OKLAHOMA CITY – State Senator Joseph Silk recently received the Freshman Senator of the Year award from the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC).

“It’s an honor to be recognized by this organization for my work in state government,” said Silk, R-Broken Bow.  “I will continue to support smaller government and strive to promote liberty and our free market.” 

OCPAC called Silk a courageous leader in conservative state government, noting his outstanding work in protecting individual liberties.

OKLAHOMA CITY –   McCurtain County native, Michelle Finch-Walker is the newest Tourism and Recreation Commissioner according to State Sen. Joseph Silk, R-Broken Bow.  

 “I was honored to carry the gubernatorial nomination of Michelle Finch-Walker to the Senate,” said Silk.  “It’s clear to the entire state of Oklahoma that the southeastern corner knows what it’s doing when it comes to the tourism industry.  It’s time that we share that experience and expertise across our state.” 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Responding to recent discussion throughout the district about his stance on proposed legislation that would force school consolidation, State Senator Joseph Silk issued the following statement today:

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation requiring monthly financial reporting to school boards to provide increased transparency of financial records unanimously cleared the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday.  

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – State Sen. Dan Newberry has filed legislation to create a poultry house contractor license.  The license, issued by the Construction Industries Board (CIB), would allow for the expansion of the poultry industry in Oklahoma. 

Sen. Joseph Silk has started his next term after being officially sworn in during a special oath of office ceremony at the Capitol on Monday afternoon.  

“I am honored to be able to continue my service in the Senate on behalf the citizens of District 5,” said Silk.  “While we have many challenges ahead, we also have the opportunity to strengthen our public policies so that when our economy does rebound, Oklahoma will be ready to support that growth, which in turn will create jobs and build a better future for citizens.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman announced he has selected Paul Ziriax, the Secretary of the Senate and the State Election Board Secretary, for a second two-year term in the dual post.

Theresa Maderer of Broken Bow served as the Senate Nurse for the Day on March 1.  Maderer, who works as an EMT and RN for the Choctaw Memorial Hospital in Hugo, was hosted at the Capitol by Sen. Joseph Silk, R-Broken Bow.   

“It was an honor to have Ms. Maderer serve as the Senate Nurse of the Day,” said Silk.  “Nurses are the largest group of health care providers in the state, and it’s always a pleasure to have someone from southeastern Oklahoma represent our district at the Capitol.”

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Citing concerns over a conflict of interest, Senator Joseph Silk, R-Broken Bow, has resigned his recent appointment to the Hochatown Incorporation committee.  Silk was appointed earlier this week to the 7-person committee formed to address the annexation of Hochatown from Broken Bow.  The committee is currently discussing ways to prevent the annexation, as well as the option to incorporate Hochatown.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Joseph Silk is commending the Senate’s approval of two gubernatorial executive nominations this month.  Community members April Boatwright and Doug Brown were tapped to serve by Gov. Stitt, with Silk carrying the nominations through the confirmation process.