OKLAHOMA STATE SENATE / From the desk of Sen. Jessica Garvin
The legislative session begins with the annual State of the State, committee meetings, and days of recognition for various groups and causes, including Rose Day. Each year, hundreds of pro-life advocates visit the Capitol to share the importance of upholding the sanctity of life. I appreciate everyone who visited my office to share their perspective on proposed legislation. As we continue to work through legislation this session, I encourage you to take an active role in the process, especially as we consider matters that will have a statewide impact.
Through my own legislation, my goal is to identify problems across the state and find sensible solutions that will have a positive impact on our state for generations to come. For example, I’ve authored a few measures this year to help Oklahoma kids fight food insecurity, while also teaching them to adopt healthy habits.
Senate Bill 1363, known as the Thrive Act, will reimburse eligible school districts that opt in to the community eligibility provision of the National School Lunch Program. Our schools have been very innovative with backpack programs, food pantries and other methods of providing food to students, but no child in our state should ever go hungry. This act provides extra means of support to our school districts who are going the extra mile to ensure students have three healthy meals a day.
Additionally, Senate Bill 1473 establishes a farm-to-school grant program that will cultivate collaborations between agriculturists and schools to provide fresh locally-grown produce to students and to school cafeterias for meals. It’s vital that children have access to fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products, and that they recognize the benefits of importance of farming and ranching to our local economy and food supply.
SB 1363 has been assigned to the Education Committee, and SB 1473 is up for consideration by the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. I look forward to working with partners in our school districts and at our state agencies as these measures are considered this session.
Another of my bills has been assigned to the General Government Committee. SB 1700 came about after I heard countless stories from journalists who have been harassed, stalked, threatened, and put in very uncomfortable situations. This legislation adds an additional layer of protection for media professionals by removing their home address from the public voter registry.
I worked with individuals at News 9 who shared the disturbing comments and actions that journalists have experienced while simply trying to do their jobs. Our local media outlets have an essential role in our society as storytellers, watchdogs, and providers of information. It’s important that we do everything we can to protect our media so they can continue to fulfill their duties without having to worry about their safety, especially in their own home.
Committees are continuing to meet weekly, and I look forward to updating you as these bills continue to move through the legislative process. We’re now in the second week of session, and in addition to our typical committee schedule and work on bills, our caucus voted Monday for the next Senate Pro Tem. I was proud to support Senator Greg McCortney, who was named the designee. In his time as floor leader, Senator McCortney has been an effective leader and has helped dozens of members, including myself, reach their legislative goals. I look forward to working with him throughout this session and as he transitions into this new role in November.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns on legislative matters. You can reach me by writing to Senator Jessica Garvin, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 237, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105; emailing [email protected]; or calling 405-521-5522.
