With the holiday season upon us, I’ve been traveling to communities across the district to meet with constituents, hear their concerns and discuss the issues that hit close to home for them. I’ve also been spending time at the Capitol preparing legislation for the upcoming session. Senators were required to request bills by Dec. 5, the first of several upcoming legislative deadlines. Once bill requests are submitted, my colleagues and I work with Senate staff to finalize our legislation before the mid-January deadline for bills to be formally introduced.

The Oklahoma National Guard recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new complex in Chandler that will play a key role in the state’s emergency response efforts. I was honored to be in attendance as the Benjamin T. Walkingstick National Guard Complex was unveiled to the public. It was an honor to help push this legislation through for the city of Chandler, the state of Oklahoma and the protection of Oklahomans.

This state-of-the-art joint operations center will strengthen statewide emergency response capabilities during wildfires, severe weather and other threats that necessitate the governor to activate the Oklahoma National Guard. The facility will be equipped with critical resources — including essential equipment, backup power generators and dedicated personnel — to ensure the Guard can respond quickly and effectively to any state or federal emergency.

It is especially fitting that the complex honors Benjamin T. Walkingstick, a respected local businessman, philanthropist and veteran whose contributions to Chandler and nearby communities have made a lasting impact. I truly appreciate all members of the Oklahoma National Guard who work to protect our communities, and I believe this new complex will help keep local residents safe during emergencies.

I was also pleased to attend the Davenport Fire Department’s monthly meeting. The volunteer firefighters talked about how they have outgrown their aging fire station that was constructed decades ago. They aim to build a new fire station on a piece of property the town recently acquired on Highway 66. I told them that my office will assist in the transition in any way possible. They also discussed the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s ACCESS plan, which includes a new interchange at Davenport that will hopefully draw more travelers to this wonderful Route 66 community. A new fire station could be more centrally located to better respond to emergencies on the turnpike.

Lastly, I was invited to meet the First National Bank Student Board in Wellston and discuss their issues. This program is an innovative initiative that helps prepare high school students for the real world by teaching them how to manage their finances and make smart financial decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with these bright young students.

It is a pleasure and a privilege to serve the people of Senate District 28. Don’t hesitate to contact my office if I can be of assistance. Call 405-521-5547 or email Grant.Green@oksenate.gov