Oftentimes, I get a request to file legislation and do the legwork to try to get it signed into law. This past week, the individual that requested a bill pertaining to retirees – House Bill 2968 – just so happened to be at the Capitol the same day the bill was scheduled to be heard in committee. So, I caught him, handed him a packet and instructed him to go talk to committee members and get their votes. This is the same thing I have to do on every bill. I’m pleased to report the bill passed in that first committee!
There has been a lot of talk about data centers and the amounts of electricity and water they consume. No one seems to be able to provide real figures. I read of a lawsuit in LeFlore County where a small data center consumed $6,000 a day in electricity. This is enormous, but it gets worse, as this one company ran their unpaid electric bill in excess of $1 million. The question becomes, should they default on this payment who is responsible for this bill. Unfortunately, I feel like I know the answer, and that might be me and you.
Last Wednesday was “blue jacket” day at the Capitol. The rotunda was full of FFA students. McAlester, Savanna and Canadian FFA officers were here for visits with their legislators. This is one group, along with 4-H students, that I really enjoy visiting with. I’m always happy to see them. Thursday was “red jacket” day as Family, Career and Community Leaders of America groups from McAlester and Wilburton stopped by. Things have changed. This used to known simply as home economics. Now it’s family and consumer sciences education.
This week I also had my first page, which happened to be my first grandson, Baylor. I always enjoy spending time with our pages, watching as they absorb the knowledge of lawmaking. I’m always reminded of something Will Rogers liked to say, something along the lines of, sausages and laws are the two things you don’t want to watch being made.
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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