Representative Rick West

R

District 3

Hi, I'm Rick West and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 3rd District.


representative

News & Announcements

Jun 14, 2024
Recent Posts

Representatives Commend Governor's Line-Item Veto of Education Budget Limits Bill

A group of legislators on Friday praised the governor's line-item veto of Sections 15 and 16 of Senate Bill 1122, which would have placed spending limits on the State Department of Education (SDE) for its Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which goes into effect July 1. The statement is issued by Reps. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid; Chris Banning, R-Bixby; Sherrie Conley, R-Newcastle; Rusty Cornwell, R-Vinita; Denise Crosswhite Hader, R-Piedmont; David Hardin, R-Stilwell; JJ Humphrey, R-Lane; Tom Gann, R-Inola; Jim Grego, R-Wilburton; Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa; Mark Lepak, R-Claremore; Cody Maynard, R-Durant; Jim Olsen, R-Roland; Clay Staires, R-Skiatook; Kevin West, R-Moore; and Rick West, R-Heavener. "We'd like to thank Governor Stitt for his thoughtful line-item veto of Sections 15 and 16 of Senate Bill 1122," they said. "These portions of the bill would have done nothing to improve the education of Oklahoma students and instead would have significantly damaged the Department of Education's ability to carry out its mission." The lawmakers said Section 15 of SB1122 would have required SDE to apply for every federal grant, while Section 16 would have included provisions that forbid SDE from using any money to secure media interviews or public relations, or for other public promotional purposes. The group noted that no other agency is subject to these restrictions. State agencies are granted the autonomy to decide which grants to apply for and almost every state agency spends money to communicate to the public about particular programs or services offered. Section 16 would have singled out and severely limited SDE in this function. The lawmakers spoke about the Teacher of the Year program, teacher recruitment efforts, certain financial disclosures, and other public relations messages that would have been hampered should this measure have been signed into law. On Friday afternoon, the governor issued Executive Order 2024-12, which prohibits all state agencies, rather than inequitably highlighting a specific agency, from entering into sole source contracts with public relations, marketing, or communications firms and vendors, as well as requires all PR vendors be procured through a 30-day request for proposal.

Jun 6, 2024
Recent Posts

Rep. Rick West Comments on Governor Signing Protection from WHO Mandates

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, on Thursday commended the governor for approving legislation that protects Oklahomans from being compelled to follow vaccine, mask or other health mandates imposed by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN) or the World Economic Forum (WEF). West is the House author of Senate Bill 426, which the governor signed into law Wednesday. "The Biden Administration has proven ready and willing to accept mandates proposed by these non-elected global organizations that would severely limit the personal liberties of all Oklahomans and Americans," West said. "I'm glad the majority of our legislative members stood together and said no to this intrusion." West said the act became necessary after Biden administration officials expressed support of the creation of a new pandemic treaty to reform International Health Regulations, overseen by the WHO, and potentially enforced by the UN, with sanctions possible by the WEF. He said he had overwhelming constituent support for the measure. Sen. George Burns is the principal author of the measure. “I am pleased to see Senate Bill 426 signed into law,” Burns said. “This legislation stands as a testament to our commitment to protecting the rights and liberties of Oklahomans. By prohibiting the enforcement of mandates and recommendations from the World Health Organization, the United Nations, or the World Economic Forum, we ensure that the decisions affecting our residents are made by their elected representatives and local authorities. I am grateful to Governor Stitt for his support and to my colleagues in the Legislature for their dedication to safeguarding our state's sovereignty.” SB 426 establishes that the WHO, the UN and the WEF have no jurisdiction in this state or its political subdivisions. Neither shall the state or its subdivisions be compelled to engage in the enforcement of, or any collaboration with the enforcement of, any requirements or mandates from these global entities. The legislation further states that any requirements or mandates issued by the WHO, the UN, or the WEF shall not be used to direct or otherwise impose any requirements, including those for masks, vaccines or medical testing. The measure also prohibits the gathering by these organizations of any public or private information about the state’s citizens or residents. The act is now effective. 

Apr 19, 2024
Recent Posts

Gov. Signs Bill to Protect Privacy of Homemade Food Producers

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday signed into law legislation that amends the Homemade Food Freedom Act to protect the private information of producers. House Bill 2975, authored by Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, and Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, will allow producers of homemade food products to obtain a registration number to affix to their product labels instead of the current requirement that they list their name, phone number and the physical address where the food is produced on all products sold. The $15 registration fee is voluntary. "This is for the safety of the people that make food for sale in their homes," West said. "The government should have record of a producer's personal information in case there needs to be some recourse for a product sold, but the general public does not need a seller's private phone number or physical address. This also should help cut down on identity theft or fraud." West said the idea for the legislation came from a constituent that makes and sells homemade food products at local outlets such as farmers markets and area stores. Homemade food products for sale or distribution must still adhere to a list of safety guidelines. The product label must still list ingredients, including common allergens, as well as notice that they were produced in a private residence that is exempt from government licensing and inspection. The act takes effect Nov. 1.