Alva Review-Courier -

It has been several weeks since I’ve last written my Senate Review column, and although we are not in session, there is still quite a bit to catch up on! Several new laws went into place on Nov. 1 as a result of action taken in the first session of the 57th legislature. When the second half of session begins in the first week of February, several new bills will be filed. Bills that were not heard in the Spring 2019 session will also be eligible for consideration.

As you all know, the district was shocked by the tragedy that occurred on Vance Air Force Base in Enid on Nov. 21. Sadly, one instructor and one student were killed. My sympathy extends to those families as well as all the district. We all witness those flights each day and sometimes forget how dangerous they can be since they are a part of our daily lives. This tragedy was a somber reminder that our military men and women are risking their lives every day to defend our nation, whether they are on foreign or United States soil.

While session adjourned in May, I have still been extremely busy working with many constituents around the district. The highlight of the interim for me was being selected as a member of the Southern States delegation that took a trade mission trip to Taiwan. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell led the delegation comprised of seven senators and representatives from Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Taiwan is a democratic capitalistic republic of China and depends on the southern states for many of its agricultural resources, especially food products like beef, pork, poultry, wheat, corn and soybeans. More than 23 million people live in Taiwan, which has a land mass about a sixth of the size of Oklahoma. We assured the Taiwanese delegation that we would continue to be a dependable trade partner in the future. Interestingly, the U.S. receives a large amount of technology and aerospace parts from Taiwan. If you own a cell phone, it most likely contains parts made in Taiwan.

I would also like to congratulate all the football teams in district 19 for making the championship playoffs. I want to wish the Pond Creek Panther football team the best in the upcoming Class C State Football Championship game after winning a hard-fought game with the Timberlake Tigers. Getting to a state championship game is an incredible feat! Just one more win and the Cherokee Chiefs will also be playing for a championship title in Class B. My colleague Rep. Carl Newton and myself have a bet on who will win the Pond Creek Panthers vs. Waynoka Railroaders championship game. The losing legislator will provide a turkey to the winning legislator’s food bank. Go Panthers!

This past week, my wife and I were able to spend some valuable time with our family from Texas and Georgia. We were so thankful for this time together and are excited for the upcoming Christmas holiday. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, let us not forget that Christmas is much more than just another holiday and gifts. God sent his son Jesus to be our Savior and show us a way to live. I hope you’ll remember the true reason for the season.

Finally, it is an honor to serve district 19 as your state senator. My office is always open to hear your comments and concerns. If I can assist you in any way, please feel free to contact my office at the State Capitol at 405-521-5630.