Alva Review-Courier -

At the time of this writing, over one million acres have burned in Oklahoma and Texas.

I'm thankful that much of our House district has been spared so far. There has been one small wildfire in our area in which it was reported that a home was lost and a rancher lost some animals. There are several other fires nearby, so prayers are certainly continuing.

I received some information last week from the Farm Service Agency, which may be helpful to those affected. The FSA is offering a livestock disaster program to producers that have lost animals due to severe weather, including wildfires, drought or floods.

The Livestock Indemnity Program provides benefits to eligible livestock owners or contract growers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by eligible loss conditions. More information about the program and how to apply for assistance can be found online at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Oklahoma/index.

These wildfires are a reminder that we never know when our lives will be shaken to the core. We are not invincible or as powerful as we like to think we are. I am praying for the families and farms affected and will help in any way I can.

At the Capitol last week, the governor signed House Bill 1955 into law, cutting the state's 4.5% portion of the grocery tax. This is estimated to return about $410 million back to Oklahoma taxpayers and should save the average family hundreds of dollars a year on food costs.

This will make the state budget a little tighter this year, but that's not a bad thing, as we've had a surplus a few years running. It's never a bad idea to allow our citizens to keep more of their hard-earned money.

It's important to note this is just the state portion of the grocery tax. Local county and municipal taxes will still apply. Those funds go toward local police, fire, infrastructure and other services. It's also important to remember that the state portion of the tax will still be charged on ready-to-eat prepared foods and other heated foods like those you find in the hot boxes at convenience stores, and on deli items.

We also completed our committee deadline last week, advancing 505 bills and joint resolutions that are now eligible to be considered on the House floor. We have until March 14 to finish working on House bills. What we pass will be sent to the Senate, and then we will consider that chamber's measures.

I have three bills remaining to be heard on the House floor. I'm still negotiating language on two of these, making them better so they are a true help to the citizens of our great state.

As always, if I can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me. You may reach me by email at [email protected], or phone me at 405-557-7339. God Bless you and the State of Oklahoma.