Your Vote Counts: Mental health funding, education reform, and federal uncertainty

On this week’s episode of Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma state lawmakers Senator Ally Seifried and Representative Melissa Provenzano joined host Scott Mitchell to discuss a wide range of critical issues facing the state, including mental health funding, education reform, and the ripple effects of federal policy decisions.

Mental Health Funding in Limbo

Representative Provenzano highlighted ongoing confusion within the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, citing recent contradictory reports about budget cuts to provider contracts.

“About three, four weeks ago, we got word that perhaps all wasn't right and that we might have a budget hole that we need to speak of and, cue a lot of chaos.,” Provenzano said. “Fast forward to yesterday, we get this notice that three contracts have been cut—no wait, they haven’t. So, we’re still trying to figure out what exactly happened.”

Senator Seifried echoed the concern but emphasized that legislative leadership is committed to resolving the issue.

“We are completely committed to getting the services we need for our Oklahomans for mental health,” she said. “There is an ongoing investigation we're working with trying to get the information so that we can figure out what exactly went wrong and how we can fix it to make sure that we provide those services that Oklahomans really, really need. ”

Cell Phone Restrictions in Schools

Turning to education, both lawmakers agreed on the need for better classroom management and student focus—starting with cell phone policies.

“So former high school principal here, and cell phones were the bane of our existence,” Provenzano said. “The cell phone policy, I think, is long overdue. It’s time for parents and schools started working together to tackle this issue.”

Seifried, who has pushed for cell phone restrictions statewide, applauded Tulsa-area districts that have already implemented such policies.

“I get emails from teachers all across the state saying, ‘Please back us up on this,’” Seifried said. “We want bullying to stop. We want kids to be able to focus. I’m committed to doing everything we can to change our academic outcomes.”

Federal Chaos and the “Yips” in State Planning

The conversation also turned to Washington, where shifting federal policies are impacting state-level decision-making. Mitchell referenced the “yips”—a golf term for last-minute hesitation—as a metaphor for the uncertainty lawmakers are facing.

“You look at what's happening in Washington and makes your legislative work really difficult when you don't know what the feds are going to do,” Mitchell said, pointing to questions around Medicaid funding and potential cuts.

“So our ask with our federal delegation is what is our runway? Do we have a runway for maybe bringing some of those education programs back home to the state?” Seifried said. “We have the opportunity to maybe cut that red tape.”

Provenzano raised concerns about how block grants or Medicaid cost shifts might affect vulnerable populations.

“I think the most important piece that you hear from constituents is what about special education students,” Provenzano said.

A Cautious Budget Outlook

While uncertainty looms, Provenzano pointed to the state’s Revenue Stabilization Fund as a potential buffer.

“At the end of fiscal year 2025, we’ll have about $600 million sitting in it,” Provenzano noted. “And that should serve, say, a 2.7% cut will serve us and cover for about three years. And so we have time to get this right and make sure that the services aren't interrupted..”

Both lawmakers acknowledged that constituents are already feeling the pressure.

“I have friends—tens of thousands of dollars have gone from their retirement accounts,” Mitchell said.

Looking Ahead

As lawmakers navigate a challenging legislative session, Seifried summarized the mood at the Capitol: “It’s like juggling. A lot of balls are in the air, and we’re trying to figure out where we’re going to land by sine die in May.”

For more coverage and to watch the full interview, visit News9.com or NewsOn6.com. Follow host Scott Mitchell at @MitchellTalks.