OPINION/COLUMN
We are close to the end of the legislative session here at the state Capitol, and there have been a lot of challenges in these last couple of weeks – much of it surrounding the Republican Caucus and the infighting happening in that caucus. There’s a disagreement between different factions, and unfortunately, that’s leading to a lot of bills not getting heard and some control issues around what’s going to happen on the floor of the Senate each day.
Among the positives of this internal Republican Caucus power struggle is that a state question on the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) has stalled. The measure would have broken apart the independent body that works on public health and decreasing tobacco use in Oklahoma – that proposed state question is no longer moving forward from what we can see because the Republicans can’t agree on it. We’ve also seen state questions moving forward but not being placed on the low-turnout August ballot as we’d feared. Instead, most will be on the November ballot. Some bills to change our Constitution and limit how working folks access SoonerCare are still alive, but in the dysfunction, those haven’t come up for a final vote yet.
What we have passed is legislation to end the legislative session early. I actually opposed that, because I feel there are so many remaining challenges and problems that we need to address as a state. I don’t think it’s right for us to leave the Capitol early when there are bills and issues we could be working on to make Oklahoma better.
Through all this, I really am proud of how our Senate Democrats have continued to work and represent communities well. We’ve done a lot to listen to voices of different parts of our districts – all good representation starts with listening. We’ve had some great bills signed by the governor already that will improve education, reduce corruption, help ensure Oklahomans can more easily access state services, and more. I want to take this opportunity to recognize my colleagues for their hard work listening to their constituents, bringing important issues to the table, and working across the aisle. We have to find common ground to make this state better, and I’m grateful to my fellow Democrats all they do to make that a reality.
I have also been encouraged by the young people in the Capitol this year. I’ve had some amazing college interns who are interested in learning how they can serve our community and help make our state the best it can be. They’re curious, hardworking, and enthusiastic about learning and doing, and that’s such a joy to be around. We’ve also had an outstanding group of pages – high school students from across the state who come to serve one week during the session assisting members here in the Senate. As minority leader, I get to meet with each group of pages weekly throughout the session. I’ve talked to many very thoughtful high school kids who are looking at our state, and their role in it. What I see makes me feel that the future is bright, and I am so encouraged by these teens. I am inspired by their energy and hope, and I’ll carry that into the interim to fuel the work I need to do to serve Oklahoma well.
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!
