Lobbyists, Liaisons, and Special Interest Groups—Oh My!

There are many different kinds of groups that advocate at the State Capitol, from nonprofits to membership organizations to lobbying firms to state agencies. I often receive questions from constituents about these groups and whether they are generally good or bad.

Family meals were more significant than we knew

I don’t know if any of you can relate, but having a parent whose fi rst language is not English can be very entertaining. My mom had a beautiful Greek accent, but some American English words and Greek accents do not mix. For instance we never went to the beach. We went to the ocean.

The Mandela Effect

I enjoy learning about interesting phenomena, especially ones that are experienced en mass, and are swimming with conspiracy theories. The Mandela Effect is when many people have a false memory surrounding a specific experience, or historical event.

Lessons from France

As I am sitting on my balcony of a boat traveling down the Mosel River in Germany, passing picturesque villages founded before Christopher Columbus was even born, I am in awe of this place with its castles and massive churches.

Vote for the Best of the Cimarron Valley

The Best of Cimarron Valley Nominations have closed and final voting is officially open! Response from nominations was absolutely amazing! There were over 200 separate businesses nominated in 70 diff erent categories!

What is “Dark Money?”

A few months ago, I started answering in my weekly column some questions I commonly receive from constituents. This week I want to focus on questions people have asked me about our elections in Oklahoma.

Adventures with Allie Roe vs Wade

On Friday, June 24, the future of our nation was changed with the overturning of Roe vs Wade. Now, I will try and spare you of my personal feelings on this as best as I can because we all know that debating morality is not the bees knees.

Interim Studies Approach

The Oklahoma Constitution directs the state legislature to meet in regular session from the beginning of February through the end of May. However, I found out soon after I was first elected that policymaking is a year-round endeavor.

Tuesday’s vote, it’s not just about the candidates

The June 28 primary election will be here next week. With very few Democrats on the ballot in the primary and piles of Republicans running in key races in both Payne and Creek Counties, it is infinitely important to cast your vote Tuesday.

House Approves Tax Relief

On Monday, I returned to the State Capitol for two special sessions. These are considered our second and third special sessions of the 58th Legislature, because last year we held the first special session of the 58th Legislature to finalize redistricting.