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

Dec 12, 2024
Recent Posts

House Speaker-Elect Files Resolution to Oppose Federal Energy Corridor Designation

Oklahoma House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert filed House Concurrent Resolution 1001 today, which vows to take all legislative action available to prevent the establishment of an eighteen-mile wide federal energy corridor in Oklahoma. There is a town hall tonight at 6 p.m. at the Creek County Fairgrounds to discuss the proposed 18-mile-wide corridor, which could authorize the confiscation of private property to locate high voltage electric transmission lines via eminent domain. "The people of Oklahoma will not stand for private landowners being forced to surrender their property through federal condemnation," said Speaker-Elect Hilbert, R-Bristow. "There are state processes in place to get community input and engagement on pending projects of this nature and I urge anyone in the path of this proposed corridor to come and let their voices be heard tonight on this issue." Speaker Hilbert said he is committed to fighting against this NIETC designation and appreciates the support of his House and Senate colleagues who have already signed on as co-authors of the measure. "Everyone in Oklahoma should be concerned by this federal land grab attempt if the NIETC designation is granted," said Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow. "We stand ready to do all we can at the Legislature to stop it and look forward to working with a DOE under President-Elect Trump, who will better understand and respect private property rights while pushing American energy independence." "Oklahoma's eminent domain laws and regulations provide a level of protection to the landowner that is non-existent at the federal level," said Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene. "This also has the ability to hurt our local utility providers who fall under the regulation of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission while these NIETCs will be able to circumvent local rules and regulations, which is unacceptable." The HCR, which was filed in the House today, will be co-sponsored by Sen. Grant Green in the Senate and will be considered when the 60th Legislature meets starting in February.

Oct 24, 2024
Recent Posts

Grego Studies Vehicle Tax Evaluation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, this week led an interim study examining criteria used by the state of Oklahoma to determine the retail value of vehicles for tax purposes. The study took place Oct. 23 before the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on General Government at the State Capitol. "This issue was brought to my attention by one of my constituents and a neighbor of mine," Grego said. "He bought a truck, and there was fluctuation between what he paid and what the value of the vehicle was determined to be. So, my goal is to look at this issue and see if we can make some changes in the system to make this more fair for consumers who purchase vehicles." Grego invited Joe Mack McAlester of Wilburton to explain his experience. McAlester said he bought a used truck at an auction for a price that was well under the listed Blue Book value. He planned to use the vehicle on his farm, so he wasn't concerned that it wasn't in perfect condition. When he went to get his tag and title, however, he said was charged excise tax based on the full book value of the vehicle without consideration for the vehicle's condition. His argument was he should only have been charged based on what he paid, the same as how sales tax is calculated on other purchases, instead of the higher value. The difference in price would have saved him several hundred dollars. McAlester said he's talked to other neighbors who've had similar experiences. "I was very grateful for Joe's input on this topic as I know it's one that affects a lot of people in our state, particularly farmers and ranchers who tend to buy older vehicles to use for their work," Grego said. Representatives from Service Oklahoma and Tinker Federal Credit Union also presented during the study, sharing their methodology for determining a vehicle's value and how the state assesses taxes. Tinker is the largest indirect dealer financing partner in the state.  Grego said the methodology used to calculate excise tax was largely inherited from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. But the lenders explained that loan risk factors based on credit history, collateral values and other things all play a role in determining a vehicle's value. They also rely on industry standards such as those set by the National Automobile Dealers Association. Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, also participated in the study, giving insight as a former automobile dealership owner. He said he's willing to help Rep. Grego draft legislation that might help Oklahoma vehicle buyers pay less tax. 

Dec 21, 2023
Recent Posts

Speaker McCall Assigns Caldwell, Dobrinski New Committee Leadership Positions

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, today assigned Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, and Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, to new committee leadership positions. Caldwell will serve as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, and Dobrinski will serve as Chair of the House Utilities Committee. "Rep. Caldwell and Rep. Dobrinski are important leaders both in our caucus, and in the House of Representatives," McCall said. "The depth of experience, and attention to detail, that they bring to these new positions will serve our members, and the citizens of our state well." Caldwell previously served as Chair of the Utilities Committee and is excited about his new role. "I am honored to be chosen by Speaker McCall to serve in this important role," Caldwell said. "During my time in the House, I have made it a priority to ensure that the Legislature is a good steward of taxpayer dollars. I am thankful that I will get to continue working to increase transparency and accountability in the appropriations process through this new role." Dobrinski served as Vice Chair of the Utilities Committee, a role he believes will help him as he ascends to Chair. "I am thankful that Speaker McCall has trusted me to lead the Utilities Committee," Dobrinski said. "As our state grows, and new businesses choose to expand into Oklahoma, it is vital that we stay ahead of utility needs that arise both now and in the future. Serving as vice chair has given me a unique perspective into the issues that will come before the committee, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with my fellow members in the upcoming session." The leadership changes are effective immediately, and the second regular session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature convenes on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. -END- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Daniel Seitz, House Republican Caucus Communications Director Phone: (405) 962-7649 Email: daniel.seitz@okhouse.gov