State Representative Rick West (R-Heavener)
By Rep. Rick West
We had a great meeting last week with Doug Linehan, the executive director of the Oklahoma Tax Commission. We had 28 attendees. He spent more than an hour speaking and answering questions from individuals about their taxes and returns and from tax preparers. He explained where the agency was when he took the job as director, where they are now and where he hopes to go in the future.
One of the most surprising things was him telling us that the Tax Commission received $39.9 million from the Legislature in Fiscal Year 2023. He’s been able to make the agency more efficient and has requested less money each year for the last four fiscal years. For FY27, he requested $31.2 million for operations. That’s a 22% decrease from FY23. For a fiscal conservative, that’s amazing news. One of the only state agencies to be asking for less money each year.
I just cannot express how appreciative I am of Director Linehan’s time. He did a great job, and most people seemed truly glad he came.
This week, I plan to attend a meeting at the Capitol with the director of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. There’s been some concern with the privatization of four behavioral health clinics throughout the state. The closest one to our area is in McAlester. The representative from that area is the one scheduling the meeting. He’s had some concerns about state employees being impacted and not getting answers to questions about reductions in force and severance packages as well as patient services that may be affected. I want to hear for myself and get the best information I can in case this affects anyone in our district.
Last week, I also met with disabled veterans out of Poteau. They told me the Sallisaw Veterans Center is not accepting Alzheimer patients. I talked to Sandra Shelton at the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, and she said that is correct. That center was not designed to handle the needs of these patients. The closest center offering memory care would be in Ardmore. I told her the concerns from people in our area. I’ve asked for more help so I can learn how many veterans are requesting this service in our area and so I can provide accurate information.
Remember to listen to my Capitol update on the radio at 7:35 a.m. every Thursday on KPRV.
As always, if I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
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