Details

PROCESS:

After week one of the second session of the legislature, the House and Senate committee work was fast and furious.  The introduction of many tax code bills took place to help correct next year’s budget deficit as well as a  variety of policy bills that dealt with various subjects – from Fantasy Sports games to consolidation of state agencies.  Week two will continue with the introduction of bills by members, but internally, budget leaders will be looking for ways to piece together a balanced budget.

POLITICS:

This week, State Finance Director, Preston Doerflinger announced a second revenue failure based on the continued loss of revenue due to the slump in oil prices.  He also stated that on Tuesday, February 16, the State Board of Equalization will meet to set the exact dollar amount needed to balance the 2017 budget.  He also told all state agencies that there will be additional cuts to their budgets during 2016.  Of course this is not good news and will set up many battles to come, not only between the Republicans and the Democrats but between the legislature and the Governor’s office - as we saw evidence of a clash this week over a suggested moratorium on business tax incentives.

PROGRAM:

This past week, we made some progress on our agenda.  We heard from Jackson County that they are entering into an agreement to become a participant in the State’s Purchase Card Program.  This is a positive step and should negate the reason for introduction of our ‘P’ Card legislation.  Rep. Cockroft introduced our bill to raise the dollar amount of road materials from $3 to $7 – it passed 6-0.  Another big story – a 9-1-1 funding bill passed out of full House Appropriations this week – 24-0.  Although it is a small increase of an additional .25 cents per cell device, it is a positive step forward.

Additionally, we held several meetings this week with Senate and House leaders discussing the County Highway Fund and the bills that have been filed that greatly impact the Commissioner’s budgets across the state.  Our strategy is to continue to educate the legislators – informing them of the consequences of the apportionment bills and that the legislature cannot continue to balance the state budget off the backs of County Government.  Thank you to all county officers and employees that came to the Capitol this week – please continue to do so and please talk to your legislators – asking them to reconsider their thoughts on reapportionment of gross production taxes and fuel taxes that are currently allocated to county government.

Bills to watch this coming week:

Monday, Feb. 16 – House Rev & tax – HB2623 Apportionment of gross production and HB2310 to increase county sales tax levy to 3.5%

Tuesday, Feb. 17 – House County & Muni Govt. – HB2451 removes the 15,000 population cap on towns so counties can assist with road projects

Wed. Feb. 18 – Senate Appros. on Gen. Govt. – SB1391 and SB1392 – apportionment of motor vehicle fees to CIRB

There are other important bills to monitor – but our continued focus at this time will be on the Senate apportionment bills.  Keep the calls coming.

BC

Bill Case
Capitol Gains
405.570.2900
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ACCO Legislative Update: 2/11/16 from Caleb Taulbee on Vimeo.

Details

PROCESS :

The second session of the 55^th 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
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.