State Representative Rick West (R-Heavener)
By Rep. Rick West
My House Bill 1185 got signed into law last week. This will prohibit law enforcement agencies from destroying weapons considered to have historic military value. The weapons are instead to be donated to local units of veterans’ organizations where they can be used for honor guard salutes at veterans’ funerals or other memorial ceremonies.
This bill was a request from a constituent, Bob Nichelson, who is the vice commander of the Leflore County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 63 in Poteau. I was glad to be able to get this enacted for him and our other veteran organizations.
It was significant to me that I celebrated the signing of this bill during the week that we held a joint session of the Legislature in which we recognized our veterans and members of the military. These men and women give so much to their country. It’s good to give back to them even in a small way.
In my last column I wrote about State Question 832, which will be on the June 16 primary ballot. It will ask voters whether or not to increase the state minimum wage.
A few additional questions are scheduled to be on ballots this year. The attorney general is in the process of rewriting the ballot titles. All will ask voters whether to amend the state Constitution.
State Questions 844 and 846 are scheduled to be on the August 25 primary runoff ballot. SQ844 will ask whether to exempt qualified manufacturers from ad valorem taxes. SQ846 will ask whether voters should be required to present proof of identity when voting in county and state elections.
Scheduled for the November general election are State Question 845, which will ask voters whether to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to make changes to the structure and terms of the members serving on the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC); and State Question 847, which will ask voters whether to limit property tax increases.
Last week, the Legislature sent House Bill 1370 to the governor. This repeals a provision is state law that would have required us to increase Oklahoma’s gasoline tax in proportion to any reduction in the federal fuel tax. The president earlier in the week asked Congress to suspend the federal fuel tax to give people some relief at the pumps. By repealing this provision, Oklahoman’s will be able to enjoy the lower prices as well.
At home in the district, I recently attended Carl Albert State College’s graduation ceremony where about 500 students graduated. This seems like a good-size class for this college. What I was struck by, however, were the number of stoles worn by the students that said first generation. This was impressive.
I also attended the grand opening of the Choctaw Nation Dale Cox Community Center in Poteau. I spoke to Chief Batton and Councilman Jess Henry and many others. This expanded facility will be nice for area community members, particularly seniors and families.
Remember to listen to my Capitol update on the radio at 7:35 a.m. every Thursday on KPRV.
As always, if I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
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