Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 4:24 AM

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Opinion

Healthcare issues among priorities

Healthcare issues among priorities

Health care is one of the biggest policy issues lawmakers address every year at the Capitol. As someone who has worked in a variety of health care fields, I often introduce and sponsor numerous bills on this topic each year. When filing legislation, I typically draw on my experience working in hospice and long-term care facilities in addition to my expertise managing health care businesses. 04/18/2024 05:00 AM

The people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas help drive economy, provide big boosts for McClain County

The people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas help drive economy, provide big boosts for McClain County

Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas sector remains a crucial pillar of the state and McClain County’s prosperity and is yet again the most significant source of tax revenue. 04/18/2024 05:00 AM

A call for unity and strategic action

A call for unity and strategic action

In a 2019 pledge, Joe Biden vowed to end fossil fuels, a stance now manifesting through numerous policies detrimental to the oil and gas industry, critical for Oklahoma’s economy. The Institute for Energy Research highlights over 150 Biden administration actions against fossil fuels, exacerbating energy costs nationwide and undermining Oklahoma’s economic stability and job market. 04/18/2024 05:00 AM

The impending solvency of Social Security

The impending solvency of Social Security

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee since 2009, I have spent an abundance of time working on how we can reduce our national debt, balance the budget, and keep money in American pockets, instead of in Washington. However, as a budget hawk, I know that the U.S. deficit problem cannot be solved exclusively in the Appropriations Committee, as discretionary spending only amounts to roughly 28 percent of U.S. expenditures. 04/11/2024 05:00 AM

Long-term care investing is investing in rural Oklahoma

Long-term care investing is investing in rural Oklahoma

Iwas born in Mangum and spent my formative years in Altus. Although I live in Oklahoma City today, I feel a deep connection to Oklahoma’s rural communities. I also feel a deep sadness as I watch those communities fight for their survival, and in some cases be hollowed out as they lose major employers and economic opportunity. The impending loss of the Ardmore Michelin plant and its 1400+ jobs is another body blow, not just to that community, but all of us who want to see rural Oklahoma survive and thrive. 04/11/2024 05:00 AM

What to do with one-time cash in state government

What to do with one-time cash in state government

The Senate has passed the halfway point in this legislative session. 04/11/2024 05:00 AM

Sponsors sought for Red, White & Blue Fest

Sponsors sought for Red, White & Blue Fest

City of Newcastle Director of Parks & Recreation Kyle Marks said he’s looking for businesses and individuals to sponsor this year’s Newcastle Red, White & Blue Fest, which will be from 5-9:45 p.m June 29. 04/04/2024 05:00 AM

Making budgeting more transparent

Making budgeting more transparent

The Senate took a major step in our new state budget process by voting on a proposed spending plan for the upcoming year. I voted in support of Senate Resolution 31, which details the proposed $12.3 billion spending plan my fellow senators and I have helped craft over the past couple of months. 04/04/2024 05:00 AM

The American Legion – Part 25

The American Legion – Part 25

This week we learn about The American Legion’s Legislative Division. Our Mission: To provide staff support to the Legislative Commission and its Convention Committee; serve as the principal advocate of service members, veterans, and their families on Capitol Hill; provide members of Congress and their professional staff valuable information that furthers their, and our, goals along with our standing as an institutional authority in the veteran community; to facilitate the completion of goals set by our members through resolution; and to enhance strategic collaboration and partnerships ensuring benefits and services are available to service members and veterans for generations to come. 04/04/2024 05:00 AM

Conservative voting recognized

Conservative voting recognized

E arlier in March, the Senate cleared its second major deadline week of this session with a lengthy, 13-hour floor hearing, in which we advanced numerous bills to the House. March 14 was the deadline for bills to be heard in their chamber of origin, meaning Senate bills that advanced from committee had to pass off the Senate floor last week in order to continue through the legislative process. 03/28/2024 05:00 AM

The necessity of a strong national defense

The necessity of a strong national defense

At a time when we are facing so many challenges and threats, the need for strong national security is as important as ever. Yet, the Biden Administration’s displays of weakness both at home and abroad have put our nation’s national security is at risk. 03/28/2024 05:00 AM