Rep. Hays: 'A Call for Fairness in Municipal Public Policy'

A Call for Fairness in Municipal Public Policy

By State Representative Neil Hays (R, HD-13)

As communities across the country work to balance budgets, fund essential services, and attract the businesses that drive innovation and job creation, it’s time for local governments to rethink their approach to public policy. As State Representative for District 13, I encourage our elected leaders to adopt transparent, deliberate, and equitable decision-making processes when considering new taxes, fees, or regulations. We must resist hasty or regressive measures that undermine the very economies they seek to support.

Legislature approves $4M to help relocate USS Batfish

After five years of languishing following the 2019 Arkansas River flood, the USS Batfish finally has some good news: 

Top: April 2019 - middle: May 2019 - Bottom: June 2019

OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE APPROVES $4 MILLION TO RELOCATE USS BATFISH

Oklahoma City, OK (May 29, 2025) - One of America’s most decorated World War II submarines—and a beloved Oklahoma landmark—is one step closer to safe harbor. On May 22, the Oklahoma Legislature approved HB2794, allocating $4 million in FY26 funding to the USS Batfish. The state appropriation will be used to relocate the historic military vessel to its future home at Three Forks Harbor.

Efforts underway to save USS Batfish with proposed Oklahoma War Memorial & Museum

Count me in. The USS Batfish is a hero of WWII, and an Oklahoma treasure, and deserves saving. A big thanks to Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell for his years of support for securing the Batfish for generations to come.

EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO SAVE THE USS BATFISH WITH PROPOSED OKLAHOMA WAR MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

Muskogee, OK (March 10, 2025) - The USS Batfish, a legendary World War II submarine and beloved Oklahoma landmark is at risk of being lost forever if not relocated to a new site. After devastating floodwaters in 2019 displaced the vessel from its foundation, the submarine suffered damage and was forced to permanently close to the public. With critical flood mitigation efforts underway and necessary controlled access measures required at the entrance to the current site, relocating the Batfish to a permanent home at Port Muskogee’s Three Forks Harbor is essential to its preservation.

Canadian company backs off planned Lake Eufaula-area 900-turbine wind farm after local opposition

A Canadian green energy company has halted plans for a 900-turbine wind farm in the Lake Eufaula area after extensive community opposition. TransAlta, a woke corporation with an apparent special emphasis on Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), began developing the 'Canadian River Wind Project' (also known in some government filings as 'Barracuda Wind Project') in 2022, meeting with select landowners and pursuing paperwork with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and Federal Aviation Administration, to name two agencies.

The first of five phases was for 121 wind turbines in western McIntosh County (Stidham, Raiford, and Lenna). The next four phases were allegedly slated to include "Texanna Road, Checotah, Porum, wrapping all around Lake Eufaula to south of McAlester, with a total of just under 900 turbines." Based on filings, the turbines were estimated to be over 700 feet tall upon construction.

Small: Conservatives gain in legislative races

Though I have some minor quibbles with Small regarding school choice (primarily as it relates to protecting homeschool freedoms from future government intrusion), but I agree with him that the recent Republican primary results were great news for conservatives. In fact, it may well have been the best election for Oklahoma conservatives in the past decade.

Conservatives gain in legislative races

By Jonathan Small

Last month’s primary elections resulted in the Oklahoma Legislature likely being more conservative next year. That’s good news for voters who care about issues such as judicial reform, taxes and education.

This year’s legislative session ended without reform to Oklahoma’s secretive and liberal process for nominating judges in Oklahoma and without personal income tax reductions.

But many candidates who prevailed or advanced to runoffs in Republican primaries advocated for conservative reforms to change the secretive process for how Oklahoma nominates judges and for cutting or eliminating the personal income tax. Also, voter support for school choice has become undeniable.

State House committee tackles, passes several AI regulation bills

House Committee Passes Numerous AI Regulation Bills

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 20th) – The Oklahoma House Government Modernization and Technology Committee passed numerous artificial intelligence (AI) regulation bills on Tuesday [February 20th].

House passes bill amending "Slow Down, Move Over" law to protect emergency responders

House Approves Legislation to Protect First and Second Responders 

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 15th) – Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, secured passage of a bill addressing the state's current "Slow Down, Move Over" law.

House Bill 2684 would mandate drivers approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle to reduce their speed to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and increases fines for non-compliance.