It has been another busy week here at the Capitol. There has been lots of action with legislation and visiting groups from across the state and our district.

This week, I was fortunate to have two legislative pages for the week, Macguire Arnold and Sterling Stewart. Macguire is a student at Oklahoma Bible Academy and lives in Enid. After high school, he plans to attend OSU and seek a degree in Veterinary Medicine. He plans to focus on large animal studies and work as a veterinarian. Sterling is a student at Burlington High School. After high school, he plans to attend Oral Roberts University and seek a degree in political science/business, and he plans to be in politics. I look forward to watching these incredible young men mature and accomplish great things in their futures.

Other constituents visited me including the Land Title Association and FFA students from across the district. Having area students come to the Capitol is one of my most favorite parts of being a state senator.

This week we hosted FFA Day at the Capitol, and I was happy to address a group of FFA students on Tuesday. I also visited with a group of FFA students from Cimarron in Lahoma and their AG teacher, Codey Yandell. Representative Carl Newton, Senator Casey Murdock, and I also spoke to the Alva FFA chapter. We were treated to lunch hosted by the Oklahoma FFA Chapters, which gave me more opportunity to visit with District 19 FFA students and AG teachers. Cherokee Public Schools’ Family and Consumer Science class also visited and shared their needs.

As for legislation, I presented SB 1422, the Industrial Hemp bill on the Senate Floor, and it passed with 45 yeas and one nay. I also presented a bill in the Education Committee, and it passed out of committee with 12 yeas and one nay. Another piece of legislature that I am happy to carry is SB1743, requiring direct payment of certain towing claims. It passed out of Aeronautics and Transportation with nine yeas and one nay. Both bills are scheduled to be heard on the Senate floor soon.

Another piece of legislation that we championed was the grocery tax cut. Both the House and Senate passed this relief for all Oklahomans. We anticipate the governor signing it at any moment. Once signed into law and taken into effect, it will save Oklahoma families over $600 annually, which is about 5.5 times more money than a .25% income tax cut. I remind you it is only the state portion of 4.5%, municipal and county sales tax will stay in place.

On Tuesday, the governor hosted his annual prayer breakfast, and he asked that we join him and other state leaders in praying for our state and nation. As we continue through this session, please join me in praying for our state and community, and that we will continue to move positively forward.

On Saturday, I was invited to attend the American Farmers & Ranchers convention in Norman where I was honored to receive the Senate Legislator of the Year Award. This is a great group of Farmers and Ranchers who advocate for Rural Oklahoma.

In closing, I want to wish all area teams still alive in the Road to the Big House the best! Area stock shows are also going on which certainly bring communities together. Congratulations to all for your achievements.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with your concerns or questions. You can reach my office at 405-521-5630 or [email protected].