Senator David praised for pro-business voting record

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Kim David received top marks from the National Federation of Independent Business and the Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED) for her support of pro-business legislation this year.  

             Jerrod Shouse, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said today that David achieved a 100 percent voting record in the 2011-12 legislative sessions.
            "Small business is the engine that drives Oklahoma's economy.  By supporting small business, Kim David is supporting working families and the community," Shouse said. "Kim David has stood up for Oklahoma's employers and job creators time and time again on important issues such as workers' compensation reform and unemployment fraud.  Our members truly appreciate her efforts to help grow Oklahoma's economy and create jobs.”
            Small businesses account for 98% of private-sector employers in Oklahoma, and they employ over half of the non-government workforce.  
            To achieve a 100 percent NFIB/Oklahoma voting record, David voted "yes" on legislation:
-- Reforming the state's workers' compensation system.
-- Capping non-economic damages resulting from a lawsuit at $350,000.
-- Discouraging frivolous lawsuits by requiring defendants to pay only their percentage of fault
-- Cutting the cost of state-issued decals for coin-operated vending machines and amusement devices in half. 
-- Allowing defendants in a civil action to pay damages of $100,000 or more in periodic payments rather than in a lump sum.
-- Making the state's workplace drug-testing statue more employer-friendly by empowering the employer when determining if a drug test should be administered, and when an employee refuses to be tested.
-- Curbing unemployment fraud by cracking down on those who knowingly continue to receive unemployment benefits after securing a new job and requiring those who file for unemployment to provide proof they are actively seeking a job.
-- Sending to a vote of the people a measure that exempts intangible personal property from ad valorem taxes.
            “Small business is the backbone of our state’s economy and in order for our economy to be healthy, small business must be as well,” said David, R-Oklahoma City. 

            RIED President Susan Winchester, a former House member, said that David also was one of only 15 out of 149 Oklahoma legislators who earned a perfect score from their organization.  REID awarded scores of 70 percent or higher to 113 of the 149 legislators based on their votes during the 2012 legislative session.

            “I’m proud to support pro-business legislation that helps Oklahoma families as well as makes our state more attractive to those looking to relocate or expand their existing business,” said David. 

            The group evaluated votes on bills dealing with a variety of “pro-business” matters, including modification of the Workers' Compensation Code; tort reform; funding for the Quick Action Closing Fund; funding for endowed chairs at state universities and colleges; additional medical resources to rural areas and financial support for transportation and water infrastructure.

            “The bipartisan support for these crucial issues is essential if we are to continue moving forward,” Winchester said. “This is the highest percentage of passing scores in RIED's 15-year history. I'm excited because the grades are so positive on both sides of the aisle.”