David Holt for Oklahoma State Senate

SHINE

Yesterday I made remarks for a documentary on Commissioner Brian Maughan’s SHINE program.

As you see behind me in this picture, Brian finds the places that Oklahoma City has forgotten.  This location is just a mile west of downtown OKC, but it’s a source of crime and fear for the neighboring school and residents.

The SHINE program allows judges to sentence criminals to clean these areas up, and I was pleased, along with Rep. Gary Banz, to carry the legislation, known as the Safari McDoulett Act, that makes SHINE possible

Governor Fallin Signs SB 1875 Into Law

Today, Governor Mary Fallin signed SB 1875 into law. This bill allows all counties to create community service programs modeled on the Oklahoma County SHINE program created by Commissioner Brian Maughan. Here is more info on the bill.

Update from the Capitol

We have now entered the final month of the 2012 legislative session.

Oklahoma’s legislative session is just one long process of elimination.   Deadlines come every few weeks, and what starts as 2,000 bills ends up being just a few hundred.   We are now coming down to the final weeks, and the bills that remain are few.

Today, two Senate bills I authored headed to the Governor’s desk for her consideration.   One ensures Bricktown’s continued growth as the state’s premier entertainment district, and the other formalizes Oklahoma County Commissioner Brian Maughan’s excellent SHINE program that forces convicted criminals to serve the community in productive ways.   The latter was named for late Oklahoma County employee Safari McDoulett.

Three House bills for which I served as Senate author have been signed by the Governor.   I also have a few other Senate and House bills still working their way through the legislative plumbing.

The Legislature as a whole still faces some big decisions, most notably the budget and the much-anticipated income tax cut.   I intend to do all I can to ensure that the size of our state government does not grow and that the tax cuts are as bold and aggressive as possible.

If you have any feedback in the coming weeks, don’t hesitate to contact me at (405) 521-5636 or Holt@oksenate.gov.

The Oklahoman Covers Passage of SHINE Bill

Senator David Holt’s bill to support the Oklahoma County SHINE program, and extend its success statewide, passed the Senate unanimously on Thursday.   The Oklahoman reports on the story here.

Working at the State Fair

Me and Oklahoma County Commissioner Brian Maughan - I'm honored to have his support for my campaign

As I have before in the past, I volunteered this weekend at the Republican Party booth at the Oklahoma State Fair.  The booth is paid for and managed by the Oklahoma County GOP.   I really enjoyed visiting with the hundreds (if not thousands) of Oklahomans that came by and showed their support for our Party.

Kickoff Event

The kickoff event was a huge success, by every measure.  So wonderful to be with so many great friends, from all chapters of my life.  Old Putnam City teachers, old classmates, current colleagues and friends of all kinds.  Rachel and I were overwhelmed by all the love and support.  Thank you so much to the Ryans for hosting, the co-hosts (especially Mayor Cornett, Mayor Bryan Taylor, and Commissioners Vaughn and Maughan, who were able to join us), the sponsors, and everyone who came out. 

Rachel and I with our hosts Grace and Councilman Pat Ryan