We completed our interim study this week on kratom. This was an eye opener for me as I had no idea how much this product has gotten out of hand. The director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics stated it has grown into a billion-dollar industry with very little regulation. We heard from several witnesses whose lives had been upended by using this readily available product. Our final presenter, Dr. Doug Cox, a former state representative, called for a total ban on these products. I agree this would deal with this single issue, but my experience as a legislator leads me to believe this will be very difficult to accomplish. So, perhaps some regulation will help.
Nov. 3, Election Day, is quickly approaching. We will have two state questions on this ballot: State Question 845 and State Question 847. I encourage everyone to do your research prior to entering the ballot box, and support or oppose as you choose.
In case you missed it, Gov. Stitt signed an order for the Corporation Commission and Oklahoma Tax Commission to pause for 120 days enforcing penalties for farmers, ranchers, timber and agriculture producers, who utilize dyed “red diesel” in their vehicles on our public roadways. This is a product in which the road taxes are not included. This is a step to help our agriculture community cope with high fuel prices. I applaud the governor for this effort.
Langston University recently hosted a GOAT conference, and no, this was not a greatest-of-all-time type conference. It was an actual goat conference. I was asked to welcome the attendees to Oklahoma. This was a fun group who take goat production very seriously. Langston is a national leader in this area of agriculture. Who knew? I have known about Langston for a very long time, but I admit I never really knew all there was to know. The university is a very important contributor in agriculture research for Oklahoma and all of the country.
As always, thank you 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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