Bashore Highlights Big Wins: Tax Relief, School Funding, and Workforce Overhaul

Two weeks after the Oklahoma legislative session came to a close, Rep. Steve Bashore is reflecting on the key accomplishments lawmakers delivered this year—touching nearly every corner of public life, from tax cuts and education funding to regulatory reform and workforce development.

At the top of the list was a quarter-percent income tax cut across the state’s top three brackets. Lawmakers also reduced the number of tax brackets from six to four, with the lowest bracket now paying zero income tax. It’s a move Bashore says sets the stage for future reductions, potentially leading to zero income tax altogether if revenue targets are met. Oklahomans also saw relief at the cash register with the repeal of the 6% markup tax on common goods like groceries, gas, and over-the-counter medications—an effort aimed at softening the blow of rising costs for everyday necessities.

Lawmakers took aim at bureaucratic overreach this session by tightening oversight on state agency rulemaking. Agencies are often tasked with creating rules to implement new laws, but those rules don’t always reflect legislative intent. That disconnect has proven costly to Oklahomans. Under new legislation, any rule not explicitly approved by the Legislature is automatically considered disapproved. Additionally, any proposed rule with a projected cost of $1 million or more over five years must receive separate legislative approval before it can take effect.

On education, the Legislature increased funding for public schools and directed more money into the state’s school funding formula as well as teacher pay and benefits. Lawmakers also added an instructional day—or six hours—to the school calendar, a change aimed at helping boost academic performance across the state.

While stabilizing funding at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services was necessary, it was only one piece of the puzzle. Lawmakers are continuing to investigate what Bashore described as troubling signs of financial mismanagement within the department. The focus moving forward will be on improving transparency and accountability in how taxpayer dollars are spent in this critical area of public health.

In workforce development, Oklahoma took a major step forward with the establishment of the Oklahoma Workforce Commission. The newly formed commission will oversee key programs designed to expand work-based learning opportunities, support career pathways in high-demand sectors, and modernize workforce readiness in K-12 education. Lawmakers also moved the Workforce Coordination Revolving Fund to the commission’s control, ensuring that resources are channeled into initiatives aligned with the state’s broader economic development goals. The commission will serve as the central data hub for workforce efforts, providing real-time, actionable information to both policymakers and stakeholders through the Legislature’s Workforce & Infrastructure interactive map.

The session also brought changes to how judges are appointed in Oklahoma, with lawmakers approving reforms to modernize the structure and composition of the judiciary. And in support of the state’s five military bases, targeted infrastructure investments were made, including upgrades to education facilities located on base property.

Though the session has concluded, work continues behind the scenes. Interim studies will be approved by the end of July, giving lawmakers the chance to spend time each week digging into issues that may lead to future legislation. Work is already underway on the next state budget and preparations are in motion to craft bills for the upcoming session.

For Bashore, it’s a moment to take stock of progress—but also to keep building. The work of government may happen in session, but the work of leadership happens year-round.