Wildfires beginning March 14 have been blamed for the deaths of four people in thestate,inGarfield, Haskell, Lincoln and Pawnee counties. At least 200 injuries from the fires have been reported, and more than 400 homes are damaged or completely destroyed. Some people have been left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing when they evacuated.
Burn bans are in place in several Oklahoma counties, including nearby Stephens and Garvin counties as winds continue to blow hard. Even without a ban in place, extreme caution is urged.
My prayers are certainly with those who’ve lost loved ones or property. I’m very grateful for our dedicated emergency and rescue workers who’ve served around the clock to help those in need, also the volunteers who are serving meals and donating clothing and other items to help Oklahomans recover.
Forthosewhoneedhelp,thegovernor has declared an emergency in 12 counties. This will free up some immediate resources. The Office of EmergencyManagementhasagood list of resources as well, and the Oklahoma Insurance Department is offering assistance.
On a much more positive note, I participated this week in the Oklahoma Youth Expo Legislator andVIPShowmanshipevent,which helps raise scholarships for youth FFA and 4-H participants. This is always a fun time as legislators and other statewide officials show animals raised by students from their districts. I got to show a sheep for Lillie Reed, of Burneyville, who is a member of Turner FFA.
As I said, this is a great time. It gives us a chance to talk to these students who have dedicated hours to working with their animals or on other agriculture products to make it to what is billed as the biggest junior livestock show in the world.
On the House floor this week, I passed two bills.
House Bill 1665 would address a pay discrepancy for county officers, increasing the maximum basic salary to match the amount we approved for sheriffs last session. This would raise the maximum basic salary threshold for county officers from$49,500peryearto$74,500per year. The funding would come from county finances and not the state.
House Bill 1667 would change therequiredtimetheDepartmentof Human Services has to review child care worker applications down to 14 days. It would give the same 14-day grace period at the end of the year to these workers, allowing them the extratimetosubmitdocumentation of completed continuing education and professional development training classifications so they don’t lose their license. We need quality child care workers and centers in Oklahoma. This will help.
This past week was Spring Break, which allowed my wife Tanya and our two sons, Jarron and Marshall, the opportunity to visit the House. I was very glad to have them. Jarron came and sat at my desk in the chamber as I presented my two bills.
Remember, if I can help you with anything, please do not hesitate to reach out: (405) 557-7383 or Josh. Cantrell@OKHouse.gov.
Josh Cantrell serves District 49 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Love County and parts of Carter and Marshall counties.