As you read this, the primary elections will be behind us. Many House and Senate seats are hotly contested. One thing I do know as I write this is how each election cycle seems to outdo the previous cycles as far as slanderous campaigning and dark money spending. It’s like there’s very little about what candidates have accomplished. And again, I’m reminded about how appreciative I am that I did not draw an opponent. I will do my best to live up to your expectations. Thank you all.
Last week, I attended a ribbon cutting for expansions of the Youth Emergency Shelter in McAlester. This is another good example of what the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding is accomplishing in infrastructure investing. This facility is investing approximately $2 million on this expansion, and our youth in their time of need will reap the benefits of this for years to come. Another piece of this expansion puzzle is the fact that McAlester Regional Hospital Trust donated the land for this much needed expansion. So, if you happen to run into one of the local board members, be sure and thank them.
I also attended the McAlester Regional/OSU Family Medicine Residency graduation this past week. This program is in its tenth year, and this past class graduated four residents that are now ready to go out into the medical world. As we struggle to find doctors to serve rural Oklahoma, these resident programs’ plans are to expose these young doctors to rural America with the hopes they will like what they see and want to establish their practice here. It’s estimated that when a doctor sets up shop, 17 new jobs are created. This is a win for all involved.
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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