Rep. Jenkins: Teaching Truth

Summer has officially arrived, and I hope all of our students across House District 33 are enjoying a well-deserved break from school. I hope their summer is off to a great start and that they are staying safe no matter what they are doing, like spending time at the pool or attending camps.

This time of year also means Vacation Bible School season is underway at churches across our district. Children of all ages gather each summer to learn about the love that Jesus has for each of us. It is always encouraging to see churches investing in the next generation and creating opportunities for young people to grow in their faith and build lasting memories.

Protecting Oklahoma’s children and making sure they have the tools they need to become productive, responsible adults is one of the most important duties we have as legislators. If we are not preparing the next generation to succeed, then we are failing in one of government’s most basic responsibilities.

During this legislative session, I want to share two of the important measures I voted yes on and that the legislature passed regarding education.

House Bill 3076 creates additional pathways for individuals to become certified teachers in Oklahoma through alternative teacher preparation programs. The measure allows programs to be offered by public schools, regional service agencies and private or nonprofit organizations while maintaining state oversight and accreditation requirements.

Similar programs in other states have helped qualified individuals enter the classroom more quickly and at a lower cost while maintaining strong teacher retention rates and student outcomes. The goal is to help schools recruit talented educators, address teacher shortages and reduce the state’s reliance on emergency certifications, particularly in areas where finding qualified teachers can be challenging.

We also took important steps to address the fentanyl crisis and protect Oklahoma’s youth from a growing threat. House Bill 1484, known as Rain’s Law, requires age-appropriate fentanyl abuse prevention and drug poisoning awareness education for students in grades six through 12.

The law is named in honor of Rain Reece, a Cameron University student who tragically lost her life at just 19 years old after unknowingly taking a pill laced with fentanyl. Education is one of the strongest tools we have to prevent future tragedies and help young people understand the dangers they face.

As temperatures rise and summer activities increase, I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to all of the volunteer and career firefighters serving Logan and Payne counties. Hot, dry and windy conditions can create dangerous fire risks this time of year, and these men and women stand ready to respond whenever they are needed. Their dedication and sacrifice help keep our communities safe, and we are grateful for their service.

I hope you and your family have a safe and meaningful summer. Please remember that I work for you, and I am proud to do so! If I can ever be of assistance, do not hesitate to reach out. I am only a phone call or email away.

I look forward to hearing from you! 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.