Session Officially Begins

The Second Regular Session of the 59th Legislature began this week with a State of the State address by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Legislators from both chambers met in joint session on the House floor, and we were joined by statewide elected and appointed officials, as well as members of the Governor's cabinet and some court justices.

The Governor covered several policy proposals in his speech. He continued to express support for a 0.25% income tax cut and even said he would sign any tax cut that reached his desk. The House of Representatives recently passed the 0.25% income tax cut in special session the week prior to regular session beginning. This legislation has been advanced to the Senate for consideration.

In the area of education, he pushed for new school models that focused on the workforce needs of the state's business community.

While session officially commenced on Monday, the first week is generally pretty slow in terms of voting on bills. I spent the majority of the week meeting with authors of bills that have been assigned to my Energy Committee that I chair; going over their policy requests as well as stakeholders and industry that are affected by any of the new proposed policies to get their feedback as well.

However, committee meetings will resume in earnest next week, and we will have until Feb. 29 to pass bills out of committee. Committee meetings are incredibly important, as many bills do not make it past this part of the legislative process.

On Wednesday, hundreds of Oklahomans gathered at the State Capitol to celebrate Rose Day. Through this annual event, attendees support pro-life policies by presenting their elected officials with red roses to represent the sanctity of the unborn. I appreciate the heartfelt work of each person who stopped by my office to deliver a rose or visited with me about the urgent need to protect the unborn.

The House adopted House Resolution 1022 to commemorate Rose Day, and there was a program held on the House floor to hear from abortion survivor Josiah Presley.

Even with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we still take time at the State Capitol every year to stand against a society across our nation and world that so blatantly disregards the sanctity of precious life. For the first time since 1973; all abortion clinics in Oklahoma have been shut down.

Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

God’s words to Jeremiah apply to all mankind: he knew us, formed us, and created us in His own image. We must ensure that all who belong to God in the womb have the right to life, their first right.

It is such an honor to represent House District 51 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. As always, I hope you continue to contact me about any questions or concerns that you may have. My office phone is (405) 557-7405 and my email is brad.boles@okhouse.gov. May God bless you and your family!

Rep. Brad Boles represents District 51 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes Grady and Stephens Counties.