A RECAP OF THE OPENING OF THE 1st SESSION OF THE 54th LEGISLATURE
By Journalist Destiny A. Murphy (ORU)
It has been exactly 227 days since the last Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature met for proceedings. With opening orientation and introductory meetings commencing today, November 16th, feelings of anticipation swarmed the room as scores of delegates gathered to receive marching orders for The House, The Senate, Model United Nations Competition and The Press Corp Competition.
The day began at roughly 3:00 p.m. CST, where OIL Journalists met for a press briefing with Press Secretary, Catherine Hensley along with her executive team for introductions, to discuss ground rules and cover necessary articles and topics. OIL Journalists were given the opportunity to pose questions, commentaries, and concerns, and meet and greet their fellow competitors. Following The Press Briefing, 0 star delegates were required to meet at 4:00 p.m. CST to receive foundational guidelines regarding OIL. They were made aware of the required dress codes, meeting locations and times and were introduced to government branches along with Freshman Liaisons.
After the culmination of the opening session, delegates dispersed to gather at The Oklahoma Capitol Building where Senate and House Orientations ensued. Immediately after, both the House and the Senate would combine for a joint session in which separate rolls would be taken resulting in two absences from The House and 5 absences from the Senate. During this time, Lieutenant Governor Minter also opened the floor for Cow Jokes. What could easily be perceived as a nerve-wracking experience, quickly became a light-hearted moment for the
delegates. Additionally, within the Joint Session, delegates also received greetings from OIL Governor Emmett Thompson who encouraged delegates to “have the courage to be active and present,” noting that he was very timid during his first session and had little participation in the process. Delegates also received remarks from Former State Legislator and former OIL Delegate, Mr. Joe Dorman who pointed delegates to the perks of being a part of The Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature and encouraged them to embrace such an opportunity. Once Joint Session was adjourned, Senate delegates were off to the Capitol’s cafeteria for committee meetings while House delegates remained in the conference room to determine which bills would be heard in the House or in the Senate. Once committee meetings had come to a close, delegates exited Oklahoma’s Capitol with great anticipation for what the remainder of the week will bring as new bills are rolled out in the House and the Senate.