Agricultural News
Rural Advocate Roland Pederson Reflects on First Year as a State Senator and His Pet Issues for '18
Tue, 17 Oct 2017 16:13:59 CDT
Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and P&K Equipment hosted the Ron Hays Howdy Neighbor Tour Tuesday, giving listeners a chance to meet and interact with RON Farm Director Ron Hays, and other ag industry professionals plus the opportunity to test drive and demo John Deere equipment at P&K's Enid location. During this event, Hays was able to catch up with State Senator Roland Pederson, who was in attendance. You can hear their complete conversation by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page.
Pederson has just finished his first year in the State Senate and reflected with Hays on how the experience will help him through the rest of his term. He says what has impressed him most over the last year, is the sheer volume of information a legislator must wrap their arms around in order to make the best possible decisions.
"It's been a rewarding experience and hopefully with a year under my belt, that'll help the process move forward a little quicker for me," he said. "Trying to make decisions on the information you have - and all the information you get is not necessarily exactly right. You've got to sort out what's right and do the best you can as far as your discernment and making those decisions."
Pederson is joining his fellow lawmakers at the State Capital for the special session called by Governor Mary Fallin to address the ongoing state budget crisis. Pederson says he is hearing multiple rumors on the progress of talks between lead senators working to strike a deal. But based on the information at hand, Pederson is optimistic party leaders will come to some sort of an agreement by early next week.
"I know leadership is meeting this week and I think maybe by Monday we may actually have something we can debate and maybe get something done next week," Pederson said.
Going into the 2018 regular legislative session, one issue that Pederson says he will certainly be paying close attention to, is Oklahoma's education system.
"I know the Governor challenged us to put a $2,000 pay raise in the budget," he said. "I'm not sure we're going to be able to do that. But, that's one thing I hope we address is that teacher and education situation."
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