Oklahoma Governor's Office no topic Update
Oklahoma Governor's Office sent this bulletin at 04/20/2017 02:02 AM CDT |
|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. |
You are subscribed to no topic for Oklahoma Governor's Office. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement after signing House Bill 2298, which was authored by Speaker Charles McCall (R-22), and Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz (R-38) and passed the Senate 40-3 last Monday. This legislation would sunset the tax credits for the wind industry on July 1, 2017.
“The wind industry for Oklahoma is an essential piece of my ‘All of the Above’ energy strategy. With the support of the zero emissions tax credit, our state has become a national leader in wind energy. Currently, Oklahoma ranks third in the nation in total installed wind capacity, with nearly 7,000MW in the ground. This accounts for more than 25 percent of the state’s electricity generation mix, and is an important contributor to Oklahoma having the lowest cost of electricity in the nation.
“The zero emissions tax
OKLAHOMA CITY — Governor Mary Fallin today announced that the state of Oklahoma and Tulsa-based Family & Children’s Services (F&CS) have entered into a groundbreaking Pay for Success (PFS) contract aimed at reducing Oklahoma’s nation-leading female incarceration rate by securing public-private investment in the successful Women in Recovery (WIR) prison diversion program. This project will enable WIR to expand its services, admitting up to 125 women into the program annually for up to five years.
Pay for Success is an innovative funding model that combines nonprofit expertise, private funding, and independent evaluation to transform how government leaders respond to chronic social issues. Through PFS,
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed HB 1576, her digital learning legislation, into law. This legislation, carried by Rep. Chad Caldwell (R-40) and Sen. Gary Stanislawski (R-35), supports the Governor’s Oklahoma Connect and Learn Initiative.
“House Bill 1576 provides current and future teachers with professional development and training in digital and instructional technologies to enhance classroom instruction,” said Fallin. “Oklahoma has outstanding teachers in our classrooms, and by incorporating digital content and resources into classroom lessons, students will have access to global resources through technology. I have prioritized education and workforce through both my Oklahoma Works and my Connect and Learn initiatives, as I believe we need to have a “future ready” citizenry. I am grateful to the hard work of Rep. Caldwell and Sen. Stanislawski in shepherding this legislation through to my
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that Mobile Medical Examination Inc. (MedXM), a national leader in the design and implementation of preventive care technology and in-home health risk assessments, will be expanding into Oklahoma City to house additional support for MedXM outreach initiatives.
“MedXM’s presence in our state is a welcome addition, and helps us further diversify our economy and provide new career opportunities for Oklahomans,” said Fallin. “Oklahoma offers multiple benefits to businesses looking to relocate and expand, as our state continues to diversify its economy, create new jobs, and see growth in customer services and support operations.”
The Oklahoma City outreach center plans to provide 400 full time jobs over the course of five years. This expansion will help strengthen MedXM’s mission to provide exceptional member service and quality home health visits across the nation for the
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), acting in response to a directive from President Donald Trump, authorized emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands in Oklahoma as a result of wildfires that devastated parts of northwest Oklahoma:
“I appreciate President Trump and the USDA for their quick action to help our ranchers who have sustained significant losses as a result of the destructive wildfires that ravaged the northwest part of our state. The loss of livestock is a tremendous burden, but the president’s authorization gives ranchers help in the recovery process.”
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that i2E, Inc., a nonprofit that assists Oklahoma’s emerging small businesses, and seven state partners with the assistance of a $200,000 matching federal grant are taking a popular venture assessment program to rural Oklahoma and Native American entrepreneurs.
State partners include the Cherokee Nation, Choctaw Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Oklahoma Business Roundtable and the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science & Technology (OCAST). Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc., is also a supporting partner. The U.S. Economic Development Association (EDA) awarded the grant in November.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin tonight announced she has received a letter from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stating emergency loans are available to livestock producers in six Oklahoma counties where recent wildfires caused significant damage.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that the National Governors Association (NGA) has chosen Oklahoma as one of five states and territories to participate in a learning lab focused on alternatives to incarceration for justice-involved youth.
“I am thrilled that the NGA has chosen to help Oklahoma address its struggling criminal justice system and over-incarceration crisis. I have long said that by using data, fact-based evidence, and innovative solutions, we can improve public safety, save the state money, and be a more moral and efficient government,” said Fallin. “This learning lab opportunity will help us explore proven strategies to reduce juvenile incarceration.”
The five states and territories chosen to participate in the NGA’s “Learning Lab on Alternatives to Incarceration for Justice-Involved Youth” are Oklahoma, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana and the Virgin Islands.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of former state Sen. Clark Jolley to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. He succeeds Dawn Cash, who resigned earlier this month.
Jolley’s appointment to the Tax Commission requires confirmation from the state Senate. His term would expire Jan. 10, 2023.
Jolley, of Edmond, serves as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma Christian University and Mid-America Christian University. He served in the state Senate from 2004 until 2016, the last five years as chairman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee. He could not seek
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today ordered special elections to fill the vacancies in Oklahoma Senate District 44, caused by the immediate resignation of Ralph Shortey, and
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced efforts to inform Oklahoma veterans about the Oklahoma Veterans Pilot Program, a private/public initiative to develop a comprehensive health care access and delivery system for the state’s veterans.
A comprehensive outreach program will be spearheaded by the Force 50 Brigade and its two subgroups, Victory Company and the County Chairpersons Leadership Team.
“The Oklahoma Veterans Pilot Program is an important effort to identify best practices in healthcare delivery to ensure we offer the highest quality of care to our veterans,” said Fallin. “Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our freedoms, and the least we owe them is superior healthcare that is easily accessible for all. I applaud the formation of the Force 50 Brigade and its subgroups, Victor Company and the County Chairperson Leadership Team, to spread the word about this critical initiative.”
The
OKLAHOMA CITY— Governor Mary Fallin today announced she has selected Dr. Jeanetta Calhoun Mish to serve as Oklahoma's state poet laureate for 2017-18. Mish is the director and a faculty mentor at The Red Earth Low-Residency Creative Writing MFA Program at Oklahoma City University.
“Dr. Jeanetta Calhoun Mish is a poet, writer, teacher and scholar who shares thoughtful and meaningful insights about Oklahoma through her works,” said Fallin. “I selected Dr. Mish because of her immense passions for poetry and our great state. I am confident Dr. Mish will continue to provide excellence in the field of poetry and engage citizens of Oklahoma in this art form.”
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today commended the Oklahoma House of Representatives for its bipartisan approval of three bills related to reforms of the criminal justice system. The governor asked lawmakers in her State of the State address last month to consider these reforms, which were recommended by the Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force that she convened last year.
“Without jeopardizing public safety, these measures address Oklahoma’s prison population, which is among the highest in the nation,” said Fallin. “Our criminal justice system will cost our state nearly $2 billion in the coming years if we do not make any changes, which is why these reforms are so critical. I am grateful to Representatives Terry O’Donnell and Scott Biggs for their hard
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Patrick Fitzgerald as her special adviser for innovation, entrepreneurship and entertainment.
Fitzgerald, of Norman, has more than 30 years of experience in various industries with an exceptional track record for innovation, leadership and mastery of various disciplines, such as Apple iTunes, Walt Disney Studios, Citibank (Caribbean and Latin America) and Campbell Soup Co. He had global responsibilities at Apple and at Walt Disney Studios.
As the governor’s special adviser for innovation, entrepreneurship and
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today praised the Oklahoma Senate for its approval of eight bills addressing improvements in the criminal justice system. The Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force, which was convened by the governor last year, recommended these reforms after studying the data and facts of the criminal justice system in Oklahoma, and the governor asked lawmakers to consider them in her State of the State.
“These historic votes will improve public safety in Oklahoma, and save our state $1.9 billion,” said Fallin. “Making smart, data-driven decisions on how to increase safety while decreasing our overcapacity prisons is key to pursuing smaller, more efficient, and more moral government. My thanks to Majority Floor Leader Greg Treat and Senator Wayne Shaw
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that former Oklahoma Commerce Secretary Dave Lopez is re-joining her Cabinet to fill the vacant position of secretary of state.
Lopez will begin his new duties Monday, March 27. His appointment still must be confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate.
Lopez succeeds Mike Hunter, whom the governor appointed last month as attorney general.
As secretary of state, Lopez will serve as a senior adviser to the governor on policy, economic and legislative issues. He served as the governor’s secretary of commerce from 2011 until
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of James Barwick to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Barwick, of Edmond, is an assistant state attorney general and will retire from that position before beginning his term on the Wildlife Commission. His appointment still must be confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate. Barwick will replace Ed Abel.
As an assistant state attorney general, Barwick served as general counsel to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for more than 12 years. In this capacity, he has attended more than 100 Wildlife Commission
OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the state of Oklahoma’s request for public assistance for Blaine County to help with expenses related to the January 13-16 ice storm that impacted northwest Oklahoma.
The federal funds may be used to assist municipalities, counties and rural electric cooperatives with infrastructure repairs, debris removal and costs associated with damages caused by the January storms.
Ten counties were previously approved for public assistance: Beaver, Beckham, Dewey,
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that former state Sen. James Williamson will serve as her general counsel. Williamson, of Tulsa, has been in private practice since 1975 and is a former legislator, having served 18 years in Oklahoma’s Legislature.
From 2010 to 2012, Williamson served as senior policy analyst and chief legal counsel to then-Senate President Pro Tempores Glenn Coffee and Brian Bingman.
Before that, he represented Tulsa in both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the state Senate.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating to the University of Oklahoma (OU) Board of Regents. Keating will succeed A. Max Weitzenhoffer and will serve a seven–year term, pending confirmation from the Oklahoma Senate.
Keating is a senior partner in the international law firm of Holland & Knight. He served two terms as governor, from 1995 until 2003; after that, he served seven years as the president and chief executive officer of the American Council of Life Insurers and then five years as president and CEO of the American Bankers Association (ABA).
TULSA – Governor Mary Fallin today announced a new public-private partnership to benefit all Oklahoma foster families. Beginning today, the Oklahoma Alliance of YMCAs is partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) and the governor’s Oklahoma Fosters initiative to launch the “YMCA Benefit Program” for Oklahoma foster families. This new program will provide discounted services at YMCAs across the state to all foster parents providing care to children in state custody. “Finding foster families for the hundreds of children who come into state custody every year has long been a priority of mine,” said Fallin. “I’m grateful to the Oklahoma Alliance of YMCA for partnering with
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier, vice president for research at the University of Oklahoma (OU), will be joining her Cabinet as secretary of science and technology. Droegemeier will begin serving on Monday.
Droegemeier is a Regents’ professor of meteorology, Weathernews chair emeritus, and Teigen presidential professor at OU. He currently serves on Fallin’s Science and Technology Council, chairing the academic research and development subcommittee.
Fallin said Droegemeier’s extensive background in science and technology, as well
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the passing of Mike McCarville, longtime Oklahoma journalist and commentator:
“Mike McCarville was a skilled journalist and one of Oklahoma’s most respected commentators. He had a strong curiosity who cared deeply about Oklahoma and was intrigued especially about the politics and newsmakers of our state. He was a personal friend who I will remember as being fair, but tough in pursuing stories and tips. He worked for several news outlets throughout his career, but I remember him most during his time on the radio, in which he liked to describe himself as the ‘man with a face for radio.’ My thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s
OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today issued an executive order to declare a state of emergency for 22 counties due to ongoing wildfires and critical fire weather conditions.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Citing a remedy to help with economic development and self-determination, Governor Mary Fallin today announced she has concurred with the findings of a federal agency giving permission to the Shawnee Tribe to build a casino near Guymon.
In 2000, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe succeeded in winning congressional approval of a measure called the Shawnee Act, which restored the tribe's federal recognition and gave the tribe the right to secure land essential to its economic well-being as long as that land is outside the assigned lands of other Oklahoma tribes.
The history of Shawnee
OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today signed House Joint Resolution (HJR) 1028 to approve the assessment and accountability report recommendations required by legislation (House Bill 3218) passed and signed into law last year. The key components of the report include recommendations for new assessments for Grades 3-8 and for high school students as required by the federal government, as well as a study of an enhanced accountability system. In addition, the report contained recommendations on graduation requirements, and remediation and interventions.
Governor Fallin’s Statement on signing HJR 1028
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today, joined by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz and House Speaker Charles McCall, signed House Bill (HB) 1845, the REAL ID compliance bill. The new law will allow persons to obtain a compliant REAL ID driver's license or identification card.
Both the House of Representatives and the Senate gave overwhelming support to HB 1845. It passed the House 78-18 and won 35-11 approval in the Senate.
HB 1845 was a priority measure for the governor, who urged lawmakers during her State of the State address this year to pass a measure that makes Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued this statement after the Oklahoma Senate voted 35-11 to give final legislative passage to House Bill 1845, which would allow persons to obtain a compliant REAL ID driver's license or identification card:
“I’m pleased to see the Legislature work so quickly on this important issue. We cannot burden Oklahomans with the additional cost and hassle of providing identification to gain entrance to federal buildings, military bases or federal courthouses. And most certainly we can’t let them down by forcing them to have
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today congratulated Oklahoma natives Trent and Thad Luckinbill for their work on the film, “La La Land,” which received six Oscars during Sunday night’s Academy Awards ceremony.
“I applaud Trent and Thad Luckinbill for their blockbuster hit,” said Fallin. “All of us Oklahomans are standing a little taller today with a sense of pride because of their impressive achievement.”
Trent and Thad Luckinbill, Enid natives and brothers, helped finance and produce “La La Land” through their company, Black
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today appointed Secretary of State Mike Hunter to the post of state attorney general.
Hunter succeeds Scott Pruitt, who resigned after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate to become administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Hunter served as first assistant attorney general under Pruitt until Fallin last year named him secretary of state and special legal counsel. He starts his new duties immediately.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today accepted the resignation of Scott Pruitt as attorney general, who has been sworn in as administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Scott Pruitt will do a great job as EPA administrator,” said Fallin. “He has been a tireless advocate of the precious balance of power between state and federal governments. In his six years as attorney general, he led the charge to combat the ever-increasing overreach of the federal government. As head of the EPA, he will ensure states retain their decision-making policies, instead of having them transferred to the federal government.”
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today ordered a special election to fill the vacancy in Oklahoma House District 75 caused by the irrevocable resignation of Rep. Dan Kirby. His resignation will become effective March 1, 2017.
The filing period for the special election is Feb. 27 and 28, and March 1. The special primary election is set for May 9 and the special general election is scheduled for July 11.
In the event a special primary election is not necessary, the special general election will be May 9.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today ordered a special election to fill the vacancy in Oklahoma House District 75 caused by the irrevocable resignation of Rep. Dan Kirby. His resignation will become effective March 1, 2017.
The filing period for the special election is Feb. 27 and 28, and March 1. The special primary election is set for May 9 and the special general election is scheduled for July 11.
In the event a special primary election is not necessary, the special general election will be May 9.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb announced his resignation from her Cabinet, where he served as small business advocate:
“I was disappointed and surprised to learn from a press release that Lt. Gov. Lamb had decided to quit serving as a member of my Cabinet.
“I have always valued Todd’s independent voice. I valued it when we first came into office when we dealt
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after the state House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) 1845, which would bring Oklahoma into compliance with the federal Real ID Act:
“I’m pleased to see the House of Representatives taking action on this measure so early in the legislative session. This measure addresses the necessary steps to meet all the requirements of the REAL ID Act. I look forward to similar quick action in the Senate. We cannot burden Oklahomans with the additional cost and hassle of providing identification to gain entrance to federal buildings, military bases or federal courthouses. Failure to approve this measure also will force those
OKLAHOMA CITY - Due to significant rainfall that moved across the state, Governor Mary Fallin today signed an executive proclamation removing a burn ban she ordered for 53 counties. The governor issued the burn ban on Friday because of extreme dry and weather conditions;
OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin and the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) are offering the following information regarding a cyberattack against a state agency that was referenced last week during a state House of Representatives Government Modernization Committee meeting.
The agency referenced did not pay a ransom as a result of the cyber incident, an investigation by Oklahoma CyberCommand, an arm of OMES Information Services, confirmed today.
The incident in question was a ransomware attack on an agency that had not had its information technology (IT) unified
By Governor Mary Fallin
Earlier this month, I introduced a plan to stabilize our state by beginning true, meaningful budget reforms and modernizing our state’s tax laws. It cuts some taxes and raises others.
To help our families, I proposed eliminating the state sales tax on groceries, which is expected to result in annual savings of $350 to $676 for a family of four. Cities and counties, though, will still have the option to keep the sales tax on groceries, thus not hurting city and county revenue.
by Scott Meacham Published: February 14, 2017
Last week, against the backdrop of yet another shortage in spendable revenue for
OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today issued a two-week burn ban for much of the state because of extreme weather conditions and extraordinary fire danger.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced she is appointing long-time prosecutor Paul Smith as district attorney for Seminole, Hughes and Pontotoc counties. He will replace Chris Ross, who retired Jan. 1.
Smith, of Seminole, will serve as district attorney for the remainder of Ross’s term, which expires in January 2019.
“Paul Smith has 30 years of prosecution experience and has served as first assistant district attorney in District 22 the past five years,” said Fallin. “He has dedicated his career to serving the people of Oklahoma as a prosecutor. I know he
OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today named Patrick Wyrick to serve as a justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Wyrick, 35, succeeds Steven Taylor, who retired from the bench last year.
Wyrick has served as solicitor general in the Oklahoma attorney general’s office since 2011. As solicitor general, Wyrick represented the state of Oklahoma before the U.S. and Oklahoma supreme courts, and other federal and state courts. He also authored attorney general opinions and served as a key legal adviser to a variety of state officials.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today delivered the annual State of the State Address in front of a joint session of the Oklahoma Legislature. In it, Fallin focused on the urgent need to improve the state’s budgeting process to ensure that legislators can adequately fund priority goals related to education, public safety, health and the state’s infrastructure needs. Her State of the State Address can be found
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the state of Oklahoma has requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government for 10 counties impacted by the Jan. 13-16 ice storm.
If approved, the designation would deliver federal funding to assist municipalities, counties and rural electric cooperatives with infrastructure repairs, debris removal, and costs associated with responding to the storm.
The counties are: Beaver, Beckham, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Major, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the final findings and recommendations from the Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force:
“Oklahoma is in a crisis as our current prison population greatly exceeds capacity, and we have the second-highest imprisonment rate in the country, with the highest rate for women. Without change, our prison population will increase by 25 percent, and will require three more prisons to be built or contracted.
“To address this, in August I charged the Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force to perform a comprehensive review of Oklahoma’s criminal justice system and develop data-driven recommendations that will increase public safety by reducing recidivism, holding offenders accountable, and controlling the state’s skyrocketing corrections costs.
“Since then, the members of the task force have spent countless hours studying data to craft fact-based
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin and Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs Executive Director Steve Buck today announced the State Charitable Campaign (SCC) surpassed its 2016 donation goal by raising $516,615 to benefit SCC member charities.
Within the Oklahoma City metro area, donations among state staff reached $451,815, said Buck, 2016 SCC chairman.
The SCC offers an efficient, accountable way for state employees to contribute to more than 200 local, statewide and international charities.
The charities support a variety of services, including feeding the hungry, education
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today named Charles ‘Chuck’ Darby, of Broken Bow, and Rob Stallings, of Enid, to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
Both appointments still must be confirmed by the Senate when it convenes this year. The governor plans to soon fill a third vacancy, from the northeast part of the state.
Darby would succeed Richard Sevenoaks, whose term expired. Darby’s term would expire in May 2023.
Stallings would
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the passing of Frosty Troy, who was a longtime editor of the Oklahoma Observer and a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame:
“Frosty Troy was a diligent journalist who covered the state Capitol for nearly 40 years, reporting on governors, lawmakers and state officials. I first met him 26 years ago as a young legislator. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.”
EducationSuperHighway’s Second Annual “State of the States” Report Finds 91 Percent of Oklahoma School Districts Now Meet Minimum Connectivity Goal; Up from 85 Percent in 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY— Governor Mary Fallin today expressed appreciation for ongoing efforts to bring high-speed Internet to more schools and students statewide as part of her Oklahoma Connect and Learning Initiative. The Oklahoma Connect and Learn Initiative is part of the Oklahoma Works strategic plan.
The Initiative leadership team consists of members from the Governor’s Office, Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, and Office of Management and Enterprise Services. The initiative is coordinated through a national policy academy hosted by the National Governors Association and EducationSuperHighway, a national non-profit focused on upgrading the
OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement regarding Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached a message of tolerance, mutual respect and human dignity that is just as relevant today as it was when he lived. He was a patriot who believed in the great potential of our country and its message of freedom and equality of opportunity. I encourage all Oklahomans to join me in celebrating the spirit of brotherhood and love that Dr. King embraced.”
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 16. The
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today declared a state of emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties due to severe winter weather predicted for the state.
Because the weather event is expected to include dangerous road conditions and power outages, emergency management authorities recommended issuing this declaration before the full brunt of the storms arrive.
Winter storms, snow, freezing rain, ice, severe storms, tornadoes, straight line winds and flooding may impact different parts of the state during the next two or three days.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today thanked JPMorgan Chase & Co. and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) for awarding Oklahoma a grant that will complement her existing Oklahoma Works Initiative goal to create a future-ready workforce. The New Skills For Youth grant will provide Oklahoma with $2 million over three years to help improve access to skills-based education and training for high-skill, well-paying careers.
“A postsecondary degree, credential or certificate is the new minimum for success in the workforce,” said Fallin. “The New Skills for Youth Grant builds on my Oklahoma Works Initiative to align education to the needs of the workforce. Through increased cooperation between
By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Published: January 5, 2017
GOV. Mary Fallin is setting the bar mighty high in her effort to fit more Oklahomans for the workforce of
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Karen Youngblood to fill an unexpired term on the Board of Juvenile Affairs.
Youngblood succeeds Wendell Hixson, who resigned. She will serve the remainder of Hixson’s term, which expires in July 2018, representing Congressional District 3 with experience in education. She can begin serving immediately on the seven-member board, which is the governing body for the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA). Her appointment still must be confirmed by the Senate when it convenes this year.
Youngblood, of Yukon, is
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin along with legislative leaders today announced that Oklahoma has received an extension through June 6, 2017, to meet the requirements in the REAL ID Act. But the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned that failure for the state to act during the 2017 legislative session on legislation committing Oklahoma to all the REAL ID requirements could result in the denial of future extension requests.
Without the extension, federal agencies later this month would have been prohibited from accepting Oklahoma driver's licenses and identification cards, meaning those without identification that complies with the REAL ID Act won't be able to enter a federal building, military base or
OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today made the following statements after Rep. Charles McCall was formally elected speaker of the House of Representatives and Sen. Mike Schulz was formally elected president pro tem of the Senate:
“I am confident Charles McCall will be an effective and hard-working speaker of the House of Representatives. I look forward to working with him as we pursue policies to help create jobs and make state government more efficient.
“Mike Schulz is a dedicated leader who previously earned the respect of his fellow senators as majority floor leader. I look
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced a goal to increase post-secondary education and training attainment for Oklahomans. The goal, named Launch Oklahoma, is for 70 percent of Oklahoma’s residents, age 25-64, to complete a postsecondary degree, certificate or credential by the year 2025. About 40 percent of the state’s residents now have that level of education or training.*
“Projections show that in 2025, 77 percent of the state’s new labor market will require greater than a high school diploma, highlighting the critical need for higher education,” said Fallin, who authorized Launch Oklahoma in
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement wishing Oklahomans a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season: “This is my favorite time of year. It’s a chance to reflect upon the blessings we have received and to spend time with family, loved ones and friends. In this busy holiday season, we should all take a moment to embrace the true meaning of Christmas and offer goodwill to all. “Let us not forget the men and women in uniform who risk their lives to protect our freedoms and families. Holiday separations are always difficult, not only for them but also for their families. “On behalf of myself, the First Gentleman and my entire family, I wish all a very Merry Christmas and for a New Year filled with blessings and joy.”
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after the President signed into law the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. Among other items, the WIIN Act includes the water agreement between Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, and the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations.
“I am thrilled this critically important piece of legislation has become law. Among many things helpful to Oklahoma, the WIIN Act includes the water rights agreement reached this past summer with the state of Oklahoma, the city of Oklahoma City, and the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations. Now, thanks to the hard work of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation and the visionary leadership of the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations and Oklahoma City, existing uses of water remain secure, at the same time that certainty for future development is provided.
“I want to particularly recognize the excellent legal work and the leadership of Attorney
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today ordered a special election to fill the vacancy in Oklahoma House District 28 caused by the irrevocable resignation of Rep. Tom Newell. His resignation will become effective Jan. 1, 2017.
The filing period for the special election is Jan. 9, 10 and 11. The special primary election is set for March 7 and special general election is scheduled for May 9.
In the event a special primary election is not necessary, the special general election will be March 7.
Newell, of
OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today announced her seventh annual Feeding Oklahoma Drive, which ran Oct.1 through 31, exceeded its goal of raising 2 million meals. In total, the drive raised $303,991 in donations and 1,327,766 pounds of food, which will provide 2,626,428 meals for Oklahomans struggling with hunger.
“I want to thank the many generous Oklahomans who stepped up and donated to this year’s Feeding Oklahoma Drive,” Fallin said. “Because of your incredible generosity, we will provide meals to our hungry neighbors across the state. Just because the drive has ended, though, and we have met our goal, please do not forget the continued importance of giving this holiday
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today discussed her trip last week to visit Oklahoma National Guard troops in the Middle East. Governor Fallin was one of three governors to take part in the trip arranged by the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department. She was joined by Major General Robbie Asher, who is the Oklahoma Adjutant General, commanding the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard.
As noted by the Pentagon, the 28th Secretary of Defense-sponsored Governor Delegation (GOVDEL) traveled to Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, and Germany to visit forward-deployed National Guard and Reserve Service Members and deployed home-state constituents, as well as to receive briefings from European Command (EUCOM) and Central Command (CENTCOM) leaders.
“It was a privilege to participate in this trip organized by the Department of Defense. The trip was an incredible experience, and really brought to life the risks and sacrifices that our men and
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced she will extend the deadline for her justice reform task force to provide more time to strengthen its proposals.
The governor will modify an executive order that had previously called for the Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force’s work to be complete by Thursday, Dec. 15.
“To deliver the type of significant improvement Oklahoma needs, I am asking the task force to take the achievable, responsible ideas it already has a step further,” said Fallin. “The task force already has ways to save thousands of prison beds while
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted 78-21 to pass the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. The bill now moves to the president for his approval. Among other items, the WIIN Act includes the water agreement between Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations.
“I applaud the U.S. Senate for passing the WIIN Act with strong, bipartisan support, and am hopeful it soon will become law. I want to especially acknowledge the hard work of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation in
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency:
“Attorney General Scott Pruitt is a tireless advocate of the precious balance of power between state and federal governments. In his nearly six years as attorney general, he led the charge to combat the ever-increasing overreach of the Obama administration. I applaud President-elect Trump’s appointment of Scott Pruitt as head of the EPA. He will ensure
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the formation of a task force to perform a comprehensive review of occupational licensing in Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Occupational Licensing Task Force will provide recommendations to the governor to remove unnecessary or burdensome regulations that are a barrier to potential workers.
“Occupational licensing often can be overly burdensome, which can hinder a person from earning a living and providing for their family,” said Fallin. “These unnecessary or outdated barriers make it harder for many Oklahomans, particularly those who may not have completed a formal education as well as some minorities. This can help them
OKLAHOMA CITY—Governor Mary Fallin today announced that Jana Miller, a writer and communications strategist, has joined her staff as senior adviser on communications. Miller began her duties last month, joining Communications Director Michael McNutt.
Miller spent more than a decade working in U.S. politics, as speechwriter, communications director, and senior adviser for several prominent national politicians, including members of leadership on both the House and Senate sides of the U.S. Congress. These members include former Speaker of the U.S. House Newt Gingrich, former Vice Chair of the U.S. House Republican Conference Tillie Fowler (Fla.), former Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Republican Conference Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas), and former U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (Kan.). She is
ARLINGTON, VA – Governor Mary Fallin announced today from the Pentagon that she is traveling this week to the Middle East to visit with American troops:
“I am always impressed and inspired by our men and women in uniform. The risks they take and the sacrifices they make are unfathomable to most of us. Yet they remain committed to the mission command, and motivated to fight for our nation’s freedom.
“My deepest gratitude to their families and loved ones for their sacrifices, and to the businesses for whom these National Guard members work. Your support and encouragement is critical to both the success of this mission and these men and
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the extension of Insure Oklahoma (InsureOK) for one additional year from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017:
“I am pleased to announce that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have granted my request for an extension of our 1115 Medicaid Waiver for the Insure Oklahoma program. This is the fourth time we have been granted an extension of this public-private partnership, once again demonstrating that successful innovations and solutions happen at the state level, especially here in Oklahoma.
“Insure Oklahoma is a critically important piece of the health insurance puzzle in
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin announced today that the National Governors Association (NGA) has chosen Oklahoma as one of two states to receive technical assistance regarding using existing Medicaid funds to meet state workforce requirements in underserved areas of the state.
“I am thrilled that the NGA has chosen to help Oklahoma meet its health care workforce needs. One of my top priorities as Governor has been addressing the workforce crisis in Oklahoma, through my initiative, Oklahoma Works. This support from the NGA dovetails perfectly with the goals of my Administration to ensure all Oklahomans have the skills and education necessary to have rewarding careers and achieve the American Dream,” noted Governor Fallin.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the oil production agreement reached by OPEC:
“The news that OPEC has finally reached an agreement to reduce oil production for the first time since 2008 is welcome here in Oklahoma. Our oil and gas producers and the thousands of Americans they employ have done a great job of persevering during difficult times. Thanks to their hard work, innovations and efficiencies, America is better positioned to compete and win in the world energy market. For our national security and economy, our country must continue on a path to becoming energy independent.”
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe | Delete Profile | Help | Questions: Contact Us