From staff reports ALTUS – Sen. Brent Howard (R-Altus) and Rep. Gerrid Kendrix (R-Altus) are expected to speak June 12 at a legislative luncheon at Western Oklahoma State College’s Pioneer Heritage Center. The event is hosted by Altus Chamber of Commerce and Altus Kiwanis Club.
Sen. Howard, an Altus attorney and fifth-generation Oklahoman raised in the southwest region, was elected to the Senate in 2018. He is Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Vice Chair of the Senate Public Safety and Judiciary, Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations Subcommittee. Howard also serves on committees for Appropriations, Revenue and Taxation, Rules, Veteran and Military Affairs, as well as the joint committees on Pandemic Relief Funding and Pandemic Relief Funding - Government Transformation and Collaboration Working Group, his Senate webpage states.
Rep. Kendrix, a CPA who has represented House District 52 since 2021, brings a combination of legislative experience and local roots. A third-generation resident of Altus, Kendrix is known for his work on economic modernization, budget transparency and regulatory reform. He currently serves as Assistant Majority Floor Leader and is Chair of the House Administrative Rules Committee and sits on several key budget and finance-related panels.
During the Legislative Luncheon, Howard and Kendrix are expected to recap the 2025 Legislative Session, offering insight into bills passed, initiatives underway, and how new state-level policies are likely to affect southwest Oklahoma. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session, giving citizens and business owners direct access to their elected representative, according to an Altus Chamber of Commerce news release.
The lawmakers’ remarks may include workforce development programs, rural health care access, and infrastructure investments, all of which remain pressing concerns for the region, the news release stated. Both are advocates for simplifying government processes and reducing red tape for small businesses—an issue of particular relevance in Jackson County, where agriculture and independent entrepreneurship remain economic cornerstones.
Altus’ Legislative Luncheon offers a front-row seat to the policymaking process that shapes life in southwest Oklahoma.
It is open to all residents of Altus and surrounding towns, including Duke, Blair, Olustee and Hollis.
Western Oklahoma State College’s Pioneer Heritage Center is located at 2801 N. Main St. in Altus.
The event begins at noon. Attendees should arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior. Admission is $10 per per son and will be collected at the door. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at www.altuschamber. com or by calling (580) 482-0210.