By Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant

Getting ready for the holiday and preparing for the challenges of a new year can consume our time and wear away at our patience. No matter how busy we get this time of year, it is important that we remember the meaning of Christmas: the birth of our Lord and Savior and what His life and His sacrifice gave to us. Read more...

Putting The Government On Television

During recent weeks, State Representatives have been required to meet several deadlines regarding submission of new legislation. This is a time of opportunity for us to advocate for legislative efforts important to our constituents.

One issue I campaigned for and about which I feel strongly, is requiring state government to televise its proceedings so people can see what is really going on. I have observed that without televised proceedings, it is more difficult for citizens to view legislative events in their proper context. The number of procedural votes and other complicating issues create a cloud of confusion that sometimes allow politicians to take public positions on controversial issues that they in actuality are voting to sabotage. Read more...