By Rep. Molly Jenkins
Last week, I had the honor of speaking at the Guthrie Annual Legislative Luncheon, hosted at the Meridian Technology Center. I was joined by several of my fellow lawmakers who also represent portions of Logan County. It was a great opportunity to recap the legislative session and connect with both new faces and longtime friends in the community.
As a freshman legislator, I appreciated the chance to update constituents on the work we accomplished at the Capitol this year and to provide insight into how the legislative process functions.
I serve as vice chair of the House Administrative Rules Committee, which plays a key role in overseeing the rules proposed by state agencies. These rules, when they are passed, carry the force of law, and it’s the committee’s job to make sure they are consistent with legislative intent and do not overstep the bounds of statute. I’m proud of the work we did to hold agencies accountable and stop rules that were not in the best interest of Oklahomans. This kind of oversight is one of the less flashy but most important parts of being a legislator.
I also spoke candidly about my personal commitment to remaining independent. I do not take money from lobbyists or special interest groups. I believe that when I cast a vote, it should be based on the merits of the bill and what is best for Oklahoma, not what any organization or lobbyist wants. I am not beholden to any special interest. When I go to work at the Capitol, you can be confident that I am carefully reading and considering each piece of legislation with one goal in mind, which is how to best serve the people of District 33.
As your representative, I’ll be traveling across our community soon to hear directly from you. Even though this isn’t typical during the interim season, I believe it’s important for a representative to stay connected to the people they serve. I want to know what matters to you so that I can represent your interests with clarity and conviction when we return to the Capitol.
With the historic levels of rain we’ve experienced this year, I know many families are facing unexpected challenges. Please know that I’m praying for your safety and well-being, and I remain committed to helping however I can.
It is an honor to represent you at the Capitol. If you have any questions, concerns or to sign up for our monthly newsletter, please do not hesitate to reach out. My email address is [email protected], or you can call my office at (405) 557-7304.
Rep. Molly Jenkins, a Republican, represents House District 33 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Logan and Payne counties.
