March 28, 2026 Issue, Page 9 of 12

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NEWS The Elk City News SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026 • 9 Senate Notes from Senator Brent Howard | March 23, 2026 One of the biggest challenges Oklahomans with disabilities. ing benefits back into the work- ry language. the Senate Appropriations Com- The state is expected to see about force, but we won’t know the full At a minimum, moving Medic- mittee is dealing with this year is 10% growth in utilization among fiscal impact of these changes un- aid expansion out of the constitu- the rising cost of Medicaid. Ap- that population, adding a pro- til they take effect next year. tion and into state statutes would proximately one in four Oklaho- jected $182 million in costs next Medicaid expansion covers give the Legislature the ability to mans is enrolled in SoonerCare, year. These are among the main adults earning up to 138% of make responsible adjustments to the state’s implementation of reasons the Oklahoma Health the federal poverty level, about prioritize those who truly need Medicaid, which has traditionally Care Authority requested a $494 $21,597 annually for an individu- coverage or rein in costs as cir- been one of the state’s most ex- million budget increase for the al. Some states have adjusted that cumstances change. pensive programs. upcoming fiscal year. threshold down to 100% of the As the Senate Appropriations Since voters approved State Although the federal govern- federal poverty level. However, Committee works on a state bud- Question 802 to expand Med- ment currently covers a large Oklahoma is bound by voter-ap- get proposal during a tight bud- icaid in 2020, the cost of that share of these costs, that support proved language in the state con- get year, the unchecked growth expansion has increased signifi- comes with no guarantees. If the stitution that requires coverage of Medicaid costs could pose cantly. In its first year, expansion federal government reduces its up to that 138% level. challenges in both the short and cost the state about $162 million. 90% match for the Medicaid ex- That’s why there have been long term. If left unaddressed, That figure has now grown to pansion population, Oklahoma conversations at the Capitol these costs will continue to rise around $250 million annually, taxpayers will be left to make up about creating some flexibility for and could limit funding for Okla- and the Oklahoma Health Care the difference. the Legislature to alter the expan- homans’ other priorities, such as Authority requested an addition- That risk is especially con- sion. The House has advanced a investments in education, roads, al $42 million for the upcoming cerning given that Medicaid joint resolution to do just that if public safety and other govern- fiscal year to address a 22% in- expansion is written into our the 90/10 federal match changes. ment services. crease in program growth and state constitution, limiting the The Senate will take that legisla- To contact me at the Cap- increased utilization among ex- Legislature’s ability to make ad- tion up in the coming weeks. If itol, please write to Senator pansion adults. justments or control costs if the approved by the Legislature, all Brent Howard, State Capitol, Costs are also climbing among program continues to grow at an Oklahoma residents will get to 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 427, the traditional Medicaid pop- unsustainable pace. New Medic- vote on whether this large expen- Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, email ulation, which covers seniors, aid work requirements should get diture stays in our state constitu- me at Brent.Howard@oksenate. pregnant women, children and many able-bodied adults receiv- tion or gets replaced with statuto- gov, or call (405) 521-5612. New Superintendent Selected for Emblematic Western Technology Center Jay Edelen is the new Superin- tendent for Western Technology Center starting July 1, 2026. This WTC. My goal has always been to help prepare students to be pro- ductive members of society. And and a great community all work- ing together to be a great school district.” Arapaho-Butler has re- Change will be Western Technology Cen- now with CareerTech, that goal ceived numerous athletic and ac- Elk City Police Department uni- patch along with nods to the energy ter’s seventh superintendent in its continues as we bridge academics ademic scholar accolades over the forms have new patches. industry and Route 66. rich history of serving western with workforce readiness.” years and in 2025 was recognized The old patches were adopted The reaction has been positive Oklahoma since 1970. After years of encouragement with the Oklahoma Blue Ribbon about 40 years ago, so it was time inside the department and out. Edelen has dedicated the last 26 from his Kingfisher superin- Award from the Oklahoma State for a new look. “The guys love it,” Cook said. years to education. He started his tendent/mentor/friend/retired Department of Education. This “We wanted something more “They think it’s really cool.” career in Kingfisher as a science Chisholm Trail Technology Cen- award recognizes schools for ex- personalized to our area,” said Po- Chief Cook said that the pub- teacher and coach and continued ter superintendent, Max Thomas, ceptional academic performance lice Chief John Cook. lic has also reacted positively, and into his education administra- Edelen obtained his CareerTech and commitment to student suc- According to Cook, the redesign even other agencies around the tion journey at Medford Public Certification in 2021. This step cess. decision was made collectively. state admire it. Schools (Principal), Pioneer Pub- has prepared Edelen for this new Edelen shared that he is looking The Elk City Citizens Police More, subtle uniform changes lic Schools (Superintendent) and Jay Edelen, WTC’s new Superin- adventure in his leadership jour- forward to building on the WTC Academy insignia includes an Elk, are also in the works. for the last 12 years Arapaho-But- tendent ney. legacy and meeting the needs so the ECPD decided to incorpo- “We want Elk City to be proud of ler Public Schools Superintendent. “Timing is right for this career of business and industry with a rate that into the new department its police department,” Cook said. Arapaho-Butler Public Schools Technology Center. According move. Bittersweet, but right,” re- strong workforce. “The possibili- is one of the 14 public schools to Edelen, “I’ve seen the impact flects Edelen. “Arapaho-Butler is ties are endless for western Okla- that are partnered with Western on students who have attended a great school, with a great staff homa!” Arts Council MERRITT Seeks Teachers and Assistants By Sheryl Ponce out an application at https://form. jot.com/231004855576154. The The Elk City Arts Council is applications are due March 31st. starting to look for instructors and The camps will take place June 1st assistants for the Summer Arts through 25th, for ages six and old- Camp. er. Registration for the children will The teachers need to be 18 years begin in May. old or older and have a special in- Go to the Elk City Arts Council terest in teaching a class or helping Facebook page to find out more in- with a class. formation about becoming a teach- To be a part of the camps, fill er or teacher’s assistant. 5th and 6th grade attended a track meet in Sayre. PASS TIME IN LINE. READ THE NEWSPAPER. Merritt 2nd graders got to visit the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum. Yes Finance We proudly support the students, staff and administration at Merritt Schools 1414 W. 3rd St., Elk City, OK ~ Great Plains Bank 580.225.1525 ~ First National Bank LocalLoanGroup.com In Print. Online. In Touch.