State Representative Rick West (R-Heavener)
By Rep. Rick West
I spent a few days last week visiting schools in House District 3 passing out copies of the U.S. Constitution for every eighth-grade student. I visited schools in Arkoma, Cameron, Heavener, Hodgen, Howe, Monroe, Panama, Pocola, Poteau, Shady Point, Spiro and Wister.
Federal law requires schools receiving federal funds to teach the Constitution during the week that Constitution Day, Sept. 17, is observed each year.
Because eighth grade is the standard year for in-depth civics study, I like to provide free pocket copies so students can read the actual text for themselves. I’ve done this every year since I’ve been in elected office, and it’s kind of snowballed. I’ve been invited to speak at schools about the importance of the Constitution, the three branches of government and the legislative process. I consider this an important part of civics education, and I’m happy to play a part.
I plan to attend a few interim studies this year once they get scheduled.
One will examine public school districts’ general fund balances, or carryover, and the penalties that can be assessed if these balances are too large. The study’s authors hope to hear from district superintendents, finance officers and education associations on how best to treat the data reports that show carryover balances. Their overall goal is supporting predictable financial health in school districts to produce quality student learning outcomes. Finding out if current policies have a notable benefit or harm to students and districts will help determine if legislative changes are needed.
Another study will focus on water. This will come before the House Agriculture Committee, on which I serve as vice chair. The study will focus on practical approaches to protecting and responsibly managing Oklahoma’s water resources to help ensure a reliable supply for future generations.
A third study will review the real impact of data centers, including electricity and water usage and how developers should be communicating with local communities about any proposed projects. This study also will look at potential tax benefits and costs.
Education, agriculture and data centers are all important to our district. Interim studies give lawmakers the opportunity to better examine issues outside of the busyness of the legislative session. Study authors often invite outside experts to detail the pros and cons of an issue. These help inform us if legislation or changes to current state statute are needed, and they’re a great way for the public to learn more as well.
I was disappointed this year that several studies did not get approved. One would have looked at aluminum smelting in the United States. With the proposed aluminum smelter in Inola, OK, to be majority owned by the United Arab Emirates, this topic has gotten national and international attention, and it’s important to Oklahomans. The folks in Inola want to know if this will impact their cattle, their land, their way of life. I think it warranted the study. Another topic disapproved was the continuation of the conversation on appropriate uses of Flock Cameras. In a study last year, we learned that much of the data on these cameras is being misused, constituting illegal search and seizure. We all want to catch the bad guys, but if we use illegally obtained evidence that gets thrown out of court, it benefits no one and wastes community dollars.
Remember to listen to my Capitol update on the radio at 7:35 a.m. every Thursday on KPRV.
As always, if I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
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