Advocates watching as Oklahoma bills could make a difference for children
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Child and student advocates are watching Oklahoma lawmakers closely as the 2022 legislative session begins and bills are up for consideration that could make a difference for children.
Joe Dorman, CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy,helped coordinate a virtual learning lab for lawmakers and advocates this week. The four-day workshop connected Oklahomans across political lines to focus on children and their needs.
"A way to connect the advocates with those lawmakers and for those advocates to understand these are just people too," Dorman said. "And they want to hear from you about ideas."
OICA mapped out goals for the legislative session in October, giving lawmakers a chance to develop and file bills under those categories.
"Four different areas of interest covering the broad base of mental health and physical health, economic stability, access to broadband and technology," said Dorman.
There are several bills Dorman and his team are following that could help children through the pandemic. One is SB 1314, a reimbursement for medical providers who screen children and adults for trauma or adverse childhood experiences.
"To help us get a better idea of where we're at with childhood trauma and then the pediatrician can make a referral if there is some type of health issue that might be brought on from this trauma," Dorman said. "Then also to talk with those caregivers and make sure that they understand the emotional and physical impact of trauma with children."
Dorman said lawmakers are on the right track with some pandemic-related issues, like expanding student counseling online while children primarily worked from home. Dorman finds there are still issues with the set up though.
"When we started the pandemic, we were looking at about 25% of Oklahoma children who did not have access to quality internet," he said. "When they shifted to an all-virtual learning system that really set them back."
"These are things that we have to be aware of as we're going through the process," said Dorman.
Better access to technology for rural Oklahoma students is another item on their list of goals for the session.
"Also in our urban communities, we have families who can't afford or don't have access to that," saidJJ Burnam, Co-Founder of Tulsa Parent Legislative Action Committee.
TPLAC is focusing on school safety and ensuring public education remains accessible to everyone. Burnam said they do have concerns over some bills though.
Burnam said their biggest concern is something that affects more than just schools.
"We think it's so important that every parent and every advocate votes in every election," he said. "We are concerned that voting remains accessible and open to all citizens of Oklahoma."
He said more parents getting involved in the education system and legislative process can lead to bigger change.
"I think if you're civil, respectful, and constructive, you really have a chance at making a difference," he said.