Rep. Pfeiffer: Blue Corduroy

Certain colors and textures evoke strong memories. For me, National blue corduroy with gold lettering brings me back to high school and all my time spent in FFA. Those were great days. My parents are ranchers and educators, so I didn’t really have much of a chance not to be involved in organizations like FFA and 4-H, and I’m glad for that.

Rural schools and agriculture are the backbone of Oklahoma, and these organizations support both. They give kids hands-on experience in raising and showing animals. They teach them life and leadership skills. They allow for creative expression. They broaden horizons. Many of the things we want our kids to learn before we send them out the doors of our schools into the wide world they learn through youth organizations such as FFA; 4-H; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; and Scouts.

It was a great treat last week to welcome many of these groups to the Oklahoma State Capitol. On Wednesday, Feb. 18, we met with FFA students from across the state wearing those famous blue corduroy jackets. The same day, we adopted a resolution on the House floor recognizing Scout Day at the Capitol. This noted the history of this organization and the important work of scouting. Then on Thursday, Feb. 19, we saw FCCLA members in their red coats. It’s always good to see future leaders in their seat of state government. I’m sure later this spring, we’ll see 4-H green flood the Capitol.

Also last week, House members met their first major deadline. Feb. 19 was the date bills had to advance from policy or Appropriations and Budget subcommittees. By the deadline, we passed 373 bills out of policy committees, 126 out of an Appropriations and Budget subcommittee and 22 out of a standing committee (Rules, Administrative Rules or full A&B). Bills now advance to oversight committees and then the House floor.

I passed a few bills in committee.

House Bill 3279 would clean up some areas of a law we enacted last year aimed at curbing public corruption. This would clarify when and who needs to sign conflict-of-interest documents for purchases of $25,000 or above.

House Bill 2440 is a request bill from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board that would allow the board some leeway to contract with engineers and consultants without having to go through the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

House Bill 2596 is a Department of Environmental Quality request bill that would speed the permitting process while still providing oversight and notification to affected communities.

It’s an honor to serve the folks of House District 38. As always, if you have concerns about bills, or problems I can assist you in solving, please reach out to me at john.pfeiffer@okhouse.gov or call my office at 405-557-7332.