OKLAHOMA CITY – As a former lawmaker and someone who continues to work publicly in policy, the horrific act which happened over this past weekend in Minnesota with the murder and attempted murder of state lawmakers and their spouses is truly frightening.

As always, many people are making assumptions on the motivation of the perpetrator. Fortunately, he was captured and can be questioned to determine what led him to kill two people, attempt to kill two others, and have a list with more than 70 politicians and others on it.

This news hit me hard. I have friends in both parties from Oklahoma and across the United States who serve as lawmakers at the state and federal levels. A majority of those going to the polls decide who represents the 7,386 state legislative seats across the 99 state legislative chambers in the United States, along with the 535 members of Congress and the President. That someone would attempt to change the outcome of an election with the murder of an elected official or candidate is despicable.

I have received death threats before because of my work and the title that I held. That unfortunately goes with the job now, which is a sad commentary. Still, this is also nothing new considering the history of political assassinations in our nation. Last year’s attempts on President Trump and several years ago on members of Congress at their annual baseball game, including many other incidents through the years are just a few known. Thankfully, most are prevented.

Thank you to those men and women who step up to run for and serve in office, as well as their families. While violence is a rarity, it is still possible. I pray this does not stop good people from serving or seeking office. We need you now, more than ever, no matter what political party, if your intentions to serve are noble and just a desire to “hate” the other side of the political aisle.

And no, I am not running for anything. I simply felt compelled to share this as my heart is hurting right now for the state of our world.

Now, for something positive, I want to thank lawmakers at the State Capitol who voted in the best interests of Oklahoma’s children. Our Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) Children’s Legislative Report Card will be issued soon, but I want to recognize our selected Lawmakers of the Year first.

The 2025 OICA Lawmakers of the Year are Sen. Brenda Stanley, RMidwest City; Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa; Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City; House Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R-Clinton; Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City; and Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa.

Those receiving honorable mentions for their work in 2025 are Sen. Paul Rosino, ROklahoma City; Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry; Sen. Adam Pugh, REdmond; Rep. Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton; Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa; Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City; and Rep Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa.

In the first session after an election, OICA recognizes new lawmakers for their achievements. The OICA Freshmen Legislators of the Year are Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow; Sen. Nikki Nice, D-Oklahoma City; Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City; and Rep. Ronald Stewart, D-Tulsa.

Lawmakers will begin their summer work with interim studies soon. These are deep dives into policy that are requested by lawmakers which are reviewed by legislative committees. If you have suggestions for a study idea pertaining to children, please submit your idea by June 25 at https://tinyurl.com/ IntStudy25 for us to forward to lawmakers.

Together, we all can be a part of the process, helping our state lawmakers pursue policies to benefit our youth.