I brainstormed frequently this week trying to decide upon a suitable subject for this column, and I came up with absolutely nothing. So, I decided, “When in doubt, ask Siri.” Now, I’m pretty sure Siri is feeling neglected these days, because most of the time I forget that she’s even there, but this week I did consult her for a writing topic, and these are some of the ideas from Siri’s selected websites: “Give advice on turning 30.” Well, that ship has certainly sailed.

We reviewed many pieces of legislation last week as we worked towards the deadline to advance House measures off the Senate floor. Among the bills passed was House Bill 4156, which addresses the illegal immigration crisis in our state and country. Not knowing who is occupying our state is a public safety threat, however, this is a minuscule issue when compared to the secondary effects of this crisis that has resulted from the federal government's failure to secure our border.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Oklahomans impacted by the tornadoes that swept through southern Oklahoma. The devastation is appalling, but Oklahomans are resilient. I know our communities will band together to help those affected by these storms because that is the Oklahoma Standard. If I can assist anyone needing help in Senate District 43, please don’t hesitate to call my office.

Over the weekend, 27 tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma, resulting in widespread devastation and heartbreaking loss of life. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by or are grieving as a result of these severe tornadoes.

Two of my bills have been signed by the governor! Week before last, I wrote in my column that Senate Bill 1708 passed the House. The governor has now signed it into law.

If you’re a younger worker just starting out in your career, you’ve got tremendous personal and professional opportunities ahead of you. But this is also when you will need to make some key decisions — especially about your financial priorities.

Got to thinking about microwave ovens this week. When does anyone ever “think” about microwaves? When the old one threatens to completely quit, of course! I’ve had my present microwave since 1990, and it’s been an excellent worker- bee for the last 34 years.

Friday, April 19, marked the 29th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. Nearly three decades have passed since this horrific act of terrorism, but I can still vividly remember that day. I was a student at Oklahoma City University and felt the blast from campus. I joined the volunteer efforts in the days following and witnessed the Oklahoma Standard at work, values I am proud to represent today. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the 168 lost, the survivors, first responders, volunteers, and everyone who still feels the effects of April 19, 1995.

The governor signed my first piece of legislation to make it to his desk this session, and I expect he will sign more of my bills into law in the coming weeks. Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk is quickly filling up with bills as the Senate and House rapidly approach our fourth major deadline of this session. April 25 is the deadline for bills to get a floor hearing in the opposite chamber. This is one of the busiest times of the session because both chambers are voting on a steady stream of bills, many of which are advancing to the governor’s desk.

It’s time for state enforcement on illegal immigration Every state in the Union is confronting the threat to public safety created by the Biden Administration’s utter failure to secure the border. Even so-called “sanctuary cities” have been overrun and overwhelmed, their elected leaders calling for action and reform. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the crush of illegal immigrants “will destroy New York City.”