I visited the Talihina Veteran’s Center again last week. This time, several state agency executives were present to discuss options with the employees. There is just no way to sugar coat it when an institution has been there for nearly 50 years and now it goes away; it’s just not pretty. I also wanted to focus on the patients who are still there. They currently number nine, and more are being transferred out daily. I am proposing legislation this year that will offer families some options when these centers close. Families should not be forced to drive two to three hours to visit loved ones. I also worry that more closures could be on the horizon.
The city of McAlester, meanwhile, is hosting a summit on the “homeless” in our area. I plan to attend as we examine the many facets as to why this problem exists. It is not a simple fix, but we must start somewhere.
At the Capitol, we are conducting interim studies and other meetings. This week, the State Task Force on Motor Carrier Regulation and Enforcement holds its second meeting. The group met several weeks ago to set goals and objectives, one of which is to determine which agency will enforce regulations at the state’s ports of entry and scale houses. There’s some overlap of duties currently between the Corporation Commission and the Department of Public Safety. The task force is also hearing from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. Task force members planned to visit the Davis weight station and Love County Port of Entry this week, so we’ll hear that report.
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 part and Pittsburg County.
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