After years of negotiations and the House passing tax cuts, the Senate agreed and passed House Bill 1955 and sent it to the Governor’s desk.Last week, the governor signed the bill into law, which removes the state’s 4.5% tax on groceries. This will save Oklahomans hundreds of dollars at the grocery store each year. It leaves in place county or municipal taxes as that money often goes toward services such as police, fire or local infrastructure needs. But it will still be a break for Oklahomans who are experiencing inflation. The tax cut goes into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die, so likely by August.Nearly every day of the legislative session, House members are served by a nurse of the day on loan to us through the Oklahoma Nursing Association. The program gives nurses from across the state the opportunity to get involved in the legislative process by visiting with legislators, attending various committee meetings, and assisting in the First Aid station at the State Capitol.I was privileged last week to introduce Mary “Beth” Bierig of Billings as the Nurse of the Day for the House.Bierig works for the Billings Fairchild Center. She said at 15 years old she knew she had a passion and drive for wanting to help others. She got her first job as a certified nursing assistant where her passion for caring for others grew rapidly. She said without a doubt she knew this was what she forever wanted to do.Quickly jumping into the nursing program, Bierig had the honor of growing her knowledge in medical surgical and home health. She now is back to working where her love of nursing first started at 15 years old, working with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. During the height of the pandemic, Bierig said she felt called to assist in the epicenter of the disaster for four months to assist those who needed care. She gathered that knowledge and returned home, armored to keep our individuals protected from illness while helping them maintain good mental health. Her desire to transform the lives of a popular ion who deserves it so much is her calling and her passion. Every area of her medical career has prepared her for the difference she is make to those who deserve this advocacy.It was a pleasure to welcome Bierig to the House, and I’m grateful for her service to ...
