Oklahoma,

We're wrapping up an incredible August work period across the state. I cannot thank you all enough for taking the time to meet with me and share what you are working on for the betterment of our communities. I was able to have another full week of meetings and conversations before Congress heads back into session next week. Check it out below. If this email was forwarded to you, you may subscribe to my weekly e-newsletter HERE. 

The automotive industry is a centerpiece in the lives of millions of Americans. As a lifelong automotive enthusiast, I was thrilled to join the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) this week at DeatschWerks in Oklahoma City. We had the chance to discuss SEMA’s advocacy for small businesses in Oklahoma like DeatschWerks and their efforts to protect the automotive industry from government overreach. Thank you to David Deatsch, Founder of DeatschWerks, and Mike Deatsch, Vice President of DeatschWerks, for having me.

Thank you to the Moore Chamber of Commerce for a great morning and productive conversation. We discussed everything from workforce development and rare earth minerals mining to the relationship between China and our ally Taiwan. Thank you to Kim Brown, President and CEO of the Moore Chamber, Jim Jennings, Chairman of the Moore Chamber Board, and to all the members who came out on Tuesday morning and made it an awesome event. The Chamber’s advocacy on behalf of Moore and its businesses does not go unnoticed.

Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) is training the next generation of air traffic controllers, operating as the second largest single site employer in Oklahoma behind Tinker Air Force Base. Training 76,000 students annually, I had the distinct privilege of meeting with MMAC leadership and touring their training center. I look forward to seeing the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) footprint continue to grow in Oklahoma. Thank you to Michelle Coppedge, Kevin O’Connor, and Kim Sheppard for your time this week.

Our law enforcement officers and firefighters represent the very best among us. I had the privilege of meeting with Moore Police Department and Moore Fire Department leadership this week. Thank you to Moore Police Chief, Todd Gibson and former President of the Oklahoma Fire Chief Association, Greg Herbster for your time and dedication to the safety and prosperity of Moore. Moore is a better, safer community because of the work you do.

The State Chamber is the leading statewide advocate for business in Oklahoma, and I had the opportunity to hear about the amazing work they are doing on behalf of their members and the Oklahoma business community. Notably, the State Chamber has been successful in streamlining workforce development and collaboration with higher education and career tech. Thank you to Chairman Kevin Gross, VP of Government Affairs, Emily Crouch, and Treasurer Rick Nagel for having me. I also want to thank the members who attended and made it such a productive event. Oklahoma is open for business!

Team Mullin had the privilege of visiting Dahlonegah School to witness the AmeriCorp Foster Grannies in action. The Foster Grandparent Program volunteers provide students with one-on-one mentorship and tutoring— teaching students the Cherokee language through immersion storytelling. Thank you to all the volunteers and to Schon Duncan, Cherokee Language Educator, for all you all do to support the next generation of Oklahomans and to keep the Cherokee language alive. 

This month has served as an important reminder of what we are fighting for in Washington. As I always say, "love the people, love the call." Oklahomans across the state are pouring into their communities -- making them the best places to live, work, and raise their families. If Washington was more like Oklahoma, we would be in much better shape. Have a great weekend.