By Journalist Trever Friesen (OSU).
Maddy Cantrell (OU) (Left) and Cannon Mitchell (OSU) (Right) going over orders of the day.
The return to the Oklahoma State Capitol for day three of the O.I.L. session has brought nothing short of exciting times and incredible competition.
With diverse bills hitting the floor for the first time, and the fortunate few crossing both chambers, each day of the session continues to be more entertaining than the next.
Newly elected Fashion Committee Chair, and Senator Jackson Pelfrey (OSU), remains “full of pride”, marveling at his admiration for his accolades, yet further admiring those of his peers. The senate had a very successful and active day, passing a total of 7 bills and failing only 1. Grateful as any to be back in chambers, the senate remained active in all aspects of deliberation, especially that of the fashion show held at the beginning of the day.
Equally active, the House of Representatives passed a total of 8 bills and rejected their 1st of two days thus far. Returning for his second session in the house, Representative Ashton Tate (OSU) has certainly noticed the increased rate of viewed bills, quoting the house’s “much better pace this session”, although unable to determine “if that’s good or bad for most”.
The largest basis for appreciation rests on the venue. The return to the capitol has left all reenergized and excited, despite the long hours of deliberation and competition.
Unfortunately for some, quick and largely agreed-upon bills leaves those in the press “struggling to get pieces of controversy” as stated by press competitor Stephanie Landaverde (OSU). Controversy pieces or not, the general eventfulness of the day’s happenings have left the press submissions as diverse as they are fascinating.
Perhaps most anticipated as all, first-round-scored competitions for Moot began today as well. Riley Flickinger (OSU), thankful for her opportunity to move on to the next round of competition, expressed her admiration and ability to breathe a sigh of relief, “feeling very rewarded for all the hard work” she and her fellow delegates have put in.
Among the typical competition events, a Chick-fil-a catered lunch by the Young Leaders Panel kept the break at ease. Swiftly following was the Freshman Bill. Both bills featured unprecedented success, with that of Cannon Mitchell’s (OSU) passing 34-2 in the House of Representatives and Aiden Minton’s (OSU) passing unanimously.
The hump of the middle of session has now been traversed. With only two days following, anxiety, aspiration, and drowsiness cloud the minds of all. Looking onward, the anticipation of what follows overflows the chambers with light, shining brighter than the eyes of the excited newcomers themselves.