I have spent more class time discussing the barrage of executive orders and pardons from both the outgoing and incoming presidents this week. As a federal judge has blocked President Trump’s executive...

If there ever were a time when I have felt fearful for the future, yet hopeful for each day, it is now. As I contemplate the chaos that seems to erupt from the White House and trickles down like lava ...

At the Capitol the last few weeks, House App ropriations and Budget subcommittees have been meeting to hear from the agencies, boards and commissions that receive any kind of state funding. The six ag...

The older I get the more I realize that mental health issues may actually go hand-in-hand with physical health issues because they will make you feel crazy So why do I say that and how can I prove tha...

OKLAHOMA CITY - As the Oklahoma Legislature begins work, there is a record number of bills presented for consideration over the next four months before the constitutionally required adjournment on the...

I am honored to soon begin the First Session of the 60th Legislature. While this session presents its share of challenges, I am fully prepared to serve the citizens of our district with dedication and...

“As I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. If I should live another day, I pray the Lord to guide my way. Amen.” As a ...

OKLAHOMA CITY - When I heard the news of the death of former President Jimmy Carter, I was reminded of a statement he made 10 years ago during his announcement that he was battling brain cancer. He wa...

----------------- current events through a historical lens------------------------------- Jan. 6, 2025, was an important day as a joint Congress confirmed the electoral votes certifying that Donald Tr...

Snow days can be fun days to remember, at least when you are a kid. I am considered a winter baby being born on Dec. 30, 1968. However, the older I get, the colder I get and I’m not as fond of winter ...

OKLAHOMA CITY - Some say that deaths occur in “threes,” and for Oklahomans that was truly the case last week with a trio of remarkable individuals who each had an impact on those in their circle of li...

--------------- current events through a historical lens------------------------ Section III of Article I of the Constitution is all about the Senate. When reading the original Section III before mode...

OKLAHOMA CITY - A new year has begun, and a new Legislature will soon convene! On January 7, the First Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature will officially hold an organizational day to prepare fo...

--------------- current events through a historical lens------------------------ Being that this has been a tumultuous year for many, I thought I would share a Christmas message of hope. It is not a h...

As cold winter days came creeping in this past week and the whipping wind cut straight through me, it took a lot more effort to tend to my crew of animals - nine family pets inside my home and twelve ...

The Speaker of the House recently ann ounced committee assignments for the upc oming legislative session. I will serve as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Subcommittee a...

OKLAHOMA CITY - No matter what holiday you are celebrating in December, there are usually gifts involved. With Christmas Day and Hanukkah both falling on December 25, and Kwanzaa starting on December ...

----------------- current events through a historical lens-------------------------------- As I sat in the theater with the rest of the nation this past week watching “Wicked,” I was happy to see the ...

As I celebrated my birthday a few days after Christmas this year, I reflected on how everyday decisions end up becoming lifetime commitments. These choices we are allowed to make in our daily lives, w...

Wow! I can’t believe another year is wrapping up. The saying “How quickly time flies when you’re having fun” should say “How quickly time flies whether you’re having fun or just trying to survive the ...