August 10, 2025

 

Friends,

 

The temps might not seem like it but summer is on its way out.  I know this for sure as I help my kids get ready for back to school including delivering one to college this week!  The seasons continue to push us to the next phase in life, ready or not.  In the case of my college kid – he’s ready, I’m not!

 

 

The Interim and Interim Studies

I requested three interim studies this year and all were approved.  We use interim studies to learn more about a topic, educate ourselves and fellow members, and possibly file legislation that comes out of the findings.  My study on human trafficking has been scheduled for August 26 at 9:00 AM in the Criminal Judiciary Committee, you can watch it here.

 

This study was requested by the Oklahoma Coalition Against Human Trafficking (OCAT).  Since 2013, agencies represented on OCAT have worked tirelessly to build programs and partnerships to better support the prevention of human trafficking, protection for those that have experienced trafficking, and prosecution of the offenders.  I am honored that OCAT requested Sen. Todd Gollihare (R-Sapulpa) and I to host the study and look forward to learning more about the issue and what the state can do to help.

 

When we are out of session (the interim), there is more time to meet with constituents, associations, and tour local businesses and non-profits.  I’ve done a lot of that lately and will continue throughout the fall.  Recently, I have visited YWCA Tulsa (regarding refugee and housing services), The Opp (coordination and service-delivery for students for out of school time), visited Celebree of Tulsa (a new childcare center in House District 70), Bit by Bit a local equine therapy non-profit, and toured the BeProProud semi-truck lab (connecting students with workforce opportunities and training), and I’m excited about an upcoming tour of the Little Lighthouse.

 

Legislation Launching
It’s hard to get legislation passed but even harder to make sure it is implemented!  The childcare recruitment and retention bill I was able to pass in 2025 is coming to life and over 200 providers have already signed up to be able to offer their employees no cost childcare.  The program, named Strong Start, is a three year pilot beginning this month with the goal of increasing staffing at licensed childcares so there are more spots for kids, and their parents can go to work and our employers can have a workforce.  I know this little ‘ole bill can’t fix everything but I think it can do some good and I’m really excited to see it take off.

 

Another bill I believe will be impactful is the new law Senator Avery Frix (R-Muskogee) and I were able to pass which allows for health insurance deductibles to include cash payments for out-of-pocket medical services.  To implement this bill we need the public and the medical community to be educated about it.  Here is an editorial (submitted to the Tulsa World but not published yet) that discusses the bill along with some other work in the realm of medical price transparency.  Big thanks to my constituent Dr. Jamie Cash for being my partner every step of the way in pushing medical price transparency and lower cost healthcare for Oklahomans.

 

I’ve also had several meetings lately discussing legislation for the 2026 session.  Topics range from, surprise – more work on supporting our child care businesses to home school students sports leagues to public safety as it relates to street homelessness.  Remember, if you have ideas for new laws or things you’d like to see eliminated – let’s talk!

 

Look Over Here

Our ability to focus on what we need to do to get up out of 50th in education rankings continues to be thwarted by lack of leadership.  While I wish we were discussing all of Oklahoma State Department of Education’s efforts to support teachers and schools as we enter back to school season and our plan to get better outcomes for our kids, we are instead dealing with bizarre headlines and directives that lack thought and authority.  Speaker Kyle Hilbert has issued statements on the findings of the television investigation but I also wanted to share the email he sent House Members ahead of the announcement.  You can read those remarks here.

This piece by Bixby Superintendent Rob Miller is a great explainer and roadmap for the work that actually needs to be done on state testing versus the State Superintendent’s bluster.  In all the talk of Oklahoma being 50th in education, I noticed Mississippi  – our perennial partner at the bottom had moved up to 40th in the Wallet Hub study where OK was ranked 50th.  Even more notable are the 2025 Annie E. Casey Kids Count rankings:

 

I have no doubt with the right leadership, Oklahoma can make these kinds of strides.  In fact I know teachers and school leaders are working every day to get those outcomes for kids in spite of the lack of support and help from the current Superintendent.

Keep Going 

In case you missed it, I joined Your Vote Counts to talk about education, energy, and what HD 70 is concerned about. We filmed this before any of the most recent Walters nonsense so we don’t discuss that but check it out our real talk here.

 

 

Thanks to everyone that joined us for this week’s constituent coffee.  It was great to see everyone and meet some new neighbors and as always, thank you for the good questions and conversation.  I think everybody feels like things are tough right now but we gotta KEEP GOING! Keep an eye out for our next get together.

 

Enjoy the last few days of summer and whatever the season change brings for you.  As I send another kid out into the world, I’m holding on to a favorite quote of my mom’s:  “there are two lasting things you can give your kids:  one is roots and the other is wings.”  Fingers crossed!

 

Reach out and let me know how you are and what you’re thinking about and the things you’d like to work on fixing.  It’s the biggest honor to serve you at the State Capitol.

 

Let’s Keep Going!!