Business and Politics
Pre-holiday news from the district
By Leslie Osborn
It seems all we are hearing in the state news is about the economy and the state budget.
For the past two weeks, the House of Representatives has conducted budget hearings with all state agencies and commissions. These meetings are usually held in January, but are being held a month early to try and get a better feel on how the agencies are faring amid the 5 percent per month cuts they have been dealt this year. We are also asking each agency to see how they could potentially cut another 5-10 percent out of next year’s budget.
This gives time to the agencies to work on early retirements, cut overlapping programs, and in general see where they can tighten the belt. Overall, most agencies and commissions have been helpful and are truly trying to cut the fat out of their budgets – just like any of us would have to do with our own budgets at home. The cuts are not fun for anybody, but until natural gas prices go up, and the surplus of gas goes down, we will not see the increase in gross production revenue that is so vital to our state economy. Most of us do not enjoy cold weather, but let’s hope for a cold winter all across North America so we can start seeing the rigs going back up in Oklahoma, and putting our energy employees back to work as well.
It is a busy time in the district as well. Friend Schools was honored by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality this week for applying for, and utilizing a grant that retrofitted three school buses so that their diesel emissions would be lowered and the state’s air quality increased. Executive Director of the DEQ, Steven Thompson, was present to award Superintendent Alton Rawlins with a plaque of recognition. Teacher Kathy Stonebarger stepped up to the plate by filling out all of the necessary paper work and applying for the grant.
Grady County Oklahoma Home and Community Education groups got together at the Grady County Fairgrounds in Chickasha for their annual awards luncheon. Many members were recognized who excelled in their program of work for the year. This is a great group of people who strive to keep “the home fires burning” in their homes and communities. Grady County Extension Educator Susan Routh does a great job of coordinating programs and events for the OHCE.
Mustang Public Libraries held a reception for elected officials this week at the Mustang Town Center. It was well attended and held in conjunction with the Festival of the Trees
Event, children’s programs, and Santa Claus visits. When Mustang stepped out on a limb and invested in their beautiful Town Center they truly built a hub for the people of Mustang to congregate at, hold events at, and be proud of. Desiree Webber, Mustang Librarian, did a great job of coordinating the event, along with the help of the very active Friends of the Mustang Library and board of trustees.
If this is the last column I have published before December 25th, I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a Happy 2010!
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Leslie Osborn (R- Tuttle) 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.
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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.
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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.
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Session is officially over
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Mood tense, but not at risk of progress
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Governor signs 210 bills
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Dorman still waiting on 4 measures
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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.
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