State of the State

By Rep. RICK WEST 

The legislative session convened last week, starting with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s last annual State of the State address. 

Over the years, I’ve had a lot of people in my district ask me about the Oklahoma Secondary School Activity Association (OSSAA). In his speech, the governor called for the dismantling of this unelected body.  

There’s a bill in the Senate that proposes putting an end to the association’s unchecked authority over students’ ability to participate in high school sports. Senate Bill 1890 proposes creating a new entity, the Oklahoma Athletics and Activities Commission, to supervise, regulate and coordinate school sports and other secondary school activities. The bill also would repeal existing law that forces many students transferring districts to sit out for a year before continuing to participate in school sports or other regulated activities.  

Another of the governor’s proposals is to send a state question to a vote of the people to freeze property taxes across the board in an effort to minimize the pressure felt by many seniors, veterans and young families that feel they’re being priced out of the housing market. There will be a lot of discussion on this issue this year as property taxes go toward public education and many municipal services.  

Another thing the governor talked about is his desire to see the state superintendent of public instruction become an appointed vs. an elected position. I guess I’m old-fashioned, but I like people to have the right to vote for those they want to represent their issues.  

Another big topic of discussion last week was Senate Bill 1554. I have carefully read through this legislation, and it appears to prohibit churches and other charitable and faith-based organizations from providing any sort of assistance to illegal immigrants. Perhaps the author’s intent was to limit this to organizations that receive public funding; however, as currently written, the legislation does not specify this.  is particularly concerning is language that says any officer or member of the NGO found guilty would be charged with a felony and subject to a term of imprisonment of 1-5 years and/or a maximum fine of $50,000.  

The bill does state that organizations will be penalized if they KNOWINGLY provide assistance. That could be difficult to prove in a court of law. I plan to visit with the author to see about changing some of the language. 

On a final note, we observed Rose Day at the state Capitol last week. This is a day when supporters of life of the unborn bring roses to their elected officials, and members of the Legislature adopt a resolution acknowledging our value of the sanctity of life. We heard from Mia Armstrong, a young girl who has Down syndrome. She said she wanted to lend her voice to this cause as many babies with conditions like hers don’t have the opportunity of being born. Her story is very touching.  

Remember to listen to my Capitol update on the radio at 7:35 a.m. every Thursday on KPRV.  

As always, if I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.

Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.

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