Okmulgee Legislators Discuss Budget, Education at Chamber Forum

State representatives provide updates on property taxes, teacher retirement, and other key issues facing Oklahoma lawmakers.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

State Representative Scott Fetgatter and State Senator Bryan Logan met with Okmulgee residents at a legislative forum hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce. The lawmakers discussed a range of topics, including property taxes, teacher retirement, the state's budget challenges, and various agriculture and transportation-related bills moving through the legislature.

Why it matters

The forum provided an opportunity for Okmulgee residents to directly engage with their state representatives and gain insights into the key policy debates and fiscal pressures facing Oklahoma lawmakers during the current legislative session. As the state grapples with a budget shortfall and competing spending priorities, these types of community discussions help inform constituents about the difficult decisions ahead.

The details

During the forum, Fetgatter and Logan highlighted several pieces of legislation, including bills related to supporting local food systems, expanding fentanyl education in schools, and increasing funding for road infrastructure. They also addressed the ongoing efforts to stabilize the state's teacher retirement system, which has improved significantly in recent years after previously being severely underfunded. However, lawmakers are now considering redirecting some retirement fund contributions toward teacher recruitment and salaries. Additionally, the representatives discussed growing concerns over rising property taxes and the challenges of balancing the state budget amid a projected $700 million shortfall.

  • The legislative forum took place on Friday, March 13, 2026.
  • The Legislature has recently wrapped up its committee phase, shifting attention to debating and passing bills on the chamber floors.

The players

Scott Fetgatter

State Representative who has served House District 16 for nearly a decade and currently chairs the House Finance Committee.

Bryan Logan

State Senator representing a district in Oklahoma.

David Nelson

Local resident who announced plans to run for the soon-to-be-open House District 16 seat.

Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce

The organization that hosted the legislative forum, providing an opportunity for residents to engage directly with their state representatives.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We just finished up with committee work. That means we get to take a break from that part, but it also means we'll probably have to work harder getting bills off the floor. There will likely be some longer nights coming over the next few weeks.”

— Bryan Logan, State Senator (yourokmulgee.com)

“Years ago, teacher retirement was in terrible shape. It was below ten percent funded. We've taken it from below ten percent to over eighty percent funded.”

— Scott Fetgatter, State Representative (yourokmulgee.com)

“Property tax is the number one issue with the citizens of Oklahoma.”

— Scott Fetgatter, State Representative (yourokmulgee.com)

What’s next

As the legislative session continues, more details on major policy and budget decisions will emerge in the coming weeks as bills begin moving through the full legislative process.

The takeaway

The legislative forum in Okmulgee provided a valuable opportunity for residents to engage directly with their state representatives and gain insights into the complex fiscal and policy challenges facing Oklahoma lawmakers. With a looming budget shortfall and competing spending priorities, these types of community discussions help inform constituents about the difficult decisions ahead.