Things are really moving at a fast pace at the Capitol. We held numerous committee meetings last week; many more are scheduled this week.
My House Bill 3747, the Veterans’ Families’ First Act, is being heard in the House Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. This bill would require the Oklahoma Veterans Commission to contract with private long-term, skilling nursing facilities to offer services to eligible veterans who live over 50 miles from a state veterans residence.
With the closing of the Talihina Veterans Center, it’s important that family members not be asked to drive long distances to visit their relatives who might need care in one of our veterans’ homes. I’ve been told that a private care option has already been offered to a veteran from McAlester. I’m hopeful this bill will help other veterans and their families throughout the state.
I’m hopeful for easy passage of this bill in committee. Then it will be eligible to be heard on the House floor.
Last week, Hudson Williams, a junior at Wilburton High School, served as a page in my office. I took him to several meetings, and he got to participate in a mock floor session in which he voted on student-written legislation. He hand-wrote me a very nice note thanking me for letting him sit in on meetings that spanned topics from trash coming from New York to Oklahoma’s mining industry to a hallway talk with the state director of tourism.
Hudson said he learned a lot about the little details of legislation and just how close to home bills and discussions can get. I really enjoyed receiving this personal note and was thankful for his help and interest in the legislative process.
Back home, I attended the Hartshorne FFA/4-H Booster Club fundraiser. I’m always happy to support our youth in their many endeavors.
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.
Get Local News!
