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Harris, Bowe, Carter.
It's been a fun and exciting week here at the Capitol. This week, we started considering the Senate's 279 bills, beginning with hearing measures in our House committees before they advance to the floor. I serve on the A&B Education Subcommittee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Judiciary—Civil Committee, and Transportation Committee.
We'll have until April 8 to advance bills from our Appropriations & Budget subcommittees, until April 12 to pass them in regular standing committees, and until April 19 to pass them in our full A&B Committee. April 25 is the third-reading deadline for bills from the opposite chamber.
Recently, we held a joint legislative session of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate to recognize Oklahoma's veterans at the Oklahoma State Capitol. This was a personal moment for me, as my grandfather was a veteran of the Korean War. He served his country with pride, just like so many others have. It is important to show appreciation and support for our veterans and thank them for their service.
The Legislative Showmanship was held at the Oklahoma Youth Expo two weeks ago. Legislators from every corner of the state joined Oklahoma's future farmers and ranchers for the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the world's largest junior livestock show. It was an excellent opportunity to meet with the future agriculture industry leaders.
This annual event hosts over 7,000 FFA and 4-H members and more than 13,000 heads of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and ag mechanics. OYE awards nearly $2 million to exhibitors and more than $300,000 in academic scholarships. It has a $25 million economic impact on the Oklahoma City economy.
I want to thank Aubrie Bowe, a part of the Edmond FFA, for coaching me and allowing me to show her goat. We even had a helper, my six-year-old nephew Carter Harris. Agriculture education programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America create opportunities for Oklahoma's youth to build life skills and grow students into dedicated, committed young adults who appreciate the value of hard work and determination.
Lastly, I hosted my first page this week, Garrison Farr, a Deer Creek High School senior. Garrison plans to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall and major in accounting. He was a pleasure to have at the Oklahoma Capitol this week; he was even a leader in the mock session, where he presented a bill.
It has been a busy couple of weeks, and I hope everyone enjoys spending time with their loved ones over the Easter weekend.
I am thankful and honored that the constituents of House District 39 have entrusted me with the responsibility of serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any concerns at 405-557-7342 or erick.harris@okhouse.gov.