From the Desk of Sen. Jessica Garvin: SB 26, HB 1005 vetoes overridden; Stephens County approved for SBA disaster declaration

July 24, 2023

We began the week back in the Senate Chamber Monday morning to debate veto overrides of Senate Bill 26, regarding the tobacco compacts, and House Bill 1005 on the motor vehicle tax tribal compacts. Both of these measures were vetoed by Governor Stitt back in May just days after receiving overwhelming approval by both chambers. I’m pleased to say that both vetoes were overridden with a vote of 34-7. The bills extend these compacts for one year to allow time for the state and tribal nations to have further good faith negotiations.

Hopefully, you’ve already heard but the federal government approved our state’s request for disaster assistance for 19 counties, including Stephens for the severe weather that happened from June 14-18. This will provide FEMA public assistance to municipalities, counties, tribes and rural electric cooperatives for debris removal, utility and infrastructure repairs, and other costs associated with the storm response. For more information, check out https://www.fema.gov/assistance/public.

Stephens County also recently received word that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved our request for an SBA disaster declaration. This will provide low interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and business owners. To learn more, please visit https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/.

I want to thank the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival staff and royalty, along with former state representative and current CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) Joe Dorman for bringing their delicious watermelons to the Capitol last week. Unfortunately, I had a family appointment I couldn’t miss and was unable to attend, but I know this is always a special treat for staff in the building each year and this was no exception. I hope everyone marks their calendar to attend the festival on Saturday, Aug. 12.

On Saturday, I also attended a special event at the Cole Fire Department celebrating their tornado relief efforts and the many volunteers that have been helping them along the way. They had a community cookout, and we presented some citations recognizing their service and dedication.

This week, I have a Women in Government board meeting. We’re working on our national conference, which will be in November.

In closing, if you’re a high school junior or senior and you’re interested in interning for me this fall and helping with research on my five interim studies, the deadline to apply is this Friday, July 28. Again, contact my assistant Lauren Sorrell at lauren.sorrell@oksenate.gov to apply. Those chosen to participate will be contacted the first week of August.

If you have any other 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.