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February 26, 2010
HB 2753 (Denney) – CS – Increases the number of entities that can sponsor Charter Schools and allows them to be created statewide, not just limited to the two largest metro areas – Passed House Common Education Committee SJR 59 (Newberry) – CNP FS – Constitutional amendment declaring that no law or rule can compel an individual, employer or health care provider to participate in any health care delivery system – Passed Senate Floor then laid over for Reconsideration SB 2330 (Ford & Denney) – CS – Common education deregulation bill similar to a measure vetoed last year by Governor Henry. However, this year’s measure includes a requirement that a majority of teachers in a district considering deregulation must approve the proposal. This being the case, the teacher’s union has now eliminated their opposition to the bill – Passed Senate Floor Technology Bills Of Interest This Week HB 2600 – (Morrissette) – CNP FS - Requires that all public contracts equal to or exceeding $25,000 must be awarded to the best value bidder, and defines “best value”. Voted Do Pass as substituted in House Government Modernization HB 2829 – (Peters) – CNP FS – Amends Statute references pertaining to the Oklahoma Telecommunications Act of 1997. Voted Do Pass as substituted in House Energy and Utility Regulation HB 3031 – (Benge) – CS – Delegates to the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority the power to issue bond, notes, and other obligations to refinance/restructure outstanding obligations. This bill will provide a way to fund the backlog of endowed chairs already matched by private businesses. Voted Do Pass as amended in House Appropriations and Budget Many bad bills died this week!Contact Jim Mason.
The letter makes it clear, said the Post, “that the Obama administration will move ahead with curbing local global warming pollution under the Clean Air Act unless Congress moves to stop it.” The Post reported that “under the plan, major emitters that are already seeking permits would face regulation as early as the start of 2011.” President Releases Health Care Reform Proposal – Early this week, in anticipation of Thursday’s Health Care Summit featuring Congressional Leaders from both the U.S. House and Senate, President Barack Obama offered the administration’s proposal for health care reform. To see a copy of the proposal, click here. As anticipated, the leaders from the House and Senate, including U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), sat down with the President to discuss the health care proposals drafted by both chambers of Congress and engage in a dialogue designed to develop levels of agreement between the parties. Contact Ronn Cupp.
Women Entrepreneurs Inspire Conference Set For Tuesday, March 30th - The Riata Center for Entrepreneurship at Oklahoma State University will present the first annual Women Entrepreneurs Inspire Conference in Oklahoma City at the Cox Convention Center on Tuesday, March 30th. The one-day event offers opportunities to:
For more information, and to register, click here. For questions, contact Mary Means. NanoFocus 2010 Launches, Registration Now Open! - The State Chamber and the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative are pleased to announce that you can find out all about NanoFocus 2010 at www.oknano.com. NanoFocus 2010 (April 1-2) features Nano Applications for Energy: Batteries, Natural Gas, Oil, Solar and Wind as well as many other presentations on what Oklahoma researchers are working on in their labs and companies. 27th Annual Oklahoma World Trade Conference Set For Wednesday, April 14th - The Oklahoma District Export Council, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Commerce and Oklahoma Department of Commerce, is hosting the 27th Annual Oklahoma World Trade Conference for April 14th at the Hilton Inn, Tulsa Southern Hills. For additional information and secure on-line registration and credit card payment, click here.
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CHAMPION INVESTORS Platinum Gold Silver Bronze Granite Advisor |
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Education and Healthcare Reform Measures Moving through Legislature
EPA Pushes Forward With Timetable For Regulation Of Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Despite strong opposition from the U.S. Senate, the EPA is pushing forward with its plan to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. The Washington Post reported this week (article by Juliet Eilperin) that in a letter to lawmakers, Monday, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson described the timetable for regulating emissions. The EPA plans to begin targeting large facilities such as power plants next year, but won’t deal with small emitters before 2016.
We Need Your Help! These are crucial political times, and we can’t afford to let the politicians make decisions without the strong voice of The State Chamber. The more members we have, the stronger the voice. Please recommend a few of your business associates, clients, or vendors to join The State Chamber. Click 
2nd Annual UAS Summit On March 23rd, Registration Now Open! - The State Chamber in partnership with USA-OK and the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute launched the Unmanned Aerial Systems Summit Website this week. This year the UAS Summit will be held at Great Plains Career and Technology Center in Lawton on March 23rd. Plans currently call for the launch of an unmanned aerial vehicle at the new UAV testing site near Ft. Sill. To register for this exciting one day event, click 
Dick Rush Recognized By U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Committee Of 100 – On February 21st, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce presented retiring-State Chamber President & CEO, Dick Rush, their first-ever “Chamber Leadership Award” in recognition of his more than 35 years of service to the chamber community. The award was
presented by Winn Hallet, Chair of the Committee of 100. Congratulations, Dick, on this prestigious and well deserved honor!
