With “State of the State”, the 2022 Session of the Oklahoma Legislature begins at fast pace

Oklahoma City – Just like in baseball, “Opening Day” is important at the Oklahoma State Capitol with the beginning of each legislative session on the first Monday in February. The lawmakers convene on this first day to do the “first reading” of bills, which officially files the bills requested by lawmakers.

In keeping with tradition, state senators and representatives met in a “joint session” to hear straight from the governor about the issues the chief executive would like lawmakers to consider during the four-month session. The chief executive’s framework for the year ahead is all contained in the governor’s “State of the State” address.

In keeping with tradition of recent years, the first day of session is the final day of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy’s Legislative Learning Lab. The lab is our four-day conference to help advocates have a better understanding of state government and policymakers. We heard from leaders in different roles about various aspects of how the system does or should work.

The final discussion of the Legislative Learning Lab had our attendees watch the “State of the State” address from Gov. Kevin Stitt. This year, the governor offered his view on the paths the state should take, speaking directly to lawmakers in their chamber on the fourth floor of the State Capitol. To read his speech, you can go to the governor’s website at oklahoma.gov/governor.

To close the Legislative Learning Lab, a group of former lawmakers and non-profit leaders gave insight into the speech. The advocates heard from an equal balance of Democrats and Republicans, three each, about what may happen over the next four months. OICA will keep you informed of what happens with the children’s policy during the session.

I want to close this week’s column on a personal note, by remembering individuals who had a significant impact on my life and career. Oklahoma lost three leaders recently, individuals dedicated to making the state better. Pete McDaniel, Terry Peach, and Jay Scott Brown worked to improve the lives of Oklahomans.

Pete was a leader in Farmer’s Union, and later American Farmers & Ranchers, working to ensure their company was well represented. Pete also was one of my co-chairs for my first race for the Oklahoma Legislature two decades ago.

Terry was a farmer and rancher from northwestern Oklahoma. He served as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Agriculture under the Henry administration. Terry was respected by both parties and worked to improve understanding and opportunities for those in agriculture.

Finally, I want us to remember Jay Scott Brown, a former board president for the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, along with other roles he took on because of his dedication to Oklahoma’s children. Jay Scott was the board president who hired me at OICA, and I will forever be thankful for that opportunity, along with the impact all three of these men had on my life.

The greatest joy of public service is the many friends you make, but that also opens you up to the loss when they pass away. While I mourn their passing, I am happy they were part of my life.

About OICA: The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy was established in 1983 by a group of citizens seeking to create a strong advocacy network that would provide a voice for the needs of children and youth in Oklahoma, particularly those in the state’s care and those growing up amid poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, disparities, or other situations that put their lives and future at risk. Our mission statement: “Creating awareness, taking action, and changing policy to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children.”