Committee work wraps up in Senate

Before we get into legislative matters, I want to recognize all the outstanding accomplishments of our local schools! From our school band programs and athletic programs, all the way to multiple academic awards and agricultural achievements, our schools are doing great things throughout Oklahoma. You all have made Senate District 43 so proud and represented southern Oklahoma well. Congratulations to all of you! Keep up the good work.

We made it past a major legislative hurdle last week, wrapping up committee work on roughly 400 bills. It was smooth sailing until the winter storms shut us down for two days, but we simply worked longer hours last week and got our work done. To date, we have also passed more than 70 measures off the Senate floor and have another nearly 330 to get through before our next deadline on Thursday, March 24.

I’m happy to say that nearly 20 of my bills were reported out of committee, and two of those have already made it to the House. The others are awaiting a hearing by the full Senate. 

Something special that we have the privilege of doing in the Legislature is renaming bridges, roads, and highways in honor of Oklahoma’s fallen heroes. One of my bills will designate the bridge over I-35 on State Highway 74 in Purcell as the “SSGT Cecil Wellman Memorial Bridge.” Army Staff Sergeant Wellman was born in Purcell in 1937 and served in the U.S. Army. He began his tour in Vietnam on July 2, 1970, as an Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist with the 1st Calvary Division, 1st Squadron, 9th Calvary, D Troop. Four months into his tour on Oct. 14, 1970, SSGT Wellman’s unit came under fire in the province of Phuoc Long, and he suffered fatal injuries. He has received numerous commendations for his service, exemplary courage under fire, and sacrifice, including the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Marksmanship Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Army Presidential Unit Citation, the Army Gallantry Cross, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

We can say all we want about SSGT Wellman, but our words will never be able to truly express our state and nation’s incredible appreciation and respect for Cecil’s patriotism and bravery in defending freedom at all costs, nor our sadness at his passing. This bridge will serve as a reminder for generations to come for friends, family and others of this great Oklahoma hero and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our country. 

Another way we honor bravery is through simple and concurrent resolutions, which don’t have the affect of law but simply express the will and opinion of the Senate. Last week, we approved Senate Resolution 27, affirming our support for Ukraine. What is happening to these people is incomprehensible, but the bravery and patriotism of all of their citizens, regardless of their age, is awe-inspiring.

We are so blessed to live in the United States and enjoy the freedoms earned through the blood and sacrifice of our great military men and women. So many take our freedoms for granted and our nation has been in chaos. Hopefully, the tragedies of Ukraine will serve as a lesson and a wake-up call for Americans. This could easily be us. Freedom is not free! Our continued prayers are with the Ukrainian people and their leaders as they work to defend themselves from the evil of Russia’s actions, along with those living in Oklahoma and around the U.S. who have loved ones in Ukraine. 
If you have any questions or concerns on legislative matters, please contact me at the Capitol. Please write to Senator Jessica Garvin, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 237, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, email me at Jessica.Garvin@oksenate.gov or call (405) 521-5522.