Rep. Rick West: "Just Say No" (to lobbyist money)

Just Say No

By Rep. Rick West (R-Heavener)

Back in the 1980s, then-First Lady Nancy Reagan popularized the phrase "Just Say No" as part of an anti-drug campaign.

I kind of feel like bringing that back at the Legislature, but in this case pertaining to lobbyists. Never have I been more convinced that my decision to just say no to lobbyists' or political action committee money was the right move. It's one of the best decisions I've made since I've been in politics. It gives me freedom, and freedom is everything.

There is no question that lobbyists run the vast majority of legislation at the Capitol, and they do it through the power of the purse.

I appreciate the folks in my district who understand my decision not to take lobbyists' money. Y'all get it.

This final week of session, we passed legislation to recreate the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering and the Funeral Board. Initially, we ran legislation to extend the sunset date for these boards, but the governor vetoed those bills saying he'd rather see these boards moved under another state agency. He agreed to sign the new legislation that gives them a one-year extension on the sunset with the agreement that the Legislature would work on changes to these boards so they are not just collecting fees to renew licenses but rather to better oversee licensees and their continuing education.

I was able to get a few bills passed and signed into law this year.

House Bill 1187 clarifies that when a state employee opts out of a state provided health insurance plan they do not have to be covered by a group health insurance plan. This should save state taxpayers some money just by removing the word group.

I was the House author of Senate Bill 777, which authorizes the commercial harvest of wild fish in public waters for use in aquaculture by licensed persons. Back in the 1990s, the Russians came and got all our paddlefish for the caviar. The Department of Wildlife stopped that, but it also stopped the harvesting for hatcheries. What's been happening is we have fish trucks that come from Arkansas into the state with no license to supply our hatcheries. This act will make it so local businesses can get their fish, but we license out of state stockers. 

One of the best bills we passed this year was Senate Bill 1027, which changes how signatures are gathered for initiative or referendum petitions that could result in law or constitutional changes. This  ensures voters in rural counties are better represented in matters that could affect their way of life and potentially their taxes. It also ensures the signatures gathered are legal and valid and that state questions are easier to understand. This was a top priority and really defines this session.

House Bill 1166 is another good measure that protects property owners' rights by keeping municipalities from annexing property without the majority of owners agreeing.

Even though the session is over, I'm still available to help with constituent requests. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in House District 3.

If I can help you with anything, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.