By Constitution Staff

The Legislative Compensation Board met on October 18 and decided to keep the annual salary paid to Oklahoma legislators at $38,400 per year. The panel composed of appointees of the Governor, House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tem, voted unanimously to make no changes to the salary and benefit package for state House and Senate members. Former state Sen. Charles Ford (R- Tulsa) made the motion to freeze the compensation. Ford said that while the lawmakers probably deserve an increase in pay, it could not be justified due to the current economic climate. State legislators have not received a pay raise since 1998, when their salary was increased from $32,000. But don't feel too sorry for them, Oklahoma legislators are the 16th highest paid in the nation and they are highest in the seven-state region.

SHANNON HOUSE SPEAKER-DESIGNATE

State Rep. T.W. Shannon (R-Lawton) has been selected as House Speaker-designate for the 54th Oklahoma Legislature. The House Republican Caucus elected Shannon as Speaker-designate during a caucus meeting October 17, at the Capitol. Should Republicans maintain their majority in the House following next year's elections, Shannon will be next in line to serve as Speaker of the House beginning in November 2012, when current House Speaker Kris Steele leaves office due to term limits. Shannon and Reps. Jeff Hickman (R-Fairview), and Mike Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City) were the candidates for Speaker-designate. Reynolds was eliminated in the first round of balloting, and Shannon defeated Hickman in a runoff. Shannon, 33, said he looks forward to working with Steele and the rest of the House in the coming months."I am excited and ready to stand behind Speaker Steele to help grow our majority in the coming election and assist in advancing a conservative agenda that will make Oklahoma a destination to live, work and raise a family," Shannon said.

Shannon, an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, is a sixth generation Oklahoman and third generation Lawtonian. He has served in the Legislature since 2006, representing House District 62. Shannon previously served as a congressional staffer for Congressmen J.C. Watts and Tom Cole. Shannon will make history as the first black to be elected Speaker of the House. Shannon has a moderately conservative voting record, with a 72% cumulative average on the Oklahoma Conservative Index. He holds a bachelor of arts in communications from Cameron University and a juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University. He and his wife, Devon, also a Lawton native, are the parents of a daughter, Audrey Grace, and a son, Tahrohon Wayne II.

RICE RESIGNS FROM STATE SENATE

State Senator Andrew Rice (D-Oklahoma City) announced October 18 that he will resign as State Senator effective January 15th, 2012. "I am supporting my wife in her pursuit of a career opportunity outside of the state of Oklahoma. She has made immense sacrifices for me in her support of my political career and public service, and I am honored to be able to reciprocate that for her now. Therefore, I will be unable to serve the remainder of my term, which ends in November 2014." Rice's wife is a doctor and they have two children.

By law, Gov. Mary Fallin will have to set a special election date for Senate District 46 within 30 days of the effective date of his resignation. Rice was the Democrat nominee to the U.S. Senate in 2008, losing to Sen. Inhofe, and is the current Democrat Minority Leader in the state Senate The Senate Democratic Caucus will hold an internal election in the coming months to choose a new leader. "Although I've run unsuccessfully for higher office, and have had a great deal of ambition politically, I have always approached my public service as a temporary and limited part of my career," sais Rice. Sen. Rice has a 16% cumulative average on the Oklahoma Conservative Index.

SENATE DIST. 43 SPECIAL ELECTION

In the October 11 Special Election in State Senate District 43, Greg Childers, 41, of Del City, defeated the Democrat candidate, Kenneth Meador, 30, of Moore. Childers received 60 percent of the more than 3,000 votes cast in the districtlocated in southern Oklahoma County and northern Cleveland County. Childers resigned his post at the U.S. Postal Service training center in Norman to run for the post. The Senate seat was thrown open by the July resignation of Sen. Jim Reynolds, who was elected Cleveland County Treasurer last November. Childers will serve out the remainder of Reynolds' term, which ends in November of next year. Childers has indicated he is considering running for a full term. To do so, he would have to move. Senate redistricting shifted the district to southern Oklahoma, and it will include all of McClain County, most of Stephens County and parts of Grady and Garvin counties.

HOUSE DIST. 1 SPECIAL ELECTION

Gov. Mary Fallin set November 8 for the Special Primary Election, and February 14 as Special General Election to fill the vacant District 1 seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. The seat became vacant when first-term Republican Rep. Rusty Farley (R-Haworth) died on July 4 after suffering a pulmonary aneurysm. Last November, Farley upset Democrat incumbent Dennis Bailey of Broken Bow, who was elected to the post in 2008. Farley won with 50.8 percent of the votes after only spending about $70. It was the first time that a Republican had been elected to the seat. Two Democrats, four Republicans, and two Independents are running for the district which covers McCurtain County in the heavily Democratic southeastern Oklahoma district.

The Democrat candidates are Curtis McDaniel, 59, principal of Smithville High School and Donald Ray, 65, a retired superintendent of Haworth Public Schools. Republican contenders are Kenny Sivard, 24, who works at a Broken Bow funeral home; Joe Silk, 53, Broken Bow, owner of Turning Leaf Bed and Breakfast and Beavers Bend Getaways rental cabins; and Kevin George, 47, owner of Preston Pressure, a Garvin company that manufactures digital air data testers for aviation; and Keith Bain, 55, a farmer from Valliant.

The two Independents include Bethany Farley, 28, daughter of Rep. Farley who is seeking the post held by her father. Farley, worked for the state Department of Human Services office in Idabel for nearly three years, but had to resign her state job to run for the legislative post. State employees must quit their jobs before seeking partisan office. She said she plans to work for an uncle, who is an attorney. The other independent is James Skipper, 21, of Smithville who is a construction worker.

REDISTRICTING CHALLENGE FAILS

On October 11th, Oklahoma County District Judge Lisa Davis dismissed a state senator's lawsuit which alleged the Senate's new election districts were unconstitutional. State Sen. Jim Wilson (D-Tahlequah) filed the challenge, calling the new Senate districts a "partisan gerrymander." Wilson said state constitutional provisions require the redistricting process to be sensitive to county lines, jurisdictional lines and other interests. He claims the transformation of districts in eastern Oklahoma were excessive and not dictated by population shifts in the state. He also directed attention to new Senate district lines that divide the city of Yukon, a suburb west of Oklahoma City, between two districts. "The Republican Senate spent over $100,000 to have a political consultant draft districts making it easier for Republicans to get elected," Wilson said.

The judge granted motions filed by attorneys for the state which argued that the state's highest court had already ruled that the new election districts comply with population requirements in the state Constitution. "The Supreme Court has ruled. I'm not quite sure what's left," Davis said after hearing oral arguments in the case. Wilson's attorney, former Democrat legislator Mark Hammons, vowed to appeal. Sen. Clark Jolley, chairman of the Senate's redistricting committee, said the Senate approved the bipartisan redistricting plan by a vote of 38-6, with eight members of the minority party voting in favor of the proposal. "It is time for this unending litigation to come to a close. This is Sen. Wilson's third loss in three attempts in just over a month. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled the plan was constitutional, denied a request for a rehearing, and today an Oklahoma County Judge dismissed his second lawsuit. His argument on the constitutionality of the plan has been thrown out by the highest court in our state and again today by a lower court."

CHALLENGE TO SEN. BRIAN CRAIN

On September 30, in front of a cheering crowd of supporters at the Tulsa State Fair, former Marine and small business owner Kevin McDugle announced his campaign to challenge state Sen. Brian Crain in the GOP Primary for State Senate District 39. "It's not enough that our State Senator has an "R' next to his name," said McDugle, referring to current Senator Crain, who has consistently been rated as one of the most liberal GOP Senators in the Oklahoma State Senate. On July 6, the voting members of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC) named Sen. Crain the "Senate RINO of theYear" (Republican In Name Only) with a 2011 score of 40%, and a cumulative average of 60% on the Oklahoma Conservative Index.

"We need a State Senator who will consistently fight for faith, family, and freedom... Because that's what it means to be a Republican," continued McDugle, who is a lifelong Oklahoman who served in the Marine Corps for eight years. He is also the founder and CEO of Lawyer Marketing Services, which operates out of Tulsa, OK. McDugle, who plans to legislate as a Constitutional Conservative, cites Senator Crain's liberal voting record as the main reason he chose to challenge the incumbent in the 2012 GOP Primary. McDugle, and his wife of nine years, Tosha, have five children. They live in Tulsa, OK and attend Church on the Move, where Kevin is an usher.

SEN. RUSSELL WON'T RUN AGAIN

State Sen. Steve Russell (R-Oklahoma City) announced on October 13 that he won't run for a second term in 2012. Russell says he plans to focus on his speaking engagements and other business interests, including sales of his book. The retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel's battalion was involved in the search and capture of Saddam Hussein during the Iraq War in 2003. His book, titled "We Got Him!" retraces the events leading up to Hussein's capture. The book was initially distributed locally but was recently purchased by a major publisher and is scheduled to be released nationally in December. Russell, 48, plans to complete his term, which expires next year. Senate District 45 covers much of southwest Oklahoma City. He kept open the possibility that he might seek another political office, saying he was not going to completely rule out any political service in the future. Some have speculated that 4th District Congressman Tom Cole has "groomed" Russell as his successor in the future.

This summer, Russell was named "Senate Lawmaker of the Year" by the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC). He scored a 90% conservative rating this year and has a has a lifetime cumulative average of 77% on the 2011 Oklahoma Conservative Index. Russell hinted that he might not run when he spoke at the OCPAC luncheon in September, saying that he had 30 productive years ahead of him, and he did not know if he wanted to be a politician for the rest of that time. Russell is an advocate for protecting the rights of gun owners and started a rifle company, Two Rivers Arms, which produces semi-automatic versions of the Tabuk weapons used by enemy soldiers in Iraq. He also travels across the country as a motivational speaker.

MCARTOR FOR STATE SENATE

Cyndi McArtor, a Grove resident and business owner, has announced that she will run for State Senate District 3. The newly drawn State Senate District 3 covers Adair County, eastern Cherokee County, eastern and southern Delaware County, a small area in southeast Rogers County and a portion of southern Mayes County. McArtor currently owns a property management business she started with her husband, John, in 1995. "With today's economy, it is vital that we elect common sense legislators that will work to promote business development and encourage job growth. I believe we need to reduce restrictive business regulations, streamline government to make it more efficient and responsive," stated McArtor. She is a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Grove and is an active volunteer in other community organizations. She is also a member of the Grove Chamber of Commerce and Gun Owners of America. John and Cyndi have two grown sons and two grandchildren. For more information, visit CyndiMcArtor.com

CONGRESSMAN SULLIVAN CHALLENGED

First District Congressman John Sullivan will have competition for his 2012 re-election bid. Jim Bridenstine, a fellow Republican, formally announced his candidacy for the seat. Bridenstine, 36, is a Navy Reserve pilot and is the former executive director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum to which he attempted to bring one of NASA's decommissioned space shuttles. Bridenstine criticized Sullivan for voting in favor of lifting the debt ceiling 11 times in 11 years. He also took issue with Sullivan for voting for TARP, the Troubled Asset Relief Program: "He told us the United States government was going to buy bad assets off the balance sheets of banks. Instead, they took a $700 billion check from the taxpayer…and they started taking ownership of banks, insurance companies and ultimately General Motors."

Bridenstine was born in Michigan and lived in Texas until the age of 16, when he moved to Jenks, Oklahoma. After graduating from Jenks High School and Rice University, he joined the Navy's aviation program and then served as a combat pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan. He returned to Oklahoma in 2008 to be executive director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum. He resigned from the museum in 2010 to concentrate on his career in the Naval Reserve. He and his wife, Michelle, have three children.

R.J. HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT

R.J. Harris of Norman, OK recently announced his campaign for the Libertarian Party nomination for U.S. President. The three-time Combat Veteran and 20 year Army

National Guard officer, was serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan as recently as July 2011. Harris returned from his deployment and is now running for President of the United States. Harris reportedly is leading all declared candidates for the Libertarian Party nomination. Harris calls himself a constitutional libertarian and has been involved in the nationwide grassroots Liberty Candidate movement, which supports candidates that defend individual liberty, constitutional government, sound money, free markets and a non-interventionist foreign policy. He ran for Congress in the Republican Primary last year in Oklahoma's fourth district, and was defeated by incumbent Congressman Tom Cole.

NEW CORPORATION COMMISSIONER

On September 8, Gov. Mary Fallin announced the selection of Patrice Douglas of Edmond to replace Commissioner Jeff Cloud on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. Cloud had earlier announced that he was stepping down from his position at the regulatory agency to take a job at Continental Resources Inc. The Corporation Commission has judicial, legislative and regulatory authority over a number of sectors of the Oklahoma economy, including the transportation, energy and telecommunications industries as well as public utilities.

"As a small business owner, banker, accomplished attorney and proven leader at the state and local level, Patrice will be an excellent addition as Oklahoma's newest commissioner. She has proven herself to be a committed public servant and a student of the policy issues facing Oklahoma and its citizens. Her dedication, intelligence and experience will make her a strong voice for consumers, ratepayers and another fair and qualified commissioner for the relevant industries to work with," Fallin said.

At the time of the appointment, Douglas was executive vice president of First Fidelity Bank in Edmond, where she headed the commercial lending team at four branches in Edmond and north Oklahoma City. She also served as mayor of Edmond, a post she has held since April 2009. Douglas resigned her position as mayor to serve on the Corporation Commission

Douglas practiced law for 13 years including serving as a staff attorney for Justice Hardy Summers of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. She earned her law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law. After a successful career in law, Douglas joined her family's business, ACP Sheet Metal, serving as general counsel and vice president. While there, she oversaw the successful creation and growth of sister company Air Spiral Manufacturing. She was appointed by Gov. Brad Henry to the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness, where she served two terms as chairman of the board, and to the Oklahoma Commission on Teacher Preparation. She also was appointed to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Board of Commissioners by Gov. Frank Keating.

NEW GRDA CHIEF

Oklahoma House Floor Leader Dan Sullivan (R-Tulsa) will be the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Grand River Dam Authority(GRDA). Sullivan issued the following statement on his new position: "I have been humbled and honored to represent the voters of District 71 these past seven years. We have accomplished so much together in our effort to improve Oklahoma's business climate, most notably this year's historic reforms to our lawsuit and workers' compensation systems. I'm so proud of what we have done. Moving forward, I am excited for this new challenge and new opportunity with the GRDA and will always fondly remember the pleasure I have had serving in our Legislature." Rep. Sullivan will assume his new position on December 1. Once he sets a resignation date, Gov. Mary Fallin will have to call for a special election to fill the vacancy. Interim CEO Mike Kiefner has been managing the authority since the departure of previous CEO Kevin Easley. Easley was a Democrat state senator before he became CEO. Kiefner will remain at GRDA as chief operating officer.

NEW DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT

In October, Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi welcomed new Deputy State Superintendent of Academic Affairs Chris Caram to the state Department of Education. Caram said she feels her combination of public school leadership, university experiences, as well as experience in educational organizations, has given her opportunities in leading educational change. "I am very excited to be returning home," Caram said.

Caram is from Oklahoma, graduating from Putnam City High School, and receiving her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and her Master's in School Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Oklahoma. She is certified as a superintendent and secondary and elementary principal in the state and also holds a technology center administrator credential from the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. Caram began her career and worked as a teacher and principal in the Mid-Del School District.

Caram worked as an associate professor of educational leadership at Western Carolina University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She served in several states in central office positions including deputy superintendent for instruction with Gaston County Schools in North Carolina and assistant superintendent and director of elementary education in Arkansas districts. Since 2009, Caram has been the director of education for the Arkansas Educational Television Network, working with the Arkansas Department of Education. There, she led the ArkansasIDEAS initiative - the only statewide, high-quality, comprehensive online professional development portal in the nation.

COBURN PROSTATE SURGERY

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, who has already survived two different forms of cancer, had surgery in Tulsa on October 11 for prostate cancer. Coburn, who is a medical docor, underwent a procedure "to treat an early stage incidence of prostate cancer," Coburn spokesman John Hart said. The 63 year-old senator is expected to make a full recovery and return to his full-time duties by the end of October. In 1975, he had a malignant melanoma. In 2003, the year before he first ran for the U.S. Senate, he had colon cancer. In 2007, he had a benign tumor removed from his pituitary gland.

"BACK IN BLACK" ONLINE SURVEY

In a newly launched public poll, U.S. Senator Tom Coburn invites the American people to vote on specific spending cuts and budget savings proposals outlined in a $9 trillion deficit reduction plan called "Back in Black". From eliminating tax expenditures to reforming entitlement programs and targeting waste at the Pentagon, poll participants can tell Washington what their priorities are when it comes to cutting spending and deficit reduction. "Real spending cuts require specific recommendations, which I have tried to provide. Even if only half of these recommendations were adopted we could revive our economy and avert an economic catastrophe. But those of us in Congress who want to cut spending need your help. By allowing us to see how you want spending prioritized, we will be able to do the work we were elected to do by offering savings recommendations," Coburn said.

The "Back in Black" provides several recommendations in each area of federal spending. By clicking on each deficit reduction proposal you would support as a part of any effort to balance the federal budget, your vote will be processed and accounted for. There is no limit to the number of proposals that can be checked. To learn more about each individual proposal, please see the original Back in Black report, which describes each recommendation in full. The report and the spending cuts poll is featured on the senators website: www.coburn.senate.gov

BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT

A total of 64 Oklahoma legislators, including a majority of the members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, have declared their intent to make Oklahoma one of the first states to ratify a federal Balanced Budget Amendment. The letter expresses the legislators' support of the amendment and declares the legislators' intent to work for ratification of the proposal in Oklahoma. The letter was sent to Oklahoma's congressional delegation and the congressional sponsors of the amendment. "If the Balanced Budget Amendment is approved by Congress, we are committed to supporting and working for ratification in Oklahoma," the letter states. "We are confident that if given the opportunity, Oklahoma will be one of the first states to ratify the Balanced Budget Amendment."

Signers of the letter include much of House leadership, including House Speaker Kris Steele, Speaker Pro Tem Jeff Hickman, Majority Floor Leader Dan Sullivan, Appropriations and Budget Chairman Earl Sears and Majority Caucus Chairman Weldon Watson. House Rules Committee Chairman Gary Banz also signed the letter. Banz's committee would likely oversee the development and advancement of the ratification resolution.

Other signers include state Representatives Don Armes, John Bennett, Gus Blackwell, David Brumbaugh, Dennis Casey, Josh Cockroft, Ann Coody, Marian Cooksey, David Dank, Lee Denney, David Derby, George Faught, Elise Hall, Tommy Hardin, Corey Holland, Randy Grau, Dennis Johnson, Charlie Joyner, Dan Kirby, Sally Kern, Charles Key, Guy Liebmann, James Lockhart, Scott Martin, Steve Martin, Mark McCullough, Randy McDaniel, Lewis Moore, Glen Mulready, Jason Murphey, Jason Nelson, Tom Newell, Jadine Nollan, Leslie Osborn, Pat Ownbey, Ron Peters, Pam Peterson, Phil Richardson, R.C. Pruett, Sean Roberts, Mike Sanders, Colby Schwartz, Seneca Scott, T.W. Shannon, Randy Terrill, Todd Thomsen, Steve Vaughn, Paul Wesselhoft and Harold Wright.

The letter was also signed by state Senators Mark Allen, Josh Brecheen, Bill Brown, Greg Treat, Jim Halligan, David Holt, Clark Jolley, Steve Russell and Gary Stanislawski.

COSTELLO COST SAVINGS

Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello has returned 15% of his salary or $15,750 to the State of Oklahoma to be gifted to the Department of Labor. Under state law, the compensation of an elected official cannot be changed while in office, but that official can make a gift to the state of personal funds. In a letter to Costello, Gov. Mary Fallin wrote, "You have amply demonstrated your commitment to public service, both in your work as Commissioner of Labor and in this exceptional gift of personal funds." Costello stated, "As a businessman, I navigated four recessions over the last thirty years by tighten my belt just as families and businesses must do to survive. I have applied that same common sense business approach to the Department of Labor by cutting costs and realigning limited resources to insure that the most important activities are carried out." Costello has taken a sabbatical from his business interests to serve as an active Labor Commissioner.

Additional cost saving efforts by Costello include using his personal car and returning a motor pool vehicle for an annual savings of $10,200, vacated the deputy commissioner slot ($98,285) and reduced one lawyers' position ($78,232) for a savings of $176,517, cut conference travel by $4,141.20, returned two state cars for an annual savings of $9,360, returned unnecessary computers for a savings of $110,347.83, cut renewals of subscriptions and memberships for a savings over $1,000, and cut Administrative Law Judges hourly rate from $75 an hour to $25 an hour. Thus far, Costello has generated $ 329,616.03 in savings since taking office in January.

PARITY FOR OKLAHOMA

State Labor Commissioner Mark Costello has set up a nonprofit advocacy organization, Parity for Oklahoma, whose primary purpose is equilibrium and balance between private and public jobs. Organized under Section 501(c)(4) of the tax code, the organization seeks balance between state government and private sector jobs in the areas of "Pay, Performance, Pensions and Perks." Parity in Oklahoma has already come under fire from Wallace Collins, the Oklahoma Democratic Party chair, who has called for Costello's resignation, questioned the tax status of his non-profit organization, and said that the Commissioner wants to "... eliminate all rights of the middle class." What seems to have sparked the controversy is Parity in Oklahoma's signature proposals. For instance, Paycheck Protection is aimed at getting the Oklahoma government out of the dues collecting business-- monies that are usually used for political purposes. As Commissioner Costello says, "It is time to end the practice of politicizing the paychecks of state employees. We shouldn't collect money for any politicized purpose, not the ACLU, nor the John Birch Society, nor the Republican Party." Another reform is to expand the probationary period of merit-protected state employees from one year to three years, to match that of public school teachers before they achieve tenure.

Chairman Collins used Costello's references to feral hogs and government bureaucrats in his attacks, saying "He repeatedly referred to state employees as swine." Speaking to the Republican Women's Club of Tulsa County, Costello was quoted as saying, "If we're going to turn this ship around ... we're going to have to fight for it and realize the other side is going to be like feral hogs." Costello explained the reference to the wild hogs, "I don't know if you know much about feral hogs, but they reproduce three or four times a year, they eat anything and everything, and I kind of think there is some comparison between bureaucrats and feral hogs."

RIGHT TO WORK 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Labor Commissioner Mark Costello celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Right to Work with a cake cutting at the Oklahoma Department of Labor. On September 25, 2001 the voters of Oklahoma passed a Right to Work Amendment to the state Constitution which was adopted by a margin of 54 to 46. Oklahoma was the 22nd state to enact a Right to Work law at that time. Oklahoma's Right to Work law bars the extraction of forced union dues and fees from workers as a condition of employment. Commissioner Costello stated, "My compliments to Governor Mary Fallin, Former Governor Frank Keating, Former Labor Commissioner Brenda Reneau and Former Senator Mike Fair for their passage of the Right to Work law."

COSTELLO SUPPORTS H.R.2587

Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello expressed his support for the enactment of H.R. 2587, the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act, to prohibit the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from ordering any employer to relocate, shut down or transfer a business under any circumstance. In a letter to House Speaker John Boehner and U.S. Representative Tim Scott, Costello conveyed the need of restoring balance in the actions of the NLRB.

Recent actions relating to the Boeing case has put a spotlight on the NLRB's aggressive agenda. Costello highlights in his letter that H.R. 2587 restores the ability of American businesses to make decisions based on how best to manage the factors of production such as land, labor, technology and capital to produce a product of value. "It must be recognized that all businesses assume elements of risk in order to create jobs and earn a profit. It is time to end the ideological meddling into marketplace business decisions by the NLRB," stated Costello.

Commissioner Costello also cited Oklahoma law, Title 40, Section 1-b-3, which directs the Commissioner of Labor to "advance opportunities of wage earners for profitable employment," thus, Costello's advocacy for H.R. 2587. Costello said, "The economic strength of this country is found in its expansion of free markets and private capital investment. I urge immediate passage of H.R. 2587, the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act."

QUICK ACTION CLOSING FUND

The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled September that part of a law establishing a fund to attract businesses to Oklahoma is unconstitutional, but the rest of the legislation isn't affected. The high court voted 6-1 that a section of House Bill 1953, the Oklahoma Quick Action Closing Fund, is unconstitutional because it violates the separation of powers in the state Constitution. The justices' decision affects only the part of the law which authorizes the governor to make the final decision on a project after consulting with the House speaker and the Senate president pro tem. However, since the entire bill was not invalidated, the ruling actually gives complete control to the governor rather than making the use of the fund a joint decision between the executive and legislative branches of government.

The Legislature did not provide any funding for the bill this year due to the tight budget. The intent of the legislation was to make money available quickly to the governor to help close a business deal for a company to locate in Oklahoma. Critics say it is not constitutional to take money from taxpayers and give to private companies. Jerry Fent, a retired Oklahoma City attorney who has frequently filed lawsuits questioning the constitutionality of state actions in the past, challenged the legislation. Fent says he is pleased the court agreed with his contention that it was a violation of separation of powers, but was disappointed that the court did not hold the whole bill to be unconstitutional. The legislation was one of the ten bills included on the 2011 Oklahoma Conservative Index rating state legislators. The vote against the bill was the Conservative vote.

TAXPAYER DEMAND ACTIONS

A legal challenge was filed October 6th concerning a law passed this year that would make it harder for people to file a taxpayer demand action against a state, city, county or school district official. Jerry Fent, an Oklahoma City attorney, filed the lawsuit with the Oklahoma Supreme Court, charging that Senate Bill 331 is unconstitutional because it increases the number of people required to file a taxpayer demand, called a "qui-tam" action, targeting alleged misuses of tax dollars by state and local public officials. The law goes into effect on November 1. A hearing before a court referee is scheduled for November 9. Current state law requires the signatures of 10 resident taxpayers before the legal action can be filed. SB 331 would require a taxpayer demand to have a minimum of 100 registered voters. See our front page story, Court Overturns Settlement On Great Plains Airlines, to see how 10 taxpayers in Tulsa successfully used the law.

OKLAHOMA'S ANTI-TAXPAYER RANKING

State Sen. David Holt (R--Oklahoma City) responded to a recent study ranking all 50 states based on government union power versus taxpayer rights. The nonpartisan, data-based ranking, called the "Big Labor vs. Taxpayer Index," ranked Oklahoma dead last in the entire southern United States for taxpayer rights. Oklahoma was ranked 24th overall, meaning that 23 other states are more favorable to taxpayers. "These rankings don't bode well for Oklahoma's reputation as a conservative state, and unless you're a union member, they certainly don't help us recruit people to live and work in our state," said Holt. "These rankings should serve as a wake-up call to Oklahoma's policymakers. We can no longer pretend that we're a pro-taxpayer state. The rankings don't lie. Our laws are anti-taxpayer, and we have work to do. The voters of 2010 made it clear they want to see taxpayers back in charge of our government. It's time they got what they asked for."

The Competitive Enterprise Institute that created the ranking is a nonpartisan, Washington-based, non-profit think tank. The rankings were based purely on the statutory power held by government unions in each state, such as binding arbitration and paycheck protection. Holt pointed out that government union power became the hottest issue in legislatures around the country in 2011, as newly-elected conservative state governments attempted to re-establish the taxpayers' right to spend their own tax dollars. Among bordering states, Oklahoma trailed Texas (4th), Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana (all tied for 6th), and Kansas (tied for 11th).

Oklahoma received some of its worst scores when it came to "binding arbitration." Binding arbitration has existed in Oklahoma since 1994, when Governor David Walters and the Democratic Legislature took the power to spend local tax dollars away from taxpayers and their elected representatives and gave it to an arbitrator. That arbitrator, who has the power to bind Oklahoma taxpayers to paying higher salaries to government union employees, is usually an attorney from Texas. Ironically, Texas does not have binding arbitration and ranks among the top five most pro-taxpayers states in the union. According to the Competitive Enterprise Institute, only eleven states have stronger binding arbitration than Oklahoma, and there are 27 states that have no binding arbitration at all. Among the states that border Oklahoma (Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Colorado), only New Mexico has binding arbitration.

In the last session of the Legislature, Sen. Holt and Rep. Scott Martin (R-- Norman) authored SB 826 which would repeal binding arbitration, but the bill was amended to reform the process in a way favorable to taxpayers. The bill passed the Senate and is available for hearing in the full House in the 2012 legislative session.

AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL CENTER

State Sen. Greg Treat (R-Oklahoma City) has requested figures from the Executive Director of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum (AICCM) showing the progress of the agency's private fundraising efforts. Treat said it was important that Oklahoma taxpayers and the Legislature see the agency is making a concerted effort to raise private funds to complete the project. "I am growing deeply concerned the only avenue the agency is exploring for completion of this important project is the Oklahoma taxpayer," said Treat. "As of May 5, 2011, the agency had only raised $266,289.94 from private, non-tribal entities since the Legislature approved a $25 million bond for the project in 2008. This was particularly troubling, considering the agency announced in a 2008 press release it would raise from private sources the remaining $75 million needed to complete the project."

Treat noted the state has invested $67.4 million in the project, not including annual appropriations of $1.5 million to support the agency's 14-member staff. Once construction is complete, the agency has plans to expand to as many as 60 employees. Treat asked AICCM to specify in its figures the purpose for which monies were utilized, particularly to differentiate between in-kind contributions and real dollar donations. "I want to see this project completed, but state agencies must be held accountable for their actions," Treat said. "In particular, AICCM leaders must be held accountable for their promise to raise $75 million when they lobbied the Legislature for a $25 million bond in 2008. I sincerely hope the agency's response to my inquiry will reveal a renewed dedication to raise private funds to complete the project."

RAINY DAY FUND

In July, the state made a $219 million deposit into the depleted constitutional Rainy Day reserve fund whose balance totaled just over two bucks, thanks to strong revenue collections in June and the recently completed 2011 fiscal year. Office of State Finance Director Preston Doerflinger said collections by the state's general revenue fund were almost 16 percent more than in June 2010 and that revenue for the fiscal year that ended June 30 was 10.5 percent more than the previous year. He said recent declines in Oklahoma's unemployment rate coincide with strong income tax collections, both individual and corporate. Oklahoma's jobless rate fell to a 28-month low of 5.3 percent in May compared to a national unemployment rate that is more than 9 percent. In March 2010, state unemployment stood at 7.3 percent.

Strong revenue growth allowed officials to begin replenishing the state's savings account that had dropped to a mere $2.03 after reaching a record of $596.6 million early last year. The money was tapped by state lawmakers over the past two years as they worked to close budget shortfalls caused by declining tax revenue during the national recession. The balance in the state savings account could reach new heights in the future thanks to voter approval of a constitutional amendment last year that will raise the ceiling on prior year general revenue collections that can be deposited into the fund from 10 percent to 15 percent.

STATE DEBTS AND OBLIGATIONS

State Rep. Joe Dorman (D-Rush Springs) said following a September22nd Legislative Study that it is important to understand the full extent of state debts and obligations in order to ensure they are appropriately funded. "Every year, lawmakers vote on a budget, but often don't have a clear picture of the state's full obligations," Dorman said. "Many obligations are not being funded in a timely manner. My hope is that this information will clarify where we stand and aid us in our 2012 budget process and beyond."

Oklahoma State Bond Advisor James Joseph said Oklahoma has a high bond credit rating and less debt than most other states. "Oklahoma's debt is moderate when compared to other states. I believe Oklahoma's conservative approach when it comes to the issuance of bonded debt has served the state well. However, care needs to be taken to ensure that the funds we do borrow are utilized in the most efficient manner possible -- addressing deferred maintenance as well as new project needs," Joseph said. In fiscal year 2010, the state had approximately $1.2 billion in outstanding debt for various revenue bonds and approximately $188 million outstanding debt in a general obligations bond series. The state also has an outstanding debt of nearly $247 million in notes payable. Other long-term liabilities include pension obligations and capital leases. Dorman said he will be working during the interim to compile the data from the study and come up with a figure representing the state's numerous obligations.

SPENDING LIMITATIONS ON LEGISLATURE

State Rep. Elise Hall (R-Oklahoma City) is concerned that without a more appropriate spending limitation, Oklahoma's public sector could grow too fast in "boom" years. "I believe that public sector growth should not outpace the growth of the private sector," Hall said. "Right now, we are in a revenue shortfall and have had to make drastic cuts, because lawmakers appropriated so much money in revenue growth years. I think the current spending limitation that restricts the annual growth of the state budget to 12 percent should be lowered to further restrict public sector growth."

State government growth has regularly exceeded private sector growth in Oklahoma since voters approved a 1985 spending limitation, according to Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs fiscal analyst Jonathan Small. State employment grew by 8.57 percent from 2000 to 2010 while private sector employment grew by only 6.07 percent. Government expenditures have grown 72.20 percent from 2001 to 2010 while private earnings have grown by only 40.71 percent. Given the overwhelming data, a new spending limitation would be reasonable, Small said. "Oklahomans overwhelmingly support the idea of shrinking state government, so I think it is especially appropriate to limit growth," Hall said. "It is better to save surplus revenue for shortfall periods than to over commit the state to expenditures that it cannot sustain."

STATE PENSION PERFORMANCE

State pension investments have performed well in the past year, benefitting the retirement prospects of thousands of state employees, lawmakers were informed in October. "Oversight is an important function of government, particularly when you consider the substantial size of the pension assets under management," said state Rep. Randy McDaniel (R-Oklahoma City). Members of the Pension Oversight Committee, chaired by McDaniel, met to conduct a pension investment management review of all the major state retirement systems, including those impacting teachers, public employees, firefighters, police and law enforcement officials. The state's major pension plans now have $21.5 billion in assets. That represents an increase of over $3.5 billion in the past year thanks to healthy investment returns restoring assets to their pre-recession level.

"The strong performance brings the pension plans back in line with their assumed long-term target rates of return. The last recession adversely affected pension plans across the country," said McDaniel who led House efforts to stabilize state pensions this year. Legislation was approved that reduced the pension plans' unfunded liabilities by billions. The measures making the largest impact required a funding source before cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) can be granted and increased the retirement age for future employees.

STATE-RUN HEALTH EXCHANGES

Citing growing national opposition, state Rep. Mike Ritze (R-Broken Arrow) says Oklahoma lawmakers should oppose any and all attempts to create a state-run healthcare exchange, especially when Oklahomans have voted overwhelmingly to opt out of the federal health care plan. "ObamaCare has created a dilemma for state legislators. The new law says that the federal government will step in and create an exchange if the states don't set up their own while essentially restricting their ability to innovate if they choose to implement one at the state level," Ritze said. "The federal government is offering money and basically saying that there'll be a specific type of exchange whether we act or not. Even so, I think we owe it to our constituents to resist attempts to coerce us into taking any part in the plan."

Ritze said governors in several states -- including Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Florida, Georgia and Idaho -- have come out in opposition to state exchanges. He noted that Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Florida Gov. Rick Scott both have an extensive background in healthcare issues. Exchanges would administer the purchase and transfer of health insurance, meaning the government would be the gatekeeper in your health care decisions, he said. Ritze, a physician and surgeon, said state lawmakers should open up the healthcare system to free market forces. "There are more than 100 healthcare companies available, but we are federally mandated and restricted to only purchase from four to six in Oklahoma. Japan, in contrast, has more than 5,000 health care insurance companies to choose from. Increased competition will lead to lower prices and better products. It's the way to go," Ritze said.

OKLAHOMA GUN LAWS STUDIED

For the first time in at least a decade, state lawmakers met to review the status of Oklahoma's gun laws in an effort to maximize citizens' rights. "We are conducting a serious, thoughtful examination of Oklahoma's gun laws," said state Rep. Mark McCullough (R-Sapulpa) who requested the study. "Our goal is to develop responsible proposals for expanding the right to carry firearms in self-defense." During the study, members of the House Public Safety Committee heard testimony from Oklahoma City University law professor Michael O'Shea, a nationally recognized expert on the Second Amendment; Miles Hall, owner of H&H Gun Range in Oklahoma City; Tim Gillespie, an official with Oklahomans for the Second Amendment; Charles Smith, a representative of the Oklahoma Rifle Association; and Maj. Rusty Rhoades of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. During the study, legislators considered at a wide range of issues, including modifying the weapons permitting process, open carry, and even possible constitutional issues that may need to be addressed in light of certain court rulings.

Since the Oklahoma Self Defense Act (concealed carry law) was created in 1995, O'Shea noted that 107,000 licenses have been issued with only 30 revocations, 85 suspensions related to felony arrests, and six to 24 suspensions per year for failure to conceal. However, O'Shea told lawmakers the Oklahoma Self Defense Act is unreasonably harsh in its concealment provision. The Oklahoma law states that the gun must be completely concealed from view and detection, meaning even accidental exposure of the weapon is a crime. Hall echoed those concerns. He noted that H&H Gun Range currently has over 200,000 members and said one of the most common problems his customers mention is casual exposure and the potential legal consequences. Gillespie urged lawmakers to amend state law to allow gun owners to openly carry a weapon on their own private property, saying such restrictions are unreasonable.

"There's a lot to look at here," said McCullough, an attorney who previously worked in the Civil Division of the Illinois Attorney General's office. "However, by exploring these issues in advance of the 2012 session, I believe we can flesh out several responsible proposals for legislators to consider when we reconvene in February."

BEST WEAPON AGAINST METH

Methamphetamine abuse is a serious problem in Oklahoma and Rep. David Derby (R-Owasso) says the solutions to the meth problem should focus on the people responsible for the problem. Some states -- like Oregon and Mississippi -- have tackled the meth issue by requiring a prescription for all products containing pseudoephedrine (PSE), the active ingredient in many common cold and allergy products, as well as a key ingredient in the manufacturing of meth. Rep. Derby believes this mandate is unfair to the law-abiding citizens and cold and allergy sufferers who depend on these products to fight colds and allergies. "Requiring a doctor's prescription to treat the common cold will drive up health care costs and fill up waiting rooms preventing the truly sick from being seen by a doctor in a timely manner."

Oklahoma was the national leader in developing a computer system to stop the illegal purchase of PSE products. Several other states are now working together to attack meth by using a national computerized system named the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx). It prevents illegal sales of products containing PSE in the state and across state lines and notifies law enforcement in real-time when improper purchases have been attempted. "Computer tracking systems don't inconvenience law-abiding patients; it stops people purchasing PSE for illegal use," says Derby. Texas, Kansas, Missouri and Louisiana all have approved the NPLEx system and by 2012 all four of these states will have implemented this technology. If Oklahoma also links with NPLEx, all of these systems would work together to give law enforcement across the entire region the tools to track illegal activity.

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE REGULATION

Rep. Brian Renegar (D-McAlester) disagrees with his fellow representative that Oklahoma's meth problem can be solved with technology and says that tracking pseudoephedrine (PSE) sales is simply not enough. Rep. David Derby (R-Owasso) released a statement earlier saying that he believes that requiring a prescription for PSE is unfair to law-abiding citizens and promoting the use of the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx), which tracks the sale of PSE across state lines.

"Meth abuse is more than a serious problem in Oklahoma," said Renegar. "It is also one of the main drivers of our economy. Oklahoma spends seven percent of its state budget on the Department of Corrections, and a large number of Oklahoma's inmates are in on meth related charges. This hurts law-abiding citizens more than a prescription would."

"We stand by our statement at the joint study, OBN does tracking, but tracking does not stop meth labs," said Mark Woodward, public information officer for OBNDD. During that same panel, Officer Mike Carter, who handles many of Tulsa Police Department's meth-related issues, said that no electronic reporting system is going to slow down meth production in Oklahoma because of smurfing, the practice of meth manufactures hiring others to purchase PSE for them. He went on to say that only solution is a prescription mandate. "On an issue that has become such a huge threat to public safety, I have no choice but to stand with the law enforcement and prosecutors across the state," said Rep. Ben Sherrer (D-Chouteau) who authored HB 1235, which would require a prescription to obtain pseudoephedrine. "The only way to slow the sale of pseudoephedrine to those who wish to make meth is by requiring a prescription."

DRUG TESTING OF WELFARE RECIPIENTS

Drug testing welfare recipients saved Florida taxpayers nearly $1 million in the first month of implementation, leading two Oklahoma lawmakers to announce they will re-file similar legislation in Oklahoma. "Last year when I filed this bill as a freshman lawmaker, we were told that the Department of Human Services stood to lose federal money if we imposed drug test at the state level," said state Rep. John Bennett (R-Sallisaw). "Officials in Florida weren't as timid and it is clear the program has been a huge success in just its first two months. As a result, we will try to advance this common-sense reform in Oklahoma again during the 2012 session."

According to a report issued by the Foundation for Government Accountability, the drug-testing requirement for Florida residents seeking state aid has resulted in denial of taxpayer-funded assistance to 9.6 percent of applicants, saving $923,000 in the first month of the law's implementation. Florida implemented the program this summer. The program is projected to save Florida taxpayers up to $9.1 million annually with $5.71 in savings generated for every $1 spent to administer the drug-testing program.

Bennett said he and state Rep. Guy Liebmann (R-Oklahoma City) are working to draft new legislation to require recipients of state aid to undergo routine drug tests as a condition of eligibility. "If we as taxpayers are basically employing the recipients of welfare, the taxpayers should have a guarantee their money is not being abused by the recipient," Liebmann said. "Taxpayer money should not subsidize someone's drug habit."

During the 2011 session, Bennett filed House Bill 1083 to require those applying for state-provided assistance to undergo urine screening for illicit drugs upon initial application and then every six months following. The cost of the test would have been deducted from the first payment to the applicant if he or she passes. Under that bill, any applicant failing or refusing to take a drug test would have forfeited eligibility for state-provided benefits for the next 90 days. An applicant who failed a drug test while receiving benefits would have been ineligible for further benefits for one year. Under the bill, the decision to deny services could have been appealed and overturned if the applicant could show the testing process was faulty.

PRIVATIZATION OF STATE PARKS

Public-private partnerships like those used by the U.S. Forestry Service could be the model for Oklahoma to run state parks more efficiently, the fiscal policy director for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) told lawmakers at a legislative study committee. Jonathan Small, OCPA fiscal policy director and a certified public accountant, said privatizing some park operations is one of the few things the federal government has done right. "One of the things the federal government has done right is outsource the complete operation of many U.S. Forestry Service federal parks," Small said. "The U.S. Forestry Service has approximately 300 private concession contracts fully operating hundreds of parks throughout the United States. In many cases, these privatization arrangements have resulted in savings of millions of dollars to states and the federal government."

State Rep. Leslie Osborn said with legislative efforts to reduce the size of state government, privatization is a good tool to avoid elimination of a program or state-owned asset. "The private sector can run these state parks better than our state government and save taxpayers money that they would probably put to better use," Osborn said. "I think our state needs to move towards public-private partnerships to run its parks." More than 11 million people visited state parks in 2010 and more than 79,000 rounds of golf were played at state golf courses, according to the presentation by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD).

The study also focused on the location of state parks. There are 35 state-run parks. Ten of these parks are located west of Interstate 35, while 25 parks are located east of the interstate. Only six of the parks are located in the six most populous Oklahoma counties. The state ranks 22 out of 50 states in parks per capita. State golf courses are 81 percent self-sufficient, but the tourism agency is working to make them 100 percent self-sufficient. Osborn and Small both praised current OTRD Director Deby Snodgrass for her efforts to make the operation of state parks more efficient.

POSSIBLE HIGHER EDUCATION SAVINGS

If Oklahoma's institutions of higher education and state government simply streamlined processes it could result in significant savings on behalf of the taxpayers, presenters told members of the House Higher Education Committee in October. The legislative study on Oklahoma's colleges was requested by state Reps. Corey Holland (R-Marlow) and Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie) after higher education institutions were successful in winning exemptions from several government modernization reform initiatives. "At a time when Oklahoma families struggle to pay the ever-increasing cost of tuition and fees, it makes no sense for our state not to consider real cost savings," said Rep. Holland,. "If by the colleges making some modernization reforms the cost of government for the taxpayers can be reduced, then I believe these reforms should be seriously considered."

Of particular interest to the legislators is higher education's ongoing exemption from the Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act. A 2006 consultant report from IBM found that the state could save millions of dollars by reforming its central purchasing system and by working with state colleges to leverage spending power. While the Legislature acted on this report and enacted purchasing system reforms that are saving millions of dollars, the state's centralized purchasing system has yet to include higher education institutions. It appears that millions more could be saved if state purchasing officials collaborated with Oklahoma's universities and colleges.

Committee members were also told that another important savings opportunity could be realized if higher education's OneNet fiber network would be consolidated under the state's centralized technology infrastructure. This network could be used to lower the cost of bandwidth to state agencies and provide a solution to the state's public safety interoperability challenges. "As the government modernization effort continues to demonstrate tangible savings on behalf of the taxpayers, it becomes very important for Oklahoma's policy makers to provide institutions of higher education with access to these money saving processes," said Rep. Murphey.

"COMMON CORE" OPPOSED

State Rep. Sally Kern (R-Oklahoma City) says that lawmakers should oppose adoption of "common core" academic standards to prevent greater federal encroachment into state issues. "The federal government has a horrible record of managing programs on the federal level yet many conservatives, in their rush to reform education, now think that putting the federal government in charge of education will improve it," said Kern, an who is a former public school teacher. "Two key Republican principles are local control and limited government. Now we want to turn education over to the federal government to establish common core standards that will have to be followed 100 percent."

Kern recently led a legislative study examining potential adoption of "common core" standards. At that meeting, Lindsey M. Burke, senior policy analyst for education at the Heritage Foundation, urged lawmakers to oppose the federal standards. "While many experts now examine the federal track record on education and conclude that decentralization -- not further federal control -- is more likely to improve outcomes, the Obama administration has not concluded that the federal role in education has failed," Burke said in a prepared statement. "Instead of supporting states as laboratories of reform, the administration has coerced states into the standardization of content, pushing a one-size-fits-all approach to standards and tests."

Jennie White, president of Restore Oklahoma Public Education (ROPE), also urged lawmakers to reject the standards, saying they would effectively direct curriculum choices in all state schools. White also predicted implementation of the standards would have significant associated costs for the state. According to studies she cited, the projected unfunded cost to California is projected to be $1.6 billion, and Missouri may reportedly have to spend $750 million. White said Texas rejected adopting the standards due in part to an associated estimated cost of up to $3 billion.

Kern said the study demonstrates that Oklahoma should not adopt the national education standards. "I am puzzled that our Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction and many Oklahoma Republican state representatives are against Obama Care but seem to have no problem with Obama education," Kern said. "Both are a tremendous overreach of the federal government."

SPORTS FOR HOME-SCHOOLERS

Two panhandle families urged lawmakers to allow home-school students to participate in sports, noting those families' taxes already support those programs even as they save taxpayer money through their educational decisions. "If these families sent students to the local school, those kids would be allowed to participate in sports programs, so in reality there is no extra cost to granting home-school students access," said state Rep. Gus Blackwell (R-Laverne), who requested a legislative study on the issue. "By home-schooling, these families are freeing up tax dollars for educational uses and should not be discriminated against when it comes to participating in sports."

Members of the Fischer and Arthaud families from the panhandle urged lawmakers to pass a "Tim Tebow" law named for the former University of Florida quarterback. As a child, Tebow was home-schooled, but under Florida law he was allowed to participate in sports activities at his local school. Tebow led the Neese High School to the 2005 state championship and later went on to earn a Heisman Trophy in college and played on two national championship teams. Under Florida law, a home-school student is eligible to participate in sports at the public school he or she would be assigned if attending public school.

Under the proposed law, home-school students would be required to register their intent to participate in sports with the local school prior to the beginning date of the season. Supporters noted that 24 other states allow some form of equal access for homeschoolers and that 325 home-schooled athletes played NCAA Division I-A sports in 2011. Blackwell said he plans to work with the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) and its member schools to come up with acceptable guidelines to keep the playing field equal for all participants.

KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt appeared at a September 30 public hearing in Oklahoma sponsored by the U.S. State Department (DOS) speaking in support of the construction of an oil pipeline from Canada to Cushing, Oklahoma. Pruitt also sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressing his support for the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. The letter said: "The Keystone pipeline is critical to resolving the glut of crude oil at the Cushing Hub in northern Oklahoma -- the most significant trading hub for crude oil in North America. There is no reason Cushing should have millions of barrels of crude oil stored in tanks instead of getting to refineries and consumers who need it. The pipeline will rectify this problem," Pruitt said.

On August 26, the DOS issued its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on the proposed project. With the release of the FEIS, the DOS launched a comment period to give the public a final opportunity to declare their support or opposition to the project. DOS also announced the start of a 90-day National Interest Determination period, when federal agencies get their last chance to provide comment to the DOS. The DOS has confirmed that it expects to make a decision on Keystone XL before the end of the year, bringing to an end an exhaustive, three-year federal review of the project. The pipeline was approved i