Good news this week for Southeast Oklahoma! The City of Wilburton has been awarded a Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) grant in the amount of $10,000 for improvements to its disc golf course.
In my opinion, TSET is an example of the state government getting it right. This money originated from big tobacco companies when they lost lawsuits filed against them for promoted tobacco usage. Today, that money is in a fund managed by TSET and is awarded to communities across the state for activities that promote healthy living.
I recently received an interesting email from a former legislator complaining about the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) texting them late one evening about a minor unpaid toll. They were requesting some legislation to stop the OTA from this harassing tactic.
I wanted to make everyone aware that apparently scammers have been targeting customers of the OTA and are texting unsuspecting people that they owe money on a toll. In the text, the scammer asks them to click on a provide link for prompt payment, which is exactly what my friend had stated. Simply put, they, and many other Oklahomans, were scammed.
If you suspect you are victims of this tactic, contact the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority directly to verify. If you receive a text or email asking for money or mentions an order you don't recall placing, contact the company directly rather than through the link, phone or email address listed in the suspicious message. It's always better to proceed with caution.
Last week, the McAlester Public Library hosted a town hall meeting simply for the public to attend and visit with their local elected officials. I, along with Senator Warren Hamilton, were present to answer questions on a variety of subjects. Of course, some questions were easier than others, but all were equally important. I commend the library for this public outreach and encourage them to host more in the future.
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 of Pittsburg County.