State Rep. Jim Grego
By Rep. Jim Grego
Week 11 of the legislative session: the House and the Senate joined in joint session to recognize the contributions of the 45th Infantry Division of the Oklahoma National Guard. Eighty-one years ago this month, the 45th Infantry Division, made up of mostly Oklahomans, entered and liberated one of Nazi Germany’s most notorious concentration camps, Dachau. Later, members served in the Korean War, in Afghanistan and Iraq and other deployments. Back home, they were among the first responders to the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. They’ve helped with tornado cleanup and recovery, during wildfires and flooding and so much more. And they stay vigilant to keep us safe. It is nice to annually recognize the contributions and sacrifices of our Guard members in our state Capitol.
Speaking of recognizing members of the military, this week, Clare Harvey of Wilburton, a veteran who served in Vietnam, was able to take part in the Oklahoma Warriors Honor Flights. This is an organization dedicated to recognizing and honoring Oklahoma veterans with an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the war memorials built in their honor. The veterans traveled to D.C. on Monday and returned home Tuesday. I know Clare well and am thankful she got to participate in this. I thank her for her service to our nation.
Last week, the House and Senate approved the overall general appropriation’s bill to fund state government for Fiscal Year 2027, which starts July 1. As always, education will receive the lion’s share of state appropriations. We’ll give teachers a $2,000 step raise. We’ve got money for new reading and math initiatives. We’re taking care of health and mental health care needs, including money for the state’s share of Medicaid. We’ve got more money for roads and bridges and water infrastructure and much more in this budget.
This week, we are running the spending limits bills that set how each agency is to spend the money appropriated for the programs and services that serve Oklahomans.
Also this week, I have two more pages serving in my Capitol office.
Bryson Buie is a junior at Canadian High School. His parents are Allan and Kirsten Buie. The family lives in Eufaula. Garrett Griffin is a senior at McAlester High School. His parents are Erin and Patrick Griffin. This family lives in Kiowa. Both of these teens are incredibly smart and are involved in a lot of activities in their schools and communities. It’s always good to have members of this next generation visit the Capitol to learn more about state government. I enjoy getting to share some insights about the legislative process and answer any questions they might have.
As always, I’m thankful to the constituents of House District 17 for allowing me to serve. If I can help you in any way, I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim.grego@okhouse.gov.
Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and part and Pittsburg County.
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