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Opinion

A-F grades provide transparency

A-F grades provide transparency

A-to-F letter grades are a longstanding way of signifying academic achievement. That’s why some school officials now fight to get rid of grades for both students and schools. 10/19/2023 05:00 AM

Finishing up on interim studies

Finishing up on interim studies

Between meetings and events in the district and work at the Capitol, I’ve had a busy schedule in recent weeks. We’re currently focused on getting through the dozens of interim studies that were approved this year. These provide us more time to fully research important, complicated issues than we have during the four-month regular legislative session. 10/19/2023 05:00 AM

Making mental health a national priority

Making mental health a national priority

In recent years, our nation has experienced an alarming spike in poor mental health that was exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. Sadly, too many Americans have faced symptoms of anxiety, depression or more. This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a critical reminder to take mental health seriously and promote a healthy and mindful lifestyle. 10/19/2023 05:00 AM

Literacy begins at home, in classrooms

Literacy begins at home, in classrooms

As we celebrate National Literacy Month, it’s important to understand the far-reaching impacts of this issue on our communities and how we can help. Literacy is the foundation on which every aspect of an individual’s life is built, from being able to grow one’s imagination as a child to being able to secure good employment and become an independent adult. 10/12/2023 05:00 AM

Congress must finish the job

Congress must finish the job

In recent years, the process of passing the 12 annual government funding bills, also known as appropriations, has grown increasingly difficult. When Republicans regained majority of the U.S. House of Representatives this year, one of our top priorities was to restore regular order by passing appropriations bills to provide full government funding at more sensible spending levels and with priorities that address the crises our nation is facing. Although the fiscal year lapsed this past weekend without completing this process, Congress managed to avoid a dangerous government shutdown by passing a Continuing Resolution (CR) and allow House Republicans to finish the funding process before the end of this year. 10/12/2023 05:00 AM

Working together to fight domestic violence

Working together to fight domestic violence

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity to acknowledge survivors and to serve as a voice for those who are being victimized. As Oklahoma is plagued by domestic violence more than almost any other state, it is crucial that we recognize its pervasiveness and what we can do to stop these horrific incidents. 10/12/2023 05:00 AM

American Energy for the American people

American Energy for the American people

On President Joe Biden’s first week in office, he implemented several misguided and destructive energy policies including issuing moratoriums on new oil, gas and coal leasing and permitting on federal lands and canceling the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. As a result, our nation is relying on foreign nations for our energy needs and Americans are paying exponentially more to put gas in their vehicles and to cool and heat their homes. 10/05/2023 05:00 AM

The value of a hometown newspaper

The value of a hometown newspaper

There’s an old saying that you don’t really appreciate something until you don’t have it anymore. We all know that to be true in our personal life with each loss of a lifelong friend or family member. It’s no secret many newspapers in the United States have closed in recent years. Every time it happens it feels like losing a lifelong friend or family member. 10/05/2023 05:00 AM

A special pleasure reading to students

A special pleasure reading to students

Just as families’ schedules are getting more hectic with back-toschool events and sports, so is ours at the Capitol and around our districts. Interim studies are in full swing with dozens scheduled for the next six weeks. All of those meetings must be completed by Friday, Nov. 3. You can find a full meeting schedule at https://oksenate. gov/committee-meetings and then you can click on the meeting notice to see the list of speakers. Once meetings are concluded, any presentations made will also be available on our website. 09/28/2023 05:00 AM

Takeaways from time in Oklahoma

Takeaways from time in Oklahoma

Lawmakers are returning to Washington, D.C. after spending several weeks in their districts. The extended time during the customary August district work period each year always provides the opportunity to interact directly with constituents and hear firsthand about the issues that matter most to them. I am always thankful for this time to gain that perspective before returning to legislative work. 09/28/2023 05:00 AM

Citizen tipline to help combat illegal grows

Citizen tipline to help combat illegal grows

Attorney General Gentner Drummond has created an Organized Crime Task Force to combat the scourge of illegal marijuana grow operations across Oklahoma and added a resource for citizens to report suspicious activity related to unlicensed operations. 09/28/2023 05:00 AM