Rep. Jenkins: Putting Taxpayers First

We are currently in Week 12 of the Second Session of the 60th Legislature, and the pressure is real. There is a push to finish early, and that brings its share of tension.

The House has advanced 211 measures out of policy committees and passed 44 Senate bills and joint resolutions off the House floor so far this session. April 23 marked a critical deadline when all Senate measures had to be reported out of oversight committees to stay eligible for a vote on the House floor.

With the state budget now signed into law, we are turning our full attention to the remaining legislation. Bills from Joint Committees on Appropriations focus on how we expect state agencies to spend their appropriated dollars.

For many of these measures, I have voted no. At the core of those decisions is a firm belief that government should not continue to grow and that we should be cautious about increasing funding to state agencies. Oklahomans deserve relief, and that means focusing on lower taxes, not expanding them.

Even in the middle of long days and tough decisions, it is important to stay connected to the people of our great district.

On April 15, I had the opportunity to meet with students from the Langston University Physical Therapy doctoral program and introduce them on the House floor. These students represent the future of health care in Oklahoma, and it was an honor to welcome them to the Capitol.

We also celebrated Langston University Day this week, and it brought incredible energy into the building. From the marching band to the students and faculty filling the halls, it was a powerful reminder of the pride and potential across our state. Hearing from the university’s president and seeing that level of engagement matters.

Last week was Oklahoma State University Day at the Capitol, and as a proud OSU graduate, that one meant a lot to me. It was a sea of orange, and yes, Pistol Pete made an appearance on the House floor. More importantly, it was a chance to highlight the impact OSU has across Oklahoma and to connect with students and leaders who are shaping what comes next.

We have also welcomed many constituents to the office, and I value every one of those conversations. Your voices matter. Whether you stop by the Capitol, call or send a message, I am listening. That input helps guide the decisions I make every day.

On April 20, I joined Rep. Jim Shaw to speak with the Oklahoma Eagle Forum during their monthly meeting at the Capitol. We had a strong discussion about the direction of this session and the values that continue to guide many of the policy decisions being made.

That same evening, I spoke at the Logan County GOP meeting, and I was encouraged by the turnout and the engagement. There is a clear interest in what is happening at the Capitol, and I appreciate the opportunity to stand in front of our community and talk about it directly.

As we head into the final weeks, I am staying focused and standing firm. This is the time when it matters most. I continue to pray for our district and I am here if you ever need to speak with me.

My email address is molly.jenkins@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7304.

Rep. Molly Jenkins, a Republican, represents House District 33 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Logan and Payne counties.