Inside the Capitol

In this episode, Rep. Josh West and Rep. Trey Caldwell discuss the House Republican Education Plan.  

GUEST: Rep. Mark Lawson 

In this episode, Rep. Josh West introduces his new cohost, Rep. Trey Caldwell. Together, they give a brief overview of what Oklahomans can expect this session as the 59th Legislature begins.

Representatives West and Walke discuss the end of session, the state budget, the ongoing special session to distribute ARPA funding, and what is next for the podcast. 

Inside the Capitol hosts Josh West and Collin Walke welcome colleagues Jacob Rosecrants and Mark Lawson.  Rep. Walke addresses his decision to not seek re-election, members also discuss the challenges that the class of 2016 had to tackle, such as revenue failures and budget cuts, special sessions, and the teacher walk out.  Angela Clark Little, advocate for parents and friends of public education, also swings by to join the podcast.  

Reps Walke and West welcome colleague Logan Phillips, who represents District 24.

Discussions include the state budget, revenue in the state of Oklahoma, rural broadband and the implementation of connectivity in those areas, and how important broadband is to business. 

Rep. Phillips speaks about his life before public service, his life outside the Legislature, and his extensive education in technology.  The members also discuss the misconception that local elected officials are wealthy, house bills in the Senate committees, and push back from big tech about the data privacy bill.

Representatives Josh West and Collin Walke welcome colleagues Trish Ranson and Brad Boles to the podcast.  Topics include the data privacy act, deadline week, rural road damage from oil and gas big rigs, rural broadband and implementation, virtual education, how this session compares to prior sessions, and voter ID legislation in Oklahoma.

Representatives Josh West and Collin Walke welcome District 16 Rep. Scott Fetgatter.  Medical Marijuana is a hot topic in Oklahoma, and on the show the members discuss the legislatures attempts to curb illegal grows and capping medical marijuana licenses.  Other topics include the popular Oklahoma Youth Expo and members participation in it, Voter ID laws, and hearing bills on the House floor during deadline week.  

Reps. Collin Walke and Josh West welcome Rep. Eddy Dempsey, who discusses his transition into politics, what issues are important his district (District 1), his first term, and the learning curve of being a freshman lawmaker.

Members of the Veterans Caucus (Reps. Steagall & Kannady) are joined by special guests John Wayne Troxell, a retired United States Army senior noncommissioned officer who served as the third Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Ukraine SEAC Oleksander Kosynskyi, who joins via phone.  Reps. Walke and West facilitate a conversation about Ukraine, Veteran suicide awareness and the importance of therapy to deal with PTSD, the key role of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the Afghanistan withdrawal.  

Representatives West and Walke update their constituents on the data privacy bill, the first week of session, and committee work at the State Capitol.