By Docker Haub
Student Reporter
Northwestern Oklahoma State University employees and students gathered in the Ranger Room Friday morning for “Eggs and Issues” to enjoy breakfast and good company while being updated on some of the issues that the state government has been working on for several months. State Representative Carl Newton and Senator Casey Murdock made the trip to Woods County to talk about what they have been trying to accomplish in the Capital.
Rep. Newton was the first to come up to the podium and explain some of the new issues that have a potential to affect the NWOSU campus. The first bill he presented had to do with gun control on college campuses. This bill would make it illegal to have any kind of firearm while being present on a college campus, regardless of the fact if an individual has a conceal and carry license or not.
The next bill had to do with cemeteries and the abandonment of lots. “The burial and the status of dead loved ones is a very emotional subject,” Newton said. “And we want to do our best to protect that.” The bill would require 75 years of no contact with a cemetery in order for a lot to be considered abandoned.
Lastly, Newton talked about bill number 2621 which would provide a substantial tax break for educational donors. “Education has been one of our states low-points for too long and we want to reward the people that are willing to help the improvement of our states educational programs,”
Dr. Bo Hannaford was one of the NWOSU employees in attendance and he had nothing but great things to say about Rep. Newton. “Representative Newton is somewhat of a local to the Alva area,” Hannaford said. “He’s from Waynoka and has always done a great job representing our district.”
After Rep. Newton presented his issues, Sen. Murdock came to the podium to discuss what is in store for 2019. Murdock began by talking about the new leadership in the capital and why his job is so important to him. “This year, you can feel the hope and excitement and I think it has to do with the new leadership,” Murdock said. “I love Kevin Stitt [Governor] and his vision. I truly think he’s going to turn things around.” Much like Newton, Murdock made a rather specific emphasis on the importance of continuing to improve our state’s educational programs. “It will take time, but our goal is to be a top 10 state in education.”
Murdock was very confident when talking about the work that they are doing and reassured that he will always do his best when fulfilling his duties.
“It’s a great honor for me to be a Senator,” Murdock said. “And for me, it’s all about accountability. What can I do to please the people? And did I go through with the things that I told you that I’m going to do? That’s what’s most important to me personally.”