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I was honored and humbled to take the oath of office for my final term in the Oklahoma Senate. On Nov. 13, the Senate held a swearing-in ceremony for new and returning senators to recite the oath of office and begin their four-year terms. I was touched that so many of my family members made the trip to the state Capitol to watch me get sworn in for the last time. I also want to thank everyone who has supported me during my decade of public service. This wouldn’t have happened without your encouragement and assistance. I’m grateful to rep...
The legislative session adjourned around six weeks ago, but our work at the Capitol continues as we prepare for the 2025 session and continue addressing issues that are affecting Oklahomans. Over the next few months, interim studies will be held to allow legislators to hear from experts, organizations and agencies to gain a better understanding of various subject matters. I’ve requested three studies this year, all of which were approved. Two of the studies have been assigned to the Retirement and Insurance Committee. The first will look i...
It was another eventful week at the Capitol with the continuation of budget negotiations, finalizing legislation that has advanced out of conference committees, and approving executive nominations. I’ve had the honor of carrying several nominations for my constituents. These individuals will serve our state on various boards and commissions, sharing their expertise and representing the voices of northwest Oklahomans. It is great to have our area represented in a number of sectors, and I am confident that these individuals will provide i...
This week granted us yet another chance to celebrate the exceptional talents of our local student-athletes. It was my privilege to recognize the Texhoma girls' track team in the Senate. These young ladies had an incredible season, which ended with them securing the title of Class A state champions, a testament to their dedication, hard work and skill. I appreciate them making the trip to the Capitol and wish them the best of luck in their future academic and athletic endeavors. We also welcomed seventh- and eighth-grade students from Woodward...
This week we were joined at the Capitol by individuals and organizations on Beef Day to celebrate the contribution of this industry in our state. It was a pleasure to share a meal with fellow producers and discuss the economic impact of this industry, totaling more than $3 billion annually, in addition to Oklahoma producers’ work to raise quality beef and provide a nutritious protein source to feed our state and nation. It was an honor to meet with like-minded individuals to discuss how we can further support this vital industry and those O...
Last week marked the tenth week of session, and much of the week was focused on committee work as we crossed the deadline to advance House bills to the Senate floor. We’re also still working to reach a budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2025. With hundreds of policy ideas passing through the Legislature each year, it is important that we remain committed to implementing sensible solutions that will have a positive impact on our state and citizens. I am happy to report that one measure that was signed into law last year has done just that. H...
It is truly an honor to serve as the voice for more than 80,000 Northwest Oklahomans at the Capitol. However, in my 10 years of service, I’ve found that this voice is not always heard by the Legislature as rural Oklahoma is often put on the back burner, especially when it comes to economic development. I’ve seen millions spent to bring businesses to Oklahoma City and Tulsa, despite there being endless opportunities for growth and development in all corners of the state. This week, I met with economic developers, the Appropriations chair, and...
We began last week with a joint session with the House to honor Oklahoma’s veterans. It’s always an honor to recognize the brave men and women who’ve served our nation and share our appreciation for all of their work and sacrifices. The remainder of the week was largely spent on committee work. Our next deadline is approaching on April 11, and we have until this point to advance House bills to the Senate floor for further consideration. One critical measure has already been approved by both chambers and signed into law by Governor Stitt. House...
This week, we crossed the first deadline of the year and completed hearing Senate Bills in committee. Those that received approval from their assigned committees are now eligible to be heard on the Senate floor. We will shift our focus heavily to floor work over the next two weeks as we approach our deadline to pass Senate measures out of our chamber and send them across the rotunda to the House. One of the bills I am particularly looking forward to presenting pertains to 4-H students being given excused absences when participating in 4-H...
We’ve now made it through the second week of session and Senate committees have continued reviewing the dozens of bills they’ve been assigned. I’m pleased to share that a few of my bills have already received approval from their respective committees and are now eligible to be heard by the full Senate. Senate Bill 1375 was approved by the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and requires cell-cultured, lab-grown, synthetic, or any other type of fake meat that is developed outside of the traditional practice of livestock husbandry, to be la...
Last week, we returned to the Capitol to answer the governor’s special session call for a .25 percent tax cut. The Senate met on Monday but recessed without delivering needed tax relief to hardworking Oklahomans. The special session remains open, so I’ll continue advocating to reduce our state’s tax burden, whether it’s through the special or regular session. The objective is not just to reduce the burden on our taxpaying citizens, but to stimulate investment, job creation and overall prosperity. Supporting tax cuts doesn't mean neglect...
Until the late 1960s, there was no universal emergency phone number for people to quickly call their local police, fire departments or ambulance service. In 1967, the President’s Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice recommended a single, universal number for reporting an emergency. Within a few years, 911 was being adopted throughout the country. But decades later, we’re in desperate need of an upgrade. The current 911 system is analog technology of the 20th century, but we’re now more than two decades into the 21st...
This past week I won approval for Senate Bill 352, which I filed to help more Oklahomans enjoy the great outdoors and hunting, particularly with airbows. These are extremely safe, easy to use and accurate. Kids and those with disabilities have no problem with operating them when they can’t use a crossbow. My legislation also allows for more does to be taken, which is a huge help in population control. We have the support of the Oklahoma Wildlife Management Association, the Oklahoma Airbow Association and the Oklahoma Deer Association. The m...
