Friends,

As of yesterday, I had planned to open this edition of Stay in the Loop commenting on the unexpected busy-ness of the summer and the heat but with the assassination attempt on a former president and the stability of our country seemingly so fragile, I know that is what is on everyone’s mind. I feel horrible anytime there is gun violence – whether in a classroom, a movie theater, a political rally, a music venue, a doctor’s office, a parade, or a picnic. This incident has an added layer of horror because it can be viewed as an attack on our democratic systems, really an attack on us all. I believe Americans know that we must stay united for the strength of our country. My prayers are with the former president, the families who suffered loss of loved ones, those injured and traumatized and our tireless first responders. I am thinking of all Americans in this time of uncertainty.

Pushing Forward

The interim brings time to look back at what we’ve accomplished during the session, to pause and understand where we need to continue to bear down, to learn what new things we should be addressing and to connect with constituents and organizations to hear about their lives and work in House District 70.

I’ve already participated in meetings to think about what policies we need to push to continue our work in the childcare area and had discussions about what is next in the area of price transparency and medical debt, and junk fees too. New areas that are popping up include the need to modernize our trust laws and I am hearing from constituents about a variety of water and flooding issues. The interim studies I submitted are pending approval and some of these topics could be included. Watch for the approved studies and how to join or watch in one of our future newsletters.

One of the meetings I found so informative was a session I did with Tulsa Area United Way. TAUW is such a powerful anchor for all things Tulsa and works to meet the needs of our community in so many ways. In particular I wanted to share their data dashboard where they provide so much information not just about their work but also about the status of Tulsans. I urge you to check it out. On that note, I also learned about another data source built by an Oklahoman, GVpedia.org. It’s amazing what this organization has built to provide facts about gun violence at an incredibly detailed level – it is very educational and can be used to look at very local data.

I was able to join Governor Kevin Stitt for a ceremonial bill signing of HB 4148, our medical price transparency bill. Here is an article from the Tulsa Word that notes some of the ceremonial signings and includes HB 4148. It was a great day to celebrate the good work we do when we work together. I am grateful to the Governor for sharing the importance of this new law for Oklahomans.

I was honored to be recognized as one of five State Chamber Legislators of the Year. I am grateful the Chamber has helped me elevate the fact that childcare is work force infrastructure and the fact that for our families and economy to thrive it has to be accessible and affordable. I am excited about our work together and know we will continue to push important legislation.

Don’t miss our next constituent coffee! We will meet at the ALT Room right next to Collab Coffee, next Wednesday July 17 from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM. We will discuss interim studies, HD 70 session wins, and what’s on your mind. I would love to see you and catch up. Register here if your schedule allows you to join us.

I look forward to seeing you all either at the coffee, at another event or out and about in the district. Please know I am available to give updates to neighborhood meetings or other events where friends and neighbors gather. And as always, please reach out to me directly if I can be of assistance to you or you want to share thoughts on the many things that intersect with my role as your legislator. I am here and ready to listen and believe us connecting is what helps me do the best for House District 70.

Thinking of all of you and focusing on the strength and power of our Republic when we remember the precious compact we have together that is defined by the shared ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy.

Take care everybody and Let’s Keep Going!

Suzanne