Got to thinking about microwave ovens this week. When does anyone ever “think” about microwaves? When the old one threatens to completely quit, of course! I’ve had my present microwave since 1990, and it’s been an excellent worker- bee for the last 34 years.

Friday, April 19, marked the 29th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. Nearly three decades have passed since this horrific act of terrorism, but I can still vividly remember that day. I was a student at Oklahoma City University and felt the blast from campus. I joined the volunteer efforts in the days following and witnessed the Oklahoma Standard at work, values I am proud to represent today. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 168 lost, the survivors, first responders, volunteers, and everyone who still feels the effects of April 19, 1995.

The governor signed my first piece of legislation to make it to his desk this session, and I expect he will sign more of my bills into law in the coming weeks. Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk is quickly filling up with bills as the Senate and House rapidly approach our fourth major deadline of this session. April 25 is the deadline for bills to get a floor hearing in the opposite chamber. This is one of the busiest times of the session because both chambers are voting on a steady stream of bills, many of which are advancing to the governor’s desk.

It’s time for state enforcement on illegal immigration Every state in the Union is confronting the threat to public safety created by the Biden Administration’s utter failure to secure the border. Even so-called “sanctuary cities” have been overrun and overwhelmed, their elected leaders calling for action and reform. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the crush of illegal immigrants “will destroy New York City.”

On April 10, I was ratified by the House Republican Conference as the new Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee - but not only did I just become the new Chairman, I also became the first Native American to ever Chair this Committee.

Last week was a busy one at the State Capitol. On April 16, House Republicans released our proposed FY25 budget, totaling $12.63B.

I’ve heard a lot of excuses to eat more cookies, and I’ve made up a lot of my own, but this one takes the cake … or the cookie ... or the diamond.

Tuesday, April 9, was a very special day at the State Capitol. Senate members joined us in the House chamber for a joint session in recognition of Oklahoma National Guard Appreciation Day. We were honored to host these outstanding servicemembers and Major General Thomas H. Mancino, the Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard.

With less than two months remaining in this year’s legislative session, much of our work is currently focused on crafting the state budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The Senate has been operating under new budgeting procedures this year to open meetings to the public and promote transparency. This is a vast difference from my first few years in the Legislature when only a handful of people were responsible for writing the budget, and lawmakers often only had a few days to review the multi-billion-dollar budget. Additionally, our new schedule and processes give all legislators the opportunity to provide input on the budget, ensuring their constituents are represented throughout the appropriations process.

Monday, April 15, is Tax Day – the day that individual income tax returns are due to be submitted to the federal government. As the American people and I file our tax returns this week, I am reflecting on the American economy and the importance of pro-growth tax policy in our nation.