Three legislators received Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Meritorious Service award Feb. 21 during the farm organization’s annual leadership conference in Oklahoma City.
The Meritorious Service award is presented to legislators who have a strong voting record for Farm Bureau issues and show support for rural and agricultural issues. The awards are based on a county Farm Bureau’s nomination and evaluation of the lawmaker’s adherence to the values and issues important to rural Oklahoma.
Receiving the award were Representatives Leslie Osborn, Tuttle, and Steve Kouplen, Beggs, and Senator Brian Crain, Tulsa.
Rep. Osborn was instrumental in helping Farm Bureau and other rural groups defeat State Question 744, which could have increased property taxes. She is Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Vice Chairman of the Appropriations and Budget Natural Resources and Regulatory Services Committee. She also serves on the Agriculture, Wildlife and Environment Committee and Economic Development, Tourism and Financial Services Committee. Osborn was nominated by Grady County Farm Bureau.
Former OFB President and current legislator Kouplen has a long history of strong support for agricultural and rural issues. Kouplen served 8 years as OFB President prior to his service as an elected official. Kouplen is Assistant Minority Floor Leader and Vice Chairman of the Higher Education and Career Technology Committee. He also serves on the Agriculture, Wildlife and Environment Committee, Energy and Utility Regulations Committee and Transportation Committee. Kouplen was nominated by Okmulgee County Farm Bureau.
Sen. Crain authored the Death Warranty Deed bill, strongly supported by Farm Bureau. He is Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee and serves on the Appropriations Committee and Judiciary Committee. He is also a member of the subcommittee on Natural Resources. Tulsa County Farm Bureau nominated Crain.
“All three of these lawmakers have worked tirelessly on behalf of Oklahoma agriculture and deserve our full support,” said Mike Spradling, OFB President.
