The French-born American historian Jacques Barzun was famously quoted as saying, “Whoever wants to know the heart and minds of America had better know baseball, the rules and realities of the game.” Barzun could have drawn a similar parallel between baseball and a legislative session; both are predictably unpredictable.  Both impose certain rules of play and conduct.  It is the unpredictability of what happens during the game that makes things interesting. This legislative session certainly fits into the category of “predictably unpredictable.” Let’s not forget that weather can also have a profound impact on the outcome of a baseball game and a legislative session.

Opening day this year featured Governor Mary Fallin throwing out the first pitch with her third State of the State Address. As is customary, the address was an opportunity to draw attention to the governor’s legislative and budgetary priorities for the coming session. Her game strategy included reform to the current workers’ compensation system, tax reform, and funding for repairs to state infrastructure.

House

The legislative line up this year included a new speaker of the house. Representative T.W. Shannon displayed political acumen during the off-season by drafting a leadership team that reflected the diversity within his majority caucus. The team met regularly prior to session in an attempt to eliminate some of the roadblocks that had impaired progress during the last legislature. By most barometers, Speaker Shannon and his team were successful in that effort.

Senate

Dynamics in the senate changed as well. Leadership was generally unchanged, but eight new members (seven Republicans and one Democrat) and some new committee assignments created a new dynamic within the chamber.

Governor

It was another successful legislative session for the governor. She was able to sign into law variations of her major legislative priorities. She can claim victory on items such as transforming the workers’ compensation system from a judicial to administrative system, reforming the tax code, and streamlining state government. The final products presented to the governor were most certainly compromise versions. None the less, she can still claim credit for advancing an aggressive agenda.

Highlights

Perhaps the hallmark of this legislative session is how quickly the major issues were dealt with. By mid-April the governor and leadership announced agreement on the three major initiatives. By the first of May a general agreement on the state budget had been announced. Veterans at the state capitol could not remember a budget agreement being reached that early.

One would think that by disposing of the “big ticket” items so expeditiously the end of the session would not be far behind. However, that would be  like saying the Chicago Cubs could not blow a six run lead in the bottom of the ninth. Although the legislature adjourned a week prior to the constitutional deadline of May 31, they also had an extra week due to a calendar anomaly. In other words, they essentially went the whole nine innings.

While leadership reached early agreements on major initiatives, there were some major issues still on the

table. For example, pension reform has been a contentious issue for the past few sessions and it remains unresolved. How to fund the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City also remains unclear. Both issues are likely to carry into the next session of this legislature.

It was Mother Nature that dealt the wildcard during the final days of this year’s legislature. When a tornado touched down in Moore, Oklahoma on May 20, the focus of lawmakers quickly reflected the emotions of the state. Several funding measures under consideration were shelved as legislators agreed to tap the state’s Rainy Day Fund to assist in tornado recovery efforts.

In summary, the 1st session of the 54th legislature was relatively calm and productive with internal conflict at a minimum and significant legislation signed into law. But don’t forget, Oklahoma’s legislative sessions are double-headers and next year is an election year. That means an extra dose of politics at the capitol.

Looking Ahead

Priorities of any legislative session are the reaction to current policy and political trends. Therefore, it is difficult to predict with any certainty what will happen next year at 23rd and Lincoln. But there are a few things we know for certain, pension plans and their huge unfunded liabilities will most likely be addressed. We also know next year is an election year. The manner in which these political races take shape over the interim will have a profound effect on the tone and priorities of next year’s legislature.

Attachment

The attachment below is a file containing a final bill tracking report.  After opening the file you may click on the bill number and get full text of the 29 bills that required close supervision.

As you may recall, there were 2681 bills filed this session, whereby, there were 431 bills signed by the Governor and 17 vetoed.   We began tracking almost 400 bills that may have had an impact on County Government – after much pitching and catching during the first nine innings I thought our team did very well.

Have a good summer and be safe!