Representative Ty Burns

R

District 35

Hi, I'm Ty Burns and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 35th District.


representative

News & Announcements

May 6, 2025
Recent Posts

Richard D. Lawrence Awarded Oklahoma Cross of Valor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Richard D. Lawrence, of Wakita, was awarded the Oklahoma Cross of Valor on Monday in a ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Issuing a citation in his honor were Reps. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, chair and vice chair of the Legislative Veterans Caucus, and David Smith, R-Arpelar, a member of the caucus and chair of the House Veteran and Military Affairs Committee. "Mr. Lawrence is an American hero and just the best kind of person," the three lawmakers said in a joint statement. "Not only did he serve his country honorably, but he displayed the utmost courage and resilience as a prisoner of war. Then he came home and served his community and his family. We are ever grateful for his sacrifice on behalf of keeping our nation free and our citizens safe. He's deserving of this distinction and our gratitude." Lawrence was a prisoner of war from June 27, 1944, through May 2, 1945, while serving with the 2518th Army Air Force Base Unit in the European Theater, Hungary. As a flight maintenance gunner and B-17 bomber ball turret gunner, Lawrence was a vital member of the crew aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. During a mission over Hungary, the aircraft was struck by a direct hit, forcing all crew members to bail out. While Lawrence and his fellow airmen parachuted to safety, after landing, he unfortunately was captured by enemy forces. Throughout his captivity, Lawrence endured harsh and inhumane conditions, including a grueling march of more than 500 miles without provisions. Even in the face of such extreme adversity, Lawrence was noted for consistently providing leadership and support to his fellow POWs, never losing hope for their eventual liberation. The citation notes his strength, resilience and refusal to surrender to the enemy as exemplifying the highest ideals of duty and patriotism. "Through his unwavering determination and exemplary conduct as a prisoner of war, Richard D. Lawrence has earned the deepest respect and admiration, embodying the finest traditions of the United States Armed Forces and the state of Oklahoma," the citation reads. After returning from military service, Lawrence resumed work on his family farm in Wakita, dedicating his life to wheat and cattle farming. he continues to manage the farm, clearing fields from the seat of his Polaris. He's been deeply involved in his community, serving on the boards of the Farmers' Cooperative of Wakita, the Wakita School Board and as a longtime director of Citizens Bank of Wakita. His dedication to agriculture was honored with the title of Oklahoma Farmer of the Year at the Oklahoma State Fair. He also served over 60 years as an elder at both Fairview Christian Church and Wakita Christian Church. He played golf into his early 90s with the same group of friends. Also present at the ceremony was Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs John Nash, and Sens. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, and Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City.  

Mar 25, 2025
Recent Posts

House Passes Bill Banning Lab Grown Meat

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives has passed a measure prohibiting the manufacture and sale of cultivated meat products in the state. House Bill 2829 , authored by Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, would make it unlawful to manufacture, sell, hold or offer for sale any cultivated meat product in Oklahoma. Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor upon conviction and food sellers could face suspension or revocation of their licenses. The measure allows the Oklahoma State Department of Health to adopt rules for enforcement and provides an exemption for research conducted by governmental entities or institutions of higher education.  "Oklahoma has a proud agricultural heritage and this bill is about protecting our ranchers, farmers and consumers from an unregulated and potentially misleading industry," Burns said. "Real meat comes from real animals and we want to ensure that Oklahoma's food supply remains transparent and safe for our citizens."  Cultivated meat, also known as lab-grown meat, is produced from cultured animal cells rather than traditional livestock. Supporters of HB2829 argue that banning its sale in Oklahoma will protect the integrity of the state's meat industry and prevent consumer confusion.  HB2829 passed the House 72-18 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Aug 12, 2024
Recent Posts

STATEMENT: Reps. Josh West, Burns, Banning Question State Superintendent's "Problematic" Leadership Tactics

Reps. Josh West, R-Grove, Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Chris Banning, R-Bixby, today released the following statement reacting to disparaging comments made by State Superintendent Ryan Walters about Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller after a disagreement over delayed Title I allocations. After Bixby Public Schools experienced delays in receiving Title I funding, Miller tweeted his concerns and questioned when his district would receive the initial allocation. Days later, Walters retorted, calling Miller a "clown" and a "liar." "As former military leaders, we know the qualities that define good leadership: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. Just as important are the lessons on how not to lead. "Over the past four years, we've witnessed Ryan Walters' often questionable leadership. In the past two weeks, he has violated the Open Meetings Act, denied legislators access to executive sessions, deprived districts of rolled-over money meant for school safety and now is putting children's lives at risk by withholding appropriated funds for emergency asthma inhalers. "After Walters chose to name-call Bixby Superintendent Rob Miller, a former Marine who faithfully served the Constitution and protected our rights, we decided we couldn't sit back any longer. Though we do not speak for others, we cannot stand by while a respected leader and veteran is insulted and demeaned for simply doing his job. Walters' behavior is unbecoming of any leader, especially the highest-ranking person in the Oklahoma public school system. "Our time in the military taught us to listen to those serving on the front lines. That same principle applies here. School superintendents like Miller provide valuable insights into local issues, and yet Walters refuses to listen to those around him or take responsibility for his missteps. "As elected officials, paid with taxpayer dollars and entrusted with the future of our state, we must hold ourselves accountable to Oklahomans and have the integrity to admit when we are wrong. We had hoped Walters would eventually grow into his role, but after two years of problematic leadership tactics, our patience is wearing thin."  West, the current chair of the House Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, founded the Legislative Veterans Caucus, which he chaired from 2017-2019. He received numerous military awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with “V” Device for Valor. He was critically wounded in a firefight in Karbala, Iraq, in 2003 and was medically retired from the U.S. Army after nine years of service. Burns currently serves as the Chair of the Legislative Veterans Caucus. In 2011, Burns was wounded in a near ambush in the Saygal Valley in Afghanistan. He retired from the 45th Infantry Brigade in 2018 after 20 years of service. Burns has also received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, as well as several numerous military awards and decorations. Banning, a member of the Legislative Veterans Caucus, was in Operation Provide Comfort, which was in conjunction with the Operation Desert Storm – Desert Shield Era. In the immediate wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, Banning was on the frontlines of rescue and recovery missions for which he received the Humanitarian Service Metal. Banning is now a service-connected disabled veteran.