OKLAHOMA CITY – After being sworn in at a ceremony at the State Capitol Thursday, State Rep. Wes Hilliard said he’s thankful for the chance to continue representing the constituents of House District 22 for a second term.
Having such favor with the people he represents, Hilliard did not draw an opponent this election and was able to spend more time with his constituents finding out their needs and concerns so he would be prepared for the 2007 legislative session.
“The reason I first ran for the House was because I wanted to serve the people of my community and make sure they have the voice in state government they deserve so that District 22’s needs are met,” said Hilliard, D-Sulphur.
Hilliard filed and passed numerous pieces of legislation in his first term that did just that. Some of his legislation included the “Quality Jobs Act,” which provides protection for communities by giving extra incentives to corporations that set up in areas after a negative economic event occurs. He also passed legislation to transfer all or part of the Chickasaw Turnpike which will create a truck bypass around the city of Sulphur.
Hilliard also fought for increased funding and teacher pay raises at the Oklahoma School for the Deaf and Blind and needed funding to construct new wings at the Veterans Center located in district 22.
The Sulphur Democrat said one of his most significant measures was authoring – along with state Sen. Paddack (D-Ada) – the Caitlin Wooten Act. The bill aimed to strengthen bail laws by requiring persons charged with kidnapping to prove they are not a public danger before they may post bail. It also allows for an electronic notification system, called Victim Identification and Notification Everyday (VINE), to be put into place statewide in order to notify victims when offenders move through the criminal justice system.
“There is no greater moral obligation we as lawmakers have than to ensure the safety and well-being of all Oklahomans,” said Hilliard. “Passing this bill to create a safer Oklahoma was the right thing to do, and I applaud the members of the Legislature for their support of Caitlin’s Law.”
Hilliard was also recognized this year by the Higher Education Alumni Council of Oklahoma for his constant support of higher education during the 2006 legislative session and given the “Legislative Newcomer” award. Along with 54 other Oklahoma leaders, he graduated from Leadership Oklahoma this year as part of the 19th class to graduate the program.
“It’s an honor and I am very humbled to have the opportunity to serve the people of my district for another two years and I hope to build on the successes of my first term,” Hilliard said. “I believe Oklahoma’s best days are yet to come if we do what’s right today.”
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State Rep. Wes Hilliard, D-Sulphur, was sworn in at a ceremony Thursday at the State Capitol. Hilliard represents House District 22.
Hilliard begins second term
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