit okfarmbureau.org/advocacy/issues.
To stay up-to-date with OKFB’s work at the state Capitol in 2023, follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@okfarmbureau) and check out our weekly legislative updates at okfarmbureau.org.
–Oklahoma Farm Bureau Federation
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
OKLAHOMA CITY — After the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the 2020 and 2021 legislative sessions, lawmakers were back to business as usual in 2022 during the second regular session of the 58th Oklahoma Legislature, running from the first Monday in February to the last Friday in May. With restrictions lifted and long-awaited building renovations complete, the marble […]
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Farm Bureau has set the organization’s top legislative priorities for the 2022 Oklahoma Legislative Session. These priority issues are brought forth and voted on by Farm Bureau members in all 77 counties. This year’s top priorities include medical marijuana, livestock and crop production, rural infrastructure, landowner advocacy and issues concerning Oklahoma’s […]
NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma Farm Bureau members from all 77 counties met in Norman Nov. 5-7 for the organization’s 80th annual meeting where they elected new leaders, set organizational policy for the coming year, recognized outstanding members with numerous awards and learned from outstanding speakers and presenters. “We are grateful to gather in-person as a […]
NORMAN, Okla. — Hundreds of farmers and ranchers from across the state will gather for the 80th Oklahoma Farm Bureau Annual Meeting to be held Nov. 5-7 at the Embassy Suites and Conference Center in Norman. At the three-day convention, the organization will recognize member achievements, set grassroots policy, elect leaders and hear from state […]
OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt highlighted a number of key issues for Oklahoma Farm Bureau members in his State of the State address on Monday, Feb. 1. “The state of our state is strong because we are resilient and well-positioned for a bright future,” Stitt said, as he began his address to state lawmakers. Most notably […]
