Full Transcript for Balancing Budgets & Better Human Services Outcomes, with OK Rep. Daniel Pae

autobiography. 53 00:04:55,100 --> 00:05:00,100 And he talked about his work in the US Senate, his time as governor of Tennessee, 54 00:05:00,100 --> 00:05:07,100 and how he tried to find that common ground throughout his decades of public service. 55 00:05:07,100 --> 00:05:14,100 So that's why I always try to strive for is what exactly is a problem we're trying to address. 56 00:05:14,100 --> 00:05:19,100 And what is some really sensible solutions that we can bring to the table. 57 00:05:19,100 --> 00:05:23,100 And from there, the coalition building, the problem solving can occur. 58 00:05:23,100 --> 00:05:28,100 So that's how I've always operated even during my days at a lot in high and student council. 59 00:05:28,100 --> 00:05:34,100 I just think the fundamentals are the same, build those relationships, find those solutions, 60 00:05:34,100 --> 00:05:38,100 and then acknowledge that it will take time, it will take effort. 61 00:05:38,100 --> 00:05:44,100 There's no such thing as a perfect idea of solution, but at least we can make some progress and move the ball forward. 62 00:05:44,100 --> 00:05:54,100 Well, those leadership roles have placed you at the center of conversations many states are having right now about fiscal sustainability and service delivery. 63 00:05:54,100 --> 00:05:59,100 So as chair of human services appropriations and budget subcommittee, 64 00:05:59,100 --> 00:06:10,100 how do you approach balancing fiscal discipline with the growing demand for services across areas like child welfare, behavioral health, health care access, family support? 65 00:06:10,100 --> 00:06:21,100 Absolutely. It is definitely a challenging position to be in, and I'm thankful for speaking to Hilbert for having the trust and confidence in me to have this role in leadership. 66 00:06:21,100 --> 00:06:29,100 And so I do believe when it comes to the question of the role of government, we should invest in quality, live initiatives. 67 00:06:29,100 --> 00:06:37,100 We should invest in these types of social services that can empower individuals and families to get on a better path. 68 00:06:37,100 --> 00:06:46,100 And so I've learned a lot the past two years because of the subcommittees' purview, it is rather wide-ranging. 69 00:06:46,100 --> 00:06:55,100 So getting to meet with a lot of the kids and the families and the case workers who are on the ground every single day is very, very enlightening. 70 00:06:55,100 --> 00:07:05,100 And no doubt that we have some incredible people in Oklahoma, one of its DHS or OJA or the other agencies in this subcommittees jurisdiction. 71 00:07:05,100 --> 00:07:08,100 It's been rewarding getting to learn from them. 72 00:07:08,100 --> 00:07:30,100 Obviously there are some federal changes that are taking place and we're certainly in the midst of implementing those changes, whether it's staff and HL1 and trying to reduce our payment error rate, whatever it's on the issue of child care, with some of those federal funds transitioning away from the states. 73 00:07:30,100 --> 00:07:40,100 We've tried to tackle all those different issues. I do appreciate DHS did tap Michael Williams, he's from Connecticut. 74 00:07:40,100 --> 00:07:51,100 So he brings the national experience into the child welfare space. I think he's an excellent job of green to get a stakeholders and trying to figure out what can be done in Oklahoma based on his previous experience. 75 00:07:51,100 --> 00:08:03,100 So it's a great way to get people like him. So there's no doubt that when it comes to human services and child welfare and other issues is a lot going on. 76 00:08:03,100 --> 00:08:09,100 And so it definitely takes a team effort. That's what we're trying to do in Oklahoma. 77 00:08:09,100 --> 00:08:22,100 And we'll definitely dive into the federal piece and just a little bit too, but this kind of next question is what are some of the most significant funding pressures Oklahoma policymakers are facing today. 78 00:08:22,100 --> 00:08:28,100 And when it comes to human services programs, I imagine that federal conversation is part of those pressures. 79 00:08:28,100 --> 00:08:40,100 Absolutely. And I would also submit when it comes to properly compensating our state employees. That's a conversation we had. Not just in human services, but in state government as a whole. 80 00:08:40,100 --> 00:08:48,100 We have a tremendous number of great men and women who are dedicating their lives to public service. 81 00:08:48,100 --> 00:08:58,100 The conversation has not followed along with the cost of living and with inflation. And so I know there's been a lot of turnover, a lot of burnout. 82 00:08:58,100 --> 00:09:12,100 And so while we're not able to get a substantial pay increase, so we did pass longevity pay. So at the longer you've been working in government, you will be acknowledged and recognized for years of service. 83 00:09:12,100 --> 00:09:24,100 I'm glad we got that across the finish line, but there's no doubt that we do have to look into that more and more as well as keeping in mind the different federal changes going on. 84 00:09:24,100 --> 00:09:33,100 Yeah. I know several of our states have been grappling with the issue of pay among teachers and first responders and government workers. 85 00:09:33,100 --> 00:09:51,100 It's Oklahoma is not alone and trying to tackle that issue. Increasingly, legislatures are focused not only on funding programs, but also on measuring outcomes. So how do you evaluate whether taxpayer investments in human services are improving outcomes in Oklahoma? 86 00:09:51,100 --> 00:10:11,100 I would look to the measurements and indicators from well over a decade ago, we were placed on what's called the pinnacle plan. And so DHS had to make certain adjustments and changes, for example, to try to help kids in the foster care system, families were trying to go through the adoption system. 87 00:10:11,100 --> 00:10:23,100 And all the indicators and measurements that

I've seen were positive and it was enough for us to transition away from the pinnacle plan and to move forward in a more productive manner. 88 00:10:23,100 --> 00:10:34,100 So the state of Oklahoma for well over a decade was a part of that initiative. And because of the leadership throughout the decade and the changes that we made, one of much, much better path. 89 00:10:34,100 --> 00:10:40,100 So I would say based on those indicators, we're better off than we were a decade ago. 90 00:10:40,100 --> 00:10:57,100 And then I mean, we all want that immediate kind of reward from our work that we're doing. So how do you balance the desire for that immediate result with the reality that some human services investments may take years to demonstrate their full impact? 91 00:10:57,100 --> 00:11:12,100 That's the challenge in policy making is human nature for us to want instantaneous change immediately and as much as possible. That's just not the way that the founders intended for our government to be functioning. 92 00:11:12,100 --> 00:11:25,100 So it is very slow moving, it is very deliberative, but that was the intent of our founders when they, you know, as we celebrate in America 250, that was what they had in mind. 93 00:11:25,100 --> 00:11:39,100 So I understand folks were feeling that way, but now having been in this position for the past eight years, it does require a lot of patience and a lot of coalition building. 94 00:11:39,100 --> 00:11:57,100 But I think I would rather us take the time to draft thoughtful policy than try to rush something and have unintended consequences. So I, there are certain bills and initiatives that are taking me two, three, four years to finally get done. 95 00:11:57,100 --> 00:12:05,100 But the end result has been well worth it. And in the end, it's great policy to be local home. 96 00:12:05,100 --> 00:12:20,100 So let's dive into some of those policies that you've been able to put forward and, and, and sponsor. So last year Oklahoma enacted Dylan's law to increase awareness around epilepsy and sudden unexpected death and epilepsy. 97 00:12:20,100 --> 00:12:43,100 This session, you also sponsored HB 42 94, which would expand insurance protections and treatment access for Oklahoma and living with epilepsy. So how do you see efforts fitting together and what does this issue reveal about the broader role states can play an improving access to care for individuals managing chronic health conditions. 98 00:12:43,100 --> 00:12:52,100 And also just love to hear kind of what got you motivated and, and to, to put this bill forward and obviously it became law. 99 00:12:52,100 --> 00:13:05,100 Well, it was quite the journey when it comes to Dylan's law. And so the past several years, the, the wooden family has been advocating for this pause the issue. 100 00:13:05,100 --> 00:13:24,100 We got connected a couple years ago and I got to meet Hannah Wooden and her dad, Reggie Wooden and how Dylan, that's Hannah's brother, Reggie's son

passed away from sudden death and epilepsy and how does not, at the time, there was not a lot of data. 101 00:13:24,100 --> 00:13:48,100 There was not a lot of overall systems in place for us to tackle this issue. And so that's what became Dylan's law. And while I found out what that was that there are other states that had done different types of initiatives, whether that's looking at the death certificate and how suit up is reported on it, whether that's on the driver's license for person with epilepsy having a special designation. 102 00:13:48,100 --> 00:13:59,100 These types of provisions have been separately considered. I thought we should at least try to attempt to bring everything together in a comprehensive package and that became Dylan's law. 103 00:13:59,100 --> 00:14:09,100 There was one provision on insurance coverage that we couldn't quite get consensus. So we decided to wait until this year to advance that policy. 104 00:14:09,100 --> 00:14:22,100 So we did pass Dylan's law last year, nonetheless that still became the most comprehensive law on epilepsy in the entire country. And so in Oklahoma we have 41,000 people who lived with epilepsy. 105 00:14:22,100 --> 00:14:37,100 And personally I heard from a lot of friends and constituents who I had no idea had epilepsy but because of the bill, because of the conversation we're having, they felt comfortable sharing those stories with me and with others. 106 00:14:37,100 --> 00:14:49,100 So no matter what, I felt that was stepping the right direction. If we can de-stigmatize these types of issues as leaders in government, I think not doing all jobs. 107 00:14:49,100 --> 00:14:58,100 So we came back this year and we were able to find that consensus on the insurance coverage provision. We were able to get through the House and the Senate. 108 00:14:58,100 --> 00:15:06,100 Unfortunately the governor did veto the bill in the end and we ran out of time to override the veto. So we're going to try again next year. 109 00:15:06,100 --> 00:15:15,100 And we have a new governor no matter what after the general election. So I'm hopeful that we can get that one across the finish line in 2027. 110 00:15:15,100 --> 00:15:23,100 Yeah, great. That's part of that. You've got to sometimes it takes years to get things pushed through. So that's an example of that. 111 00:15:23,100 --> 00:15:37,100 You also sponsored HP 2012 in 2025. That's a mouthful, which extended Oklahoma's registered harm reduction programs, including needle exchange and rapid STI testing services. 112 00:15:37,100 --> 00:15:44,100 These programs have generated discussions in many states about both public health outcomes and long term costs. 113 00:15:44,100 --> 00:15:52,100 So what shaped your approach to this issue and what outcomes do you believe are most important when evaluating success? 114 00:15:52,100 --> 00:16:05,100 So when it comes to harm reduction, that idea came from a constituent. And so he'd seen other states look into the

possibility of passing a legal framework to authorize harm reduction. 115 00:16:05,100 --> 00:16:19,100 And so I was initially skeptical to be honest because on its face, what you're doing is that you're distributing needles at the same time of exchanging dirty needles. 116 00:16:19,100 --> 00:16:28,100 So there is that initial skepticism. The many colleagues also experienced when I first told them about the policy. 117 00:16:28,100 --> 00:16:37,100 But then why is thought about the impact on law enforcement and how this is a practical issue that they deal with when they're patrolling the streets. 118 00:16:37,100 --> 00:16:47,100 And if they get injured by picking up one of these needles, that's a long term consequence that's not good for them for anyone in that profession. 119 00:16:47,100 --> 00:16:58,100 So there's that component and there's also the mental health component as well where we know, especially since COVID, a lot of people are struggling with addiction. 120 00:16:58,100 --> 00:17:11,100 And the training to other substances is not good for them. Not to mention the data on spread of infectious disease like HIV and hepatitis C, especially in Oklahoma, which is totally out of control. 121 00:17:11,100 --> 00:17:21,100 This is a possible remedy that we discovered five years ago. And at the time, there was not enough support for a permanent program. 122 00:17:21,100 --> 00:17:28,100 So we essentially created a pilot program set to transition out this past year. 123 00:17:28,100 --> 00:17:34,100 And so that was what the original bill did in 2021. And that was a bipartisan coalition. 124 00:17:34,100 --> 00:17:42,100 Very much appreciate its support from public safety and medical advocacy who was talking about the issue. 125 00:17:42,100 --> 00:17:49,100 But in the end, what drew me to the policy was that this is a way to help to save lives in Oklahoma. 126 00:17:49,100 --> 00:17:56,100 And in fact, other conservative republicans say it's having a look into it because it truly is, in my view, a pro-life measure. 127 00:17:56,100 --> 00:18:17,100 And it is nuanced. I will acknowledge that part. And I think you have to acknowledge reality where if someone is struggling and they're on the streets, the easy response would be just to tell them to suck it up and to stop being an addict and get their life straight. 128 00:18:17,100 --> 00:18:27,100 But we know that life's more complicated than that, especially for a lot of these individuals. So with this home reduction idea, you're acknowledging where they're at, you're acknowledging the reality of the situation. 129 00:18:27,100 --> 00:18:39,100 And by, again, destigmatizing this issue, you can have better results in the end. You've got people not addicted in the long run, not using needles in the long run. 130 00:18:39,100 --> 00:18:53,100 And that's what the data suggested in other states and what's happening in Oklahoma as well. So what the policy is at right now is we passed the extension

in the House to continue to program in illegal framework. 131 00:18:53,100 --> 00:19:08,100 It did not advance in the Senate. So my interpretation is that these nonprofits who are offering these types of services to programs could continue, but now we're going to be in a legal gray area that how we had the extension in place. 132 00:19:08,100 --> 00:19:18,100 They've been more clarity. So I'm not sure what the game plan is moving forward. But I do know that the data is very compelling. 133 00:19:18,100 --> 00:19:27,100 What's been taking place in Oklahoma where this has led to lives being saved. People entering treatment and ultimately ending up in recovery. 134 00:19:27,100 --> 00:19:39,100 Then a lot of positive results will be what we've done. So hopefully that will be enough support to find another way to make sure these nonprofits continue those services programs. 135 00:19:39,100 --> 00:19:44,100 You got four more years to get it done. No pressure, no pressure. 136 00:19:44,100 --> 00:19:54,100 Well, you mentioned mental health. So mental health, mental health continues to be a growing challenge across states, particularly as demand for services increases. 137 00:19:54,100 --> 00:20:02,100 How do you view Oklahoma's role in strengthening behavioral health infrastructure and improving access to care? 138 00:20:02,100 --> 00:20:12,100 So those last three words, Lindsay, are the most important part of this conversation, especially keeping in mind that outside of Oklahoma City and Tulsa, much of Oklahoma is in fact rural. 139 00:20:12,100 --> 00:20:18,100 And many of these communities have challenging access to care. 140 00:20:18,100 --> 00:20:29,100 So having these behavioral health centers, having these opportunities for people to seek that treatment in the center of care, that's what's critical here. 141 00:20:29,100 --> 00:20:46,100 So certainly funding is part of that equation. I think making sure they get good people to enter the mental health profession is what we've done tremendous work when it comes to credentialing and training, once you're in college and then preparing for this profession. 142 00:20:46,100 --> 00:20:53,100 So I think we've done a lot of good work there. Now in Oklahoma, we have had some challenges with our department of mental health. 143 00:20:53,100 --> 00:21:05,100 There will be new leadership, per the new governor coming up in 2027. So I'm hopeful that whoever is appointed to that position as commissioner will keep all of this in mind. 144 00:21:05,100 --> 00:21:14,100 And we'll talk to professionals on the ground who have been struggling over the past two, three years with all the challenges that the agency has been facing. 145 00:21:14,100 --> 00:21:20,100 And we did have a debate in law and last week for the major candidates for governor. 146 00:21:20,100 --> 00:21:29,100 They each talked about this issue. So I'm hopeful that no matter who wins the general election, they will focus on mental health and left side. 147 00:21:29,100 --> 00:21:34,100 So we do have the mental health caucus. That will still continue and help with those efforts as well. 148 00:21:34,100 --> 00:21:45,100 Yeah. One thing I don't know if you realized you said as we were talking about policies, as you said, that one came from a constituent or that idea came from a family that had been working through this issue a lot. 149 00:21:45,100 --> 00:21:57,100 So it's very apparent that it is just in your DNA to listen to your constituents and to try to put forward policies that you know are good for Oklahoma, but also for your district, your constituents, things that they really care about. 150 00:21:57,100 --> 00:22:08,100 And that you dive in and you learn about them and turn those into your efforts at the Capitol. So that's really awesome to just hear and just naturally you just got to flow through that. 151 00:22:08,100 --> 00:22:15,100 So I don't even know if you heard that you do that, but it's awesome to see that baked into your DNA for sure. 152 00:22:15,100 --> 00:22:37,100 So you know many of the issues you've talked about affect children and families, which is another major area of your legislative work. So as vice chair of the Children Youth and Family Services Committee, what do you believe are the most important investment states can make today to improve long term outcomes for children and families loaded question. 153 00:22:37,100 --> 00:22:58,100 And that's the, you know, the question that we're all trying to address as a country. So certainly when it comes to our appropriation process, we have made those investments in those relevant agencies to get them the tools and resources to help kids and families all throughout Oklahoma. 154 00:22:58,100 --> 00:23:17,100 I would also submit that a lot of these policies are interconnected. So for addressing education, if we're addressing mental health, if we're addressing access to basic resources, this can help lead to a compounding effect helps everyone in the long run. 155 00:23:17,100 --> 00:23:37,100 And I think initiatives like talking about pay family leave or free school meals throughout the day, things like that where these are quality of life ideas that invest in families. 156 00:23:37,100 --> 00:24:06,100 And the ROI in the long run is very compelling. So I think we should do more that. And I do want to acknowledge efforts to have been taking place for a foster care system where there was a law passed assigned into effect for this year for any person that's aging out of foster care system to have until the age of 21 now to continue receiving the services so that we don't have a substantial gap. 157 00:24:06,100 --> 00:24:25,100 After they turn 18 and also provide them a double bag and having that sense of dignity given to them as well for basic resources. So we have made progress in Oklahoma and why reference early with the pinnacle plan that speaks to those efforts and progress that has been made. 158 00:24:25,100

--> 00:24:46,100 Obviously, it's still more work to do. And I think that's where organizations like CSG come into play where we can learn from other states and not try to reinvent the wheel. Something's working. If it's good policy, we could try to collaborate and bring those good ideas to Oklahoma and vice versa, looking at other states and what they're doing. 159 00:24:46,100 --> 00:25:05,100 Are there specific Oklahoma initiatives or forms underway that you're particularly encouraged by right now? I know you mentioned a couple just a moment ago, but is there anything else you're kind of watching new and evative or just reforms that particularly gets you excited. 160 00:25:05,100 --> 00:25:24,100 Yeah, I think the reforms that I mentioned here and then also trying to connect a lot of these students with those internships and mentorship opportunities to be successful and to learn from other professionals. 161 00:25:24,100 --> 00:25:41,100 I think if we have more of this as an investment in building those relationships where there's a young leader who doesn't know what he or she wants to do, but they can be connected with the right people and learn from them. I think that's going to help the state tremendously. 162 00:25:41,100 --> 00:25:58,100 So I will in fact be volunteering for youth in Chicago, Oklahoma here, later this month and teaching their must-eat government. So I think each of us has that opportunity and responsibility to make sure we're meant to in the next generation. 163 00:25:58,100 --> 00:26:04,100 I love that. Thank you. You give so much back to Oklahoma and your community. 164 00:26:04,100 --> 00:26:19,100 So assuming, out and kind of back to that federal lens that we were talking about earlier states often administer programs that rely on significant federal funding, including Medicaid, SNAP, behavior of health initiatives, as you mentioned earlier. 165 00:26:19,100 --> 00:26:31,100 So how are Oklahoma policymakers preparing for uncertainty surrounding future federal funding and program requirements coming from the federal government? 166 00:26:31,100 --> 00:26:43,100 Well, HL1 certainly had a substantial impact on state governments across the country and so within our committees purview, SNAP has been the main focus in priorities. 167 00:26:43,100 --> 00:26:50,100 So our payment array has been hovering around 10.87 percent the past couple of years. 168 00:26:50,100 --> 00:27:02,100 The most recent data based on changes that the HS made to the training curriculum and just getting the word out to clients on how to proceed with SNAP payments. 169 00:27:02,100 --> 00:27:17,100 That array has now been reduced substantially to around 6.1 percent give or take. So it is right near that critical threshold of below 6 percent based on the new federal law. 170 00:27:17,100 --> 00:27:25,100 And for folks who don't realize the ramifications, if we do not reduce it to below 6 percent in Oklahoma at least that that is up to 300 million more

dollars. 171 00:27:25,100 --> 00:27:32,100 We will have to supplement in our state's budget to cover the cost for SNAP. 172 00:27:32,100 --> 00:27:40,100 And so we're making tremendous progress. I think we're well on the way to complying with HL1. 173 00:27:40,100 --> 00:27:51,100 Now when it comes to Medicaid that's more complicated and I think there are conversations with our hospitals on what the direct impact is going to be. 174 00:27:51,100 --> 00:28:02,100 We talked about acts to care earlier and that is very concerned for me is that with the federal funding changes that some of these hospitals will be negatively impacted. 175 00:28:02,100 --> 00:28:10,100 As an outcome we do none of us want to see but we're preparing for that possibility just given the financial realities of the situation. 176 00:28:10,100 --> 00:28:22,100 So I know the Trump administration just released the Medicaid work requirement guidelines and is still implementing other provisions of the law. 177 00:28:22,100 --> 00:28:39,100 Now we do have upwards of $223 million with the will health transformation fund that is going to help a lot of those hospitals and trying to brainstorm innovative policy ideas when it comes to healthcare. 178 00:28:39,100 --> 00:28:59,100 We have already since COVID invested in telehealth for example. So I think with SNAP working on that with Medicaid that is one day at a time approach and looking at the states will what they're trying to grapple with. 179 00:28:59,100 --> 00:29:09,100 So I think the law will not be fully implemented until essentially in the end of this decade. So it's still time. 180 00:29:09,100 --> 00:29:17,100 It's powerful that our friends at the federal level will make sure that they're available for any health that we need. 181 00:29:17,100 --> 00:29:25,100 Our main policy plenary at SLC this year will be around Medicaid. It's such an active discussion. 182 00:29:25,100 --> 00:29:35,100 What role do UC state legislatures play playing and maintaining flexibility and responsiveness with federal policy shifts. 183 00:29:35,100 --> 00:29:39,100 I mean you've basically answered it but. 184 00:29:39,100 --> 00:29:49,100 We had that conversation in the legislature this past year we did not find that consensus but the question we were trying to address is in our state constitution. 185 00:29:49,100 --> 00:30:04,100 We have Medicaid expansion that was passed by both the people in 2020 and I think we can all get behind the idea of people getting access to care and making sure that they're properly taken care of. 186 00:30:04,100 --> 00:30:17,100 We have to reconcile that with the fiscal reality where if the federal government if Congress decides to modify the match rate between the feds and states from Medicaid. 187 00:30:17,100 --> 00:30:25,100 We would have a very challenging situation on the hands because we would be required to fill in that financial gap. 188 00:30:25,100 --> 00:30:29,100 So we were trying to address that in the legislature. 189 00:30:29,100 --> 00:30:34,100 There was still a dispute with you in the House and the Senate. I would anticipate that is you can come back next session. 190 00:30:34,100 --> 00:30:43,100 And so whether we find that the compromise agreement that remains to be seen by I know that's something that we do have to tackle as a state. 191 00:30:43,100 --> 00:30:53,100 I think all of our states are tackling it right now so that is a complex issue and you are in the thick of it. 192 00:30:53,100 --> 00:30:59,100 So these are the moments that I don't envy your roles as legislators. 193 00:30:59,100 --> 00:31:10,100 Through your work with CSG South you can also compare experiences across multiple states with your leadership on our fiscal affairs and government operations policy committee. 194 00:31:10,100 --> 00:31:22,100 What policy trends are you seeing emerge across southern states that are consistent with that intersection of human services delivery and state budgeting? 195 00:31:22,100 --> 00:31:25,100 Well, I've got my cal certificate behind me as well. 196 00:31:25,100 --> 00:31:30,100 So I had a gosh that was seven years ago now. 197 00:31:30,100 --> 00:31:38,100 That was part of that program. So I got to meet other legislators to register out the South and figure out what the challenges are. 198 00:31:38,100 --> 00:31:48,100 And I think that's a lot more to to Oklahoma and so as far as your question about the intersection and make sure that we are investing in human services. 199 00:31:48,100 --> 00:31:51,100 I think it's a it's not going conversation. 200 00:31:51,100 --> 00:32:03,100 And to be honest, there are many colleagues who will take some time to convince about the importance of these types of investments. 201 00:32:03,100 --> 00:32:09,100 So I think the foundation of questions to founding of this country is what is the proper government in each of our lives? 202 00:32:09,100 --> 00:32:18,100 And my viewpoint is that when it comes to these kids and families who are oftentimes struggling and not really knowing where to go, there is a role for government to play. 203 00:32:18,100 --> 00:32:22,100 I think there's also a role for partnership with our friends in the private sector. 204 00:32:22,100 --> 00:32:24,100 So you take a look at the issue of child care. 205 00:32:24,100 --> 00:32:31,100 There was legislation from a colleague in Tulsa, Representative Suzanne Triber. 206 00:32:31,100 --> 00:32:40,100 And she was proposing a trial share pilot program where you have a child care center, you have the local government, you have local businesses trying to fill those funding needs. 207 00:32:40,100 --> 00:32:47,100 That's an excellent example of a public private partnership that can and should be done. 208 00:32:47,100 --> 00:33:00,100 And so I hope we can have more of those types of brainstorming sessions and figure out how can we all work together for those outcomes where we're having families feel that the opportunities

there for them. 209 00:33:00,100 --> 00:33:05,100 To be economically and socially successful and empowered. 210 00:33:05,100 --> 00:33:10,100 I think that is certainly worthy of our time in government. 211 00:33:10,100 --> 00:33:13,100 And so the home would certainly be a leader in it. 212 00:33:13,100 --> 00:33:15,100 Yeah, love that. 213 00:33:15,100 --> 00:33:21,100 Before we close, I'd like to switch gears with a few rapid fire questions. 214 00:33:21,100 --> 00:33:24,100 So buckle up, I hope you're ready. 215 00:33:24,100 --> 00:33:28,100 What's one policy issue you think deserves more attention nationally? 216 00:33:28,100 --> 00:33:35,100 What we're talking about when it comes to families struggling with food insecurity. 217 00:33:35,100 --> 00:33:45,100 And when I was at OU, we were part of the original team that established OU Food Pantry almost a decade ago now. 218 00:33:45,100 --> 00:33:54,100 And it's such a basic idea right as far as being able to know where next meal is coming from and not to be hungry. 219 00:33:54,100 --> 00:34:08,100 Whether it's like going to class or going to your job, but I think that's such a foundational policy issue that if we can make investments and get that right, I think all these other issues it would help tremendously. 220 00:34:08,100 --> 00:34:09,100 All interconnected. 221 00:34:09,100 --> 00:34:15,100 What's one thing people often must misunderstand about state budgeting? 222 00:34:15,100 --> 00:34:18,100 A lot of people are surprised that we are required to have a balanced budget. 223 00:34:18,100 --> 00:34:22,100 Obviously, in Congress, that's not the case. 224 00:34:22,100 --> 00:34:28,100 But a lot of folks are surprised that we are required to constitutionally have a balanced budget. 225 00:34:28,100 --> 00:34:32,100 So no matter what happens in session, that is always guaranteed in the end. 226 00:34:32,100 --> 00:34:37,100 It might, it's a little bumping, oftentimes that's part of the, the software-making process. 227 00:34:37,100 --> 00:34:40,100 But in the end, we have to have a balanced budget. 228 00:34:40,100 --> 00:34:41,100 That's right. 229 00:34:41,100 --> 00:34:47,100 What's the most valuable lesson you've learned during your time in public service? 230 00:34:47,100 --> 00:34:52,100 This will all come to an end at some point. 231 00:34:52,100 --> 00:35:06,100 And so trying to be worried about the next election, what your leadership position is going to be, the focus should be on what can you do in the moment while you have this time to make an impact on your constituency, your state and your country. 232 00:35:06,100 --> 00:35:09,100 We're only in these positions for a finite amount of time. 233 00:35:09,100 --> 00:35:18,100 And so that's why we have to use it wisely. And not be worried about the politics of any given matter, but do you even the end what is necessary to move forward? 234 00:35:18,100 --> 00:35:19,100 So good. 235 00:35:19,100 --> 00:35:24,100 What gives you optimism about the future of state government? 236 00:35:24,100 --> 00:35:32,100 I would say, this is making me feel old now, but a lot of the young rising leader, no longer a rising leader now. 237 00:35:32,100 --> 00:35:38,100 And so a lot of the folks in high school and college, I've had eight interns. 238 00:35:38,100 --> 00:35:42,100 And they've gone to the exact same program that I went through in college. 239 00:35:42,100 --> 00:35:49,100 And it's very, very encouraging to get to know them and hear their stories and what they are wanting to do in public service. 240 00:35:49,100 --> 00:35:55,100 So almost recent interns, she's actually going to be intending for Senator Langford this summer in D.C. 241 00:35:55,100 --> 00:35:58,100 And she got the exact same scholarship I did when I was a student. 242 00:35:58,100 --> 00:36:06,100 So that's what gives me hope is that you have these young rising leaders who are interested in public service, not understanding what's going on. 243 00:36:06,100 --> 00:36:10,100 And the current national environment, they still feel hopeful and you want to get back. 244 00:36:10,100 --> 00:36:11,100 I think that's what gives me hope. 245 00:36:11,100 --> 00:36:16,100 Okay. And our final question, which is also our real state signature question. 246 00:36:16,100 --> 00:36:20,100 What is the best piece of professional advice you've ever received? 247 00:36:20,100 --> 00:36:24,100 And how does it influence the way you approach public service today? 248 00:36:24,100 --> 00:36:38,100 So my high school English teacher told me in school that if you can have a little bit of patience and a sense of humor, anything is possible in life. 249 00:36:38,100 --> 00:36:45,100 And so I think that's very true in government where, as we talked about earlier, some of these initiatives, it takes years to get through. 250 00:36:45,100 --> 00:36:51,100 And obviously these are very divisive times and tense times for the country right now. 251 00:36:51,100 --> 00:36:56,100 But I always try to find those moments of levity with colleagues, especially in those stressful moments. 252 00:36:56,100 --> 00:36:59,100 And that keeps us all together moving forward. 253 00:36:59,100 --> 00:37:10,100 So I think having patience and a sense of humor, regardless of its public service or anything in the private sector, I think that's a key leadership lesson right there. 254 00:37:10,100 --> 00:37:12,100 Every time I see you, you're always happy. 255 00:37:12,100 --> 00:37:13,100 I can attest to that. 256 00:37:13,100 --> 00:37:16,100 So you live what you speak. 257 00:37:16,100 --> 00:37:26,100 So we'll representative pay. Thank you for joining us and for sharing your perspective on the important work happening in Oklahoma at the intersection of fiscal policy and human services. 258 00:37:26,100 --> 00:37:34,100 I deeply appreciate the leadership you've provided to our policy team and your continued engagement across the Southern region. 259 00:37:34,100 --> 00:37:40,100 Oklahoma, especially House District 62 is very lucky to have you representing them. 260 00:37:40,100 --> 00:37:47,100 Well, thank you, Lindsey. Appreciate you and your team and everything you've done and it's been wonderful going to work with you guys over all these years. 261 00:37:47,100 --> 00:37:50,100 Absolutely. And I look forward to seeing you very soon. 262 00:37:50,100 --> 00:37:54,100 And to our listeners, thank you for tuning in to Real State. 263 00:37:54,100 --> 00:37:59,100 For more conversations with state leaders from across the South, visit CHGSouth.org. 264 00:37:59,100 --> 00:38:03,100 And I look forward to seeing you all at the Southern Legislative Conference this July. 265 00:38:03,100 --> 00:38:06,100 I'm Lindsey Gray. Let's keep it real. 266 00:38:06,100 --> 00:38:14,100 Thank you for joining us today on Real State, where we keep it real about what really matters. 267 00:38:15,100 --> 00:38:24,100 [MUSIC]