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December 8, 2010

Fallin, lawmakers talk economy

State Chamber of Commerce hosts public affairs forum

James Coburn The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — Gov.-elect Mary Fallin wasted no time Tuesday by declaring no new business taxes will occur in her administration.

A challenge for Oklahoma to create more jobs for a better economy was the message of Fallin and legislative leaders Wednesday at the annual State Chamber Public Affairs forum in Oklahoma City.

“I’m going to work hand-in-hand with members of the House and Senate in both political parties on doing everything we can to lower the cost of doing business in our state,” Fallin said. “It’s absolutely critical and essential so Oklahoma can be competitive with other states.”

Fallin said she will sign workers’ compensation reform legislation that takes care of injured workers and lowers the cost of workers’ compensation premiums on businesses.

She asked for the next body of lawmakers to send her legislation that will take care of those who are truly injured, but also legislation making Oklahoma more competitive by reducing legal fees.

“I’ll sign it,” Fallin said to a crowd of about 300 business and community leaders.

Senate Floor Leader Mike Schulz, R-Altus, said there in not a state in the country that is not struggling with the economy.

“We’re looking in this coming session at a $650 million hole that we still have in the budget,” Schulz said.

More budget cuts will be expected for state agencies, he said, as agencies will continue to be asked to do more with less money. The Senate will make government more efficient and less expensive for Oklahomans, he said.

No Rainy Day money or new stimulus money will be available when the Legislature convenes in February to offset losses in state revenue, said Senate Minority Leader Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City.

“It will be hard for both parties to work together to find where you cut for balanced budget requirements without having a negative effect on health care and business growth,” Rice said. “Having a strong transportation system in Oklahoma is just as important for the State Chamber as tax credits.”

Hospitals are worried about the reimbursement rates for doctors especially in rural areas, he said. And he cautioned the Legislature from discarding effective tax credits.

“Our top priority will be to focus on jobs and economic development,” said House Minority Leader Scott Inman, D-Del City. The most vulnerable Oklahomans should be protected from budget cuts, Inman added.

House Speaker-elect Kris Steele said the economy will be a priority for the Legislature next session. He said this includes restructuring the tax structure and pension reform.

“I want to make sure we address liabilities and we have systems in place that are solvent and sound,” said Steele, R-Shawnee.

He cautioned that Oklahoma prisons are at 99 percent capacity. A supplemental request will be made by the Department of Corrections to maintain the current system, he said.

“We’re going to have to get serious about being smart on crime,” Steele said.

A balanced approach will be taken by legislators to protect traditional values and constitutional rights, while multitasking to protect individual and state rights, Steele said.



jcoburn@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 114

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