OKLAHOMA CITY – Each year, the Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED) analyzes bills concerning business, job creation and economic growth and then grades legislators on their votes.  Scores are released in the annual REID Report, and Sen. Ron Sharp had the highest cumulative score, a 96, in the Oklahoma State Legislature. One other legislator, Sen. Tom Dugger, R-Stillwater, also has a 96 but has only been in the legislature three years, while Sharp has been in seven years.

OKLAHOMA CITY–   Thunderbird Challenge of Pryor graduated its 52nd class with 109 young men and women on Saturday, with State Senator Micheal Bergstrom attending the event. 

            Thunderbird Challenge, formerly Thunderbird Academy, is one of 10 nationally recognized programs established in 1993.  Oklahoma’s program, offered through the National Guard and the Oklahoma Military Department, has currently graduated over 3,000 of Oklahoma’s youth. 

TULSA – Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, D-Tulsa, released the following statement addressing the recent flooding in Tulsa:

“Today we received an update from the Army Corps of Engineers indicating releases from the Keystone Dam are falling and the level of the Arkansas River is dropping. While this is welcome news, it is important for residents to be aware the situation is still very serious, and health and safety risks remain. As floodwaters recede, neighborhoods will be inspected for safety before evacuated residents are able to return.

State Sen. Kevin Matthews announced Friday that the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission will host a groundbreaking ceremony of the Pathway to Hope on Thursday, May 30 at 5:30 p.m.   Matthews is chairman of the Commission.

“The Pathway to Hope walkway will serve to connect and tell the story of the buildings, exhibits and history of the Greenwood area in preparation of the 100th anniversary of the race massacre in 2021,” said Matthews, D-Tulsa.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom took to the air today with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to tour flood damage in his district by plane. 

“This legislative session was a very successful one. I appreciated the way everyone worked together for the good of the people of the great State of Oklahoma.

The Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission invites the public to participate in a community input meeting on Tuesday, May 28 at 6 p.m. at the Greenwood Cultural Center located at 322 N. Greenwood.  That’s according to Sen. Kevin Matthews, Chair of the Commission.

“It was clear that our community is eager to develop sustainable economic development and mobility solutions. We invite all who are interested to be a part of the process of finding the solutions that work best for the Greenwood District and north Tulsa,” said Matthews, D-Tulsa.

OKLAHOMA CITY–A budget agreement was announced on Wednesday at the State Capitol that includes increased funding for education, transportation, public safety and health care, among many other areas. The budget for Fiscal Year 2020 also earmarks $200 million for Oklahoma’s savings account, bringing rainy day funding to more than $1 billion. State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom says the budget is one of the strongest in recent years, giving more support in critical areas, while still showing fiscal restraint by having enough left over to boost the state’s savings account.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Darcy Jech is commending the Senate’s approval of several gubernatorial executive nominations this month.  Elk City community members Bob Newcomb, Dr. Keith Fuchs and Joe D. Hall were all tapped to serve by Gov. Stitt, with Jech carrying the nominations through the confirmation process.   David Dyson was also nominated by Gov. Stitt earlier this year, but his nomination did not require Senate confirmation.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Force 50 Foundation recently recognized and honored numerous individuals, organizations and corporations who have distinguished themselves in the service of Oklahoma veterans. Sen. Paul Rosino was among those honored at their second annual Veteran’s Service Awards Banquet. The retired Navy veteran received the Distinguished Service Award for his work while in the legislature to improve the lives of veterans and their families in Oklahoma.