Sen. Rick Brinkley
This week the Oklahoma Commission on School Security released its report. The 22 members of the commission joined Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb at the Oklahoma state Capitol to announce policy recommendations regarding school security. The group was formed after the tragic elementary school shooting in Connecticut last year. Members represented various backgrounds, including law enforcement, local school personnel, and mental health professionals.
The Commission listened to the testimony of education and security professionals on various factors relating to school security. Among the group’s recommendations were the establishment of an Oklahoma School Security Institute and a requirement for safety drills. Also recommended was the establishment of a mental health and first aid training pilot program.
I’m grateful to the members of the commission for their research and service. The safety of Oklahoma’s young people is a matter of paramount concern. I’m hopeful that the implementation of these recommendations will allow parents to rest easier.
The Senate this week approved a measure expanding the state’s landmark scholarship program, Oklahoma’s Promise. Senate Bill 432 would expand the program to cover 100 percent of tuition and fees for students pursuing industry certification in five specific areas of the economy. Those areas include aerospace and defense, energy, agriculture and biosciences, information and financial services, and transportation and distribution.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has identified these sectors as having the greatest growth potential in Oklahoma. Broadening our base of employees prepared to fill jobs in these industries will only make our state more attractive to businesses.
Please feel free to contact me at the state Capitol by calling (405) 521-5566 or by email at [email protected].
