Senator Hall: “I represent Oklahoma’s original capital city”

One of my favorite Senate District 20 festivals is just around the corner. Guthrie’s 89er Day Celebration is coming up, and I’m looking forward to a weekend jam-packed with festival fun. This annual tradition celebrates the birth of Guthrie by commemorating the Land Run of 1889. It’s always a great time when the community comes together to celebrate Oklahoma’s rich history.

The celebration kicks off Tuesday, April 15, with the usual mouthwatering spread of barbecue at the Chuckwagon Feed and silent auction. The beloved carnival will bring fun for the whole family from Wednesday through Saturday. The Great Bed Race is always quite a spectacle. You can’t help but laugh seeing folks race their decorated beds down the street. My favorite part of the celebration, though, is the parade because so many friends and neighbors turn out. It’s also wonderful to see Guthrie’s streets lined with so many smiling faces. I look forward to seeing everyone out enjoying the festivities. Visit 89erdays.com to get all the details about this outstanding, local celebration.

In state Capitol news, Senate committees have started hearing House bills, which will continue for the next couple of weeks. I’ve coauthored a handful of House bills, most of which pertain to state budget issues. The Senate has also started the process of confirming the governor’s executive branch nominees to positions within state government. Each year, the governor taps Oklahomans from across the state to serve in leadership positions within state agencies and on boards and commissions that advise or oversee government agencies. A significant portion of these appointments require Senate confirmation. These executive branch nominees have been invited to appear before Senate committees. After a committee advances a nominee, the full Senate votes on their confirmation. The Senate has confirmed 22 appointees so far this session.

Thursday was Guthrie Day at the state Capitol, and I was thrilled to get a chance to remind my colleagues that I represent Oklahoma’s original capital city. Guthrie holds a special place in our state’s history because it served as the capital from 1907 to 1910. It was incredible to see so many Guthrie residents at the Capitol last week. It reminded me how grateful I am to represent such a vibrant and historic community that has welcomed me with open arms.

Lastly, I am relieved that a captain and deputy with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office only suffered minor injuries after being shot while responding to a domestic violence call near Guthrie earlier this month. Senate District 20 is fortunate to have such courageous law enforcement officers keeping us safe. I’m deeply grateful for their dedicated service to protect this community.

As always, it’s an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Senate District 20.

Please feel free to contact my Capitol office with any questions or concerns you may have about legislation or other issues impacting our state at 405-521-5628 or at [email protected].