March 7, 2026 Issue, Page 9 of 14

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026 • 9 NEWS Senate Notes from Sen. Brent Howard | February 27, 2026 Tax preparation One of the biggest issues my colleagues and I are working to address this year at the Capitol cal school board members and county officials to ensure that any property tax changes do not more than $1.9 billion was spent in federal races alone during the 2024 election cycle. Dark money procedures and Senate customs so they’re ready to lead effec- tively. season: anticipating is how to provide meaningful unintentionally affect core pub- has become a constant in state As chief presiding officer of property tax relief to Oklaho- mans without undercutting lic services. The Senate also recently gave elections as well. In many cases, if you receive a the Senate, a position in which I oversee Senate floor sessions, the costs of dementia funding for public schools and final passage to a resolution I co- positive campaign mailer, it has I’ve also been training senators While we are busy preparing Medicare, supplemental policies, essential county services. Sever- authored calling on Congress to come directly from a candidate to manage proceedings when our 2025 taxes, those families and long-term care insurance al proposals have been filed this give states more power to limit or their public supporters. How- the full chamber is in session. that include a loved one living policies to determine what covers session, but I believe increasing dark money in political cam- ever, negative campaign ads and Just this past week, one of my with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in-home care or facility care. the homestead exemption is a paigns. Specifically, the resolu- mail pieces are often funded by mentees presided over the Sen- disease or another form of de- Evaluate assets: Determine sensible place to start, especial- tion urges Congress to propose dark money groups. That leaves ate for the first time. I’m hopeful mentia should also be making income sources, including pen- ly since the exemption has not a constitutional amendment al- voters without a clear under- that helping the next generation plans to ensure the financial se- sions, Social Security, and sav- been updated since 1938. lowing states more oversight in standing of who is trying to of senators will ensure steady curity of their family member. ings. I supported legislation in the this area. influence their vote. If we want leadership and long-term conti- One in nine Americans age Explore public benefits: Re- Senate Revenue and Taxation Dark money refers to political our politics to reflect Oklahoma nuity within the chamber. 65 and older – including nearly search Medicaid eligibility for Committee to raise the home- spending where the true source values, voters deserve transpar- To contact me at the Capitol, 71,000 Oklahomans – are among long-term care, and, if applicable, stead exemption from $1,000 of the funds is not disclosed to ency about who is paying for please write to: the 7.4 million people across the Department of Veterans Affairs to $5,000. As the cost of home- the public. These contributions campaign messaging. Senator Brent Howard, State United States living with Alzhei- (VA) benefits. ownership has increased sig- are often funneled through On a final note, I’ve recently Capitol mer’s disease. While those indi- Consult specialists: Engage nificantly in recent years, this 501(c)(4) nonprofit organiza- taken on a new responsibility in 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room viduals and their families face elder law attorneys and finan- initiative would provide relief tions that are not required to the Senate by mentoring newer 427 daunting care challenges, the cial planners who specialize in to homeowners across the state reveal their donors. The amount members to prepare them for Oklahoma City, OK, 73105 Alzheimer’s Association believes dementia care to help navigate in a responsible and balanced of dark money in elections con- leadership roles and committee Email me at: Brent.Howard@ that the financial side of the equa- complex, high-cost, long-term manner. Meanwhile, I continue tinues to increase each cycle. chairmanships. I’ve been help- oksenate.gov, or call (405) 521- tion is too often overlooked. care planning. to discuss this issue with lo- Some estimates suggest that ing them learn parliamentary 5612. “Putting financial and legal plans in place early allows the MANAGING DAILY FINANC- person with the diagnosis to ex- ES press their wishes for future care Streamline accounts: Simplify OKFB Foundation for Agriculture Launches Oklahoma and other critical decisions,” said Sandi Pellow, executive director finances by consolidating bank accounts. of the Alzheimer’s Association of Automate payments: Set up Wildfire Relief Fund With $30,000 Donation Match Oklahoma. “It also allows time to work through the complex issues automatic bill pay for housing, utilities, and insurance to ensure involved in long-term care.” they are paid on time. Donations to support long-term recovery efforts for rural Oklahomans affected by 2026 wildfires Planning steps outlined by the Protect assets: Consider lim- Alzheimer’s Association include: iting access to large amounts of OKLAHOMA (Feb. 27, total potential match of $30,000. ing opportunity, helps ensure Individuals and organizations cash or credit lines to prevent im- 2026) — The Oklahoma Farm “When wildfires impact our families have the resources they are encouraged to contribute IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL pulsive, dangerous, or scam-re- Bureau Foundation for Agricul- rural communities, the effects need to recover and rebuild.” to the 2026 Oklahoma Wildfire AND LEGAL CONSIDER- lated spending. ture is collecting donations to are immediate, but the recovery Oklahoma Farm Bureau un- Relief efforts. Donations can ATIONS support Oklahomans impacted takes months and sometimes derstands that wildfire recovery be made online, via PayPal, or Establish legal protec- THE COST OF CARE by devastating wildfires that years,” said Greg Golden, Vice extends far beyond the initial through the mail with checks tions: Create or update a will, liv- While the majority of Ameri- swept across parts of the state in President of Sales and Market- emergency response. For farm- made out to the Oklahoma ing trust, durable power of attor- cans with dementia are cared for early 2026. Funds raised will as- ing at Oklahoma Farm Bureau ers and ranchers, rebuilding can Farm Bureau Foundation for ney for finances, and healthcare at home, the Alzheimer’s Asso- sist farmers and ranchers as they Insurance. “Our farmers and include replacing fencing, re- Agriculture and note that the directive (living will). ciation reminds families that the work through the long recovery ranchers are resilient, but they pairing structures and restoring contribution is for “2026 Okla- Designate agents: Appoint cost of professional care can be process following the fires. should not have to rebuild alone. damaged land and infrastruc- homa Wildfire Relief.” trusted individuals (agents) to significant. Estimates for profes- The foundation is offering a Through the OKFB Foundation ture. The OKFB Foundation for Checks should be mailed to: make financial and medical de- sional care in 2024 were: dollar-for-dollar match on do- for Agriculture, we are commit- Agriculture takes a long-term Oklahoma Farm Bureau cisions when you no longer can. In-home care: $34 per hour or nations, along with Oklahoma ted to standing alongside Okla- approach to disaster relief, en- Foundation for Agriculture Organize records: Compile $1,360 per week Farm Bureau and Oklahoma homa’s agriculture community suring affected agricultural Attn: Holly Carroll all financial documents, includ- Adult day services: $100 per Farm Bureau Insurance, each for the long haul. Every dona- families have access to resources 2501 N. Stiles Ave. ing bank accounts, investments, day matching up to $10,000, for a tion, especially with this match- necessary for a full recovery. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 property deeds, mortgage pa- Assisted living: $5,900 per pers, insurance policies, and tax month or $70,800 per year returns. Nursing home: $305 to $350 Prevent fraud: Set up bank per day or $111,000 to $127,000 MERRITT account alerts, monitor credit re- ports, or freeze credit to prevent scams, which often target those with cognitive decline. per year For more information on fi- nancial planning, visit: Plan for Your Financial Future or alz.org, or call the Alzheimer’s Associ- FUNDING LONG-TERM ation free 24/7 Helpline at 800- CARE 272-3900. Review insurance: Evaluate Governor Announces Coordinated Wildfire Preparedness Plan OKLAHOMA CITY (Febru- port resource requests from local ary 24, 2026) - Governor Kevin jurisdictions. Stitt in a press conference an- The Oklahoma National nounced that Oklahoma’s swift Guard has mobilized hand crews and coordinated wildfire re- and is working jointly with OFS. sponse last week helped protect Two Oklahoma National lives and property, even as fires Guard Blackhawk helicopters burned more than 203,000 acres are on active duty at their home across the state. Building on that base in Tulsa, and an additional momentum, the Governor is Chinook helicopter is available coordinating a statewide plan to in Lexington. Oklahoma For- prepare for additional wildfire estry Services will preposition risk expected across Oklahoma fire suppression teams in Atoka, in the coming weeks. Lawton, Guymon, Woodward, “Oklahomans are resilient, Weatherford, Skiatook, Stillwater and I’m committed to doing ev- and Shawnee. erything I can to help them re- “As we anticipate an extended build their homes, businesses, period of increased fire risk, we and lives," said Governor Stitt. are taking proactive steps to pro- "What matters most is that ev- tect lives, property, and commu- eryone stays safe. We can replace nities across our state,” said Gov- buildings, but we can’t replace ernor Stitt. “There has never been Getting creative in math - building composite figures. lives.” a better coordinated response The Oklahoma Department since I have been Governor. At of Emergency Management, every level, our state agencies, Oklahoma Department of Ag- our rural and municipal fire- riculture, Food and Forestry, fighters, and our state and local Oklahoma National Guard, and emergency managers are doing Oklahoma Department of Pub- an amazing job.” lic Safety are working together More than 203,000 acres have to enhance interagency fire sup- burned across the state since last pression support. Tuesday, including the Ranger Fire weather conditions are ex- Road Fire in Beaver and Harper pected to intensify across Okla- counties. At least four firefighters homa and surrounding states, have been injured while respond- including worsening drought, ing to the fires. State agencies will Merritt Mystery Singers during their pep assembly. dry vegetation, and unseasonably continue to monitor fire weather warm temperatures. conditions closely and remain The strategy emphasizes the prepared to scale operations as Yes Finance We proudly support the use of in-state resources, allowing for greater flexibility and fast- needed. Oklahomans are encouraged students, staff and administration er deployment statewide. This includes Oklahoma National to stay alert to local fire condi- tions, follow county burn bans at Merritt Schools Guard’s air and ground firefight- ing resources; ODAFF’s fire sup- and safety guidance, and report wildfires immediately by calling 1414 W. 3rd St., Elk City, OK ~ Great Plains Bank pression teams, equipment, and technical assistance; and local 911. As mentioned in today’s press 580.225.1525 ~ First National Bank and regional wildfire task forces. The State Emergency Operations conference, the 2025 Wildfire Task Force Report is now avail- LocalLoanGroup.com Center will remain activated with able. increased 24-hour staffing to sup-