“And the Race is On.” This reminds me of a George Jones song, which is exactly what the state House feels like this week. The race is on as we continue to push to May. The bills have been filed, assigned to committee, and now the work begins as we try to get our bills heard and passed out of policy committee. All bills must be out of policy committee by Feb. 19, then out of oversight committee no later than March 5.
My first bill to make it to committee is House Bill 2947, which is a constitute request that will allow mental health professional interns to be allowed to bill Medicaid. I believe this to be a good bill to address mental health and our lack of providing it. Hopefully, this will get a few more professionals out into the field.
We have had our first budget briefing. I believe this could be a challenging year with a “flat” budget at best. Many of my bills have price tags attached, so the challenge is present. We really won’t know the final numbers until the Board of Equalization certifies the amount of funds the Legislature will have to appropriate when they meet Feb. 13.
Remember, next Tuesday is election day Latimer County. Voters will be asked to vote on making a sales tax item permanent rather than in five-year increments. It is not a new tax. Pittsburg County also has several items on the ballot. Please exercise your right to vote.
I had the opportunity to attend the governor’s prayer breakfast again this past week. I think it’s appropriate to start a new year and a new session in prayer as we ask for guidance on the many decisions we make.
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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