Rep. Jim Grego is fronting the effort to keep the Oklahoma Veterans Center currently located in Talihina from leaving. House Bill 1149 would stop the process of moving the center to Sallisaw over the next few years. The House Rules Committee gave its approval on Tuesday.
“I’m thankful to each of the committee members who voted in support of this bill,” Grego said. “Hopefully we can get this measure heard on the House floor.
Grego has his supporters which include Rep. Chris Kannady.
“Representative Grego and I are continuing conversations regarding the future of the Talihina Veterans Center and how our state can best serve our veterans while ensuring rural Oklahoma has access to good jobs. Representative Grego is a strong leader for District 17, including my family and my hometown, and I appreciate his willingness to address difficult issues.”
Grego is in negotiations with HB 1149. The Oklahoma Veterans Commission and the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs announced the center would be moved last year. The Legislature had passed a law which enabled the move.
“This issue is of extreme importance to our veterans and to all of us in Southeast Oklahoma,” Grego said.
