The interim is still underway at the State Capitol. Much of our work during this period centers on preparing for and participating in interim studies. These studies provide us the opportunity to take ...

Last week I had one of my regulars drop by to get our weekly newspaper. As he glanced at the headlines, he commented on the “Man injured diving into shallow water.” He stated that the young man was a ...

OKLAHOMA CITY – One of my goals with the “For the Children” weekly column is to keep people aware of issues involving child advocacy and policy updates so individuals and organizations can champion so...

Article I, Section 5, Clauses 3 and 4 of our Constitution proves there are some areas of the government where everyone actually can agree — well almost. Clause 3 states, “Each House shall keep a Journ...

By the end of this year I’ll turn 57, which to some is still “a young whippersnapper” but to others I’m “old as dirt.” To me it’s hard to believe how quickly the years seem to fly by now. Having recen...

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Saturday, Aug. 9, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) partnered with the Foster Care Association of Oklahoma (FCAO) to hold a backto- school bash for more than 350 fost...

President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill has proven to be one of the most contentious bills in recent memory. At the heart of the debate is who the OBBB benefits. While the left claims the bill is si...

Black market marijuana has created a Wild West scenario in Oklahoma. These are stats given to me by the Haskell County sheriff on seizures within the last six months in Haskell County. He’s shut down ...

She’s not trying to be difficult. She’s just done narrating her life to look a certain way to make you feel more comfortable while she remains miserable. She’s not trying to be melancholy or moody. Sh...

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Saturday, July 26, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) held our annual Heroes Ball Gala at OKANA Water Park and Resort. The event drew nearly 500 people who support our...

Historically, there have been periods of specific times when Americans have stood together, a united front, daring anyone that might come against us. Often in response to significant circumstances or ...

OKLAHOMA CITY – As a former lawmaker and someone who continues to work publicly in policy, the horrific act which happened over this past weekend in Minnesota with the murder and attempted murder of s...

OKLAHOMA CITY – As we continue our examination of the massive federal legislation called the “Big Beautiful Bill” by proponents, it is important to look at the education portion of the bill. As you ca...

Imagine being tiny and defenseless and being tossed out like trash on the road where the only shelter you had was the thicket of wild brush poking at your tender pink skin. That was the reality of fiv...

OKLAHOMA CITY – Prior to the Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1, commonly called the “Big, Beautiful Bill” Act. The vote of 215-214 fell almost exactly on a party-line...

I am excited to share that at least eight of the rural fire departments within House District 15 have been awarded grants to purchase new gear ranging from trucks, Jaws of Life and personal protective...

One of the most important things my parents taught my sister and me was that God is not only good and worthy of worship, but He is also faithful to us. We see this beautiful promise written in Psalm 1...

For a change of pace, let me ask you a question. Who do you say Jesus is? When Peter was asked this question, he said this in Mark 8:29, “You are the Messiah.” When C.S. Lewis approached this question...

The final days of the first session of the 60th Legislature have been full as lawmakers worked to finalize legislation and pass the state budget. This week, I presented the Senate amendments to House ...

One thing I learned when I was just a child was to keep your friends close at heart even if life’s journey pulled you in different directions and apart. Though there would be many I called friends alo...