Op-Ed: Sen. Ron Sharp

Oklahoma's citizens are demanding their elected lawmakers present plans to address Oklahoma’s revenue and budgeting problems.  Although, I’m just one of 149 state legislators, I believe I have an obligation to present a plan or, in this case alternative plans.

On Tuesday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down, in a 6-3 decision, a fee that would have been charged to drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles, declaring it an unconstitutional tax.

Senator Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, agrees with the court’s decision.

“The Oklahoma Supreme Court made the right decision here,” said Bergstrom, “but it will cut this year's revenue by about another $400,000, which probably means more cuts in the budget.”

On Thursday, October 12, the Apache Chamber recognized 2017 “Town Treasure” recipients, Pepper and Clorinda Tsotoke and Richard and Betty Vail.  State Senator Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, Senate District 26, presented citations to both couples at the banquet and issued the following statement with State Representative Scooter Park, House District 65, on Friday.

By Sen. Paul Scott

Due to a lack of a budget agreement, the legislature has rightfully decided to adjourn until an agreement has been made.  By adjourning, we’ll continue holding committee meetings about the budget without incurring daily expenses.

Recent events and state issues are foremost on my mind; however, I also care about what’s happening nationally.  I want to share my thoughts on the NFL kneeling situation. I simply wish to provide a peaceful alternative for individuals to share their beliefs without unnecessarily hurting others. 

State Senator Micheal Bergstrom joined Congressman Markwayne Mullin and Representative Josh West as panelists for the Northeast Board of Realtors’ meeting held Tuesday, August 22 in Grove.  They were invited by ReMax Grand Lake owner and broker, Chuck Perry to weigh in on state and federal issues affecting real estate in Oklahoma.

Senator Micheal Bergstrom, R- Adair, issued a statement Thursday regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling striking down the cigarette fee and declaring it an unconstitutional tax:

"As I sat in the courtroom and listened to the arguments in the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday, I came to the conclusion that the smoking cessation fee we passed last session was in serious trouble. This morning the court ruled that the fee was unconstitutional.

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Senator Roland Pederson met with various officials from the cities of Goltry, Ponca City, Pond Creek and Tonkawa, along with staff from the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA), over lunch in Pond Creek at Mayor Stinson’s restaurant on Friday, July 28.  Pederson, R-Burlington, was also joined by Representative John Pfeiffer.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED), a non-partisan organization and producer of the annual RIED Report, a grading system of Oklahoma legislators’ votes on key economic development issues, announced today that Senator Ron Sharp (R-Shawnee) recorded a perfect score of 100 on the 2017 RIED Report. His cumulative average is 98.

State Sen. Kevin Matthews is hoping for a great turnout for the First Annual Marvin Blades Memorial Golf Tournament this Saturday.  The event is being launched by 100 Black Men of Tulsa. The organization describes the tournament as an effort to engage the citizens, authorities, clergy, pastors and politicians in a friendly game of golf to raise funds for underserved youth and community.  Matthews, D-Tulsa, is a member.

The Oklahoma Farm Bureau (OKFB) has named their 100 Percent Club members for 2017, which includes members of the legislature voting 100 percent for measures OKFB as identified as important to farmers, ranchers and rural Oklahoma during the legislative session.  Sen. Tom Dugger, R-Stillwater, is among those lawmakers with a perfect voting record.