I wrote in my last column about HouseBill3882,whichwouldcreate the Lake and Industrial Access Revolving Fund to receive funds for projects such as ones currently under way at Lake Texoma.
The bill passed the Senate this week and has been sent to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. These infrastructure projects help spur new jobs and economic development, which is crucial to areas of the state such as our House district. The Oklahoma Department of Transportationwillbeappropriated $15 million for this fund for Fiscal Year 2027, which starts July 1. Our area would benefit from this.
House Bill 1675 passed the Senate this week with amendments, so it now returns to the House for final consideration. This is the bill that would require overnight youth camps and outdoor programs involving children to prepare emergency action plans to be placed on file with their county emergency management office. These plans would outline how camp staff and counselors will respond if there is a tornado, flash flood, wildfires, high winds or any other severe weather by detailing severe weather monitoring and detection, evacuation routes, reunification procedures and the criteria for sheltering in place.
This bill has gotten some pushback, but it would save lives and give parents increase assurance when they send their kids to camp. We can’t watch another Mystic River scenario where 25 campers, two counselors and a camp director died during flooding. We have a lot ofsevereweatherinOklahoma,and we must have emergency plans in place.
This week in the House, we passed Senate Bill 201 would give teachers and other certified school personnel a $2,000 pay raise beginning with the next school year. Raises will not apply to school administrators. The bill was amended in the House, so it returns to the Senate for final passage before it moves to the governor.
We also observed Ag Day at the Capitolthisweek.Thisdaygivesour agricultural producers – whether farmers, ranchers, food or fiber producers or the industry groups that represent them – the opportunity to come to the Capitol to show off their goods and help educate the public about the importance of what they produce. Agriculture is a cornerstone industry in Oklahoma, providing nearly 200,000 jobs and contributing more than $28 billion to our state’s economy. Always glad to see the variety of agriculturists at the State Capitol.
We also enjoyed Library Day. Libraries add a lot to a community. Beyond books, they often provide internet access, literacy programs, children, teen and adult programs and much more. Good to see so many of the libraries from around the state represented.
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.