Business and Politics
Legislator to handle Chaplain of Day program
As your state representative, I’d like to update you on some news from around the district.
I was recently honored by the Speaker of the House, Chris Benge, asking me to take over the Chaplain of the Day program for the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Every day of session starts with a prayer or a devotional, and the pledge of allegiance to the flag. I am proud to serve in a state that still honors God and country in such a way.
During the last legislative session, two preachers in District 47 served in this capacity, David Treadaway, pastor of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Pocasset, and Chuck Utsler, the Director of Missions for Grady Baptist Association. If you know either one of these gentlemen, you will know they did an excellent job and were well received.
Biofuels Day
I recently attended the Biofuels Day at the Oklahoma State University research station in Chickasha. If you have driven past the Chickasha research facility you have probably noticed the switch grass in the field, ready to be harvested. The wet weather has delayed harvest, but we still learned about the process involved in harvesting and utilizing the sorghum juice that is extracted as a biofuel.
The Environmental Protection Agency projects that 85 percent of the switch grass grown for ethanol production will take place in Oklahoma by 2022, because of our longer growing season and relatively inexpensive land.
OSU is one of Oklahoma’s two research universities and is doing a lot of work in the field of alternative energy sources that involve production agriculture. As the United States focuses on alternative energy sources such as biofuels and wind energy, I believe that Oklahoma can be on the forefront, just as they are in the traditional energy areas of oil and gas.
Energy and agriculture will always be the backbone of the Oklahoma economy and we must ensure that we work to keep them viable industries for our state.
Ag Committee
The House agriculture committee met last week for a study over the growing threat of the eastern red cedars that are invading our land. These fast growing trees are an extreme fire danger, and can overtake the land in a very short amount of time.
The only two viable methods of removal are prescribed burns and mechanical removal. Chemicals will work when the trees are very young, but are expensive and can also harm other types of trees, such as elms.
Another downside of red cedars is the amount of water they take from our landscape, up to thirty gallons a day per tree. The biggest problem seems to be in land that is not in agricultural production, often with absentee landlords.
Incentives to remove the trees are needed, and we discussed working with rural fire departments and prescribed burn associations.
If you have a problem with red cedars on your property you can contact the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Chickasha or El-Reno for technical assistance.
•
Leslie Osborn serves District 47 of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She can be reached by phone at (405) 557-7333 or via e-mail at leslie.osborn@okhouse.gov.
- Business and Politics
-
-
Agriculture, energy sectors drive Oklahoma’s economy
The two driving forces behind Oklahoma’s economy are the agriculture and energy sectors. It is important that we at the legislature ensure that we are business friendly and available to listen and respond, so we maintain these key industries of our state.
-
Tourism big business in town
Your Chickasha Chamber of Commerce has a long tradition of recognizing Tourism as a driving “economic engine” for our city.
Tourism brought $6.1 Billion to Oklahoma in 2008, making it the state’s third largest industry. The Chamber supports, both directly and with the Economic Development Council, events that bring excitement, people, and money into our city: money spent at motels, at restaurants, at convenience stores and other retail establishments. -
Thanks for another term
I have to start off this week by thanking the voters of House District 65 for allowing me to serve another two years as your State Representative.
I was re-elected automatically last Wednesday at 5 pm due to no one else filing for the position. -
Spill response flawed from start
Last week marked a sad milestone: 50 days since the explosion on British Petroleum's Deepwater Horizon rig triggered the oil spill that is still gushing out of control.
-
Session is officially over
These last few weeks were extremely hectic and stressful as we worked to get a budget deal together. At the beginning of last week, we had around 215 bills still working their way through the process.
-
Mood tense, but not at risk of progress
We are in the final week of the legislative session for 2010. All my remaining bills have been passed by the House and await a hearing in the Senate or are on the desk of Governor Henry.
-
Governor signs 210 bills
Work continues at the Capitol as we race for the finish. We have only three weeks remaining before Sine Die on Friday, May 28. As I mentioned before, these last weeks will consist of work on the budget and in conference committees to find agreeable language on the remaining bills.
-
Dorman still waiting on 4 measures
The legislative session is progressing along slowly as we have considered a few bills each day.
We still have around 250 conference committee reports, many of which the leadership has not assigned the committee responsible for review. All four of my bills are still waiting an assignment, even though I have most of the work finished on how I would like to see them pass. -
Tax credits become a focus
Another week down inside the state Capitol. May is well underway and only three weeks remain of the 2010 session.
There are several issues I’d like to update you on, so without further ado, here’s the latest from Oklahoma City. -
Okla. Senate fails to override gun bill veto
The Republican-controlled Senate voted 28-16 on Wednesday with 36 votes needed to override Democratic Gov. Brad Henry's vet.
- More Business and Politics Headlines
-
Agriculture, energy sectors drive Oklahoma’s economy
