PROCESS :
The second session of the 55th Oklahoma Legislature began February 1 with the State of the State address by Governor Mary Fallin. During the address she presented her state budget proposal for 2017. She challenged her colleagues to be aggressive this year, be tough and step up and pass legislation that would include a sales tax increase, to make major changes to the corrections and sentencing laws, to put forth more efforts in the area of foster care and to come up with a $3,000 teacher’s pay raise. However, the Democrats immediately lashed out and gave their unfavorable responses to the Governor’s proposals, stating that the Republican tax cuts and tax incentive polices caused a ” revenue failure” for our state. Game On !
POLICY :
The first week of the legislative session was somewhat light – several budget meetings took place but very little policy. Next week things will kick into gear with many policy bills being introduced. We are tracking over 300 bills this session. Many of those bills were leftover from last session – but there are several new ideas that will need to be monitored. We will keep you posted.
PROGRAM :
This session the ACCO legislative committee approved a few ideas for the legislature to consider. Attached is the county commissioner agenda which includes four bills. We are also monitoring many tax apportionment bills that have the potential of cutting necessary funding from the County Highway Funds. These bills will be our top priority, placing intense focus on the legislators whom have filed these bills. We have attached an apportionment agenda as well.
This week, ACCO staff conducted a road funding presentation before the House Appropriation Committee on Transportation. On Tuesday, February 23 the staff is scheduled to make another funding presentation to the Senate Transportation Committee.
CODA Conference is coming up next week – during the conference week we are hoping to have an agenda for those of you commissioners that would like to visit their legislators at the Capitol and to educate them on the importance of the maintenance and operation revenues to the county highway system.
Bills to watch this week:
Tuesday, Feb. 9 @ 3:30pm– Senate Transportation SB1131 by Crain – Would allow any private company to use the road right-a-way for water lines, poles and wires.
Wednesday, Feb. 10 @ 9:00am – House Government and Oversight – HB3130 by Cockroft – CC Agenda raises bid ceiling on road materials from $3 to $15.
Wednesday, Feb. 10 @ 9:00am – House Ag – HB2360 by Rousselot – Modifies county purchasing act with Fire Dept. Districts – defines them as political sub divisions / changes reporting.
Wednesday, Feb. 10@ 4:30pm – House Approps HB3126 by Cockroft – Creates the OK 9-1-1 Management Authority Act and HB3133 by Cockroft – would modify the Ambulance Service Act.
Bill Case
Capitol Gains
405.570.2900
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