Laughter of Children Fills the Capitol
March 19th, 2010
DURANT, Okla. – Hello again, everyone! Spring Break is always a special week at the Oklahoma Senate.
The combination of a slow week on the legislative calendar and the annual school holiday means children’s laughter fills the Capitol. Many legislators had their children or grandchildren with them for the week. Deena and Jacob joined me this week, making for a special time.
Watching him shake hands with members of the Senate while saying, “Hi! I’m Jacob Taylor Gumm,” reminded me how quickly Jacob is growing up. He has been a part of the Senate since his birth. At only seven weeks old, he was in my arms as I gaveled the 2006 session to order. Today, he is a four-year-old little gentleman who charms just about everyone he meets.
Senator Sean Burrage of Claremore and I shared a laugh when I leaned down to whisper to Jacob, “This is Jack’s uncle.” One of Jacob’s pre-school buddies is Jack Burrage, son of David and Heather Burrage.
Jacob said, “Hi Jack’s Uncle! Jack is my friend…and Tanner is my friend, and Bellamy and Kori Jo…” Sean and I enjoyed a laugh as we listened to Jacob call the roll of friends who will be in school together for the next 14 years. For Jacob, it was far more important that Senator Burrage was his buddy’s uncle.
On Saint Patrick’s Day, I failed to wear the traditional green. Senator Burrage’s son, Carter, was visiting the Capitol and he was the “official enforcer” of Saint Patrick’s Day; he gave me a good pinch for my transgression.
One of Jacob’s favorite activities during the week was swimming in the hotel pool. While swimming, Jacob ran into his pre-school friend, Kori Jo Whitley, whose family was in Oklahoma City visiting the zoo. It was a good week at the Capitol because of the families who shared Spring Break with us.
Next week, as we in the Senate begin working in earnest on House bills representatives sent our way, a very important issue in your hands. You should have received your Census packet from the U.S. Census Bureau.
One of the constitutional requirements of the federal government is that it must conduct a population count every decade. The information gathered as a part of this enormous effort will determine much about the future.
Everything from where legislative district lines are drawn to the allocation of important resources depends on the information gathered by the Census. Our future begins to take root in every household in this nation as we all complete our Census forms.
Completing the forms is confidential, quick and easy. I strongly encourage each of you to complete the forms and return them as soon as possible. The brighter future we are working to create depends, in large measure, on the information we are required by our Constitution to provide in the Census.
Thanks again for reading this week’s “Senate Minute.” Have a great week, and may God bless you all.