I was so pleased this week to participate in recognizing the national champion Murray State College Shotgun Team on the floor of the House of Representatives. The team recently won the Division IV title in three categories at the Association of College Unions International College Clay Target National Championship in San Antonio, Texas. They brought home huge trophies and plaques for wins in Classic All-Around Team, Sporting Clay and Super Sport. It was fun to get to recognize their hard work and talent alongside fellow representatives whose House districts adjoin ours. I also got to participate this week in a groundbreaking ceremony at the college’s Ardmore campus for the Westheimer Southern Oklahoma Nursing Education Center (SONEC). Attending with me was nursing student Makala Rushing, a resident of Love County. A public capital campaign kicked off a year ago February to raise money for the 44,000-square-foot SONEC facility that will include classroom, simulation laboratory, student service, and flexible learning spaces for Murray State and its partners.
Murray State has grown its nursing graduate numbers from 90 to almost 250 in the last couple of years, with 85% working within a 50-mile radius of the Ardmore campus. This is helping to address the state’s nursing shortage.
In the House this week, we heard 264 bills in various policy and Appropriation & Budget subcommittees.
Several of the Senate bills I’m carrying passed in the House CountyandMunicipalGovernment Committee.
Senate Bill 403 would allow county purchasing agents to select the next lowest and best bidder if an original bidder is unable to perform the services required. This would help avoid delays in county projects.
Senate Bill 405 would clarify language in agreements between county commissioners and county ambulance services to reduce costs.
Senate Bill 694 would prohibit territory attached to a municipality from being detached if it includes an intervening strip less than 66 feet wide.
Senate Bill 1039 passed in the House Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled SubstancesCommittee.This bill would require a denial of medical marijuana license applications for purposefully omitted or erroneous information on an application or for unpaid license and application fees. There will be some grace allowed for clerical errors.
This week also was my wife’s birthday. She should get an award just for staying married to me all these years. Remember, if I can help you with anything, please do not hesitatetoreachout:(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.