Rep. Hardin Files Resolution Against OAMC Regents

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Tommy Hardin (R-49, Madill) has filed a Concurrent Resolution in the legislature to request the Oklahoma State University Board of Regents and the Extension Service halt their current plans to reduce extension agents in Oklahoma counties until certain information is submitted to state officials.

HCR1003, filed Wednesday, requests that the Board of Regents for Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges cease the reduction of Extension Service agents of the Cooperative Extension Program until the Board and OSU has provided sufficient information to the Governor, House Speaker, Senate President Pro Tempore and the Secretary of Agriculture.

The Board of Regents acts as the Governing Board for several of the state’s higher education outlets including Connors State College, Langston University, Northeast Oklahoma A&M College, Oklahoma Panhandle State University and the five-campus Oklahoma State university system

“The Oklahoma Constitution prohibits the Legislature from telling the Board of Regents where to spend the money appropriated each year,” Hardin said. “County extension programs are valuable services to their communities and a huge economic boost that is difficult to measure. Extension service is an investment in our children’s future and a valuable resource for our farmers and ranchers with a large economic impact on our state.”

Sen. Frank Simpson (R-14, Ardmore) is carrying HCR1003 in the Senate.

“Cooperative Extension Service agents provide a vital service in forwarding research to support and grow our state’s agriculture industry,” said Simpson.

State Sen. David Bullard (R-6, Durant) and State Rep. David Hardin (R-86, Stilwell) have signed on as the resolution’s co-authors.

The full text of HCR1003 can be read here: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2019-20%20FLR/HFLR/HCR1003%20HFLR.PDF