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Final Column
commentary
November 21, 2024
Final Column
By State Rep. Randy Randleman (405) 557-7375 randy.randleman@okhouse.gov

This will be my last correspondence with you, but it has been such a privilege to serve you.

Now, I am again taking up much of the work my wife Jennifer has been doing and will be assisting school-based services and a local family resource center. This change also will allow me to enjoy time with my wife, children and grandchildren, which I’m looking forward to. We prayed about this decision for quite some time. I truly believe that God comes first, our family second, and then our businesses and public service.

In my time at the House, we’ve accomplished many things. While at the State Capitol, one of my biggest accomplishments has been establishing an adolescent crisis center in McAlester to serve the southeast corner of the state.

I was working on an adolescent psychiatric hospital for our area. It would have provided 20-26 beds for adolescents who are having mental or psychological problems. This was one of my main goals when I was elected. I worked with Chad Gregg, one of the administrators of the hospital for three years, to accomplish this task. Thank you Chad for all your work.

In addition, I secured $4.8 million for a new adolescent psychiatric hospital in McIntosh County, but the bill was killed on the last day of session because of a petty disagreement between senators. My successor has indicated he intends to file this bill again in hopes of securing this hospital. All of Southeast Oklahoma will benefit.

I have written and passed the following bills for the state of Oklahoma: In 2019, I authored HB2195, which dealt with licensing requirements for the Psychologists Licensing Act. I also assisted with the passage of HB1074, HB1075, HB2282, HB2339, HB2632, HB2640, SB361 and SB456. In 2020, while working through the pandemic, I helped pass HB2905, HB3400 and HB3967.

The next year, I authored HB2223, which directed the State Dept, of Education to maintain the dyslexia handbook. I also worked on HB1246, HB1568, HB1709, HB2396, HB2770, SB21, SB229, SB317, SB619 and SB631.

In 2022, I authored HB3261, which designated the American Quarter Horse as the state horse of Oklahoma, and SB626, which dealt with school mental health student records. I also worked on HB3073, HB3658, SB1337 and SB1396.

Last year, I carried HB1041, which tasked the school athletic association with establishing a new category of competition. This was signed into law. I also assisted with the passage of HB1504, HB4455, SB 100 and SB513.

I want to thank everyone who has been supportive of me throughout the past six years. There are special people in all five counties of House District 15, and it has been a pleasure working for you.

Additionally, I would like to thank a few friends: Glenda and Bill Allen, Billy Don Cloud and his wife, Jose Mc-Coy, Pastor Tim Turner, Mr. and Mrs. Ormes, and Ronnie Luke, who passed during my time in office. There are many, many others who played an important role in my time at the State House, and I deeply appreciate their work—thank you.

I will gladly continue to provide any assistance or advice to Tim Turner, who may need it as he steps into this role. I

See RANDLEMAN, page A5 also will continue to assist many of the legislative friends I have made in my time at the State Capitol, and will always be a ready resource for them when they ask.

Again, I am very thankful for the opportunity to serve as your state representative. I hope that you will keep praying for our family as we will keep praying for yours.

Rep. Randy Randleman, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.

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