Senate committees meet to start work on 800-plus bills

The first week of session is behind us, and it appears to be off to a good start. The Governor's State of the State address held few surprises. Hopefully the session will be less contentious than it was last year.

However, great things were accomplished last session especially in all levels of education. The hope now is for even greater outcomes for all students in Oklahoma. We are running two sessions as the legislative season begins. The Special Session to consider tax cuts is running concurrently with the regular session. Tax cuts will be more seriously considered when the Board of Equalization meets on Feb. 15 with official numbers on the amount of money the legislature must appropriate.

I continue to serve on the same three committees that I did last year. The Veterans and Military Affairs, Public Safety, and Tourism and Wildlife of which I am vice chair. Most committees met this week, but it will take a while to sort through the 800-plus bills filed just in the Senate. I understand 1,000-plus bills were filed in the House. I honestly don't understand why that many bills need to be submitted each year.

My first bill to be considered will be with the agriculture committee. It will be one to set up a task force to jump start the industrial hemp industry. At one time industrial hemp was widely grown in the South. It was a very valuable crop for the war effort during World War II. Many new uses are being developed and its adaptability for growth in the Oklahoma climate should make it a viable alternative crop. The task force will be responsible for recommendations to regulate the industry.

I will continue to advocate for child welfare and support foster families. l plan to offer legislation to address some of these concerns.

Our office has already received several visitors from back home. On Thursday about 20 Northwestern students, along with some faculty members and President Bo Hanniford, came by my office for Higher Education Day at the Capitol. I am always proud to show off groups like this from my Alma Mater.

A NWOSU graduate who came by the office for Rose Day at Day at the Capitol was former Homecoming Ranger Queen Mary Williams Nichols. Mary was the Ranger Queen in 1968. She is still a very delightful, inspirational individual who has great memories of being a Ranger.

The Community College Coalition including Northern Oklahoma College and their interim President Diana Watkins were also visitors.

Please reach out to our office with your concerns or better yet come by. We can arrange for a Capitol tour if we know in advance. My assistant, Sonya Barker, is very capable and willing to assist in any way. Room 413, phone 405-521-5630. Roland.pederson@oksenate.gov.