Representative Mike Dobrinski

R

District 59

Hi, I'm Mike Dobrinski and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 59th District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Whip

59th Legislature

News & Announcements

Apr 17, 2025
Recent Posts

Lineman Appreciation Day Recognized in House

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Thursday adopted a resolution recognizing the contribution of lineworkers throughout the state in advance of National Lineman Appreciation Day, April 18. Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today presented Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 before members of the House. "Lineworkers leave the comfort of their own homes, often in the very worst weather, to put their lives at risk so others can stay home, safe and dry, to wait for the power to come back on, which it always does thanks to the work of these dedicated individuals," Dobrinski said. "I was proud to work with my Senate colleagues to put together this resolution to recognize their significant contributions to the residents and businesses of our great state." In addition to the resolution, Dobrinski also recognized several line workers on the House floor and many more in the gallery who work for state utilities or rural electric cooperatives.  The resolution notes that lineworkers are the true heroes of the electric power industry, responsible for maintaining and repairing electrical power grids 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are often the first to respond during storms and other catastrophic weather events so other first responders can get to the scene safely. They operate under dangerous conditions and risk their lives high atop power lines to keep electricity flowing. They also play a vital role in Oklahoma's economy by maintaining the energy infrastructure that powers homes and businesses. They deserve recognition for their hard work to power local communities and keep people safe during emergencies. 

Mar 11, 2025
Recent Posts

Watershed Restoration Act Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today passed a measure in the House that would expand a program to eradicate harmful trees and shrubs in certain watersheds statewide. House Bill 2162 would create the Terry Peach Watershed Restoration Act. The act would build on legislation enacted in 2023 that created a pilot program focused on the North Canadian Watershed with the goal of exploring solutions to the infestation of red cedars and other invasive species. The measure is named after former Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach who died in 2022. "The goal is not only to improve water flow to drought-stricken areas of the state, but to protect residential properties and critical infrastructure from the great fire danger these trees and shrubs create," Dobrinski said. "The state has millions of acres it maintains, and it's imperative we protect our grazing lands and wildlife habitats and ultimately our economy." HB2162 would remove the pilot status of the program and would create a revolving fund to be administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to accomplish the goals of the program. The estimated cost of expansion is $10 million, which would have to be approved through the appropriations' process. Dobrinski said the return on investment to the state should be greater than this initial investment. Dobrinski said the pilot program created previously has already proven enormously successful, with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission eradicating many invasive species in the initial watershed area. The commission also has provided training and support for rural fire departments and burn associations to continue the work. He said part of the program has been educational with Conservation Commission crews educating the public on eradication methods and how to maintain areas that have been cleared of invasive species. He said without this measure, the state risks significant damage from wildfires. "What we saw happen in California this year is a horrible example of what could happen if we don't address this problem," he said. The bill passed the House on a vote of 88 to 4. It now moves the state Senate where t is authored by Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt. 

Feb 4, 2025
Recent Posts

Water Restoration Act Bill Passes Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, today passed a measure in committee that would expand a program to eradicate harmful trees and shrubs in certain watersheds statewide. House Bill 2162 would create the Terry Peach Watershed Restoration Act. The act would build on  House Bill 2239 enacted in 2023, which created a pilot program focused on the North Canadian Watershed with the goal of exploring solutions to the infestation of red cedars and other invasive species. "These trees and shrubs create a great fire danger, and they draw away crucial amounts of water in already drought-stricken areas of our state," Dobrinski said. "Expanding this program statewide will help protect our environment – including grazing lands and wildlife habitats – and boost our economy." HB2162 would remove the pilot status of the program and would create a revolving fund to be administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to accomplish the goals of the program. The estimated cost of expansion is $10 million, which would have to be approved through the appropriations' process. Dobrinski said the return on investment to the state should be greater than this initial investment. The bill today passed the House Agriculture Committee and now is eligible to be heard in the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Oversight. Dobrinski said the pilot program created previously has already proven enormously successful, with the Oklahoma Conservation Commission eradicating many invasive species in the initial watershed area and around housing developments and critical infrastructure. The commission also has provided training and support for rural fire departments and burn associations to continue the work. Trey Lam, executive director of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission has said in the past that the rapid growth of cedar brush intensifies drought, reduces water levels and fuels intense wildfires every year. While there is no one single short term solution, a three-prong approach of research, eradication by utilizing prescribed burning and mechanically creating brush-free zones around communities and rural infrastructure has been utilized effectively and is the basis for the new legislation.