Ninety miles an hour then nothing would be a good description of our work last week as compared to week nine of this session. Last week was full speed ahead as we tried to get legislation passed to make it available to the Senate. We sent 440 measures over for consideration, and the Senate sent 321 measures for the House to weigh. I believe this session to be a success as far as my bills go. Of the eight I introduced, five where approved by the House. Now, I begin the work of visiting with my Senate counterparts to get this legislation approved by the Senate and sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law
Much of our other focus now is on getting a budget prepared and in agreement with the Senate to send to the governor. Of all our duties, preparing an annual budget is the only real mandate we face as a body. I have had a couple of late requests for funding, so I will attempt to get these included in our budget.
I also have felt one of my duties is connecting people with people who can assist them. This week is no different as I will bring a couple of recent graduates of veterinary medicine to meet with the House Rural Caucus. We also will travel to the Department of Agriculture to meet with the state veterinarian along with a doctor form the veterinary hospital to discuss what programs are available in Oklahoma to help with college debt. We realize we have a shortage of large animal veterinarians located in rural Oklahoma, so we will explore what kind of incentives are available.
I’m looking forward to next week and my first page for this session. I have four scheduled, and I always enjoy sharing what limited knowledge I have about the legislative process.
As always, thank You for allowing me to serve you. 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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