Fourteen-year-olds being able to get a farm driving permit seems to be the topic of the week as I had numerous calls and conversations about this new law created by House Bill 1962.
The law goes into effect Nov. 1. I've been told Service Oklahoma is ready to issue these new permits, and I'm hopeful that's the case. HB 1962 basically states that a 14-year-old will be able to get a provisional driver's license providing they live or work on an agriculture enterprise. My belief is that this is a practice that has been around for a long time and now it becomes the law. This law is patterned after a Kansas law that has been in effect for several decades.
I made a final trip to the Talihina Veteran’s Center this past week, and I can confirm it is in its final stages preparing for the ultimate closure this week. They have two patients left. One was out of state with family on the day I visited, so I just saw the one remaining patient. I can confirm that the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs has kept this facility adequately staffed for these final patients. As I walked around this shell of a building I couldn’t help but remember happier times when this building was full of life and bursting at the seams with patients and staff. I will save these thoughts for a future editorial.
"Killers of the Flower Moon" made its debut recently. It’s ironic that a movie filmed in Osage County would have such ties to Wilburton. Wilburton residents Chad Donoley and Jaime Meisenheimer played small roles. Catholic priest Chris Daigle, who served Wilburton and Hartshorne parishes many years ago, also had a scene. I mention this because I recently was quoted in a news story about my opposition to raising the film tax credit from its current $30 million to $80 million. I referenced this movie and its subsequent success in coming to town under the old rate so why would we want to continue to throw money at this industry. I believe we have given adequate incentives, and they are working just fine.
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.
- Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and parts of LeFlore and Pittsburg counties.