Monday, April 21, 2025 at 2:10 AM

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Opinion

Law & order this legislative session

Law & order this legislative session

The state Legislature’s recently concluded 2024 session was a productive one for public safety in Oklahoma. I appreciate the work of our lawmakers to prioritize law and order and to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to hold criminals accountable. 06/20/2024 05:00 AM

Women don’t need a ‘Bill of Rights’ to define gender; we need policies to improve outcomes

Women don’t need a ‘Bill of Rights’ to define gender; we need policies to improve outcomes

Idon’t need our government to tell me that I’m a woman. 06/13/2024 05:00 AM

2024 election seems to provide many wrong choices for women

2024 election seems to provide many wrong choices for women

Many women felt the 2023 movie “Barbie” highlighted the many contradictions we face. The powerful monologue by America Ferrera’s character in that movie was one of the most talkedabout scenes from the film. 06/13/2024 05:00 AM

Public safety is legislation topic

Public safety is legislation topic

Two weeks ago, the Legislature adjourned sine die, meaning this year’s four-month legislative session was over. This was my fourth regular legislative session and my most successful one yet. 06/13/2024 05:00 AM

June is PTSD Awareness Month

June is PTSD Awareness Month

National PTSD Awareness Month, which takes place each June, ushers in an array of awareness campaigns run for the benefit of PTSD Survivors. PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs in people after they have experienced a particularly traumatic event like war, violent physical/sexual/verbal assault, accidents, and so forth. Symptoms include depression, anxiety, nightmares, paranoia, insomnia, disturbing thoughts, and much more. Many people recover from PTSD after a few days, weeks, or months. 06/06/2024 05:00 AM

100 years of the U.S. Border Patrol

100 years of the U.S. Border Patrol

On May 28, 1924, the Labor Appropriations Act passed through Congress, officially creating the United States Border Patrol. Since then, Border Patrol agents have been responsible for securing our borders and carrying out the mission of “protect the American people, safeguard our borders, and enhance the nation’s economic prosperity.” 06/06/2024 05:00 AM

Another retirement reform passed

Another retirement reform passed

I’m proud to have passed yet another retirement reform to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 453 will improve pension benefits for volunteer firefighters, who make up most of the fire personnel across Oklahoma. Although the governor vetoed my bill to boost police officers’ pension benefits, which would have helped cities recruit and retain new officers, I was grateful the attorney general expressed his support for a veto override. 06/06/2024 05:00 AM

Ending the border catastrophe

Ending the border catastrophe

The strongest border security bill in history passed the United States House of Representatives on May 11, 2023. This legislation — formally known as H.R. 2 or the Secure the Border Act – would put an end to President Biden’s reckless open-border policies by resuming construction of the border wall, increasing the number of Border Patrol agents, ending Catch-and-Release, requiring transparency from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding illegal crossings, ending the abuse of executive immigration authority, and more. 05/30/2024 05:00 AM

Mental health and suicide

Mental health and suicide

Since 1949, Mental Health America and its affiliates across the country have led the observance of May as Mental Health Awareness Month by reaching millions through the media, local events, and screenings. It raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities. Cities and businesses across the country hold various events to support mental health and open up the lines of communication. Many websites provide ideas for businesses to support their employees during May and beyond. 05/30/2024 05:00 AM

Retaining, recruiting police

Retaining, recruiting police

I’m proud to say a major reform I authored to improve police officers’ pensions advanced to the governor’s desk. The Senate recently gave final approval to Senate Bill 102 to increase the pension benefits an officer receives when they retire. To offset that increase in retirement benefits, police officers and the cities that employ them will be required to contribute more to their retirement accounts while they’re still working. 05/30/2024 05:00 AM

Severe storm damage addressed

Severe storm damage addressed

The Senate is putting a priority on appropriating millions of dollars to help Oklahoma communities recovering from the recent severe storms. The Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget met recently to set aside $45 million to help tornado-impacted localities like Sulphur, Holdenville and Barnsdall. Although this funding will only help the seven counties that have been approved for FEMA disaster assistance so far, state and local resources remain available for other counties recovering from the severe weather. 05/23/2024 05:00 AM