Hard to believe 2026 is here. Hoping everyone made it through the holidays. I’m settling in now for a new round of legislative action. Right now, things are somewhat at a lull as our bill requests have been submitted and staff is finalizing language. Budget hearings are not complete yet. Our biggest agencies will make their requests later this month.
Privatizing mental health is also a grave concern in this area as our own Carl Albert Mental Health Center in McAlester was mentioned as one for privatization consideration. The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has been in the news a lot the past year or so with stories of never-ending budget shortfalls. I understand this ship needs to be up righted, but I’m hard pressed to find examples where privatization really fixed anything. We must fix this crisis, though. Lack of mental health services has been an ongoing subject since I became a legislator seven years ago. The problem seems to be expanding not getting better.
Another problem that seems to be intensifying rather than correcting is the quality of Adamson Rural Water. It seems to be daily there are issues concerning discolored water. Customers are losing confidence as to the reliably of the water flowing into their home. I am not sure what the real answer is, but it needs to be figured out. Clean, potable water is a necessity in modern times.
Finally, Latimer County and the beef industry lost a good one this past week with the passing of Gerald Shero. Gerald and his family were industry leaders in all things beef. He will be missed.
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.
Get Local News!
