The House and Senate Veterans’ Caucus held its first meeting for the 2019 legislative session February 7. Rep. Jay Steagall from the House of Representatives, and Sen. Paul Rosino from the State Senate are chairs of the caucus for the 57th Legislature. “I’m proud to stand with the men and women in our state Legislature…
State Senator Adam Pugh led the first meeting of the newly formed Aerospace Caucus at the state Capitol last week. The bipartisan, bicameral group was attended by over 40 legislators, as well as officials from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, the Department of Commerce, Tinker Air Force Base and private sector aerospace companies. Pugh, R-Edmond, said…
From January 30 to February 5, Oklahoma health officials reported 118 confirmed cases of the flu in the state. One death was recorded in that time period. There have been 24 deaths attributed to the flu statewide since September 1. The number of hospitalizations from September 1 to February 5 is 556. In Tulsa County,…
Oklahoma monthly tax revenues, while continuing to grow, are beginning to reflect the economic impact of lower energy prices, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced today. Gross production taxes on crude oil and natural gas in January are from oil field production during November, when crude oil prices fell throughout the month. Those receipts, at just…
State Sen. Nathan Dahm wants Oklahoma law to conform to the 2nd Amendment rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. Dahn has introduced Senate Bill 12, which would amend state law to allow anyone 21 or older to carry a firearm, concealed or unconcealed, loaded or unloaded – with few exceptions. It doesn’t change the status…
Freshman legislator Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, has authored House Bill 1957 that would dramatically increase the minimum salaries for public school teachers in the state. Provenzano is a former administrator at Washington, Hale and Bixby high schools. If passed, the new pay minimums would take effect for the 2020-2021 school year for certified personnel (teachers…
Gov. Kevin Stitt has issued four new executive orders that focus on increasing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in state government. “My commitment is to get to the bottom of every dollar spent by state government and ensure every hard-earned tax dollar matches the mission and values of Oklahomans,” said Stitt. “These executive orders will help…
Following the discovery of a $30 million slush fund at the state Department of Health last year, a multi-county grand jury made 7 recommendations to prevent financial deceit by state agencies. Sen. Paul Scott has authored legislation to implement one of those recommendations by punishing state employees who hide public funds under their control. Senate…
Legislation has been filed to bring Oklahoma’s poultry laws in line with U.S. Department of Agriculture standards. Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee, authored Senate Bill 995 to provide small farm exemptions from the Poultry Products Inspection Act, if the small farm abides by certain sanitary standards and only processes their own poultry. Sharp said if the…
Gov. Kevin Stitt has hired Mark Gower as the Director of the Department of Oklahoma Emergency Management (OEM). “Mark Gower has been dedicated to the safety and security of Oklahomans his entire career,” said Gov. Stitt. “His expertise is well suited to guide the Department of Emergency Management, and I look forward to working with…