By Journalist Teyte Holcomb (OSU).
It is the first day of the second session of the 54th Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, and numbers are growing.
The day began with excited first-timers and seasoned professionals gathering for the opening session. During the opening session, OIL delegates heard from Speaker of the House, Riley Pritzlaff, as well as other House leadership about the events that will take place for the week.
While in session, it was clear that the number of delegates has seen quite the uptick in numbers. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, OIL membership and participation has seen a decline compared to previous years. But this year is different. Speaker of the House Riley Pritzlaff said he is hopeful about the future of OIL.
“I am super excited,” Pritzlaff said. “Numbers dropped during COVID, so it’s really exciting to see a whole group of freshmen who are ready to take this organization forward into the future.”
After the opening session, members from each delegation broke off into legislative committee meetings, where delegates were able to discuss their bills at length. This time allowed for other delegates to search for clerical errors that could be changed as well as a way to better network with the rest of their body.
As the opening session came to a close, a press conference was held for nominees running for positions in the House, Senate as well as Governor.
Amanda McCumber (OU) and Evan Shaw (TU) both answered questions playing to their strengths as potential OIL Governor. McCumber (OU) said that one of the things that has prepared her the most to lead as Governor is holding the title of secretary of state.
“I’ve had a lot of positions in the House and the OU delegation,” McCumber said. “Being Jade’s wonderful deputy and under Martin as well, I was able to see the inner workings which helped me get a bigger understanding of how OIL as a group works.”
Shaw (TU) said his time in OIL has helped him be the best possible Governor candidate he can be.
“I have an intimate understanding of how delegations are run,” Shaw said. “My experiences throughout these processes has really brought me to this moment where I understand our mission, I understand our exec and I understand what every level needs from our Governor.”
The first full day of session begins tomorrow morning, and there is quite the to-do list for OIL delegates, new and veteran, to accomplish in the coming days.