I was fortunate to be invited to the Pittsburg and Latimer counties FFA teachers’ Christmas dinner recently. I will admit, I’m somewhat partial to this group of teachers and students, being a former FFA student myself. We must always continue to focus on careers that involve food and fiber production as food and clothing protect our very lives. Currently, we have numerous vacancies and underfunded agricultural teacher positions. One of my bills this session will address this shortage and hopefully allow more students to explore this career option, putting more ag teachers into classrooms.
I also attended the grand opening of Ryan’s House in McAlester recently. Ryan’s House provides support and facilities for children involved in child abuse investigations. It’s a place where forensic interviews and medical exams can be performed, and service referrals can be made for these youth. As a society, we must protect our most vulnerable. Ryan’s House is a vital step in this direction. Someone is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide this much needed service.
Another bill I’ve filed this session sounds like “old hat,” as I’ve spent the last two years trying to get this across the finish line only to watch it fail to get a hearing on the Senate floor each time. I truly believe local citizens should have some sort of discount into our local state parks. I will again try to allow locals entry into one park for one year at a discounted rate.
On a final note, I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the J. Michael Miller Toy Giveaway. This seems to grow every year. Events like this don’t just happen. It takes many hours of volunteer labor. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved.
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve you. It is a true pleasure. If there is ever anything I can do for 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 parts of LeFlore and Pittsburg counties.
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