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OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today added Sequoyah County to a state of emergency declaration issued earlier this month due to tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that have impacted eastern Oklahoma since Aug. 5.
Heavy flooding in Sequoyah County caused dangerous travel conditions and significant road damage during the storms.
The counties listed earlier in the governor’s declaration are Mayes, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner, where four tornadoes were confirmed Aug. 5-6, and more than 170 businesses and homes were damaged. Thirteen people were
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that eligible Tulsa County homeowners and business owners may now receive disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a result of the tornadoes and other severe weather that began Aug. 5.
The designation provides SBA low-interest disaster loans for eligible homeowners and business owners in Tulsa County to replace any property damaged by the storm that was not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. The loan program is also available to assist businesses that sustained economic injury due to the storm.
Under SBA rules, the
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of former House Speaker Kris Steele to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.
Steele, who was speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2010 until 2012, will serve a term that expires in January 2019. By law, Pardon and Parole Board terms are concurrent with the governor. Confirmation from the Oklahoma Senate is not required.
Steele, of Shawnee, succeeds Vanessa Price.
Steele
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today requested a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration for Tulsa County to assist those impacted by the tornadoes and other severe weather that occurred Aug. 5-14, 2017.
If approved, the governor’s request would make available SBA low-interest disaster loans for business owners, homeowners and renters to repair or replace any property that was damaged by the severe storms, but was not covered by insurance or other assistance programs.
The loan program would also be available to assist businesses that sustained economic losses due to the
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Maxey Reilly as associate district judge for Okfuskee County.
Reilly’s appointment is effective immediately. She replaces David N. Martin who retired.
Reilly, of Okemah, is an attorney with the Stinnett Law firm in Okemah. Before that she worked 10 years as an assistant district attorney for Creek and Okfuskee counties, primarily serving the Okemah office. She was very active in starting Okfuskee County’s drug court. She handled felony, misdemeanor, traffic, drug court, forfeiture, juvenile delinquent and
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today named Mark Liotta as chairman of the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission. Liotta, a former state representative from Tulsa, succeeds Robert Gilliland, whose term on the commission expires Aug. 25.
Liotta’s appointment as chairman takes effect Aug. 26. He has completed two years of a six-year term; he was appointed by the governor on the recommendation of former House Speaker Jeff Hickman.
“Mark is aware of the critical role the Workers’ Compensation Commission has in our state,” said Fallin. “During his time
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the findings of the Oklahoma Aviation & Aerospace Economic Impact Study, which showed that aviation and aerospace is now the second-largest economic engine in the state.
The study shows that airports; off-airport aviation and aerospace businesses; and military aviation produce almost $44 billion in annual economic activity in Oklahoma. Altogether, aviation and aerospace businesses support 206,000 jobs and an $11.7 billion payroll. The average salary in aviation and aerospace is just over $73,000, according to the report.
“Oklahoma is one of the world's premier
OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today said that Oklahoma’s business climate remains positive. despite slow recovery in the oil and gas industry, and another state budget shortfall. During the first three months of 2017, Oklahoma’s gross domestic products (GDP) grew 1.9 percent, which is more than the surrounding states of Colorado, Kansas or Arkansas.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce reported an increase in the number of potential new jobs and new investment during the 2017 fiscal year, which ended June 30. New jobs were up 12 percent, with new investment in the state reaching $2.37 billion and surpassing the goal of $1.2 billion for the year.
These numbers represent
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Scott D. Meaders, Lawton’s deputy city attorney, to fill a district judge vacancy in Comanche County. He is replacing Mark R. Smith, who retired earlier this year.
His appointment is effective immediately.
Meaders, of Lawton, has served as Lawton’s deputy city attorney since 2005. He is also a lieutenant colonel and a judge advocate in the Army Reserve. His 17 years of military service include a two-year mobilization with the Office of the Staff Advocate at Fort Sill between 2003 and 2005, and a one-year combat tour to Iraq in 2008-09.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement in response to the Oklahoma Supreme Court striking down a smoking cessation fee approved this past legislative session:
“I am disappointed to hear the Supreme Court struck down the smoking cessation fee, but I certainly respect the justices’ authority. I will be discussing with legislative leaders from both parties the need to address the $215 million shortfall this will create for the Department of Human Services, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the three agencies that received the bulk of the money that was to be generated by the cessation fee.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today declared a state of emergency for four counties due to tornadoes, severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred Aug. 5-6, 2017. The counties included in the governor’s declaration are Mayes, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner. The storms resulted in more than 170 businesses and homes damaged. Thirteen people were transported to local hospitals due to storm-related injuries. OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today named Brig. Gen. Louis Wilham to serve as Oklahoma’s interim adjutant general. Wilham, Oklahoma’s assistant adjutant general, will command the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard, and will serve on the governor’s Cabinet as interim secretary of the military. His appointment is effective Wednesday, Aug. 9. Wilham takes over for Maj. Gen. Robbie L. Asher. Fallin named Asher adjutant general in February 2015. Fallin informed General Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, of her decision to make a change in the adjutant general position.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued an executive order establishing a task force to undertake an organizational analysis of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Building upon the announcement last month of changes made by the Corporation Commission to streamline operations and OKLAHOMA CITY - In honor of the 20-year anniversary of Suited for Success, Governor Mary Fallin will host a clothing drive at the Oklahoma Capitol on Tuesday, August 8, which will benefit Suited for Success. The event will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the governor’s large conference room, on the second floor of the Capitol. Suited for Success is an Oklahoma nonprofit organization that provides professional clothing to low-income women actively seeking employment. The clothing drive will help fulfill the mission of “helping women achieve self-sufficiency.” The community is encouraged to donate new or 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 Dewey, Pawnee and Rogers counties to help with expenses related to the severe weather that occurred April 28 – May 2. 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 storms. Eighteen counties were previously approved for public OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the state of Oklahoma has requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government for 16 counties impacted by severe weather that occurred May 16-20. 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: Alfalfa, Beckham, Cherokee, Coal, Cotton, Delaware, Johnston, LeFlore, Murray, Muskogee, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, OKLAHOMA CITY – The Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) today announced that for the second year in a row it set a new statewide record distribution to Oklahoma’s public schools. During the 2017 fiscal year, which ended June 30, K-12 public schools received a total of $103.4 million, which exceeds the 2016 fiscal year total by $1.2 million. That surpassed last year’s highest distribution in state history to set a new all-time annual high for the CLO. Higher education beneficiaries received $34 million in 2017, the second-highest distribution to higher education OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement wishing Oklahomans a happy Independence Day: “I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day, and I encourage everyone to remember our current and former military personnel who make this day possible. As Oklahomans, we appreciate their courage, sacrifice and service. We take pause to remember they helped ensure our rights and liberties are passed along to future generations of Americans.” By Governor Mary Fallin With a nearly $900 million budget gap, this session was indeed one of the most challenging. Keep in mind, it comes on the heels of having to deal with a $1.3 billion budget gap last year – the largest budget hole in state history. It hasn’t been easy dealing with these ongoing significant budget challenges we face. It is definitely not an ideal budget. But we did prevent draconian cuts to critical services and kept government from shutting down.
Despite a recent economic downturn, Oklahoma continues to position itself well for business, according to a recent survey compiled by Chief Executive magazine. Its annual Best & Worst States for Business Ranking, which is compiled from surveys of chief executive officers, shows Oklahoma at No. 17, up one from 2016 and up from No. 21 in 2008. The state received above-average scores when it comes to taxation and regulation (6.82 out of 10); workforce quality (6.63 out of 10) and living environment (6.69 out of 10). Oklahoma’s position as a right-to-work state was also mentioned in the findings. “We are constantly working to promote Oklahoma as a desirable BROKEN ARROW – Alfa Laval is creating a “competence center” here for the manufacturing of its spiral and air-cooled heat exchanger ranges. A parcel of land has been selected that will adjoin the existing facility to a new facility being built to house the operations for the Alfa Laval Spiral Heat Exchanger range. "Alfa Laval’s decision to concentrate some of its manufacturing in Oklahoma showcases that our state has much to offer international companies,” said Governor Mary Fallin. “We have positioned ourselves well in the global marketplace, and I am pleased that they have chosen to invest in our state.”
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced she has made six appointments to the Oklahoma Arts Council. William E. Beckman Jr., Judy J. Hatfield, Charles N. Moore Sr., Becky J. Frank and Roshan Pujari all have been confirmed by the state Senate. Fred Hall will serve on the 15-member council, pending Senate confirmation. Created by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1965 to encourage and stimulate all forms of artistic endeavors, the Oklahoma Arts Council receives appropriations from the Legislature and from the National Endowment for the Arts to provide matching grants to Oklahoma non-profit OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced several events over the next few weeks related to the centennial of the Oklahoma Capitol building. The governor will host a public ceremony commemorating the centennial. This ceremony will highlight a time capsule, which is planned to be opened 100 years from now and preserved within the newly renovated lower level of the Capitol in the interim. Artifacts donated to the time capsule will be displayed in the Capitol’s 4th floor rotunda on Monday, June 26, starting at 1 pm and the ceremony will be held at 2 pm. Other items to commemorate the building’s 100th birthday include commissioning a painting of the Capitol that will hang in the Capitol upon completion, a guest book for Oklahomans to sign and offer thoughts and hopes for the next 100 years that will be included in the time capsule, and flying at the Capitol for two weeks, starting June 19, the original state OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin and the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) today announced that Oklahoma has received an extension to meet the requirements in the REAL ID Act through Oct. 10, 2017, from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “This is great news for Oklahomans as it means there will be no restrictions on individuals using Oklahoma licenses to access federal buildings through October 10,” said Fallin. “We will request additional extensions until we are fully compliant with the REAL ID Act.” Fallin earlier this year signed House Bill (HB) WASHINGTON – Governor Mary Fallin today at the White House said President Trump’s directive, which he called a “historic announcement to train Americans for the jobs of the future” aligns closely with her Oklahoma Works initiative. “Aligning our education and workforce training programs to provide relevant work skills will be the best way to keep job growth strong,” said Fallin, who was one of seven governors at the White House for today’s signing of the executive order. “I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and commitment to education and workforce issues, and his executive order to make policy changes that encourage more apprenticeship programs. Oklahoma has long been a leader OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced she has appointed Guy L. Berry to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. Berry, of Sapulpa, succeeds Albert “Kell” Kelly, who resigned. Berry will serve on the board pending Senate confirmation next legislative session. “Guy Berry realizes that maintaining and repairing our turnpikes and transportation infrastructure is important to our citizens and important to Oklahoma’s economy,” said Fallin. “He understands that as Oklahoma’s population grows, it will require a greater commitment to modernize and OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today ordered a special election to fill the vacancy in Oklahoma Senate District 37 caused by the irrevocable resignation of Sen. Dan Newberry. His resignation will become effective Jan. 31, 2018. The filing period for the special election is June 26-28. The special primary election is set for Sept. 12 and the special general election is scheduled for Nov. 14. In the event a special primary election is not necessary, the special general election will be Sept. 12.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that Gary Ridley, who served as secretary of transportation for two governors, is retiring. His retirement is effective immediately. Fallin appointed Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) Executive Director Mike Patterson to succeed Ridley, pending Senate confirmation next legislative session. In 2013, Patterson, a longtime ODOT employee, succeeded Ridley as ODOT’s executive director. Ridley OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced she has appointed longtime Shawnee attorney Charlie Laster, who served two years as Democratic leader of the Oklahoma Senate, to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. Laster replaces Jo Pettigrew, whose term expires in July. She is completing her second successive five-year term. State law prohibits anyone from serving more than two times in succession. Laster’s term is for five years, and will run until July 2022.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed the remaining two bills awaiting action, closing the book on the 2017 legislative session. The governor has 15 days after legislators adjourn to act on bills sent to her for consideration. Legislators this year adjourned May 26, which put the governor’s deadline at June 10. In all, the governor received 410 measures for consideration during this year’s session. She signed 393 and vetoed 17. The OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement on the retirement of University of Oklahoma football Coach Bob Stoops: “Coach Bob Stoops certainly revitalized pride among the Sooner Nation on his way to becoming one of our country’s most successful college football coaches. He is the winningest coach in the University of Oklahoma’s football program during his 18 seasons in Norman. I appreciate how he always represented our state well both on and off the field. He always offered a hand when needed, such as during times of disaster. I especially appreciate that he had a winning record against the University of Texas. I’ll miss seeing Coach Stoops on the sidelines, but I wish him and OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed the remaining criminal justice reform bill that was the result of recommendations from her Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force, saying it was disappointing other proposed measures that would have had more of a direct impact on Oklahoma’s over-capacity prison population stalled in the House of Representatives. Those measures addressed the governor's criminal justice reform task force report that said without reform, Oklahoma is on pace to add 7,218 inmates over the next 10 years, That would require three new prisons and cost the state an additional $1.9 billion in capital expenditures and operating costs.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that Beckham County may now receive disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a result of severe weather that occurred May 16-18. The designation provides SBA low-interest disaster loans for homeowners and business owners in Beckham County to replace any property damaged by the storm that was not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. The loan program is also available to assist businesses that sustained economic injury due to the storm. Under SBA rules, the contiguous counties OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced a survey of health care needs among Oklahoma veterans. The “Take 10 Survey,” which will be conducted by the Oklahoma Veterans Pilot Program, is an effort to identify the most pressing health care needs among veterans, as well as obtaining additional general information that will assist in creating a new system of health care for Oklahoma veterans. “I am especially pleased to announce this detailed survey effort, supported by our veterans’ organizations, business and health care leaders, education professionals, and members of the Oklahoma state Legislature, on the anniversary of D-Day,” said Fallin. “This day is a reminder of how much our men and women in uniform have sacrificed over the years. This is why we want to build a health care model that improves access to services, and creates a more cost-effective and efficient system of care for our veterans. The participation of OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today requested a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration for Beckham County to assist those impacted by the tornadoes and other severe weather that occurred May 16. If approved, the governor’s request would bring SBA low-interest disaster loans for renters, homeowners and business owners to repair or replace any property that was damaged by the severe storms, but was not covered by insurance. The loan program would also be available to assist businesses that sustained economic losses due to the storms.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed the Fiscal Year 2018 budget bill (Senate Bill 860) into law, which closes an $878 million shortfall, maintains common education funding at current levels, and prevents the closings of hospitals and nursing homes. The 2018 fiscal year appropriated budget will be $6,830,177,825. It is $37,782,641, or 0.55 percent less than the revised fiscal year 2017 appropriated budget, which includes supplementals and the revenue failure. “Developing a budget in this difficult fiscal and political climate is never easy,” said Fallin. “This plan keeps our government from shutting down and, despite challenging circumstances, funds our core mission services. We worked hard to OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement on the Memorial Day holiday: “As we celebrate this Memorial Day weekend, I encourage Oklahomans to take a moment to remember and honor those who have fought and died to defend the freedom we continue to enjoy every day. Their courage and sacrifice reminds us that freedom is never free. We are blessed to have so many men and women in our military who are willing to fight and sacrifice for this country and to protect the freedom and liberty it represents.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the state's request for disaster assistance for 18 counties related to the severe weather that that occurred April 28 – May 2. The approval means federal funding is available to assist municipalities, counties, rural electric cooperatives and the state with infrastructure repairs and costs associated with responding to the storm. Disaster assistance is approved for Adair, Beaver, Caddo, Cherokee, Cimarron, Craig, Delaware, Haskell, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Paul Hesse as Canadian County district judge. He is replacing Gary E. Miller, who retired. Hesse’s appointment is effective immediately. Hesse, of Mustang, is first assistant district attorney in the Canadian County district attorney’s office, where he supervises five attorneys and is responsible for the prosecution of all serious felony offenses and representing Canadian County in civil matters and advising county officials. Before that, he worked as a law clerk for the Oklahoma Tax OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the budget agreement that has been reached for the 2018 fiscal year: “Developing a budget in this difficult fiscal and political climate is never easy. This plan keeps our government from shutting down. It is not an ideal budget, but it avoids draconian cuts to our core services such as education, health and human services, and public safety; unfortunately it leaves many agencies facing cuts for the sixth year in a row. It puts some recurring revenue on the table, but does not address the structural budget challenges that I have been working to fix since I took office. Year after year, I have repeated my warning about our reliance on one-time funding and our eroding tax base, and yet again we have crafted a budget that only fixes some of the defects in our funding formula. “Let there be no mistake, there is still work OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that two Oklahoma counties may now receive disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a result of the severe weather that occurred April 28 through May 2. The designation provides SBA low-interest disaster loans for homeowners and business owners in Cherokee and Haskell counties to replace any property damaged by the storm that was not covered by insurance or other assistance programs. The loan program is also available to assist businesses that sustained economic injury due to the storm.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Kory Slade Kirkland as district judge for Caddo and Grady counties. He is replacing Judge Richard G. VanDyck, who retired. Kirkland’s appointment is effective immediately. Kirkland, of Chickasha, has been in private practice since 2011 as a part of the Hays & Kirkland law firm. He also serves as municipal judge for the cities of Chickasha and Amber. Before that he worked as an assistant district attorney for Grady, Caddo, Stephens and Jefferson counties.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin tonight released the following statement after jurors reached their verdict in the trial of Tulsa police officer Betty Shelby: “I ask Oklahomans to respect our criminal justice system and especially the jurors, who heard the evidence from both sides in this case. Those who disagree with the verdict have the right to express their opinions; I just ask that they do so in a peaceful manner. I appeal to Tulsans and others to remain calm. Our thoughts and prayers should be with the Terence Crutcher and Betty Shelby families during this difficult OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the state of Oklahoma has requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government for 18 counties impacted by severe weather that occurred April 28 – May 2. 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: Adair, Beaver, Caddo, Cherokee, Cimarron, Craig, Delaware, Haskell, Kiowa, Lincoln, Logan, Mayes, Muskogee, Ottawa, Pittsburg, OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the vote in the Oklahoma House on House Bill 2372, a revenue-raising measure to increase the tax on cigarettes by $1.50 per pack: “I’m disappointed in those legislators who put political games and Washington-like gridlock ahead of the lives of Oklahomans and the core services our citizens expect. “It’s personal to those of us who have lost loved ones to smoking-related illnesses. It’s personal to teenagers in Oklahoma who would have been saved from lives of tobacco addiction if the bill had passed. It’s personal for citizens who would have received health care from the new revenue. “I encourage all citizens to contact legislators and urge a yes vote on a smart way to protect the health of our citizens and the health of our state services.” OKLAHOMA CITY — Governor Mary Fallin today announced she is appointing Howard Roy Haralson as a district judge to fill the Office 3 district judge vacancy in Oklahoma County. He will replace Donald Deason, who died last year. Haralson's appointment is effective immediately. Harralson, of Oklahoma City, has been an Oklahoma County special judge since 2010. Before that, he worked 23 years as an attorney representing clients in civil and criminal matters.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Richard C. Ogden to fill the Office 11 district judge vacancy in Oklahoma County. He is replacing Barbara Swinton, who resigned last year after she was named to the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals. Ogden's appointment is effective immediately. Ogden, of Oklahoma City, has served the past two years as an Oklahoma County special judge. Before that, he served as an attorney in private practice for 25 years.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Michael Sean Burrage, Janet A. Foss and Jason Nelson to the Board of Juvenile Affairs. She also reappointed Scott W. Williams, Warren A. “Tony” Caldwell and Stephen E. Grissom to the seven-member board. All need Senate confirmation. Caldwell and Williams have been confirmed by the Senate; the others are awaiting confirmation. Earlier this year, Fallin appointed Karen Youngblood, of Yukon, to the Board of Juvenile Affairs. The Oklahoma Senate has confirmed her appointment to fill an unexpired term that ends July OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced she has appointed Phil Campbell to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. He will fill the Area II position, which serves central Oklahoma. Campbell, a member of the Oklahoma County Conservation District board of directors, will begin serving at the Conservation Commission’s July 10 meeting. He was appointed and confirmed last month. “Phil Campbell is committed to preserving and protecting Oklahoma’s natural resources for our citizens’ enjoyment and the enjoyment of future generations,” said OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that Oklahoma has received a grant to pursue the Launch Oklahoma goal she put forth in December (Executive Order 2016-41). This goal is to increase to 70 percent the number of Oklahomans, age 25-64, who complete a postsecondary degree, certificate or credential by the year 2025. Currently, only approximately 40 percent of the state’s residents have that level of education or training.* “It is critical that Oklahoma faces the challenges of an increasingly high-tech and globally competitive world head-on, not only for the success of our state but also for the success of all Oklahomans,” said Fallin. “We must provide our students with the right skills to meet this ever-changing economy. Launch By Tom Bates, Governor Mary Fallin's special adviser on child welfare and Pinnacle Plan implementation. In Oklahoma, foster care has received heightened attention over these last several years as we have worked to implement the Pinnacle Plan reforms. Recruiting an adequate number of stable foster homes is key to almost every goal of the plan. To support the Department of Human Services (DHS) and its private agency partners in meeting these recruitment goals, Governor Mary Fallin launched the Oklahoma Fosters Campaign in November 2015. Through this campaign, we were able to recruit over 1,000 new foster OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives passing the American Health Care Act (H.R. 1628): “I’m pleased that the U.S. House has passed the American Health Care Act, which repeals and replaces Obamacare. Our current health care system is collapsing, threatening to leave people across the country without access to health care coverage. Health insurance has become unaffordable. Obamacare has driven health insurance companies out of the market, and Oklahoma is down to only one insurance carrier on the federal exchange. “Reforming the system is the only way to provide access to affordable and quality health care. I am working closely with my fellow governors to ensure the concerns and voices of Oklahomans are heard. Now it is up to the Senate to act and ensure our fellow Oklahomans, and Americans across the country, are able to access quality, affordable health OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today ordered special elections to fill the vacancies in Oklahoma Senate District 45, caused by the immediate resignation of Kyle Loveless, and Oklahoma House District 76, caused by last month’s death of Rep. David Brumbaugh. The filing period for both special elections is June 5-7. The special primary election is set for Aug. 8 and the special general election is scheduled for Nov. 14. In the event a special primary election is not necessary, the special general election will be Aug. 8.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced WebstaurantStore is adding 160 new jobs and a new point of distribution in Durant. WebstaurantStore is the largest online supplier of food service equipment and supplies, and is seeing rapid growth in the new e-commerce economy. “Today’s announcement is great news for Durant and southeastern Oklahoma. These new jobs represent the kind of diversity in employment that we are working to bring to the state,” said Fallin. “We appreciate WebstaurantStore’s investment in Oklahoma, and are excited about the 160 new jobs coming to Durant. Today’s announcement is another great example that our pro-growth, pro-business policies are OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced that President Donald J. Trump has appointed her as co-chair of the Council of Governors. Fallin joins nine other governors in serving on this bipartisan national council that focuses on effective collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments on issues related to the National Guard, homeland security, and disaster response. “It is an honor to have been named co-chair of the Council of Governors by President Trump,” said Fallin. “As a previous chair of the National Governors Association, I look forward to continuing my excellent working relationships with the other governors to provide suggestions and solutions on national security matters. I know, as a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, that finding effective answers to homeland security efforts in our states is OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the vote on House Bill 2365 in the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget meeting this afternoon: “I am disappointed the House Democrats on the Joint Appropriations and Budget Committee voted against the cigarette and gasoline revenue measure to help fund education, public safety, health and infrastructure,” said Fallin. “They have said they want to fix our large budget shortfall, but where’s the vote? The people of Oklahoma want solutions to the problems our state is facing. It’s time to put aside partisanship to solve our problems.” OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today signed into law a bill extending tax incentives to employers and employees in the aerospace industry. Senate Bill 120 will extend the sunset date on the aerospace engineer employee and employer tax credit and the employer credit for tuition reimbursement until Jan. 1, 2026. The credits were scheduled to expire Jan. 1, 2018. “This legislation will help us to attract and retain new business and retain the great jobs made available by industry giants like Boeing and American Airlines,” said Fallin. “The aerospace engineer tax credit has helped to create hundreds of new, high-paying jobs for skilled Oklahomans. It’s also played a key role in maintaining Oklahoma’s OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced she has appointed former House Speaker Jeff Hickman to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Hickman, of Fairview, served as speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives for three legislative terms from 2014-16. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2004 and served until 2016. He couldn’t seek re-election because of 12-year legislative term limits. During his time in the House, Hickman, in addition to serving as speaker, was speaker pro tempore and chairman of the Insurance and Retirement Committee and of the public safety appropriations and budget, and revenue and taxation appropriations and budget OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today selected Assistant Attorney General Megan Tilly to serve on the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission. Tilly of Oklahoma City, will serve a six-year term that expires in August 2023, pending confirmation by the state Senate. She will replace Robert Gilliland. Tilly manages the multicounty grand jury unit of the state attorney general’s office, which is made up of attorneys, investigators and support staff. The grand jury investigates and prosecutes crimes across the state, including public corruption, white collar crime and government OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today declared a state of emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties due to severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, tornadoes and snow impacting the state. The massive storm system has delivered widespread rain and high winds across much of the state since Friday, with damage to power lines and power poles as well as trees, roofs and structures. In the Panhandle, more than 4 inches of snow has been reported in some areas. Fallin’s executive order allows state agencies to make emergency purchases related to disaster relief and preparedness. It is OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Robert L. Melton Sr., of Claremore, to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Melton will serve a term that expires in May 2022, pending confirmation by the state Senate. He will replace Ed Fite. Melton, president of a family-owned auto dealership, will serve as a municipal water use representative. He will represent Region 8, which covers Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Nowata, Okmulgee, Ottawa, Rogers, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.
OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma's Water for 2060 Produced Water Working Group (PWWG) today released its study report as part of a review of alternatives for produced water disposal from oil and gas operations in Oklahoma. In December 2015, Governor Mary Fallin charged a 17-member fact-finding group led by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to study and recommend ways that water produced in oil and natural gas operations may be recycled or reused as part of Oklahoma's ongoing efforts to promote water supply reliability and drought resiliency across multiple water user sectors. "I thank the working group for completing this initial review of the opportunities and challenges associated with reducing produced water injection as By Governor Mary Fallin April is science and technology month in Oklahoma. What a great time to highlight the emerging computer science scene that is shaping our economy and driving our future. In Oklahoma, our emerging software community has taken on a life of its own. These are coding professionals who know programming languages with names like C++, Perl, Ruby, Elixir, Python or Javascript. Colleges, universities and technology centers OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the formation of the Oklahoma Task Force on Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence to address the backlog of sexual assault forensic evidence kits, commonly known as rape kits, in the criminal justice system in Oklahoma. The task force will conduct an audit of sexual assault forensic evidence kits in the state, pinpointing the number of untested kits, and then identify possible improvements in law enforcement training, victims’ rights and access, and the process for gathering and analyzing rape kits. “Sexual assault is a horrific crime, and we should do everything we can to support the survivors,” said Fallin. “This new task force will examine all facets of the issue of sexual assault and sexual assault forensic evidence kits to ensure that victims are able to seek justice and begin the healing process. I thank Senator Kay Floyd for her work on this issue, and I look OKLAHOMA CITY — Governor Mary Fallin today announced she is appointing Jane McDermott to the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO). McDermott, of Alva, will replace Michael Mitchell, whose term expires in June. Her appointment requires confirmation by the state Senate. McDermott will fill Position 6 on the RUSO board, which requires residency in one of the following counties: Cimarron, Texas, Beaver, Harper, Woodward, Woods, Major, Alfalfa, Grant, Garfield, Kay or Noble. Terms are for nine years.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of retired District Judge C. Allen McCall to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. He will serve a term that expires in January 2019. By law, Pardon and Parole Board terms are concurrent with the governor. Confirmation from the Oklahoma Senate is not required. McCall, of Lawton, succeeds Patricia High. McCall is a retired district judge for Comanche and Cotton counties, but still is available to preside in cases. He is on the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s active retired judge list.
WEATHERFORD – Governor Mary Fallin today joined Kodak and community officials in Weatherford to announce that the company is adding new jobs at its facility in Weatherford. “Today’s announcement is great news for the Weatherford community,” said Fallin. “This represents the kind of diversity in jobs we are working to bring to the state. We appreciate Kodak’s investment in Oklahoma and are excited about these new jobs coming to Weatherford. Today’s announcement is another great example that our pro-growth, pro-business policies are working and are making Oklahoma an even better place to do business.”
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that today is Statewide Foster Care Call to Action Day. It is intended to promote community awareness of the need for Oklahoma foster families, foster care and overall support for foster families throughout the state of Oklahoma. More than 80 events have been planned throughout today with at least one informational meeting in each of the state’s 77 counties. The meetings will provide an opportunity to learn about foster care as well as talk and share experiences with foster parents.
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
Goal Is to Increase Post-secondary Education, Training Attainment
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