Week one of the legislative session, and we have hit the ground running. We convened into our regular session on Monday and listened to Gov. Stitt’s sixth “State of the State” address.
There were things I really liked in the governor’s speech. I agree that now is as good a time as any to cut taxes while revenue projections and state savings amounts are high. I also appreciate the governor’s stance on making our state more business friendly.
I like his ideas of continuing to do more criminal justice reform. Punish people appropriately for the crimes they commit, but then be willing to give them a chance to make restitution to society and get back to work. I also agree with the governor that more must be done to secure our southern border.
Of course there were things in the governor’s speech on which I could not nod in total agreement. We do need more clarification between state and local law enforcement and our tribal governments, but there’s a better approach than what’s been tried so far. I think the governor’s work with some of the tribes on compact negotiations is a positive sign, and I hope he keeps going in that direction. I’m also still out on some of the governor’s plans for education. I know the public schools in my area need our support. I want parents to have the freedom to do what’s best for their children, but I don’t want it to hurt our public schools.
On the topic of education, I had the opportunity to visit Monday afternoon with higher education Chancellor Allison Garrett about talk I have been hearing about the possible merger, consolidation, and shared services between Carl Albert State College in Poteau and Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. Chancellor Garrett did answer many questions, but mostly any type of merger or consolidation must originate with the two boards of regents with legislative approval. This will not be a case of bureaucrats in Oklahoma City dictating what is best for the survival of our rural colleges. I have complete confidence in both boards of regents to make the right decisions.
First week and first page of the session. Hudson Williams, a junior at Wilburton High School, is serving this week as a page in my office. It is always good to see our young people taking an interest in government. I am allowed four page slots per session with three already filled. I do have a slot for one more if anyone is interested they can go to our House web site and under resources look for the pages and internships page. That can be found online at https://former.okhouse.gov/Pages/.
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.
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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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