Around the State

Daily Oklahoman, March 18, 2007
"Budget deal in the works"
Oklahoma legislators added a new wrinkle to their annual rite of providing emergency funding for state agencies.
They not only appear to have worked out the immediate financial crisis but also may have reached agreement on funding government for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
In a few days, legislative leaders will unveil the budget agreements that likely will include tax cuts.
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Daily Oklahoman, March 18, 2007
"This little piggy...at the heart of a legislative debate"
Environmental rules that put the brakes on rapid growth of the factory pig farming industry here came up for partial repeal by the Legislature this session.
The changes, which passed out of a House of Representatives committee but were killed this week before receiving a floor vote, were feared to cause a new boom of corporate pig farms in the state. The Oklahoma Pork Council and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, which helped write the failed changes, said environmental rules governing pork producers are unfair and keep the industry from growing.
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Daily Oklahoman, March 16, 2007
"House bill lets grocers restrict product sales"
Oklahoma grocers say they were pleased Thursday after the House approved a bill that would allow retailers to implement voluntary restrictions on spray paint and cough medicines in their stores.
We're very happy,” said Ron Edgmon, president of the Oklahoma Grocers Association.
Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon, and Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, presented House Bill 1974, which would place voluntary age restrictions on the sale of over-the-counter medications that contain dextromethorphan (DXM), such as cough medicine, products that teenagers use to get high.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 15, 2007
"Alternative energy incentives get House approval"
Oklahomans wishing to utilize alternative energy sources in their home may soon get tax benefits.
House Bill 1387, by state Reps. Randy Terrill and Bill Nations, would provide significant tax credits to consumers who install solar or wind energy equipment at their homes.
"Solar and wind energy can be a very cost-effective source of power for homeowners and businesses," said Terrill, R-Moore. "The biggest challenge is paying for the initial installation expenses. House Bill 1387 would dramatically offset those up-front costs."
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