05/01/2026
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a critical water project that will connect more than 70 homes in my district to Logan County water lines. Many of these homes currently rely on private water wells that have been contaminated. This joint effort between the OWRB and Logan County Rural Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste Management District No. 1 will ensure families in nearby neighborhoods have access to clean and safe drinking water.
I was proud to serve as the keynote speaker at the event. This project is especially important because it stems from a constituent who needed help after discovering her well was contaminated. A home without clean, safe water simply isn’t a home at all. This groundbreaking was the culmination of many meetings and discussions with my legislative colleagues, the OWRB and the water district on the quickest way to get fresh water to the affected neighborhoods. I’m glad this project is finally coming to fruition.
At the Capitol, the Senate has now passed the second committee deadline of this session. Thursday was the deadline for House bills to advance from Senate committees, which meant the most recent Energy Committee meeting was likely my last for this session. The Senate will now focus on giving bills final passage on the Senate floor.
I’m pleased my chamber passed a bill to ban the land application of biosolids. This measure now returns to the House. I worked with the bill’s author to add language to phase out the use of biosolids in this legislation that started out as a measure for Oklahoma State University researchers to study the practice. What was initially proposed as a five-year study has been reduced to a three-year study. And if that study finds biosolids are detrimental to the health and safety of Oklahomans, which it likely will, a statewide prohibition will take effect.
As chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, I presented a Senate resolution recognizing National Lineman Appreciation Day and honoring linemen across our state for their hard work. While they aren’t always recognized as first responders, linemen are often among the first on the scene after tornadoes and severe weather. They work in dangerous conditions, high atop power poles, to restore electricity to homes and businesses. Linemen also maintain and repair our electrical grid to ensure Oklahomans have reliable power 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These men and women play a vital role in our energy industry.
The Senate is also advancing the governor’s appointments to state boards and commissions. I carried the nomination of Arcadia resident Edward Perry to the Oklahoma Veterans Commission through committee, and it now awaits a full Senate vote. He will be a great addition to this commission that helps veterans across the state.
Lastly, thanks to the Prague Chamber of Commerce for organizing an excellent legislative breakfast to discuss the latest issues at the Capitol. In the lead-up to this year’s Prague Kolache Festival, I had the distinct honor of recognizing the Prague Kolache Royalty in the Senate gallery. It was wonderful to have these young Kolache Festival ambassadors on hand to get everyone excited about one of the best events of the year in my district. I hope everyone gets the chance to stop by the Kolache Festival, which runs all day Saturday, May 2. For more information, visit praguekolachefestival.com.
It is a pleasure and a privilege to serve the people of Senate District 28. Don’t hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance. Call 405-521-5547 or email [email protected]
