Sen. Scott receives perfect pro-business score

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Paul Scott, R-Duncan, received top marks from the Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED) for his support of pro-business legislation during the 2020 legislative session.  

            “As a small business owner, I know the vital role our business community plays in strengthening our state economy.  Our economy’s health is reflected in the success of the business community. The government’s job is to help businesses grow and expand, which provides more services and products to the public as well as more jobs and tax revenue for important state and federal services,” Scott said. “I was proud of all the pro-business legislation we were able to get to the Governor’s desk this year especially during the pandemic, which has played havoc on the business community. I pray the Oklahoma legislature and Congress continue to do what is right for Oklahoma businesses and others around the nation.”

            REID gathers bill nominations annually from business interests, chambers of commerce, trade organizations, professional societies, academic interests, individuals and legislative members. These pro-business bills support job creation, elevation of income, attracting new commerce and economic growth.  This year, ten bills were included in the study – HB 3619, HB 4018, SB 801, SB 1204, SB 1362, SB 1688, SB 1748, SB 1875, SB 1946 and SB 1947.

            Scott was one of the principal Senate authors of both SB 801 and HB 4018.  The Senate bill modified the Oklahoma Nursing Practice Act to allow Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) to administer anesthesia in collaboration with, rather than under the supervision of, a physician.

            The House measure created the Rural Broadband Expansion Act. It established a statewide Council and fund to investigate and provide recommendations on how to improve broadband access across the state. Members include executive and legislative branch officials, education professionals, representatives from the private and public sector and private citizens.

            “Lack of broadband access is one of the top deterrents of businesses relocating or expanding in Oklahoma. Our state ranks 47^th in broadband access, which has been painfully obvious during this pandemic. Our schools, businesses, hospitals, government agencies and citizens need internet access to do their jobs yet many, especially in rural Oklahoma, have little to no service,” Scott said. “In order to be competitive in this digital age, our state must step up and ensure that all Oklahomans have access to high-speed internet. The Rural Broadband Council has already begun their research, and I’m looking forward to seeing the long-range plan they develop to improve internet access across the state.”

            Other bill topics included defining “primarily engaged” for hospitals; tax credits for software and cybersecurity employees who join Oklahoma companies; ownership of wastewater in the oil and gas industry; and increasing commercial limits for grocery and specialty food stores. Because of the pandemic, bills were also approved protecting businesses from potential liability and providing protection for businesses who produce COVID-19 related goods or services.  The other bills created the Oklahoma Advanced Mobility Pilot Program and the Oklahoma Local Development and Enterprise Zone Incentive Leverage Act.

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Scott: (405) 521-5522 or Paul.Scott@oksenate.gov