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commentary, Opinion
December 19, 2024
Advocates look forward to working with new leadership at state capitol
By JOE DORMAN OICACEO

OKLAHOMA CITY – The deadline for submission of ideas for the upcoming legislative session was Friday, December 6, and lawmakers were turning in their concepts for bills up to the final moment.

The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) worked with several state senators and representatives on ideas developed during our annual Fall Forum conference. I expect a robust conversation will be held this upcoming session on those ideas, which comprises the Children’s Legislative Agenda for 2025. You can read that document on our website at https://tinyurl. com/250ICALEGAG.

I always enjoy this time of year as advocates who have suggested solutions to problems have the opportunity to work with policymakers to produce the needed answers. Of course, not all of these ideas move forward; sometimes the price tag is too much no matter how noble the solution. Of course, politics sometimes come into play, and personalities certainly can influence which ideals move forward.

People have taken notice of late regarding civility in politics. I would argue that, in Oklahoma, our lawmakers certainly take pride in their party registration, but the division is not as wide as what we see at the federal level. Of course, with 81 of 101 House members being in one party, and 39 of 48 Senators also being in the majority party, it is often more difficult for members of the minority to have their bills heard due to time constraints and natural differences in views.

The big difference in Oklahoma is the hostility between the parties is not as prevalent as what we see in federal politics. I believe that is due to many state lawmakers finding areas of consensus, sometimes with it being friends with each other’s families or sharing school loyalties, or even geographic similarities.

I deeply enjoy working with colleagues from both parties to discuss the problems seen and seek reasonable pathways to help those who are facing those issues through my years in this business. I feel there are a majority of people who are elected who also share that sentiment.

I am extremely excited about the new leadership teams in both the House of Representatives and the Senate for the upcoming session, ranging from new presiding officers and floor leaders to budget committee chairmen who have been elevated from their vice chair roles.

One of the two minority leaders will also be a new person holding that role. I have had a chance to work with each of these men and women through the years and I believe each to be in public service for the right reasons, which makes the job easier for child advocates. We can rest easier knowing lawmakers also want to see realistic solutions and are willing to look at different pathways to get to those answers.

As we begin the new session, OICA will collaborate with all lawmakers willing to work with us on new concepts this year, some involving access to insurance for children, greater access to medical and dental care statewide, and increased support for affordable childcare. We will also continue to work with allies who want to revisit the effort to end corporal punishment for special needs students. We look forward to working with budget leaders to ensure the many successful programs benefiting the youth of our state continue to be funded.

While this all might be a “glass half full” view of our state politics, I do feel optimistic that this new generation of leaders who either continue or begin their service in February will live up to that term “leader” for our state.

Seminole survives Checotah 34-27
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The Seminole Chieftains were lucky to go home with a 34-27 win over the Checotah Wildcats Friday night. Checotah’s penalties that accumulated to over 100 yards. The Wildcats moved the football up and ...
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When your last name is Duvall then you more than likely wear a cowboy hat, ride a horse and have sat in many rodeo arenas over several decades. So when word got out that the Jim Norick Arena was being...
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At about 7 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, I strolled into the Las Vegas Sun newsroom where I worked as an entertainment reporter. The room was quiet, a palpable feeling of dread filled the air as the f...
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The Checotah FFA Chapter has been recently recognized in the 2025 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. “We are so excited that the Checotah FFA was given a National 3-sta...
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Chief issues executive order to implement Treaty of 1866 Freedmen ruling
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Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill has issued Executive Order No. 25-05, outlining the Nation’s plan to comply with a landmark Supreme Court decision requiring the incorporation of the Treaty ...
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Meeting of History & Artifact Enthusiasts
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Heartland Heritage Museum and Art Gallery 114 N. Broadway Checotah, Oklahoma Saturday, September 13 at 1 p.m. Don’t forget to join us for an afternoon of discovery and connection with others who share...
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In Eufaula, a town where gossip can outpace the mail, a story is slowly gaining momentum. It isn’t about the latest fishing tournament or Friday night football, but about a cosmic visitor called 3I/AT...
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Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest huge success
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Over 900 students from across the state came to compete in the first annual Checotah FFA Cattle Grading Contest. “We couldn’t believe how many participants came for our first event,” Zachary Ilbery sa...
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Mild weather, just what the festival ordered
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Mayor James Hickman perhaps summarized best when he sent a letter of appreciation to Karen Weldin and the Vision Eufaula Board of Directors for one of the best Wine & Art Festivals held in the city. “...
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Lake Eufaula Out of Darkness Walk
September 11, 2025
Saturday, Sept. 20 On-site registration begins at 5 p.m. Out of Darkness Walk begins at 6 p.m. At Eufaula Cove Pavilion Special speaker, live music, resources Everyone welcomed to walk!
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LEA 2025 Golf Tournament Sept. 26
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The 2025 Lake Eufaula Association Golf Tournament will be held Friday Sept. 26 at Arrowhead Golf Course, 3657 Main Park Rd. , Canadian. Registration is at 8 a.m., shotgun start is at 9 a.m. and lunch ...
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