State Rep. Jim Grego
By Rep. Jim Grego
Drought seems to be the word of the day in Oklahoma. Combined with record heat, we are experiencing how bad weather extremes can be. My dad often shared as a child growing up in the dust bowl days that often they would go cut a tree down just so the livestock could eat the leaves for nourishment. Hopefully, we are not heading there again. The Oklahoma Emergency Drought Committee is scheduled to meet next week to discuss drought mitigation. Hopefully, the state can fund some resources to help local farmers and ranchers take steps to be better prepared for the next drought.
Nine interim studies were scheduled to take place at the Capitol this week. Lawmakers are looking at conservative housing solutions; county bonding authority; supportive decision making; alternative education in elementary schools instead of long-time suspension; professional development in public schools; school discipline; adjunct and emergency certified teachers; public school general fund balance penalties; and emergency management and ambulance service districts. I’m sure the discussion in these studies will be robust. The hope is for good legislation to follow.
Even though fall is not in the air, it is free fair time in rural Oklahoma. Pittsburg and Latimer counties both held theirs this past week. It’s always fun to visit and see our youth in action. A big thank you to our FFA and 4-H advisors for making this happen. I also want to thank Gary Crawley and Casey Kelso, a couple of local auctioneers who host an auctioneering contest in conjunction with the Pittsburg County Free Fair. My understanding is that this is the only county auctioneering contest in the state of Oklahoma. Thanks to everyone involved.
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.
Get Local News!
