Governors name priorities

Stateline.org, Feb. 28, 2007
"Health care, REAL ID top govs' priorities"
The nation’s governors staked out children’s health care and the National Guard as top concerns for a Democratic-controlled Congress that is preoccupied with the war in Iraq, a daunting federal deficit and the problem of uninsured Americans.

In their first gathering since Democrats took control of Congress last November, governors made it clear that they want to play a major role on issues that the White House and Capitol Hill will tackle in the coming year, namely:

The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP), a popular children’s health program that technically expires this fall.

The federal No Child Left Behind education law, which imposes testing requirements and sanctions on schools that fail to make yearly improvement and is up for renewal this year.

The U.S. military’s heavy reliance on National Guard units to fight the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan leaving some states stretched in terms of manpower and equipment.

REAL ID, a federal sweeping mandate that states revamp driver’s licenses by May 2008 to help keep licenses out of the hands of terrorists and illegal aliens.

Around the Nation

The Minnesota Daily, Feb. 27, 2007
"Legislature might boost U organic research funding"
The University might become a little greener and more natural.
The Legislature is considering giving the University more than $2 million to research organic agriculture.
The appropriation would create ongoing funding for new staff positions, graduate assistantships and equipment to research organic agriculture at the St. Paul campus, UMore Park and outreach centers in Lamberton, Waseca, Morris and Crookston.
[...]

University of Delaware Daily, Feb. 27, 2007
"Small business innovation expo set March 13"
Technology companies throughout the state are invited to attend Delaware's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Expo, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, at UD's Clayton Hall Conference Center.
The event is sponsored by the Delaware Small Business Development Center and its technology assistance program. The center is a partnership of UD's Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, the Delaware Economic Development Office and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
[...]

The Casper (Wyoming) Star Tribune, Feb. 27, 2007
"Utah legislature announces huge K-12 budget increase"
Legislative leaders announced an agreement Friday to raise funding for public education by $450 million, by far the biggest increase ever for Utah's crowded schools.
Senate and House Republicans said the new money -- which boosts state aid to elementary and secondary schools to $2.6 billion, up nearly $1 billion since 2003 -- will build more schools, expand all-day kindergarten, hire more teachers, raise their salaries and buy more computers, books, supplies and materials for classrooms.
[...]

USA Today, Feb. 27, 2007
"States consider tobacco tax hikes"
More than a dozen states are considering higher tobacco taxes this year, most often to help millions of uninsured people get health coverage.
Four of the most closely watched proposals call for tax hikes of $1 per pack or more, an increase attained by only four states in the past. Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle wants a $1.25 increase. Iowa, Maine and Maryland are considering $1.
[...]

The Houston Chronicle, Feb. 21, 2007
"Houston learning lessons on WiFi"
As Houston embarks on the nation's largest municipal wireless Internet project, experience elsewhere raises an important question: Will it really work?
Skepticism is justified, considering the problems with service quality that cities much smaller than Houston have experienced after spending big bucks on wireless systems. Some networks haven't met expectations, providing spotty service, weak connections or signals that users can't access indoors.
[...]

FCW.com, Feb. 21, 2007
"City uses energy auction to save money"
The city of Worcester, Mass., expects to save more than $870,000 on electricity it acquired through an online energy auction.
The city tapped World Energy Solutions’ online auction platform to buy electricity for more than 400 accounts, including all city buildings, public schools, streetlights and the convention center. World Energy conducts reverse auctions in which multiple sellers submit bids to supply a commodity specified by the buyer.
[...]

Around the State

The Daily Oklahoman, Feb. 25, 2007
"Discover Oklahoma: Site features state's political history"
While the recent gathering of Oklahoma's seven living governors focused on the new First Families exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center and the Oklahoma Centennial celebration, numerous other sites and exhibits reflect our state's political history.
They range from the Peter Conser House near Heavener and the George M. Murrell House in Park Hill to the A.J. Seay Mansion in Kingfisher and the T.B. Ferguson House in Watonga — all pre-statehood. They also include Carnegie Library and Masonic Temple in Guthrie, the state Capitol in Oklahoma City, the Marland Mansion and Pioneer Woman Museum in Ponca City, the Robert S. Kerr Museum near Poteau and the Carl Albert Center at the University of Oklahoma in Norman.
[...]

Oklahoma State Senate, Feb. 22, 2007
"Committee Approves Measure to Reduce Copper Theft "
A bill designed to address the growing incidences of copper theft in Oklahoma has cleared its first legislative hurdle. Senate Bill 472, by Senator Cliff Branan, was approved by the Senate Energy and Environment Committee on Thursday.
“This crime can actually put people’s lives at risk, especially the elderly, because it can leave them without air conditioning and power at the worst possible times—when the temperatures are in the triple digits,” Branan said.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 23, 2007
"House Votes to Modernize Truck Permitting Process"
The Oklahoma House of Representatives voted Thursday to modernize the state truck permitting system and boost that segment of the economy.
House Bill 1773, by state Rep. Mike Thompson, would earmark a portion of transportation funds to implement a computerized permitting system.
Under current law, truck permits are issued through a slow, archaic system often conducted for hours over the phone. The new system will allow permits to be issued immediately.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb.22, 2007
"Full House Passes Comprehensive Government Oversight Measure"
A centerpiece measure in the Oklahoma House Republican majority’s plan to ensure greater state government accountability and efficiency passed the House floor Thursday. The measure now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
"In this centennial year for Oklahoma, we have an opportunity to take the politics out of the state budget process and save taxpayers more money. This measure will go a long way toward achieving that goal," said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah), author of House Bill 2100. "It’s time to add an independent voice to the process so we can cut down on waste, duplication and inefficiency in state government. We’ll see tremendous savings from this plan over time."
[...]

Oklahoma State Senate, Feb.22, 2007
"Senate Committees Approve Bills to Shore up Teachers’ Retirement System"
Two bills aimed at shoring up the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma (TRS) are now headed to the full Senate for consideration. Sen. Mike Mazzei is the author of the measures, each of which would substantially reduce the 49 percent unfunded liability rate in the system within the next two decades. Combined, The bills would accomplish that feat in about half the time.
SB 1092 was approved by the Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee on Thursday. Mazzei explained the measure would increase the monies that the state, in combination with the school systems, puts into TRS. The increased employer contribution would be contingent upon available state dollars to cover that cost. Currently, the rate is 8 percent for common education employers, as well as two-year colleges and state agencies in the system. Four-year universities and colleges currently contribute 7.05 percent.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 21, 2007
"Teachers Could Receive Tax Benefits Under McDaniel Bill"
Oklahoma teachers who use their own money to enhance classrooms would receive tax benefits under legislation filed by state Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City.
McDaniel has filed House Bill 1053, which creates the Oklahoma Supporting Teachers’ Act, a proposed law that would provide a tax deduction up to $500 with proper receipts if a teacher spends out-of-pocket funds to enhance a classroom.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 21, 2007
"House Bill Offering 'Free State Parks' Day for Seniors Clears Committee"
Legislation that would show appreciation for Oklahoma’s senior citizens by offering them free "state park days" passed a vote of the House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday.
House Bill 1294, by House Speaker Lance Cargill, is part of the House Republican majority’s Healthy Oklahoma platform, one of three key portions of the 2007 Year of Ideas Agenda.
[...]

100 Ideas in the Oklahoman

from "OU grad works to build a tech-based economy"
The Daily Oklahoman, Feb. 25, 2007
[...]
Q: How is Oklahoma really doing in building that so-called technology-based economy?

A: I think we are making progress. I think we have made more progress in the last 10 years than we have the whole time. We are starting to see the stars sort of aligning. We've got the government interested with things like OCAST, EDGE and the 100 Ideas project, really looking toward changing our economy to a technology-based economy. Simultaneously, you have changes at the major research universities with respect to intellectual property policies, with respect to spinouts. You are starting to see a cultural change. More people are accepting of technology as being the driving force. Are we there yet? No, but are we making progress? Yes.
[...]

Technology Ventures Summit: Tech start-ups present ideas

Tulsa World, Feb. 22, 2007

Ideas ranging from potential cancer treatments to new methods of erecting highway signs were presented Wednesday when 12 fledgling companies took the stage at the first Technology Ventures Summit.
The second part of the two-day summit, co-hosted by the Oklahoma Capital Investment Board and Oklahoma Equity Partners at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown, turned the focus from advice for budding entrepreneurs to presentations by young Oklahoma companies that have created technologies.
[...]

Interesting story on wind farms

Tulsa World, Feb. 21, 2007
"Claremore Manufacturer: Trying to keep up: Wind farms generate Pelco pole orders"
When the doors are flung open, most new businesses face tough odds to survive.
But Pelco Structural LLC seems to have the opposite problem -- keeping up with demand for its custom-designed steel poles, which hold up traffic lights, signs, communications equipment and the like.
As the company celebrates is sec ond anniversary Thursday with a luncheon and open house, workers will chew on this fact: sales may grow 50 percent or more this year.
[...]

State Roundup

The Daily Oklahoman, Feb. 20, 2007
"College aid pushed for troops' children"
Children of military men and women who die in the line of duty will get free tuition to state universities if a bill passed out of a House subcommittee Monday becomes law.
Homeschoolers would also qualify for a state scholarship tuition program designed for children who meet certain requirements and can demonstrate a financial need under another approved bill.
[...]

Tulsa World, Feb. 20, 2007
"Measure would curb pollution lawsuits"
Legislation adopted by a state House subcommittee Monday would place new burdens on Oklahoma's top environmental regulator and delay legal action to clean up polluted waterways by as long as 18 years, according to Oklahoma's environmental secretary.
"I don't think clean water can wait that long," Secretary of the Environment Miles Tolbert said after the House Subcommittee on Environment and Wildlife voted 7-2 to advance the bill to the House Natural Resources Committee.
[...]

Edmond Sun, Feb. 19, 2007
Gov. Henry calls for Oklahoma Bionergy Center
Since statehood, agriculture and the energy industry have defined Oklahoma and formed the bedrock of our economy, and they continue to do so today. But as our nation seeks to lessen its dependence on foreign oil, Oklahoma is poised to continue as a global leader in energy and agriculture with the creation of the Oklahoma Bioenergy Center.
The world-class Oklahoma Bioenergy Center would bring researchers from around Oklahoma, and across the nation, for the research and development of new fuel sources. In addition, the institution would serve to educate farmers, ranchers and the public about energy crops.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 19, 2007
"Arts Education Measure Advances in Oklahoma House"
A measure to boost arts education programs in Oklahoma schools by creating public-private partnerships won approval Monday from state lawmakers in a House subcommittee.
“As we focus on economic development, it’s absolutely crucial to create the right conditions for a thriving quality of life in Oklahoma to attract and retain the best and the brightest. I want every Oklahoma child to have a world-class education, not just the privileged few,” said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah), author of House Bill 2102. “Exposure to visual arts, especially during our children’s youngest school years, is crucial to intellectual development. It can even help students with other subject areas like math. If we’re going to foster a talented and capable workforce, creating more arts programs is one piece of the puzzle.”
[...]

Around the Nation

Kansas City Star, Feb. 18, 2007
"Shield Law bill faces uphill battle in Legislature"
New ideas often are a hard sell for legislators.
A case in point is shield law legislation languishing in the Senate. The intent is simple: protecting reporters from having to reveal their sources for stories.
While some question the need for such a law, supporters say it’s less about protecting reporters than protecting the public’s right to know, akin to state laws requiring most official records and government meetings be open to public scrutiny.
[...]

West Central (Minnesota) Tribune, Feb. 19, 2007
"Dairy investment credit gains support in legislature"
A bill to provide tax incentives to dairy farmers who improve their operations is gaining momentum in the Minnesota Legislature.
Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City, has again introduced legislation to give dairy farmers up to a $50,000 tax credit for investing in the acquisition, construction or improvement of dairy facilities. The bill has been included in Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s budget proposal. If passed, the program would cost $5 million in 2008.
[...]

The Jersey Journal, Feb. 19, 2007
"Legislature uneasy about lease of roads"
The lease of New Jersey's toll roads will probably be an easier sell on Wall Street than it will be in Trenton.
As the Corzine administration continues to study the possibility of leasing the Turnpike, the Atlantic City Expressway and the Garden State Parkway - which analysts believe could bring the state billions of dollars - it's become clear there is strong opposition to the idea in the Legislature.
[...]

Sacramento Bee, Feb. 16, 2007
"Drive seeks to revamp term limits"
Gov. John Lynch submitted a $10.2 billion budget proposal to lawmakers yesterday that included a request to scrap the existing education-funding formula. Instead of sending more money to some communities and less to others, Lynch called for a flat increase of 5 percent to all school districts while legislators work to define - and eventually pay for - the adequate education called for by the Supreme Court.
[...]

St. Louis Today, Feb. 16, 2007
"State's clock ticking for St. Louis schools"
St. Louis Public Schools administrators will spend the next 12 days desperately combing years of student records in an effort to block an appointed board from taking control of the city schools.
Their goal is to improve the college placement rate enough to retain the district's provisional accreditation. But even if the district can pick up the accreditation point it needs, the state could intervene based on the district's financial picture. The decision is up to the State Board of Education.
[...]

The Dallas Morning News, Feb. 16, 2007
"Texas companies plan wind, gas, coal power plants"
Several Texas energy companies offered Thursday to build a string of wind, gas and coal-fired power plants and transmission lines across the Panhandle that could lessen the state's future dependence on coal while supplying enough electricity for more than a million Texas homes.
More than 15 proposals were filed with the Public Utilities Commission to meet a Thursday deadline for competitive renewable energy zones, mostly in the Panhandle and West Texas.
[...]

Lee Denny asks for consituents to support 100 Ideas

The Cushing Daily Citizen, Feb. 16, 2007
Rep. Denny praises 100 Ideas
[...]
To realize these goals, we must promote a wise fiscal policy, one that holds all areas of state government accountable. That often means reforming the system to make it more efficient and effective.
I also hope you'll join me in supporting the new 100 ideas initiative. Created by House Speaker Lance Cargill, this is a nonpartisan effort to find the most innovative and forward-thinking ideas for Oklahoma's future.
We're looking for ideas of all kinds from anyone willing to share them: ideas for education, technology, public works, you name it - ideas to help create jobs, promote health, ensure safety, preserve our heritage, and simply make Oklahoma better.
If you're interested in this effort, log on to www.100ideasok.org.
[...]

State Roundup

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 14, 2007
"Bill Creating Special Health Care & Technology Task Force Receives House Approval"
Legislation creating a state task force that would examine the incorporation of information-sharing technology into Oklahoma’s medical community passed a floor vote of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Wednesday.
House Bill 1818, by Rep. Scott Martin, would create a task force to look at creating a secure structure for sharing specific patient information among medical care providers. The move would make most medical records paperless and enable doctors and other providers to quickly and simply share a patient’s medical information.
[...]

The Daily Oklahoman, Feb. 13, 2007
"Plan would reduce high school dropouts"
Gov. Brad Henry's proposal to reduce the number of high school dropouts in Oklahoma cleared its first legislative hurdle Monday.
Senate Bill 519 by Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson would tighten the law to make it more difficult for a student to drop out of school.
The legislation eliminates a section of law allowing a student to leave school if school administrators and parents agree that it would be in the best interest of the student to drop out, she said.
[...]

Tulsa world, Feb. 15, 2007
"'Fit to Lead': Legislators trim the fat"
Hours before they're due at the state Capitol, about two dozen Oklahoma lawmakers spend their early mornings at the gym in an effort, they say, to lead by example.
The lawmakers' workout program officially began last year but was whipped into shape this session by Becky Switzer, the former University of Oklahoma women's gymnastics coach and the wife of football coaching legend Barry Switzer.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 14, 2007
"Legislation to Target MySpace Predators Passes House"
Sexual predators are targeting Oklahoma’s innocent children through harmless entertainment outlets, such as the web.
What may seem like a safe and innocent way for children to communicate with friends and relatives via Internet is also a way for sex offenders to prey on the young and innocent, state Rep. Paul Wesselhoft warned House members today – and that’s why he wants to make it difficult for sex offenders to have ‘MySpace’ accounts.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 14, 2007
"House Committee Passes Government Oversight Measure"
A measure to seek greater government efficiency and accountability for Oklahoma taxpayers passed a House committee on Wednesday. The measure is a key part of the House Republican majority's legislative agenda this year.
"Oklahomans should see results from the government they pay for, and we are making government accountability and efficiency a top priority this year," said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah). "This measure adds an independent voice to take the politics out of the budget process and save taxpayers money."
[...]

Would this work for 'tornado alley?'

The South Florida Sun-Sentinal, Feb. 14, 2007
"Florida proposes multistate disaster fund"
Frustrated by inaction in Washington, Florida officials this week are asking other states to join them in setting up an insurance catastrophe fund.
If established, a multistate fund would bail out regions hit by cataclysmic disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding and even terrorism.
But unlike a national fund -- which Congress has balked at creating -- it wouldn't rely on the financial backing of the federal government. Only interested states would participate.

Around the Nation

Ag Weekly
"Washington lawmakers considering legislation for biofuels"
Plenty of farmers and others in Washington state love the idea of growing crops to make clean-burning vehicle fuels to cut pollution and the nation’s reliance on foreign oil.
The trick is to make producing “biodiesel” profitable. Now, the state Legislature is considering a bill that would provide incentives to increase the production and use of alternative fuel in the state.
[...]

The Brown Daily Herald, Feb. 13, 2007
"R.I. law to require fire-safe cigarettes"
Only fire-safe cigarettes will be available legally in Rhode Island if proposed legislation is passed by the General Assembly. State Sen. James Doyle, D-Dist. 8, has introduced a bill, modeled on a 2004 New York law, that would prohibit the sale of cigarettes that are not fire-safe.
[...]

NY Daily Free Press, Feb. 13, 2007
"NY legislation may mute iPods in crosswalks"
Crossing the street while wearing headphones could cost New Yorkers the price of a new iPod Shuffle if a Brooklyn lawmaker has his way.
New York State Sen. Carl Kruger is attracting the ire of first amendment activists, law experts and music lovers in the region with his proposal to fine pedestrians $100 for using mp3 players, Game Boys, cell phones and other electronic devices in crosswalks.
[...]

The Weekly (Georgia), Feb. 12 2007
"Chairman Earl Ehrhart Announces Education Tax Credit Legislation"
Representative Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs) announced today that he has introduced legislation allowing those who donate to certain education funds to receive a tax credit.
"An education tax credit will offer more opportunities to low income families and empower parents," said Ehrhart. "This program will benefit both private and public schools, and I am excited about all of the children who will be better off because of it."
[...]

The Barltesville News-Examiner, Feb. 13, 2007
"Oklahoma lawmakers revive eminent domain legislation"
Legislation that proposes new guidelines for the use of eminent domain in Oklahoma was approved by a state House subcommittee Monday, reviving debate over the government practice that led to an initiative petition and state Supreme Court ruling last year.
The House Civil Justice Subcommittee passed a measure by Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow, that provides new guidelines for how to establish fair market value when the state expropriates private property without the owner's consent, either for its own use or on behalf of a third party.
[...]

Arizona Republic, Feb. 10, 2007
"Hybrids OK'd for HOV lane
Special plates are available for fuel-efficient vehicles"
Drivers of fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles can now qualify to use carpool lanes on Arizona highways, thanks to an order Friday by the Arizona Department of Transportation and Gov. Janet Napolitano. The decision clears the way for the estimated 9,000 Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles in Arizona to use the carpool lanes with the proper plate.
"We're using a variety of strategies to begin to clear the air in Arizona," Napolitano said in a statement. "Drivers who make the commitment to clean air and energy efficiency will get an easier commute."
[...]

The Arkansas Morning News, Feb. 8, 2007
"Proposal would give satellite subscribers access to Oklahoma channels"
Legislation to give Oklahoma satellite subscribers the option of receiving any in-state television signals was introduced in the House on Thursday.
Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, sponsored the measure to exempt Oklahoma from federal law and allow some signals to be transmitted outside their original markets.
[...]

The Houston Chronicle, Feb. 13, 2007
"White ready to unwrap city WiFi plan"
A wireless Internet system would blanket Houston in two years, providing high-speed access at greatly reduced prices, under a contract proposal the city will unveil today, Mayor Bill White said Monday.
While the agreement still needs City Council approval, its terms put Houston in line to have the largest such network in North America, covering nearly all of the city's 600 square miles by spring of 2009, White told the Chronicle.
[...]

Rep. Joiner praises 100 Ideas

The Midwest City Sun, Feb. 12, 2007
"2007: The Year of Ideas"
Charlie Joyner, State Representative
As Oklahoma celebrates its 2007 Centennial, we have a rich history of success to look back on. And we are even more hopeful about our state’s next 100 years.
Oklahomans have produced many of the great innovations that have moved society forward. Innovations by Oklahomans in the fields of science, technology, business, and culture have changed the world for the better.
[...]

Interesting education story

Southeaster North Carolina Star, Feb. 12, 2007
"S.C. education chief's transition team makes nearly 100 proposals"
Increasing teacher salaries, expanding development classes to 4-year-olds statewide and allowing for more choice in public schools highlights recommendations from a panel put together by the state's top education official.
South Carolina Education Superintendent Jim Rex said Monday he will tour the state later this month, touting nearly 100 recommendations made by his transition team in an effort to improve public schools over the next four years.
[...]

From Around the State

OK Blue Notes (Feb. 1, 2007)
"State Rep. Praises 100 Ideas"
from Rep. Anastasia Pittman (D-Oklahoma City)
[...]
We will embrace a new way for you and your family to communicate ideas, suggestions and concerns through “100 Ideas for Oklahoma Innovations for the Second Century.”
You may contact me directly at the above address or access the website for ideas or concerns at 100ideasok.org and provide your responses online.
The selection of the best ideas for Oklahoma will begin immediately and the final 100 ideas for Oklahoma will be published in the future.
I look forward to speaking with you and getting to know more about the issues that concern you and your family as we work together to build a great “Foundation for the Future.”
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 1, 2007
"McDaniel Leads Open Government Initiative"
As session kicked off this week, both Governor Henry and House Republicans called for providing Oklahoma citizens with a more transparent and open government this year and State Rep. Randy McDaniel plans to lead the way.
Governor Brad Henry ended his State-of-the-State address yesterday by asking legislators to improve government transparency and openness through establishing a user-friendly Web site that shows exactly how tax dollars are spent.
McDaniel has already filed legislation to shine a light on how tax dollars are used by all state agencies. His bill has already gathered significant support from fellow House Republicans.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 7, 2007
"Key Portion of House GOP Education Agenda Passes Committee"
A key House Republican measure that promotes higher standards of excellence in Oklahoma schools cleared a major legislative hurdle today.
Building on House Republican education reforms passed in the last two years, House Bill 1593 focuses on expanding the Academic Achievement Awards program. The measure, authored by Rep. Tad Jones, passed unanimously out of the House Education Committee today.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 7, 2007
"Bill Creating Special Health Care & Technology Task Force Passes House Subcommittee"
Legislation creating a state task force that will examine the incorporation of information-sharing technology into Oklahoma’s medical community cleared a significant legislative hurdle today.
House Bill 1818, which creates the panel, passed out of the House Public Health Committee today. The task force’s main goal would be to look at creating a secure structure for sharing specific patient information among providers. The move would make most medical records paperless and allow doctors and other medical care providers to quickly and simply share a patient’s medical information.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 6, 2007
"Reynolds Calls on Governor to Address Water Issues"
Gov. Brad Henry’s failure to include water issues in his 2007 agenda could harm long-term economic growth in Oklahoma, state Rep. Mike Reynolds said today.
"If Governor Henry is truly concerned about building Oklahoma’s economy, he needs to start with the issue most in need of a long-term fix: a secure water supply,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City.
[...]

Tulsa World, Feb. 9, 2007
"Drought easing in most of state"
The drought has weakened its grip on Oklahoma, thanks to several shots of snow, sleet, ice and rain this winter.
More than half of Oklahoma is not suffering from drought conditions, according to data from the U.S. Drought Mitigation Center -- the first time that's happened since October 2005.
That's good news for grill masters, gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts, and even better news for the state's $8 billion agricultural sector.
[...]