Most political pundits were perplexed, but not necessarily surprised when Kendra Horn won Congressional District 5 in Central Oklahoma. In a “wave” election year you will see some seats that were not supposed to be competitive or even close, flip parties due to national and local indicators. The question is, can Kendra Horn carve a moderate path with a more and more liberal Democrat party?

We saw on the NBC Affiliate in Oklahoma City this past weekend, KFOR, the political show “Flashpoint” where Horn was pressed by former GOP Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, now a host on the show, regarding her first vote in Congress for Nancy Pelosi.  Time and time again, it seems as if Congresswoman Horn is just not comfortable with that vote and with time it becomes harder and harder for her to explain back home in Oklahoma.

Take that awkward exchange and balance its substance to earlier this August recess when, after pressure from social media ads deployed by the Consumer Coalition of Oklahoma (a Pro-Stitt C4),  Horn signed a letter with other swing-district Democrats across the country asking Pelosi to put USMCA on the floor for a vote.

Immigration, Green New Deal, Defense spending, and a myriad of other issues continue to put Horn in a perpetual game of Ping-Pong from appeasing the Speaker of the House to appealing with her GOP-leaning constituents. We haven’t really even gotten into the Democrat Presidential primaries… Would Horn support a nominee who wants to get rid of fossil fuels? That would be crushing to her re-election chances in Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry heavy 5^th district.

BIG QUESTION: Can Horn survive her continual game of Ping-Pong or will she get spiked trying to be everyone’s friend?

GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, NAMES COMMERCE DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Oklahoma City, Okla. (Jan. 3, 2019) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Sean Kouplen as the next Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development, a cabinet position that will require Senate confirmation, and the hiring of Brent Kisling as the next executive director of the Department of Commerce.

“Sean Kouplen is a proven business leader and entrepreneur, full of vision, energy and passion for seeing our state thrive and achieve Top Ten status. His reputation and network, both in the state and nationwide, will help propel Oklahoma forward to achieve a robust recruitment agenda,” said Stitt. “Brent Kisling will provide a dynamic partnership with Kouplen, bringing a successful record of developing rural economies, crafting and executing major infrastructure projects and recruiting new job creators to our state. With their leadership, the Department of Commerce will play an integral role in Oklahoma’s Turnaround as the agency’s mission will focus on growing our state and diversify Oklahoma’s economy.”

Upon confirmation, Sean Kouplen will serve on the governor’s cabinet in an unpaid capacity, casting vision for the Commerce Department and playing a strategic leadership role in recruiting business growth and in the developmentof Oklahoma’s workforce.

Kouplen will also continue his role as Chairman and CEO of Regent Bank in Tulsa. Under Kouplen’s leadership, the bank has grown in size from $72 million to almost $600 million in assets since 2008. Kouplen has been named Central U.S. Community Banker of the Year, Oklahoma Small Business Financial Champion, one of Journal Record’s Most Admired CEO’s, Citizen of the Year in Bixby, Top National Young Alumni by his fraternity, and Top 100 MBA of the Century by Oklahoma State University (OSU).  Kouplen has held numerous local and statewide leadership positions and currently serves on the Board of Directors for MetaFund, Hillcrest South Hospital, OSU Foundation, SouthPoint Church and is a member of Young President’s Organization and Oklahoma Bankers Association. Kouplen holds B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from OSU.

“I am excited to work with the outstanding professionals in the Department of Commerce to grow Oklahoma’s economy. Our goals are to aggressively target businesses to expand in Oklahoma and educate all Oklahoma business and community leaders about our excellent economic and community development programs,” said Kouplen. “As a business owner and CEO, I bring a very pragmatic, strategic approach to the position. We will target those businesses, inside and outside the state of Oklahoma, who are most likely to expand here. We will also work hard to tell our story to fellow Oklahomans.  Our state has many remarkable business success stories and we want to highlight those and inspire the next generation of Oklahomans to stay right here and do great things.”

As Executive Director, Brent Kisling will oversee the operations of the Department of Commerce and will report to the secretary of commerce. Kisling is currently the executive director of Enid Regional Development Alliance where he is has worked since March 2009. Previously, Kisling served 8 years as the State Director for the USDA Rural Development in Oklahoma, an appointed position under the George W. Bush Administration. From 2001 to 2009, he oversaw the rural housing, utilities, and business programs statewide. Kisling has also served as the Chair of Leadership Oklahoma, the Governor’s Economic Development Marketing Team, the Oklahoma Economic Development Council, the Career Tech Foundation Board, and the OSU Ag Alumni Board.  In 2008, he was named one of the Top 40 Achievers Under 40 in Oklahoma by The Journal Record. Kisling is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and a resident of Enid where he is raising his two children with his wife, Jennifer.

“Brent will do an amazing job as Executive Director,” said Kouplen. “He is a very well-respected leader and economic development professional in our state. Brent will direct the Department of Commerce on a day-to-day basis while I will provide strategic support and focus my time on telling Oklahoma’s story and actively recruiting new business.  We will function together much like a Chairman and CEO in a business setting.”

“Sean and I have been friends for many years and I am thrilled to be working with him to help create an environment for businesses to grow in our state,” said Kisling. “Our vision for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce is to aggressively work with our state’s legacy companies to add jobs and investment and to actively pursue new industries to locate here.  We will work closely with local communities by providing creativity, support, and incentives to help them prosper.  Our job is to tell the world about Oklahoma’s many competitive advantages including our strong quality of life, low cost of doing business, low tax burden and excellent workforce.”

The following are quotes of support for the appointment of Sean Kouplen:

“Governor-elect Stitt has made an excellent choice in selecting Sean Kouplen as his Secretary of Commerce.  Sean is a creative and innovative leader.  Not only has he led his bank to dramatic growth, but he is also a devoted family man and serves his community in many capacities.  Sean will lead the way in developing new economic opportunities for Oklahoma and will provide wise counsel on the Governor’s cabinet.” 

– President Burns Hargis, president of Oklahoma State University

“Sean Kouplen has been a close friend for many years and he is a person with tremendous integrity, energy and business acumen. He is a selfless community leader who has built one of the country’s top community banking organizations. His creativity and drive will undoubtedly propel Oklahoma into a top economic growth state.”

– Jim Bridenstine, administrator of NASA and former U.S. Representative from Oklahoma

“Gov.-elect Stitt’s cabinet selection of Sean Kouplen as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Commerce shows he is working diligently to select proven leaders in business. In addition to being a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Sean is passionate about Native American issues and I know he will strengthen our Nation’s partnership with the State of Oklahoma. We look forward to working with him in his new role and with Gov.-elect Stitt to grow our economy together.” – Principal Chief James Floyd of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation

“I have worked with Sean Kouplen for several years and know him to be a tremendous supporter of this Hispanic business community. His company actually won a top award this year for their tremendous support of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and our partner businesses. We are looking forward to working closely with Kouplen in his new role as Secretary of Commerce to expand existing Hispanic-owned businesses and attract new ones to our state.” – James E. Sanchez, chairman of Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

“Sean Kouplen is an outstanding business and community leader who cares deeply about our state.  Over the last ten years, he has built a tremendous company known for its nation-leading growth and amazing corporate culture.  Faith is a very important part of Sean’s life and he treats everyone he encounters with respect.  He will undoubtedly do an excellent job as Secretary of Commerce and I can’t think of anyone better to lead us toward top 10 economic growth.”

— Piyush Patel, author of Lead Your Tribe, Love Your Work and Angel Investor, founder of Digital-Tutors

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Sean Kouplen for over ten years, and in that time have watched him be a man of integrity in business, a wonderful father, and a strong leader in his church. As Secretary of Commerce, he will bring not only his knowledge of business, but also the knowledge that it is people and relationships that are the true key to success in any endeavor. The tools he will bring with him to this role will position the Department of Commerce and our state to be the best possible in the country. Our businesses will thrive and those looking to start a business or relocate will notice and want to tap into what we have.” 

– Krystal Crockett, president/CEO of Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce

“Much of Oklahoma’s economy originates in rural communities across the state. It is heartening to have a person like Sean Kouplen named to lead economic development efforts, knowing that he brings great insights from his work in serving rural residents, businesses, farms, ranches and community organizations.  With his background in agricultural economics and his demonstrated acumen in leadership, Sean is well suited to ensure that all of Oklahoma’s economy grows and thrives.”

– Thomas Coon, vice president of agricultural programs at Oklahoma State University

###

TULSA REGIONAL CHAMBER ENDORSES SQ 793 TO BRING MORE AFFORDABLE AND CONVENIENT VISION CARE TO OKLAHOMA

The Organization Representing More Than 2,500 Members In Tulsa-Area Business Community Announces Support For Allowing Vision Care In Retail Settings In Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 31, 2018) — The Tulsa Regional Chamber, which includes more than 2,500 business owners throughout northeast Oklahoma, announced today its endorsement of State Question 793, which will increase competition in the state’s vision care marketplace and allow Oklahomans to access affordable, convenient and high-quality vision care and eyewear at retail locations such as Walmart and Target.

“The Tulsa Regional Chamber’s Board of Directors supports SQ 793 because it gives Oklahomans greater access to affordable vision care,” Tulsa Regional Chamber Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Elizabeth Osburn said. “Our state’s economy depends on a healthy workforce and access to affordable, quality care has been a priority of the Chamber-led OneVoice regional legislative coalition for several years. If approved by voters, SQ 793 will modernize state policies and keep Oklahoma competitive with surrounding states.”

The Tulsa Regional Chamber is the principal business-driven leadership organization dedicated to improving the quality of community life through the development of regional economic prosperity in the greater Tulsa area.

“We are thrilled to have the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s support of SQ 793 as we approach Election Day,” Yes on 793 Chairman Tim Tippit said. “Passing SQ 793 will benefit businesses of all sizes in Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma by improving opportunities for thousands of qualified optometrists to practice in retail settings in our state and creating jobs for our local businesses. By increasing competition in our vision care marketplace, we can bring down the prices of glasses and eye exams for all Oklahoma families.”

Current optometry laws prevent Oklahomans from receiving eye exams or purchasing eyewear at retail settings in their neighborhoods — one of just three states nationwide with these types of restrictions. SQ 793 would expand access to affordable, convenient vision care by allowing optometrists to practice in retail settings such as Walmart or Target.

###

About Yes on 793
Yes on 793 is a coalition of retailers, patients, health professionals and free-market advocates who believe in common sense reform to Oklahoma’s eye care laws. Patients in Oklahoma deserve greater access to vision care while opportunities increase for small businesses and communities.

The burden of excessive occupational licensing in Oklahoma is unfair to both workers and employees. In the 1950’s, only 1 in 20 workers in the United States was required to obtain licensure. Today, that number is nearly one in three.

A 2015 White House study on Occupational licensing found that “Overall, the empirical research does not find large improvements in quality, or health and safety from more stringent licensing. In fact, in only two out of 12 studies, was greater licensing associated with quality improvements.”

Most Oklahomans assume an occupational license reflects a certain level of training, education and consumer protection.  In many cases, that is accurate. However, in too many cases, it is not.

The young ladies at the make-up counter at the mall need a license to sell lipstick and other beauty products. The make-up demonstrator cannot fill out the paperwork online, or make a payment online, or even make a payment over the phone.  So, if a young lady gets a job at the make-up counter on Friday and is asked to start work on Monday with her license in hand, and she lives in Guymon, she must make a 10-hour round trip to the Cosmetology Board on 23rd and Penn to obtain her license to work.

What does the state give the make-up demonstrator in exchange for the license?  Nothing – no training and no education on health and safety. The license is nothing more than a means to generate revenue for the state.

Occupational licenses should exist only to reflect a level of training, education and consumer protection. For certain workers, such as nurses and electricians, occupational licensing is necessary and justified. For other workers such as sports announcers and bunk bed salesmen, occupational licensing is nothing more than a labor tax, and diminishes the credibility of occupations based on legitimate education and training.

Licenses should not be required unless we can prove that licensing makes workers fundamentally better. Frivolous licensing is a barrier for people to find jobs, and a barrier for people to raise themselves out of poverty.

As Labor Commissioner, I will recommend adopting the following 3 guidelines to scrutinize every occupational license in Oklahoma as recommended by the Reason Foundation in a February 2016 report:

1. Are there well-documented and consistent complaints from and harm to, consumers from unlicensed providers?

2. Is there a less restrictive option than licensing that would rein in bad practices?

3. Are there other states that don’t license this occupation and yet don’t have consumer problems?

For those occupations we deem necessary for licensing, we must streamline the process into the 21st Century. Requiring a license is already a burden on private sector workers and small businesses so making the acquisition of those licenses cumbersome or difficult is inexcusable.

Businesses and employees should be able to use modern technology, go to one place on the internet, fill out paperwork once, and have access to technology that farms their applications to the designated department or agency.  Let’s lift the burden on the employer and the worker with common sense efficiency.

As your next Oklahoma State Labor Commissioner, I will remove superfluous obstacles to employment.  I will work in conjunction with the legislature to ease the burden on employers and employees alike by eliminating unnecessary occupational licensing in conjunction with SB 1475, the ‘Occupational Licensing Review Act.’

As your Labor Commissioner I will encourage economic opportunity and work – not busywork.

Attorney General Hunter Files Response in Support of Bixby Landowners Opposing PSO Wind Catcher Route
Hunter: I support landowners’ rights to have concerns heard

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter has filed a motion in support of the city of Bixby and concerned area landowners, who are opposing the newly planned route of the Wind Catcher project’s power line.

The new route was pursued after Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s (PSO) original route through Osage County was changed in January. Affected residents and city officials were notified last month of the new route by mail.

City officials and landowners are asking the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) to postpone a July 2 hearing to allow the city time for further review of the case and to provide corporation commissioners with concerns.

Attorney General Hunter said because Bixby residents weren’t notified until last month of the new route, they were effectively disallowed from participating in any previous public hearings before the commission.

“I stand in support of the rights of the affected landowners and residents to have their voices and concerns heard by the commissioners,” Attorney General Hunter said. “This is a clear burden for the Bixby community and stands to hinder economic development in our state. I want to ensure the city’s interests are properly addressed.”

“From the beginning, our position has been that Wind Catcher does not meet the requirements for preapproval and cost recovery and should be denied by the commission. We also want to ensure customers are protected if PSO moves forward, with or without commission preapproval. Not hearing from residents along the new route would be a disservice to this great community.”

In motions filed with the OCC, Bixby officials write, PSO never formally notified the OCC of its plans to change the original route of the power line from Osage County to a southern route running through the city.

Bixby officials continue, PSO never updated its application or testimony to show the differences between routes, the increased cost and never addressed how the electric line may affect the health, safety and welfare of citizens of Oklahoma who may live near the line.

Attorney General Hunter has said PSO has failed on several fronts to qualify for preapproval and cost recovery, including failure to comply with the OCC’s competitive bidding rules, the inability to show an actual need for the additional generation capacity from the project and unrealistic assumptions as the basis for PSO’s estimated ratepayer savings.

His opposition has been joined by the OCC’s administrative law judge and the public utility division.

Read Attorney General Hunter’s response in support of the city of Bixby, here: .

Read Bixby’s filings with the OCC, here: .

###

Associated Builders and Contractors of OK Opposes SQ 788
SQ 788 Creates Major Workplace Safety Concerns for Construction Job Sites

Tulsa, OK, June 14, 2018 Today, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Oklahoma announced their formal opposition to SQ 788. President and CEO, John Smaligo, stated “the so-called “medical” marijuana ballot question creates serious concerns for workplace safety for our member companies, their employees and the public.” Additionally, the group cited the fact that the details of the law seriously impede the ability for employers to maintain a drug-free workplace. Smaligo added, “this legislation would seriously impede, if not entirely eliminate our member companies’ ability to prevent drug impaired employees from being removed from operating heavy equipment or even being hired in the first place.”

ABC of Oklahoma strongly opposes SQ 788 and will continue to work to improve workplace safety into the future.

Associated Builders and Contractors of Oklahoma is the preeminent construction trade association providing value to ALL segments of business involved in the commercial, industrial and infrastructure construction industry in Oklahoma.

###

Governor Mary Fallin Appoints Labor Commissioner Melissa McLawhorn Houston to Serve as Secretary of Education and Workforce Development

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced Labor Commissioner Melissa McLawhorn Houston will serve on her executive Cabinet as secretary of education and workforce development.

Houston begins her new duties effective immediately.

“The best way we can support our businesses and grow our economy is to produce a more educated workforce. Aligning our education and workforce training programs to provide relevant work skills is the best way to keep job growth strong,” said Fallin. “Commissioner Houston has the skills and knowledge to ensure Oklahoma public education and our business communities cooperate to increase educational attainment in Oklahoma.”

Fallin appointed Houston labor commissioner in the fall of 2015, to fulfill the remainder of then-Labor Commissioner Mark Costello’s term. Before that, Houston served as chief of staff and policy adviser in the Oklahoma attorney general’s office.

“I appreciate Governor Fallin’s confidence in me and the opportunity to further serve our great state,” said Houston. “At the Oklahoma Department of Labor, we have increased collaboration to advance our mission of promoting the welfare of the wage earner and we have spearheaded efforts to reform occupational licensing. Continuing to build partnerships in this new role to assist the governor’s efforts in developing a skilled, educated workforce in our state will be a priority. As a mom of two sons in the public school system, I look forward to learning more about all phases of our education ecosystem and ways to provide Oklahomans great opportunities to learn and pathways for entering the workforce.”

When she was appointed labor commissioner, Houston said she would not seek election to a full four-year term. She is an experienced administrator with extensive knowledge of state government. Before serving as the attorney general’s chief of staff, Houston served for nine years (2002-2011) as the chief of staff for the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security. Prior to that, she served as deputy director for the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association and as an attorney for the Oklahoma Truth in Sentencing Policy Advisory Commission. She has a law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.

Houston has extensive experience in state agency operational management, legislative process and budgeting. She has overseen and directed administrative operations of $30 million in the attorney general’s office and she oversaw and managed more than $170 million in federal programming and funds while chief of staff at the Office of Homeland Security.

Houston will also lead Fallin’s Oklahoma Works initiative, a statewide strategic plan, which seeks to align education to the needs of business and industry and to generate wealth-generating career pathways for students.

Education is one of the governor’s biggest priorities during her administration. She has pushed the past three years for teacher pay raises, culminating with this year’s approval of the largest teacher pay raise in the history of the state. Oklahoma teacher pay improved from last in the seven-state region to second for average annual pay, and from 49th in the nation to 29th. When taking into account the cost of living, Oklahoma teachers will be the 12th-highest-paid in the country. The teacher pay was one component of a 19.7 percent increase in state appropriations for K-12 public education for the upcoming fiscal year.

###

When the acting head of the Federal Trade Commission proclaimed last year, “I challenge anyone to explain why the state has a legitimate interest in protecting the public from rogue interior designers carpet-bombing living rooms with ugly throw pillows,” it was clear that occupational licensing reform had gone mainstream. From Mississippi to Arizona to Wisconsin, states have enacted reforms that will make it easier for their workers to climb the ladder of opportunity.

In Oklahoma, we went big. The governor put together a task force to examine occupational licenses. It came up with recommendations that won’t just remove barriers for Oklahomans, but will provide a blueprint for other states, counties and towns across the country to follow so more American workers can find jobs and pursue their dreams.

There was a time when occupational licenses applied only to doctors, lawyers and other high-income occupations whose malpractice could jeopardize consumers’ health, well-being or safety. That’s no longer the case. Today, a license is required for roughly 25 percent of the workforce, up from just 5 percent in the 1950s.

This presents a significant impediment to employment for people in disadvantaged communities. A 2017 study by the Institute for Justice of 102 low- and middle-income occupations nationwide found that to obtain a license in Oklahoma (we license everything from travel guides to shampooers) an aspiring worker must pay an average of $234 in fees and complete nearly 400 days of education and experience.

Public safety is often the primary justification, but research shows licensing doesn’t improve quality or public health and safety. Real-world experience also belies the claim. Most of the 102 licensed occupations in the IJ study are safely practiced unlicensed in other states.

What’s more, the licensing requirements for jobs that do affect public health are often less strenuous. Nationwide, the average emergency medical technician, who can be the difference between life and death, must complete just 34 days of training, while cosmetologists on average need 386 days of experience.

The real purpose of many licensing boards is to insulate industry players from competition. Boards often include individuals who work in the profession they regulate and have every incentive to engage in behavior that limits competition.

This is where the task force’s recommendations enter the picture. They provide a blueprint that policymakers nationwide can use to examine current and future licenses.

Instead of broad ideas of what licensing should look like, the blueprint contains a series of specific questions to evaluate individual licenses. For example, “Is there a compelling public interest that needs to be protected?” If the answer is no, then scrap the license. If yes, then determine whether a license is the least restrictive way to protect that interest. After that, the questions focus on ensuring that active market participants do not control the board and consumer interests are protected.

The goal must be to remove unreasonable barriers to employment so that more Americans can realize their dreams and experience the dignity of work.

Tidwell is Oklahoma state director of Americans for Prosperity.

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com

As they await a decision from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, planners behind a wind power project that would be the largest in the country this week heard complaints from concerned residents but also gained statewide industry support.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma on Wednesday announced four other energy companies had signed on with settlement agreements to join Walmart and the Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers, which signaled their support in late April.

Wind Catcher is a $4.5 billion project that includes a 300,000-acre wind farm to be built in Cimarron and Texas counties with a 360-mile transmission line and two substations that will connect to the power grid at Tulsa. The wind farm would be the largest in the U.S. and the power line would be the largest west of the Mississippi. It would supply power to PSO customers in Oklahoma and Southwestern Electric Power Co. customers in Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. PSO’s share of the project is $1.39 billion.

A decision on the project’s cost-recovery plan is pending before the Corporation Commission, which last held a hearing on the subject March 14.

Read the complete story on tulsaworld.com

Lucas Statement on Farm Bill
Lucas notes that Farm Bill effort is an ongoing process

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-3), Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, released the following statement today upon the House’s failure to pass the Agricultural and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2).

“I am disappointed that the House has failed to pass the 2018 Farm Bill,” said Congressman Lucas. “This legislation builds upon the successes of the 2014 Farm Bill by protecting the safety net for producers and ensuring our fellow citizens have access to affordable, high quality food. Low commodity prices have created a challenging environment for our country’s farmers and ranchers so the farm safety net is more important than ever in providing producers with much-needed economic certainty.”

“For the sake of farmers and ranchers across rural America and the consumers who rely on access to safe and affordable products, we must begin the Farm Bill process in a timely manner. The previous Farm Bill presented similar challenges, and I am committed to continuing a dialogue with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move this process forward.”

###

SQ 788 is NOT Medical Files Organizational Papers

A coalition of medical professionals, those in law enforcement, business leaders, and members of the faith community filed papers today to formally oppose SQ 788.  This broad-ranging coalition is committed to defeating the state question.

“This state question is NOT about Medical Marijuana,” stated campaign chairman Dr. Kevin Taubman.  “This question is too broad and does NOT have the support of the medical community,” Taubman said.  In addition to chairing this committee, Taubman is the immediate past-president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, a founding member of the Vote NO coalition.

“When you look past the ballot title and into the details of the question, you see many problems,” stated Mike Waters, Pawnee County Sheriff and President of the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association.  “This state question creates a special class of citizen out of those who obtain a medical marijuana license.  It does not make sense that an 18-year-old can go to a veterinarian, say he gets headaches, and then be given a two-year license to carry enough marijuana for 85 joints. As it is written, it is possible he could then have these on school grounds and because it is medicine from a doctor, we couldn’t do anything about it,” Waters continued.  “I believe a better medical marijuana law could be written that our organization could support, but SQ 788 is not medical,” Waters concluded.

The state question is worded in a way that prohibits municipalities, landlords, employers, and even schools from regulating the activity of medical marijuana license holders.  If this question passes, some say a college could not keep a license holder from smoking and growing marijuana in a dorm room, and the state question expressly states a landlord could not prohibit these activities.  If in place today, one could not stop someone renting a hotel room from using marijuana, as our smoke free areas only apply to tobacco.

“The business community has serious concerns about how this state question is written,” stated Roy Williams, President of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “This state question infringes upon our rights to operate a drug-free workplace. Our opposition centers around our concerns for the safety of employees and the public,” Williams stated.

“This is not a debate about whether or not marijuana has medicinal benefits.  In fact, members of our coalition are not unanimous in opposition to all medical marijuana laws – but we all believe SQ 788 is NOT medical and encourage our fellow Oklahomans to vote NO on 788,” stated Taubman.

Current members of the growing coalition include:

• Catholic Conference of Oklahoma
• Greater Oklahoma City Chamber
• Oklahoma Academy of Ophthalmology
• Oklahoma Behavioral Health Association
• Oklahoma City FOP, Lodge 123
• Oklahoma District Attorneys Association
• Oklahoma Faith Leaders
• Oklahoma Hospital Association
• Oklahoma Osteopathic Association
• Oklahoma Pharmacists Association
• Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Association
• Oklahoma Society of Anesthesiologists
• Oklahoma State Medical Association
• State Chamber of Oklahoma
• State of Oklahoma FOP

###

The Oklahoma Attorney General and the director of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Public Utility Division stated in a regulatory filing late Monday they remain opposed to Public Service Co. of Oklahoma’s request to obtain preapproval to recover costs to build the Wind Catcher Connection project.

However, Attorney General Mike Hunter and Brandy Wreath, director of the utility division, did include a list of stipulations they could agree to as part of the filing, asking for the commission’s elected members to require those as part of any deal where the utility is granted the preapproval it seeks.

Hunter said his goal remains to guarantee Oklahomans are protected from potential financial harm.

“Our position has been clear from the beginning … this project does not meet the requirements for preapproval and cost recovery,” Hunter stated in a release issued by his office after the filing was made.

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com

When I was governor in 2001, the wind industry made many promises. It promised us jobs but very few have been produced. It promised to manufacture here, but manufacturing is done out of state. It promised money for schools, but education as a whole is suffering and the industry refuses to help.

The wind industry’s claim that we have a moral obligation to honor our promises to them is nonsense when you consider it hasn’t honored one of its original promises to Oklahoma. The tax credit was designed to give a jump-start to a wind industry in its infancy in Oklahoma. It was sold as a low-cost way to broaden our already robust energy and economic development program. What was promised to cost the state less than $2 million annually when I was in office, has soared to estimates of $930 million over the next 10 years.

Industrial wind has been presented many opportunities to help find solutions to fix Oklahoma’s budget gap. When asked to participate in the Step Up plan and HB 1010XX to support education, these multibillion-dollar companies based outside of Oklahoma threatened to sue and file bankruptcy.

Private equity firms, international companies and Wall Street banks fund these wind farm operations and they have no vested interest in the future of Oklahoma, other than to harvest our natural resources and tax incentives. It’s time to stop taking money away from education, roads and services Oklahomans need, to write checks to this wealthy industry. For example, did you know that wind subsidies for one turbine exceed the starting salary of an Oklahoma teacher, even with the pay raise?

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, April 18, 2018 – Oklahoma Lt. Governor Todd Lamb announced the Twentieth Annual Oklahoma Small Business Day will be held Tuesday, May 1 at the state Capitol. Registration is from 8:30-9:30 a.m. on the second floor rotunda with the program beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 11:00 a.m.

“By traveling to all 77 Oklahoma counties each year, I know firsthand that small businesses are not only the majority of Oklahoma businesses, but also the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy,” Lamb said.  “In order for Oklahoma to prosper economically, we must collectively create a pro-business, anti-regulatory environment in order for our thousands of Oklahoma small businesses to flourish.  Small Business Day provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase Oklahoma’s small employers and their employees to the legislature while allowing legislators a platform to visit one on one with leaders from across the state who represent a multitude of industries.”

The event will feature legislative updates from Speaker of the House Charles McCall and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz. The Lt. Governor’s Small Business Awards of Excellence will also be awarded.

Small Business Day partners include The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), The State Chamber of Oklahoma, The Tulsa Regional Chamber, The Northwest Chamber, The Oklahoma Business Roundtable and The Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education (OKACTE).

To register for Small Business Day, visit https://engage.nfib.org/events?state=OK

If you have any questions about the event please call the Lt. Governor’s office at 405-521-2161.

####

Here is the link to the video by OAR member Brad Worster, CPM, CCIM – https://youtu.be/dbpb34oJyLw

STATEMENT

The Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® (OAR) stands firmly in opposition to any attempt by lawmakers to end the capital gains tax deduction. Long-term investment and stability for our communities are key to Oklahoma’s economic growth and prosperity. Removing those exemptions will drive individuals and businesses from our state and hurt Oklahoma’s economy.

Additionally, capital gains taxes can vary dramatically year to year. It is not and will never be a stable funding source for our state.

Elimination of the capital gains tax is not in the best interest of the hard-working Oklahomans. We ask lawmakers to consider the individuals and businesses that are helping to sustain and grow their communities before attempting an untenable fix.

– Oklahoma Association of REALTORS® Chief Executive Officer Jessica M. Hickok, GRI, RCE, CAE

“What does the Lt Governor do?”

I get asked that often. Along with sitting on a number of boards and commissions, the Lt. Governor serves as the Chairman of the Tourism Commission. Therefore, one of the most important jobs the LG has is to promote the state.

For every dollar we spend on tourism advertising we get seven dollars back. Where else in government do we get a 7-1 return on our investment? In Oklahoma, that means hundreds-of-millions of dollars in revenue on the line. It is serious business, and the Lt. Governor should be daily involved in it. We have to play to our strengths, and tourism is one of those strengths.

As Spring Break comes and goes, and Summer is on the horizon, we must remember that people will spend their tourism dollars elsewhere if we aren’t selling all the great things we have to offer in Oklahoma. Yes, I’m talking about valuable recurring revenue for our state.

I’m all in. So much so that I took my family across our state this past week in an RV (RV sales at an all-time high by the way) to show off some of the amazing places we have to offer. The trip further reinforced to me what an opportunity we have in Oklahoma.

We visited Broken Bow, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Turner Falls, Roman Nose State Park, Eischen’s Bar, Osage Hills State Park, the Grand Lake area, Pawhuska, and the most lucrative tourism road in the country: Route 66. What was common among all these places? Businesses were being created and the communities were thriving. Tourism is an economic engine.

Will tourism alone fix our education problem? No, but it sure can help.

We currently generate over $650 million in state and local tax revenue off tourism, and it’s the third largest industry in our state. I firmly believe if we get serious about promoting this state we could generate far more revenue.

Oklahoma is an amazing state. The crossroads of America with tourist destinations in every direction. Those destinations are economic development engines, and I look forward to preaching that as your next Lt. Governor.

Matt Pinnell is a Republican candidate for Lt. Governor. He and his wife Lisa own and operate a small business in the Tulsa area. For more about Matt visit www.MattPinnell.com

Occupational Licensing Task Force Releases Recommendations

OKLAHOMA CITY— Labor Commissioner Melissa Houston and the Occupational Licensing Task Force released its final report and recommendations to policymakers.

The final report includes an introduction to the issue of occupational licensing, policy recommendations, and licensing blueprint, an analytical tool policymakers can use to examine current and future licenses. The Task Force also collaborated with stakeholders to create a universal database of licensure in Oklahoma available for public use. The database can be found at licensing.ok.gov.

“Since the formation of the Task Force, our goal has been to develop objective tools that policy makers can use when examining occupational licenses, not another report that sits on a shelf,” said Labor Commissioner Melissa Houston, Chairperson of Task Force. “The Task Force has met continuously this past year to examine how Oklahoma can achieve a balance between maintaining free market principles, protecting public safety, and reducing barriers to escape poverty. Policy recommendations in the report are practical first steps to improve Oklahoma’s licensing framework to better serve its citizens and serve as a model for the rest of the country.”

Oklahoma Occupational Licensing Task Force Report – January 2018 by TheOkie.com on Scribd

“I appreciate the work of Commissioner Houston as well as the effort and time put forth by members of the task force in developing these recommendations and licensure database,” Governor Mary Fallin said. “The recommendations will be helpful in removing unnecessary or burdensome regulations that are a barrier to potential workers. Removing unnecessary or outdated barriers can help Oklahomans, particularly those who may not have completed a formal education as well as some minorities, obtain jobs and build new businesses that create jobs.”

In December 2016, Governor Fallin called for the formation of the Occupational Licensing Task Force to study the issue of occupational licensing in Oklahoma and to provide recommendations. Task Force members include:

• Labor Commissioner Melissa Houston, Chairperson of Task Force
• Senator David Holt, Oklahoma Senate
• Senator Adam Pugh, Oklahoma Senate
• Representative Mark McBride, Oklahoma House of Representatives
• Representative Mike Osburn, Oklahoma House of Representatives
• Mithun Mansinghani, Solicitor General, Attorney General Mike Hunter
• Joe M. Allbaugh, Director of Department of Corrections and Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force member
• Fred Morgan, President of Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce
• Renee Porter, President of Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School
• Natalie Shirley, Former OSU-Oklahoma City President and Oklahoma Secretary of Education and Workforce Development
• John Tidwell, State Director, Americans for Prosperity

###

Thanks to the spread of occupational licensing laws, more Americans than ever must get government permission before they can earn an honest living. During the 1950s, just 5 percent of American workers needed a license to work. Today, that number has grown to 25 percent in Oklahoma.

A new report from the Institute for Justice reinforces the need for meaningful reform. According to IJ’s “License to Work” study, Oklahoma has the 18th-most burdensome licensing laws in the nation for lower-income occupations. On average, the state requires 399 days of education and experience, around two exams for a license and $234 in fees — burdens that are higher than the national average.

Licensing makes it harder for workers to get a job, and these burdens fall particularly heavily on the poor, minorities, immigrants, older workers switching careers, those with criminal histories looking for a second chance, and military families who must frequently move state to state.

Licensing laws often protect from competition those who already have licenses, keeping newcomers out. And by reducing competition, licensing increases prices. This “hidden tax” costs the average Oklahoma household $1,017 per year, according to one estimate by the Heritage Foundation. Little wonder then that established industry players, not the public, are often the main proponents of occupational licensing.

Read the complete story on newsok.com