Representative Dell Kerbs

R

District 26

Hi, I'm Dell Kerbs and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 26th District.


representative

News & Announcements

May 16, 2024
Recent Posts

House Sends Disaster Relief Bills to Senate

Following numerous tornadoes across the state this spring, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed two bills Tuesday to assist communities affected by recent tornadoes. House Bill 2912 and House Bill 2913 were coauthored by and presented on the House floor by Rep. Judd Strom, R-Copan, whose district includes the town of Barnsdall. The town suffered severe damage as a result of an EF4 tornado on May 6, which led to the deaths of two people and numerous injuries. "The outpouring of support from across the state and country has been tremendous, and I want to thank everyone who has already reached out," Strom said. "This funding represents a major step toward filling a crucial gap in hazard mitigation and restoring the communities across Oklahoma that have been or will be affected by natural disasters, and I'm glad to see strong support for these measures as they move through the process." HB2912 creates the State Assistance Dedicated for Disaster-impacted Local Economies Revolving Fund. The fund would provide advanced financial liquidity to governmental subdivisions directly impacted by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-declared emergency or disaster event. Governmental subdivisions could put the funds toward infrastructure repair, temporary housing and shelter, to fund gaps in required matching funds necessary to participate in FEMA programs, and to mitigate revenue losses. HB2913 appropriates $15 million to the State Emergency Fund and $30 million to the fund created by HB2912. Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, whose district is still grappling with the after-effects of a tornado in April 2023, expressed strong support for both bills. "Last year, I saw firsthand the incredible spirit of the Oklahoma standard as people traveled from across the state to provide support," Kerbs said. "Having resources like this funding available is crucial for meeting the minimum funding requirement for specific federal programs and assisting our affected neighbors in their rebuilding efforts." Both bills passed the House 80-0 on Tuesday and now move to the Senate for consideration.

Apr 20, 2023
Recent Posts

Kerbs Shares Resources for Tornado-Affected Constituents

Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee, urged Shawnee residents affected by Wednesday's tornadoes and severe weather to access available local and state resources. “The destruction suffered in Shawnee and the surrounding community on Wednesday was devastating,” Kerbs said. “Local and state resources are available for those affected by Wednesday’s severe weather, and I hope everybody finds the support they need.” The American Red Cross of Oklahoma has set up a shelter for those who lost their home at the Citizen Potawatomi Reunion Hall, located at 1702 Gordon Cooper Drive in Shawnee.  Kerbs thanked OG&E technicians for their relentless work to restore electricity to affected customers, law enforcement and volunteers from neighboring towns who showed up to help, and representatives from numerous tribal nations who are aiding with clean-up efforts and debris removal.  “It’s encouraging to see our neighbors across Oklahoma already stepping up to assist, and I want to thank everybody who has already answered the need and will volunteer in the coming weeks,” Kerbs said. “I know Shawnee and other affected areas will come together as we begin rebuilding and look to the future.” As Oklahomans begin to repair and rebuild, Kerbs warned his constituents to be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar contractors or insurance claims adjusters. Oklahomans may reach out to the Office of the Attorney General for support at 1-833-681-1895 or ConsumerProtection@oag.ok.gov. Additionally, consumer complaints may be filed with the Office of the Attorney General with documentation found at oag.ok.gov/consumer-protection.  The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) provides guidance for each step of the insurance claims process available at oid.ok.gov/consumers/insurance-basics. The OID Consumer Assistance Division handles all types of consumer inquiries and can be contacted at 405-521-2828. Additionally, the OID can provide assistance if a claim has not been handled appropriately.  Kerbs encouraged his constituents to reach out to him with any questions or concerns. He may be reached at (405) 557-7345 or dell.kerbs@okhouse.gov. 

Sep 29, 2022

Lawmakers Approve Drought Relief for Farmers, Ranchers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Rep. Dell Kerbs Phone: (405) 557-7345 The Oklahoma Legislature has appropriated $20 million to aid the agriculture industry across the state during the ongoing drought. House Bill 1006XX designates $20 million to the Emergency Drought Relief Fund from any monies not otherwise appropriated from the General Revenue Fund of the State Treasury. During the regular session in the spring, lawmakers also approved House Bill 2959 to designate $3 million for the fund. The fund was created in 2013 to provide funding for emergency drought relief activities once a drought emergency has been declared. Funds must be expended solely on efforts to relieve drought conditions. Earlier this month, Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an emergency drought declaration to reactivate the emergency drought commission, which will determine how legislative appropriations are used. The commission is comprised of members from the state’s agriculture, water resources and conservation agencies. HB1006XX was presented on the House floor Thursday morning by Rep. Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee. ""The vast majority of farms in our state are family-owned, many of which have been operating for generations,"" said Kerbs, who chairs the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. ""We need to take care of our farmers and ranchers because they're the ones who take care of us, and this bill gave us an opportunity for the legislative body to help those in need now while also mitigating future situations."" Data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows over half the state is facing extreme drought, while nearly 14% of the state falls under exceptional drought, the highest level. “Farmers and ranchers in our state are struggling with the ongoing drought,"" said Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee. ""Because of no fault of their own, some are being faced with the possibility of giving up on their livelihoods. We must do what we can to help them get through this difficult time. This money will go a long way to this worthy goal.” HB1006XX passed both chambers overwhelmingly and will move to the governor's desk for consideration.