Participating in 'Ag Book Week'

Last week was Oklahoma Ag in the Classroom’s “Read an Accurate Ag Book Week,” and I was thrilled to get to participate with many of our local elementary schools, including Newcastle, Purcell, Bray-Doyle, Wayne, and Lindsay. I read “Hey Hey Hay,” which is a precious and educational story about a little girl, her mom and all their hard work growing and baling hay. The students also heard “I Love Strawberries” and “How to Say Hello to a Worm” - both of which are adorable introductions to gardening - and “Tales of the Dairy Godmother” where a boy’s wish for endless ice cream turns into a trip to a local dairy to see firsthand how his favorite treat is made.

This is such a special program, especially in Oklahoma that has the fourth highest number of farms in the nation at over 77,000, and this great program ensures all Oklahoma students learn about the agriculture industry and its impact on our state’s economy. While our Senate district is a rural one and students are surrounded by farmland, ranches, crops, animals, and tractors, many schools in our state are in urban areas where students have never seen these things. It’s important to educate them about our state’s third largest industry and how it feeds, clothes, and provides other valuable assets and tools not only to our state but the nation and the world. To learn more about this unique program, visit https://oklahoma.agclassroom.org/.

My schedule also included visiting with high school students to discuss careers in the health industry and how important those are for our state. We spoke about scholarship opportunities for health careers, internships, and alternative pathways to jobs in the health industry.

Classrooms weren’t the only things on my schedule last week. I also met with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) about the new interchange that’s going to impact our Senate district. I was able to see the plans they have moving forward for the Newcastle area and learned how their process works for planning these projects. Other special events on my list included meeting with Congressman Tom Cole, attending the grand opening of the Stephens County GOP Headquarters, attending a pep rally at Purcell High School, and celebrating my daughter Tress’ fifth birthday. I also had several meetings with various organizations about my upcoming interim studies that will be held on Sept. 19 and Oct. 12, as well as legislation I’ve got in the works for next session.

The bill request deadline is Friday, Dec. 9. We can start filing legislation on Tuesday, Nov. 15 and I’ve already met with Senate staff and have some bills ready to go. It was a busy week to say the least, but I enjoyed every moment.
If you have any questions or concerns on legislative matters, please contact me by writing to Senator Jessica Garvin, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 237, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, emailing me at Jessica.Garvin@oksenate.gov or calling (405) 521-5522. Look forward to hearing from you.