OPINION/COLUMN
The state Capitol might be a little quieter in the summer – that’s because the regular legislative session has ended, so we’re not debating or voting on bills this time of year. But this period in the calendar, known as the interim, allows us more time to take a deep dive into important topics. These official hearings give lawmakers and the public a fuller picture about key issues that we may be considering in the next Legislature. The hearings also give us an opportunity to bring in experts who can provide background and tell us about how other states have successfully addressed these issues.
Senate Democrats requested 31 interim studies this year, aimed at solving real problems and improving people’s lives.
The topics range from health and mental health to public safety, education, economic development and more. For example, Senator Carri Hicks is working on the cost of prescription drugs. Since there’s so much inaction in Washington D.C., she’s really been working hard at the state level to bring those costs down, including bringing down the price of diabetes medications. Senator Hicks is also working on our pharmacy benefits – if you have insurance that provides prescriptions, she’s looking at how we can keep those costs down as well.
Senator Mark Mann is continuing to work on how Oklahoma can better address Alzheimer’s disease. He wants to better coordinate at the state level to make it easier for Oklahomans to access information and services for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. There are important advancements in early detection and medications that can slow dementia progression, but many people may not know about them or how to get started. This study will look at how we can better coordinate access to information and programs to help patients and caregivers.
Senator Nikki Nice is looking at food policy and how we integrate both urban and rural agriculture, making sure producers all across the state are getting policies that matter for them – not just the big operations that can afford to pay for lobbyists, but also those who have smaller operations in both rural and urban communities.
This is an effort that can help producers coordinate with each other, reach new markets, and increase access to healthy, locally grown produce for more Oklahomans.
I also want to mention one of my studies about mental health and guardians. When someone has severe mental illness, their loved ones, such as their spouse or family, can seek a legal guardianship to help with decisions about care and next steps. But I’ve heard from constituents and advocates who’ve experienced a disconnect between treatment facilities and guardians. This is a hard role for a loved one to take on, but it can make a huge difference in the outcomes for patients – we need to make sure there are good processes to help guardians so they have the information they need to assist with the transition home after inpatient care, including medications, housing and other challenges.
To find out more about upcoming interim studies, you can visit the Senate or House websites to check out meeting notices. The public is welcome to attend these hearings, or you can watch the live stream.
Just go to oksenate.gov or okhouse.gov to learn more. If you have any questions or concerns, contact me at 405-521-5636 or Julia. Kirt@oksenate.gov. We want to hear from you.
Onward!
