We feel the new surplus should be used to help shore up the other core functions of our state government with more pressing needs. Education, corrections and health care are currently facing issues that must be addressed to ensure that we build and maintain our state’s most important resource – our people.

We are grateful to the legislature for keeping their promise to emphasize the importance of investing in our infrastructure even through the recent lean years. If our state is strong – in all areas – then we are confident infrastructure spending will grow to match it.”

– AOGC Executive Director Bobby Stem

House Republicans Create Policy Working Groups During Interim

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Republicans will start working next month to develop an innovative and conservative policy agenda for implementation during the 2018 legislative session.

Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols today announced the creation of several House Republican Leadership Policy Working Groups to begin developing conservative policy proposals that reduce government waste and increase efficiencies in spending, enhance personal freedom and grow economic opportunities for Oklahomans.

“Oklahoma desperately needs innovation in the way we develop and deliver government services to our citizens,” said Echols, R-Oklahoma City. “We have a very large group of legislators – many of them in their first or second terms – who are tired of doing government the way it has always been done just because no one can come with better ways of doing it. Particularly given our fiscal situation, we need to be much more creative and efficient in the way we budget and govern. My expectation from discussions I have already had with members is that we are going to get some really good ideas from these groups that will be implemented next year.”

Echols said however that he expects the groups to develop their own ideas, but said some discussions have already started regarding:

• Agency, board and commission consolidation and efficiency
• Budget reform
• Business development, commerce and regulatory environment
• Education support and reform
• Healthcare and mental health
• Transportation
• Public safety and corrections

Echols said the members will be named to working groups next week. Their work is expected to be done by December.

The policy working groups will meet monthly and are voluntary; unlike official interim studies, participating members will not be paid per diem or reimbursed for mileage for travel to the Capitol.

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Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Children’s Car Seat Safety Check Event

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 15, 2017) – The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is partnering with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Safe Kids Oklahoma to provide families with free inspections for their child’s car seat and an opportunity to meet Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers and see the different vehicles they use, including their helicopter, Bearcat tactical vehicle and cruisers. The event will also feature Katiebug’s Shaved Ice and children’s games.

WHO: OTA, OHP and Safe Kids Oklahoma.

Media is welcome and encouraged to attend. OTA Director of Communications Jack Damrill and OHP troopers will be in attendance and available for interview.

WHAT: The event is free to the public, with certified technicians on-site to show parents how to properly install car seats and check those already installed and an opportunity for children and their parents alike to learn about the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the vehicles they use.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Tourism Information Center, 12229 N I-35 Service Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73121

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In another OKIE exclusive, we have a first look at the latest cartoon from the Association of Oklahoma General Contractor’s “Not Even a Nickel” campaign.

The organization’s goal is simple, protect funds set aside to build and maintain the state’s infrastructure while legislators debate how to solve of state budget crisis.

The sixth in a series of cartoons you’ve likely seen in your Sunday paper features construction workers sitting on a beam holding a sign “will work for 5¢.” The image alludes to the message other media outlets have been reporting in the last few days. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is being forced to suspend current and scheduled state infrastructure projects amid budget uncertainty. If drastic cuts are made to the road program, your road repairs will be delayed, bridges will go unfixed, and cable barriers will have to wait to be installed.

The number of online supporters has been overwhelming and can be seen through comments and shares on AOGC’s Facebook and Twitter.

For more information and to see a map of the bad roads and bridges near you, go to www.NotEvenANickel.com.

ADVISORY: House to Hold Agency Budget Hearings in House Chamber

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives will begin holding public hearings to review the five largest appropriated state agencies’ budgets next week at the state Capitol.

Those five agencies received $5.36 billion – or 77 percent – of the $6.91 billion FY – 2017 appropriated budget.

House Speaker Charles-elect A. McCall said the hearings will give citizens and lawmakers – particularly the 32 new members of the House – valuable insight into how agencies develop programs and spend taxpayer dollars and will help lawmakers develop funding priorities earlier than usual.

The hearings will be a departure from previous agency budget hearings, in that all 101 members of the House are invited to attend and participate. The hearings will be held in the House Chamber, and the public is encouraged to attend and watch the proceedings from the Chamber gallery.

Meeting notices for the hearings can be found at www.okhouse.gov.

The schedule for the hearings will be as follows:

• Wednesday, January 4, 2017 @ 9:00 a.m. (House Chamber, State Capitol)
  • Oklahoma Department of Education
• Thursday, January 5, 2017 @ 9:00 a.m. (House Chamber, State Capitol)
  • Oklahoma Department of Transportation
• Friday, January 6, 2017 @ 9:00 a.m. (House Chamber, State Capitol)
  • Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
• Monday, January 9, 2017 @ 9:00 a.m. (House Chamber, State Capitol)
  • Oklahoma Department of Human Services
• Tuesday, January 10, 2017 @ 9:00 a.m. (House Chamber, State Capitol)
  • Oklahoma Health Care Authority

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TULSA – Oklahoma Watch will hold a public forum on the future of mass transit in the greater Tulsa area on Tuesday, March 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Central Center, located at 1028 E. 6th St. in Tulsa.

The question-and-answer forum will feature Debbie Ruggles, assistant general manager of Tulsa Transit, and James Wagner, principal transportation planner for Indian Nations Council of Government (INCOG), the metropolitan planning organization for greater Tulsa.

Public transportation in Tulsa and surrounding communities is generally regarded as lagging systems in peer cities, which limits access to jobs, schools, services and places of recreation. On April 5, will Tulsa voters approve or reject a permanent sales tax hike that would pay for $57 million for transit operations and capital over 15 years? Would the improvements meet residents’ needs? In the wider Tulsa area,   will more residents cut back on driving and ride buses? Will improved bus transit  ultimately lead to a regional rail system?

Oklahoma Watch Executive Editor David Fritze will moderate the discussion. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register online at this link and come with questions.

About the Guests
Debbie Ruggles is the assistant general manager for Tulsa Transit. She has been a public transportation professional for more than 35 years. During that time, she has managed several transit agencies across the country, including the transit agency in Boise, Idaho, that was named the Most Outstanding Transit System in America by the American Public Transportation Association. Currently, Ruggles is project manager for Tulsa Transit’s Bus Rapid Transit project planned for the Peoria Corridor.

James Wagner is the principal transportation planner for INCOG, working with member governments on programs to improve transit and bicycle/pedestrian transportation options for Tulsa area cities and counties. Most recently, Wagner led the effort to create a regional bicycle/pedestrian master plan, commonly known as the GO Plan. His prior work includes the development of the Tulsa’s first regional transit system plan, known as Fast Forward, and the Peoria Bus Rapid Transit project, which was approved for construction by Tulsa voters in 2013.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A new state super PAC created to support infrastructure has $1 million in the bank.

Oklahomans for Better Roads and Bridges has raised that much in the past two months. Records on file with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission show the political action committee has $700,000, but PAC Chairman Bobby Stem said he had three more $100,000 donations since the last reporting period ended Dec. 31.

The next report is due in April. Of the 15 active state super PACs this year, it has the most cash on hand. The second-largest unlimited committee is a group supporting the Right to Farm ballot question; it has about $300,000.

Stem said many people use a super PAC to attack or support a particular candidate.

“The whole intent of the (Roads and Bridges) super PAC was actually to let the public know what the Legislature is doing,” he said. “No matter how you spin it up here, you’re either hurting roads and bridges or you’re not.”

The PAC can make unlimited independent expenditures or election-related communications. Its primary supporter is the Association of General Contractors of Oklahoma, which kicked in $500,000. Stem is executive director and lobbyist for AGCO.

Read the complete story on journalrecord.com

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (December 22, 2015) — Tim Stewart, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA), has announced his resignation to accept a similar position with E-470 Public Highway Authority in Denver, Colorado. 

Stewart has served as Executive Director of the OTA since April of 2013. He has spent the last 31 years with the Authority and has held various positions beginning in field maintenance services and working his way up through the organization to his current position of Executive Director.

“Although it’s hard to leave the OTA after 31 years, I believe this agency is stronger and in a great position going forward,” Stewart said. “The staff here at this agency is second to none and the knowledge and expertise they bring is unparalleled. They are looking forward to continuing what we started and seeing that the Governor’s Driving Forward plan is finished.”

“Tim Stewart has been a tremendous asset for the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and the State of Oklahoma for over 31 years,” said Albert “Kell” Kelly, Chairman of the OTA, “Although we are sad to see Tim go, we hope for nothing but success in his new venture with E-470 in Colorado. We will work as expeditiously as possible to find the right individual to lead the OTA during this exciting time for the agency and the state to help spearhead the Governor’s Driving Forward initiative.”

Stewarts’ resignation takes effect Jan. 31, 2016.

Neal McCaleb will serve as the interim director until a replacement is found. McCaleb previously served as the State’s first Secretary of Transportation and as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs under President George W. Bush.
About Oklahoma Turnpike Authority

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority was established in 1947 to construct, operate and maintain Oklahoma turnpikes. Today, Oklahoma turnpikes are the safest and quickest ways to travel across the state. Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is managing multiple renovations throughout the state to maintain and operate the turnpike system to the highest standard. To learn more about the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and recent projects, visit, www.pikepass.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 29, 2015

Governor Mary Fallin and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Launch Expansion and Improvement Project
The project, “Driving Forward: Investing In Oklahoma’s Future,” will expand the turnpike system, modernize roads and have substantial safety upgrades

www.DrivingForwardOK.com   #DrivingForwardOK

OKLAHOMA CITY — Governor Mary Fallin and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) announced today the launch of “Driving Forward: Investing in Oklahoma’s Future,” an extensive expansion and improvement plan that will lay the groundwork for the future of turnpike transportation in the state.

“The ‘Driving Forward’ plan is about ensuring safe travel, relieving congestion to shorten commutes and sustaining economic development for years to come,” said Fallin. “As Oklahoma’s population grows, it will require a greater commitment to modernizing and improving our transportation infrastructure. Making these investments today will prevent our state from having to respond to a crisis in the future.”

The Driving Forward plan will be a total of six large-scale projects that will modernize, enhance and improve safety, reduce congestion and support population growth on the Turnpike system at an estimated cost of $892 million issued via bonds. Because the project is fully paid for by bonds, it will not affect any part of the state budgeting process and revenue will not be diverted from other state priorities. Planning and preparations will begin immediately, with construction set to begin in the third quarter of 2016.

Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Gary Ridley called the plan “visionary.”

“Mary Fallin realizes that forward progress only happens if we have the roads and transportation system needed to support it,” said Ridley. “I appreciate her providing a transportation vision that will continue to benefit Oklahomans long after she leaves office.”

Kell Kelly, chairman of the OTA Board of Directors, said the plan supports OTA’s mission to be forward-thinking.

“Oklahoma’s transportation leaders have always been very cognizant about the need to plan for future growth,” said Kelly. “If all we are doing is worrying about the current transportation problems, we have done a real disservice to our kids and grandkids and have not as a board fulfilled the mission of the authority. Our mission is to provide our customers with a choice of a safe, convenient, efficient, user-funded transportation network focusing on fiscal responsibility and promoting economic development.”

OTA Executive Director Tim Stewart said the projects outlined in the ‘Driving Forward’ address issues that need immediate attention.

“We must make plans now for population and economic growth so we can be in a good position for increased traffic that is going to happen in Oklahoma,” said Stewart. “I know there might be some who would like for us to wait, or just do a little at a time, but the need is now and will become stronger in the future to make our system safer and easier for our customers.”

The details for each project are below:

Gilcrease Expressway

• Project Length: 2.5 miles
• Cost: $28 million from OTA and partnership with City of Tulsa
• Type: New road construction
• Overview: This project connects L.L. Tisdale to I-44 and completes the Western loop around the Tulsa metro area. It will help relieve urban traffic congestion during peak periods. It will also provide a new and more direct route to city attractions and points of interest in the Tulsa urban core. This will bolster safe access to Tulsa along with economic growth and opportunity.

Muskogee Turnpike

• Project Length: 9.5 miles
• Cost: $42 million
• Type: Reconstruction from “ground-up” for safety and modernization of toll plaza
• Overview: This reconstruction will occur between Creek Turnpike interchange and State Highway 51 near Coweta. It will allow for a safer and more drivable surface and provide increased safety features.

Turner Turnpike

• Project Length: 22 miles
• Cost: $300 million
• Type: Reconstruction for more lanes and safety features including lights and other future safety enhancements
• Overview: The Turner Turnpike is a vital turnpike corridor that connects Oklahoma’s two metro areas.  Improving safety and convenience on this road is a priority for the OTA. This reconstruction/safety project will occur between Bristow and the Creek Turnpike West (State Highway 364) section of the Turner Turnpike. In the last five years there have been 15 fatalities and 514 wrecks on this section of road. This project will create an “urban turnpike corridor” with lighting, wider lanes and the addition of lanes. It will allow for the future creation of truck-specific lanes for quick and safe access.

HE Bailey Turnpike

• Project Length: 7.5 miles
• Cost: $32 million
• Type: Turnpike reconstruction for lanes and safety features and toll plaza modernization for better access for PikePass customers
• Overview: This project will provide wider lanes and enhanced safety features for travel as well as improved technology for toll plaza locations for customer convenience between Bridge Creek and North Meridian Avenue near Newcastle.

Southwest OKC Kilpatrick Extension

• Project Length: 7 miles
• Cost: $190 million
• Type: New construction
• Overview: This project will be an extension of the Kilpatrick Turnpike that will connect SW OKC and the metro area at-large with the urban core.  It will increase access and offer another route for Will Rogers World Airport. It will occur between I-40 and State Highway 152/Airport Road.

Northeast OK County Loop

• Project Length: 21 miles
• Cost: $300 million
• Type: New construction
• Overview: This project will allow for a connection from Eastern Oklahoma County to vital intersections for travel. This will produce a drive-time reduction to access Tulsa from the OKC Metro and a needed new loop to alleviate current congested traffic in the Oklahoma City area.  Construction will link I-40 and I-44 (Turner Turnpike) in Eastern Oklahoma County.

For more information about this initiative and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, please visit the project specific website www.DriveForwardOK.com

About Oklahoma Turnpike Authority

Oklahoma Turnpike Authority was established in 1947 to construct, operate and maintain Oklahoma turnpikes. Today, Oklahoma turnpikes are the safest and quickest ways to travel across the state. Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is managing multiple renovations throughout the state to maintain and operate the turnpike system to the highest standard. To learn more about the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and recent projects, visit, www.pikepass.com.

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By JOHN M. TIDWELL

There are fewer truths that have held the test of time: People like what they like.

Now granted, there are plenty of you rolling your eyes right now, but it’s hard to argue the point.

People like what they like.

Whether it’s the soda they buy, the restaurant they pick for dinner, or the candidates they choose to represent them, people like what they like.

Plenty of letters and editorials are written, to tell you about politicians who are doing it wrong. It’s important to focus for a moment on those who govern the right way.

Read the complete story on tulsaworld.com

Governor Mary Fallin, Legislative Leaders Reach Budget Deal

OKLAHOMA CITY — Governor Mary Fallin, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and House Speaker Jeffrey W. Hickman today announced an appropriated state budget agreement for Fiscal Year 2016.

Under the agreement, the FY 2016 appropriated budget will be $7,138,920,521, which is $74.3 million, or 1.03 percent, less than FY 2015’s appropriated budget.

The agreement preserves current funding levels for common education, a major victory considering the state had $611 million less in certified revenue available this legislative session than was appropriated in FY 2015. Education continues to be the state’s largest investment, with more than 50 percent of all appropriated dollars going toward education expenses.

Other agencies protected from appropriation reductions through flat or increased appropriations include the Department of Corrections, Department of Public Safety, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, State Department of Health and Office of Juvenile Affairs, among others.

Additionally, the agreement preserves the funding necessary to maintain the state’s current eight-year transportation plan and county government’s five-year road and bridge plan. It also appropriates $15.9 million to the Department of Human Services to fully fund FY 2016 Pinnacle Plan costs.

Under the agreement, 49 agencies receive funding cuts ranging from 0.75 percent to 7.25 percent, eight agencies receive appropriation increases and 12 agencies receive flat appropriations.

To address having $611 million less in certified revenue than was appropriated in FY 2015, the agreement accesses $150 million from the Rainy Day Fund and reconciles $125.2 million from agency revolving funds. It produces additional revenue by accessing other state accounts, modifying apportionments and implementing new tax initiatives to reduce tax fraud and collect past due taxes.

In a major transparency and fiscal reform, the general appropriations bill, House Bill 2242, will for the first time display all funding available to agencies in order to present the full funding picture of state government. Previously, only legislative appropriations figures were contained in these bills. Legislative appropriations today comprise about 40 percent of state spending.

Links:  AGREEMENT SUMMARY, FY 16 BUDGET

Governor Mary Fallin:

“At the beginning of this legislative session, I said that improving educational attainment, addressing over-incarceration and boosting health outcomes need to be priorities for the state of Oklahoma. This budget reflects those priorities and will allow us to continue to make progress in those areas.

“In a year with a $611 million budget hole, today’s agreement takes extraordinary steps to shield common education, our largest and one of our most important expenses, from budget cuts. Under this budget agreement, approximately 51 cents of every dollar appropriated by state government will continue to go toward education.

“The budget also protects and in some cases increases funding for health and public safety while preserving all funding necessary to keep intact the state’s eight year transportation plan as well the five year county road and bridge plan. I’m extremely proud of the work the Legislature and my office have done to produce a fiscally responsible budget that adequately funds core government services even in the face of significant budget challenges.

“I’m also proud of the preliminary steps this budget takes to begin addressing our structural budget challenges to make budget writing more flexible and transparent in the future. In addition to the fiscal reforms in this budget, we’ve also enacted policy to review all tax incentives every four years and require use of performance informed budgeting so the state can make better use of its resources.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa:

“We knew this would be a difficult budget year, but we believe we have delivered a responsible agreement that includes strategic spending cuts and much-needed apportionment reform. In a year when we were faced with a significant shortfall, difficult decisions had to be made to produce a balanced budget.

“The Senate this year emphasized a more comprehensive examination of state spending to identify efficiencies, and structural reforms to give the Legislature greater flexibility in the appropriations process. We have also been meeting with state agencies for months in a collaborative effort to consider how they might be able to operate more efficiently in anticipation of these necessary cuts. This budget reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility, while adequately funding core services.

“We are pleased that we were able to protect funding for critical priorities like education, while ensuring that the Department of Transportation’s eight-year plan will remain unaffected. Given the challenges we faced this year, we believe we have reached an agreement on a fiscally responsible budget that will allow us to make continued advancements in areas of need like education and transportation.”

House Speaker Jeffrey W. Hickman, R-Fairview:

“I’m pleased we were able to reach agreement with the Governor and the Senate on a budget which prioritizes essential services as we make adjustments caused by the state’s structural budget challenges. To have a budget which makes no cuts to our public schools, protects our Eight-Year-Plan for safer roads and bridges in Oklahoma, continues our investment in critical reforms at DHS, and preserves public safety with dollars redirected to the critical needs in juvenile affairs and the crisis in our state prisons, is a tremendous achievement with the funding issues we faced.”

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Bobby Stem, the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors released a statement amid state budget rumors that threaten road and bridge funding.

“There are many plans for the state budget, Stem said. “One current plan will significantly cut funding critical to maintaining and improving Oklahoma roads and bridges. The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors firmly opposes any proposed cuts to transportation. Any cuts to ODOT funding will take money away from the Eight Year Construction Work Plan. Remember, the Eight Year Plan was developed around Oklahoma’s needs. We cannot allow for even one year of delayed funding, or we will never catch up. Our infrastructure has been ignored for too long. 

Stem added, “We need to protect Oklahoma roads and bridges. We can not allow state legislators to take a U-turn on progress.” 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 5, 2015

Republicans Stand on Legacy of Repairing Oklahoma Highways and Bridges

OKLAHOMA CITY – As session’s end comes upon the Legislature, House Republicans stand firm in supporting Oklahoma transportation.

After Republicans took control of the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2005, the ROADS fund was created to begin investments to restore Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure. Since that time, more than $2.1 billion in new funding has been directed to ODOT and the results are seen throughout the entire state. Under GOP leadership, Oklahoma has also funded county improvements for roads and bridges. In the past ten years, the state has reduced the number of deficient county bridges from more than 6400 to approximately 3200 and repaired countless miles of highway, including those that bring commerce to the rural areas.

“When the Democrats were in power, transportation funding remained flat,” said House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Earl Sears, R-Bartlesville. “You could tell because you would have to get the alignment fixed on your car all the time, and frankly, you had to wonder if you were safe going over many of our bridges. In the past ten years, we have raised transportation repair funding from $200 million a year to more than half-of-a-billion dollars a year.”

Earlier today, Democrats held a press conference making claims that the ROADS and CIRB funds would be raided to fix this year’s budget issues.

“This is simply not true,” said Rep. Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher. “Transportation is of the highest priority because it is essential to the economic growth and prosperity of our state. Under Democrat control, transportation funding remained flat for decades resulting in the crumbling infrastructure that Republicans have made great efforts to repair. We do not intend to repeat their mistake.”

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As this year’s session of the Oklahoma Legislature moves into its final month, attention is being focused on ways to close a $611 million budget shortfall.

Front and center in that discussion is so-called “off-the-top” money. This state funding, which is outside the Legislature’s normal appropriations process, is getting a close examination.

The Oklahoma Association of General Contractors wants to make sure that examination doesn’t end up decreasing money its members receive from the state to repair and upgrade roads and bridges. That’s why it has launched a $320,000 “No U-Turn On Funding” advertising push, its biggest advocacy campaign ever.

A commercial for the campaign uses the voice of an impressionist who sounds like Morgan Freeman to conjure up an image of falling bridges. The commercial, which is being played across the state, shows road repair work in progress and ends with the phone numbers of the Oklahoma House and Senate. It asks viewers to call legislators.

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com

The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors continues their No U-Turn on Progress campaign on Monday with full-page advertisements in the Tulsa World, Lawton Constitution and Oklahoman. The campaign is aimed at protecting funding set aside to build and maintain the state’s infrastructure during this tough budget year.

The advertisement prominently features a No U-Turn road sign and calls on Oklahomans to contact their state legislators to “stay the course of progress for a safer Oklahoma.” The ad also predicts how Oklahoma’s roads, bridges and economy will decay without continued investment in the Eight-Year Construction Work Plan.

We have seen the the Eight-Year Plan in action. Simply put, it works. It’s been instrumental in funding state and U.S. highways, in addition to interstate projects covering all 77 Oklahoma counties. As a result, the state has seen a significant reduction in structurally deficient bridges. It will continue to work so long as we don’t let our legislator’s steal from the future of our state’s economy.

If residents and travelers want to see the continued development of our state, then funding roads and bridge improvements has to remain a top priority.

State legislators have set high expectations for the completion and renovation of Oklahoma’s transportation system and have pledged to support the improvement of deficient roads and bridges in this state. Let’s, in turn, hold our state legislators accountable in continuing to pave this path of progress.

Statement from Bobby Stem, AOGC Executive Director:

“Oklahoma cannot turn around or delay the important work that is vital to building and maintaining our state’s infrastructure. Our bridges are deteriorating; our roads are crumbling; and the traveling public needs to know that their roads and bridges are a priority. We have come a long way, no doubt, but we have so far left to go. We are asking the legislature to please not make a U-turn.

The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors understands that Oklahoma is experiencing a very tough budget year. However, we know that we can stay on track with the promises we have made to the public through the Eight Year Construction Work plan.

The decisions before the legislature are not easy, and we commend our state’s elected officials for their leadership and commitment to address these challenges. We simply ask that they allow us to continue building Oklahoma’s future. We ask that they allow us to keep Oklahoma’s economy moving. Allow us to remain focused on making travel safe, efficient and worthy of economic development.”

View the ad: