Opinion

Sewer smoke testing has been underway this week in Newcastle. On Monday, the Newcastle Public Works Department began the testing and they’ll continue tests from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each business day through Tuesday July 2.

From the mid-seventeenth century till the early twentieth century, Indian boarding schools were used as a tool to assimilate Native American children away from their rich culture. Yet, for far too long, the history, policies and devastating impacts of these schools have been unknown. As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and the longest serving Native American in the House of Representatives, it is not lost on me the duty I have to educate and spread awareness about Indian boarding schools and other tribal issues.

Many people proudly display the American flag at their home or business. It is a symbol of glory, honor, sacrifice and freedom.

For years, teachers’ unions and even officials at state colleges of education have resisted efforts to improve reading instruction in Oklahoma public schools. That’s why this year’s passage of legislation focused on reading instruction is such a significant victory.

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.

S ince the founding of our great nation, patriotic men and women have selflessly chosen to serve our country as a part of the Armed Forces. These brave men and women are deserving of all our respect and appreciation, and we must make it a priority of ours in Congress to fight for the service members who fight for us.

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.

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.

Idon’t need our government to tell me that I’m a woman.

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.

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.