The Oklahoma House of Representatives High School Page Program has opened applications for the First Regular Session of the 60th Legislature, announced Program Director Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang. Every year, hundreds of juniors and seniors from across the state participate in the House High School Page Program at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Participating students have the opportunity to view the legislative process up close and gain a deeper understanding of state government. Students accepted to the program are assigned to one week during the legislative session, which runs from the first Monday in February through the last Friday in May. They arrive on Sunday afternoon and serve Monday through Thursday in the House Chamber during daily session. Pages also assist representatives and staff with tasks and participate in the House Page Mock Legislature on the floor of the House Chamber. "Working with our wonderful high school Pages and getting to know them serves as an important reminder of why we were sent to the Legislature—to improve our great state not for ourselves, but for their futures," said Hill, who has served as the program director since 2020. "Any student, regardless of what career path they may be interested in, leaves the House Page Program with a strong understanding and appreciation of the political process and the importance of civics engagement." Hotel accommodations and chaperones are provided for all students. Pages are transported to and from the State Capitol daily and are closely supervised. Interested high school juniors and seniors may visit https://former.okhouse.gov/Pages/ to submit an application or contact their state representative for more information. The First Regular Session of the 60th Legislature begins Mon., Feb. 3, 2025.
The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus today issued the following statements regarding the announced proposed partnership between Oklahoma and Denmark. "God has blessed Oklahoma with rich abundant petroleum resources," said Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, who chairs the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus. "Oklahoma's oil and gas is all-natural, locally-sourced and we must reject the unscientific climate change cult ideology that has spread like a cancer through so many industries, states and nations. The battle against Oklahoma's God-given natural resources is an assault on common sense, logic, reason and actually science-based evidence. The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus supports free enterprise and partnering with allies, but we caution against interfering with free market principles by directing tax dollars to private companies and creating an unfair market place with subsidies." Oklahoma and Denmark share similarities, such as oil and gas being a primary industry and a strong Christian heritage. "Oklahoma is an energy-rich state," said Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, who serves as the House vice chair. "And we believe the majority of Oklahomans don't want the government pushing any aspect of the Democrat's green new deal scams. We should let the free market work and focused on Oklahoma companies." The proposed partnership between Oklahoma and Denmark uses terminology such as "clean energy," "green energy" and "carbon capture." "Our concern is in the specific details of this proposed partnership," said Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, who serves as the Senate vice chair. "While we can appreciate Denmark and the opportunities for this proposed partnership, we must put Oklahoma first and foremost. It seems there are too many concerns under this current proposal for us to offer our support."
During the 21st Annual National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Sportsman-Legislator Summit held in Baton Rouge, LA, Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, was elected to serve a full, two-year term as a member of the NASC Executive Council (EC). Established in 2004 by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), NASC provides the synergy to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting, trapping, and professional fish and wildlife management in state capitols. With more than 2,000 legislators who are members of state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses from all 50 states, this unprecedented network of pro-sportsmen legislators provides the nexus and support among the state caucuses that is critical to the successful advancement of pro-sportsmen policies across the nation. Working with staff at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF), the EC assists with the establishment and promotion of pro-sportsmen ideas, and facilitates the sharing of information between state caucuses, conservation partners and allied industries. "Hunting, fishing and outdoor traditions have been a cornerstone of my life, instilling values of sportsmanship and respect for nature. In Oklahoma, these activities are more than pastimes – they are a way of life that unites us and preserves our state's rich heritage," Archer said. The EC plays a critical role in the protection and advancement of hunting and angling rights and the continuation of our sportsmen’s heritage by establishing the activities of NASC, assisting with policy development, setting guidelines for affiliated state caucuses, as well as media outreach intended to highlight the role hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping play in supporting conservation policies that also benefit our nation’s social and economic well-being. "I would be remiss if I did not thank my friend and former legislator, Kevin Wallace. Kevin opened the door for me to this incredible opportunity. I am humbled to carry the torch for Oklahoma and the central United States," said Archer.