2011 Legislation Update
With the topic of pension reform appearing in the state and local media frequently, the OPERS staff has prepared this summary of pending pension legislation for its members.
05/13/2011
Governor Fallin Signs SHOPP Legislation
Governor Mary Fallin today signed into law legislation creating the Supplemental Hospital Offset Payment Program, or SHOPP. The program, proposed under HB 1381, allows for a provider assessment to support Oklahoma hospitals. The bill protects patients by specifically...
05/13/2011
Federal Assistance Approved For February Snow Storm
Governor Mary Fallin announced today the White House has approved her request for additional federal aid related to the first February snow storm.
?This is good news for the state of Oklahoma and those counties hit hardest by the February storm,? Fallin said.
The...
05/12/2011
Governor Fallin Appoints Two To Education Boards
Governor Mary Fallin today announced appointments to the State Board of Career and Technology Education and the Board of Regents for Tulsa Community College (TCC).
The governor appointed Karl L. Meyers to the Career and Technology board and Masoud Moazami to the TCC...
05/11/2011
Governor Fallin Signs Legislation Suspending Art in Public Places Act
OKLAHOMA CITY ? Governor Mary Fallin today signed into law House Bill 1665, a measure that suspends the Art in Public Places Act. In the last three fiscal years, the act set aside a total of $3.4 million to be spent on public art alone as part of various public...
05/10/2011
Governor Fallin Legislative Leaders Announce Budget Deal
Governor Mary Fallin, House Speaker Kris Steele and Senate Pro Tempore Brian Bingman today announced a budget agreement laying out a fiscally responsible plan to balance the state budget without raising taxes. Addressing a $500 million shortfall, today?s budget deal relies...
05/10/2011
Governor Fallin Signs Key Pension Reform Legislation Into Law
Governor Mary Fallin today signed several key pieces of pension reform legislation into law at a public bill signing with state leaders. The bills aim to provide a boost to the fiscal solvency of the state?s public employee pension systems, which are currently troubled with...
April 2011 Revenues Collections Boosted By Increased Sales Income And Oil Taxes
A resurgence in the Oklahoma oil patch is aiding Oklahoma?s economic recovery and state revenue collections, Preston Doerflinger, director of the Office of State Finance, said Monday as he released the OSF?s General Revenue Fund report for April.
Tulsa World Governor Fallin Signs Education Reform Bills In To Law
Gov. Mary Fallin signed two education reform measures into law Wednesday.
Senate Bill 346 ends "social promotion" for students after the third grade.
It requires third-graders to be proficient in reading before moving on to the fourth grade.
House Bill 1456...
05/05/2011
Funeral Director Charged In Creek, Okfuskee Counties For Prepaid Funeral Frauds
Anti-fraud experts from the Oklahoma Insurance Department and the Creek County District Attorney?s Office have collaborated to investigate and charge a former funeral director from Bristow for misusing funds intended to provide prepaid burial services.
Ronald C....
05/04/2011
Attorney General Pruitt Joins South Carolina in Jobs Fight
OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Scott Pruitt has joined South Carolina and other attorneys general in a fight against action taken by the National Labor Relations Board against The Boeing Company.
In a letter to the NLRB , attorneys general from nine states...
05/04/2011
Governor Fallin Signs Key Education Reform Measures Into Law
Governor Fallin signed two important education reform measures into law today at a public bill-signing ceremony with education leaders and elected officials.
Fallin signed Senate Bill 346, ending social promotion for students after the third grade. SB 346 requires...
05/04/2011
State Regents Recognize Institution, Business Partnerships
Twenty-one business and higher education partnerships throughout the state were recently recognized for their innovative collaborations that further the education of Oklahoma's workforce.
April Revenue Report Shows Continued Growth In Spite Of High Fuel Prices
Broad measurement of Oklahoma?s economy in April shows growth over the prior year in spite of rising gasoline and diesel fuel prices, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today as his office issued its monthly revenue report.
During April, receipts to the State...
05/02/2011
Governor Fallin Announces Appointments To Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission
Governor Mary Fallin today announced appointments to the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC). The governor selected Phillip Kirk, Melvin Bollenbach, Joe Lucas and Ran Leonard. Each will serve a six-year term and Senate confirmation is required for each...
05/02/2011
Governor Fallin Statement On Bin Laden Death
Governor Mary Fallin released the following statement today on the successful elimination of Osama bin Laden by U.S. armed forces:
?Our military men and women and our intelligence officers have once again made the world a safer place. This is a great victory in the War...
05/02/2011
Oklahoma Now Strong Finish More Reforms Needed In Last Month Of Legislative Session
May is the last month of the 2011 legislative session, and I?m happy to say this legislative year is on track to be a productive one. Several key reforms already having been signed into law and more are on the way.
We have delivered, for instance, on landmark lawsuit...