On Monday, the Legislative Showmanship was held at the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Legislators from every corner of the state joined Oklahoma’s future farmers and ranchers for the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the world’s largest junior livestock show. It was an excellent opportunity to meet with the future agriculture industry leaders.
This annual event hosts over 7,000 FFA and 4-H members and more than 13,000 heads of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and ag mechanics. OYE awards nearly $2 million to exhibitors and more than $300,000 in academic scholarships. It has a $25 million economic impact on the Oklahoma City economy.
I want to thank Rhone Dillinger of the Elk City FFA chapter for allowing me to show his sheep. He is the son of Elk City’s Ag teacher! Agriculture education programs like 4-H and FFA create opportunities for Oklahoma youth to build life skills and grow students into dedicated, committed young adults who appreciate hard work and determination.
It was a short week at the Capitol; we’ll now swap bills with the Senate and consider their 279 bills, beginning with hearing measures in our House committees before they advance to the floor.
In the coming weeks, we will work to finalize the state budget. The Senate recently concluded its work in this area and released its budget figures, which do not include cash from prior fiscal years or money available to be appropriated from various state funds.
I intend to continually keep you informed of what is happening at the Capitol. It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at (405) 557-7312 or at nick.archer@ okhouse.gov.
Nick Archer, a Republican, serves House District 55 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian and Washita counties
