House Republican Caucus Unveils Pro-Growth Strategic Plan

OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Republican Caucus today unveiled their 2013 legislative agenda, which included a three-point plan addressing economic development, education reforms and infrastructure funding and maintenance.

Speaker T.W. Shannon

“Oklahomans have spoken loud and clear this year by voting in the largest Republican majority in Oklahoma history,” said House Speaker T.W. Shannon, R-Lawton. “They want overreaching regulations that limit their freedom repealed. They want policies enacted that protect their rights, that encourage job growth and prosperity and that improves our education system so their children can have a brighter future.”

On infrastructure, Speaker Shannon proposed an eight-year, pay-as-you-go plan to directly fund the upkeep and repair of infrastructure.

“In the past, the model has been to neglect infrastructure to the point of decay and then to take out bonds to repair those needs,” said Shannon. “Our plan will be similar to the eight-year transportation plan we introduced last year that allows us to prioritize projects based on need and to pay our way as we go without adding more debt onto the backs of hardworking Oklahomans.

Lamb Releases Second Policy and Issues Report

Oklahoma City—Lt. Governor Todd Lamb recently released his second Lt. Governor’s Policy and Issues Report. The report stems from the Lt. Governor’s travels across all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, in particular his series of six Small Business and Small Manufacturer summits held in various communities.

As Oklahoma’s Small Business Advocate, the Lt. Governor felt meeting with business owners was a priority in determining how to effectively move Oklahoma forward. During his visits, the Lt. Governor heard numerous relevant suggestions that he included in his report.

“The people of Oklahoma, who on a daily basis work to move this state forward, are the best sources for policy recommendations,” said Lt. Governor Lamb. “And as Lt. Governor is it my duty to listen and help address the challenges facing Oklahoma citizens.”

The specific content within the Lt. Governor’s Policy and Issues Report includes policy proposals in the areas of workers’ compensation reform, tax reform, workforce development, unemployment compensation, and tourism.

“The number one issue discussed among business owners was the critical need for workers’ compensation reform,” said Lt. Governor Lamb. “Some workers’ compensation measures have been approved in the past several years, but the call for an entire system analysis and reform by Oklahoma business cannot be ignored.”

Lt. Governor Lamb added the goal of his report is to generate legislation that will produce a growing, thriving Oklahoma.

“Making the state more competitive, educating a skilled workforce and providing accountability within government agencies and entities is the key to advancing our state and was the focus of my policy and issues report,” said Lt. Governor Lamb. “As we look ahead to a new year and a new legislative session, I am confident that these ideas and suggestions, submitted by Oklahoma voters themselves, will result in much needed reforms.”

The report can be viewed in its entirety on Lt. Governor Lamb’s website at ok.gov/ltgovernor.

Record Rainy Day Fund Deposit Announced

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sales tax revenue climbed by 13.1 percent in June over the previous year as Oklahoma closed out Fiscal Year 2012 collections to the General Revenue Fund with enough money to make a record $306.8 million deposit into the state's Rainy Day Fund, Secretary of Finance Preston Doerflinger announced Tuesday.

"This preliminary report drives home the role consumer confidence has played in Oklahoma's economic recovery in the fiscal year ending June 30," Doerflinger said. "For the year, sales tax collections rose by 9.7 percent over the prior year. In June and at other times during the year, strong sales taxes helped ease energy tax variances due to low prices and tax rebates."

Tuesday’s report shows FY-2012 collections to the General Revenue Fund totaled $5.543 billion. This amount was $405.3 million and 7.9 percent above collections for FY-2011 and $306.8 million, or 5.9 percent above the estimate for FY-2012.

"It's stunning to realize that the Rainy Day Fund contained only $2.02 when Gov. Mary Fallin took office less than two years ago." Doerflinger said. "With this deposit added to last year's $249 million deposit, we now have $556 million in our savings account and have moved within striking distance of the all-time record of $596.6 million reached before the recession."

Gov. Fallin said, "It's great to end the 2012 fiscal year on a high note, as the entire year was a boon for the Oklahoma economy as collections exceeded the previous year by nearly 10 percent. Since January 2011, we've had positive growth over the prior year in 16 out of 18 months, and we've had double-digit growth in 10 months. We’ve also had a net increase of 38,200 jobs in the past 12 months ranking our state second in the nation for job creation. Our pro-business policies are succeeding in growing the economy and providing more opportunities for Oklahoma families.

"Looking ahead to next year, it's important we continue our focus on policies such as workforce development and education reform, government modernization, as well as tax reform that will help us bring even more jobs and investment to the state."

Doerflinger said he is hopeful that energy prices will improve during the new fiscal year, "understanding the impact of the oil patch on the Oklahoma economy. But our recovery has been broad-based, as high-lighted by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce's recent Economic Snapshot.

"That report, among other things, pointed to Oklahoma gaining more than 38,000 jobs since the first of the year, ranking second among the states. We lost a few hundred manufacturing jobs in May, but kept our No. 1 ranking in that area with a growth rate of 6.6 percent.

"I also found it interesting that our unemployment rate dropped to 4.8 percent in May at the same time the number of Oklahomans seeking jobs increased. Other states with low jobless rates have seen their workforce numbers shrink."

Oklahoma's unemployment rate is the fifth lowest in the country and compares to the national rate of 8.2 percent.

THUNDER UP

By Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb

The Thunder basketball team has a big impact on the state of Oklahoma.  Not just because we are excelling in the NBA playoffs.  But also because it helps to point the nation – and the world - back to us.  The Thunder is an example of what a true team looks like, providing role models for our youth to follow.  The Thunder also helps to unify us as a state, constantly reminding us that Oklahoma is strong and has a bright future ahead. 

The Thunder’s outreach is phenomenal.  With more than one million fans and followers strong worldwide on Facebook and Twitter, the Thunder has become a household name.  Thunder season ticket members reside in 51 Oklahoma counties and 26 states.  And the Thunder has been on national television countless times this season.  In Oklahoma City alone, television ratings have doubled over last season.  The NBA All-Star game was seen in 200 countries in 40 languages.  Kevin Durant (All-Star MVP), Russell Westbrook and Western All-Star Coach Scott Brooks and his staff brought international exposure to Oklahoma.  All who watch are reminded that the Thunder is Oklahoma’s team.  This drives recognition to our state and all the great things that are taking place here despite the difficult economic climate in our nation. Oklahoma has become a beacon of light in these challenging times and the Thunder is part of that equation.

The Thunder is a good example for our young people and a clear picture of a team that is one in action and heart.  All of the players are very active in the community, several through their own initiatives, all of them through the Thunder’s own community platform which includes education, fitness and other programs.  To date, the Rolling Thunder Book bus which features players distributing books to elementary schools has given out nearly 50,000 books.

The Thunder also helps draw our state together.  As Oklahomans, we stand behind our team win or lose. One example is the Blue Alliance initiative.  This organization has 100 captains and 7,300 members across the state.  The participating cities span from Blackwell to Marietta (North to South) and Goodwell to Roland (West to East).  The fans who are apart of Blue Alliance are official ambassadors of the Oklahoma City Thunder.  The captains have committed to spread the Thunder spirit in their hometowns by recruiting more members, coordinating watch parties and sharing Thunder news.

Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb

I enjoy using the Thunder as a metaphor of Oklahoma’s success, and using Twitter to make subtle points.  During the sweep of the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of playoffs, I was quick to draw a comparison on Twitter: “OKC beats Dallas...and our NBA team is better!”  And during the second round of playoffs against Los Angeles, it was great to point out the lengths Oklahoma has come to get where we are today: “Oklahoma: better than Steinbeck; better than Lakers. Go Thunder!”

A great big thank you to the Thunder for everything they do as a team for our great state.  Thunder up, Oklahoma!

Lamb Issues Broad Policy Report on Eve of Session

OKLAHOMA CITY - Lt. Governor Todd Lamb published his 2012 Policy and Issues Report last week. The report contains ideas, advice and suggestions from Oklahomans from every corner of the state. 

In the year since Lamb took office he has visited all 77 counties asking one important question, “What impedes your opportunity for growth?”

Attendees of Lamb’s town hall meetings have included people from all walks of life according to the report. The report is a distillation of what Lamb has heard from those who have attended his meetings. 

The report has been presented to Governor Mary Fallin and legislative leaders before the 2012 legislative session begins. 

The report is divided into two parts. The first is Lamb’s vision for the future of the state. The second contains the many ideas gleaned from his conversations while traveling the state. 

The income tax, education, water and the creation of jobs are among the several topics covered in the report. 

Lamb says the report is intended to spark “further debate and discussion” by legislators as they look for ways to make Oklahoma more competitive economically. 

“Oklahoma is the best state in the nation,” Lamb said. “It’s time we compete with other state in something besides football.”

An online copy of the report can be obtained on the Lt. Governor’s website.