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Missouri                  888-275-6637         www.modot.org
New Mexico            800-432-4269         www.nmroads.com
Texas                      800-452-9292         www.drivetexas.org

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District 1 Project Update

Projects in District 1 continue in Itawamba, Oktibbeha and Pontotoc counties to improve safety and increase mobility throughout northeast Mississippi. Learn more about these projects.

  

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ARKLATEXOMA

ARKANSAS, LOUISIANA, TEXAS, OKLAHOMA & GULF COAST

January 14, 2024 Winter Weather Road Closures List As we receive any road closures, we will update this post. Visit www.caddo.org and the Parish's social media channels to access the list as well.… Read on January 14, 2024 Winter Weather Generator Safety In the event of loss of power, we know many of our citizens will rely on generator power. If used improperly, generators can pose serious risks. Make sure you...… Read on January 12, 2024 Winter warming centers and shelters available for residents ?As winter weather approaches, the following shelters and warming centers are being made available for citizens..… Read on

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.   Strategic Communications Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 ODOT and OTA Contact: Lisa Shearer-Salim 405-521-6000 |  www.odot.org  Twitter and Facebook @OKDOT www.pikepass.com  Twitter and Facebook @OKTurnpike Road conditions: 1-844-4OKHWYS (465-4997) www.okroads.org

WINTER WEATHER: Highway Conditions Alert 1-15-24 as of 5:15 a.m. Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority crews report slick and hazardous conditions remain this morning in several areas including Eastern Oklahoma and Northwestern Oklahoma. Travel delays are advised. ODOT and OTA crews are continuing plowing and sanding operations this morning. Some areas of Eastern Oklahoma have snow-packed highways while some are slick in spots. Motorists are cautioned that even if a highway looks clear there still may be ice present.  Areas with reported slick and hazardous conditions reported include Pawnee, Craig, Delaware counties. Counties still reporting slick spots but improving conditions are Osage, Washington, Creek, Nowata, Tulsa, Rogers, Mayes, Ottawa, Lincoln, Okfuskee, Pottawatomie and Seminole counties. I-40 is mostly clear with slick spots reported on interstate ramps in the Shawnee area. Westbound I-44/Will Rogers Turnpike lanes remain open northeast of Miami and near Afton this morning, however, eastbound I-44/Will Rogers is narrowed to one lane between Afton and the Missouri state line due to stalled commercial motor vehicles blocking lanes.  Central Oklahoma including the Oklahoma City metro area crews are reporting clear interstates but slick spots on rural highways. Similar conditions remain in Western Oklahoma with slick spots in Beaver, Harper, Ellis, Major, Woods, Woodward, Dewey and Blaine counties. If drivers must travel this morning they should closely follow the forecast and check current road conditions on the interactive travel map at www.okroads.org or through the Drive Oklahoma mobile app. REMEMBER during snowy and icy conditions, motorists are asked to: • Stay about 200 feet behind road clearing equipment; crews need room to maneuver and can engage plowing or spreading materials without notice.  • Allow extra space between vehicles to provide adequate distance for braking. • Be aware of "black ice," which looks wet on the roadway but is a thin layer of ice. • Be patient, plan trips ahead and allow extra time in reaching destinations. NOTE: Additional advisories will be sent from this office as conditions change. To check CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS in Oklahoma, call ROAD CONDITIONS HOTLINE at 844-4OK-HWYS (844-465-4997) or go to www.okroads.org or follow ODOT on Twitter @OKDOT and OTA @OKTurnpike If drivers must travel out of state they are urged to check area road conditions before heading out. Out-of-State Road Conditions Arkansas                501-569-2374         www.idrivearkansas.com Colorado                303-639-1111          www.cotrip.org Kansas                   866-511-5368         www.Kandrive.org Missouri                  888-275-6637         www.modot.org New Mexico            800-432-4269         www.nmroads.com Texas                      800-452-9292         www.drivetexas.org

News Release

Oklahoma Conservation Commission

Oklahoma Conservation Commission and Garfield County Conservation District Announce First Annual Crossroads Conference Enid, OK - The Oklahoma Conservation Commission and Garfield County Conservation District are thrilled to unveil the inaugural Crossroads Conference, a groundbreaking event focused on soil health. Set to take place at the Autry Tech Center in Enid, Oklahoma, on July 19th and 20th, 2023, the Crossroads Conference aims to bring together regional producers, conservation partners, and agriculture professionals interested in fostering innovative approaches that promote land and operational resiliency in agriculture. The Crossroads Conference will feature an array of engaging activities, including three tracks of presentations on Wednesday, July 19th, which will highlight crop production, livestock, and urban/backyard agriculture and conservation. On Thursday, July 20th, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops led by esteemed keynote speakers who will share practical insights from their respective areas of expertise. This year's theme, "Mind Over Market," embodies the conference's dedication to exploring strategies that empower producers to overcome market challenges. Among the amazing keynote speakers is Roy Pfaltzgraff of PFZ Farms in northeast Colorado, who has achieved profitability and ecological resilience on his farm despite an arduous climate. Pfaltzgraff's innovative marketing approaches for unconventional crops, often overlooked by local elevators, have set him apart in the industry. Also gracing the stage is Doug Ferguson, author of "Doug's Market Intel" blog on BEEFmagazine.com. Ferguson's mastery of the "sell-buy" marketing concepts pioneered by Bud Williams has consistently driven profits in the volatile cattle market. Furthermore, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's own Jack Titchener and Marcus Long will lead a group of experts in discussions on urban food production and backyard ecology.

United States Files Complaint and Reaches Agreement on Proposal with City of Jackson and State of Mississippi on Interim Solution to the Jackson Water Crisis

Communications & Public Affairs Sept. 26, 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Rep. Kevin West West applauds bill placing gender reassignment restrictions on OU Children's Hospital OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin West, R-Oklahoma City, today expressed his support for special session legislation restricting improper gender reassignment medical treatment at OU Children's Hospital and predicted a statewide restriction will be considered in regular session. In a special session later this week to consider pandemic relief funding bills, OU Children's Hospital could receive an additional $39.4 million appropriation via HB1007 to improve its ability to help Oklahoma children by increasing long-term inpatient capacity for children in mental health crisis. HB1007 limits the University Hospital Authority Trust, which oversees OU Children's Hospital, from receiving the funds if "gender reassignment medical treatment" services are being performed within its medical system.                                                                                                     "I'm thankful for language in this bill that protects children from the practice of mutilation through gender reassignment medical treatment," said West. "This unbelievably harmful practice cannot be reversed, and has lasting physical and psychological consequences that can damage these children for the rest of their lives." The Second Extraordinary Session of the 58th Oklahoma Legislature was called for the purpose of considering American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and other funding advanced by the Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding. West said that the limited scope of the special session will not allow for legislation to prohibit the performance of "gender reassignment medical treatment" statewide, but he expects legislation to be filed quickly when legislators return for the beginning of the 59th Legislature in January. "Due to the call of the special session, this is as much as the Legislature can currently do to address this topic," said West. "However, I know many legislators are ready to support legislation that will prohibit the practice statewide once we get back in regular session, myself being one of them. Passing this legislation now will provide protections for children, and we can further expand those protections when we come back in the spring. The radical Left may be making a national push to try and allow the mutilation of our children to become mainstream, but here in Oklahoma we have to stand up for our kids and say enough is enough." -END-

U S CUSTOMERS/HOMELAND SECURITY

Governor Ron DeSantis Makes One Judicial Appointment TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis makes one judicial appointment to the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court.  Melanie Surber, of Delray Beach, to serve as Judge on the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court Surber has served as a Judge on the Palm Beach County Court since her appointment by Governor DeSantis in 2019. Previously, she served as a Senior Assistant Attorney General for 19 years in the Criminal Appeals Division. She received her bachelor’s degree from Boston University and her law degree from Nova Southeastern University. Surber fills the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Janis Brustares Keyser.   ###

Communications & Public Affairs May 10, 2022 Governor Signs Landlord-Tenant Repair & Deduct Update into Law OKLAHOMA CITY – The governor recently signed a bill into law that modifies the repair and deduct portion of the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. House Bill 3409 by Rep. Carol Bush, R-Tulsa,  will allow a tenant to correct a condition that materially affects health and is remediable by repairs if the cost is equal to or less than one month's rent and if the landlord has not made the repairs. The tenant could deduct the cost from rent owned. Previously, the cost could not exceed $100.  "The current cap has been in place since 1978, and we all know that $100 would barely touch the cost of a necessary repair in today's economy," Bush said. "I'm thankful the governor saw the need behind this legislation and that tenants can now get more immediate relief if landlords are unable to make timely repairs." Bush said based on inflation, the $100 cap would equal $478 today. Instead of correcting this act each time inflation rises, however, she reached an agreement with landlords and tenants to set the cap at equal to or less than one month's rent. Bush said the final version of the bill reflects agreed-upon language from the Tulsa nonprofit Housing Solutions, Tulsa Apartment Association, Apartment Association of Central Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Association of Realtors. Bush examined this issue in an interim study held last fall before the House Judiciary-Civil Committee. The study revealed some startling gaps in the state's landlord-tenant laws. This is the first of the changes recommended for tenants who are struggling and whose landlords have been unresponsive in making timely repairs. Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is the principal Senate author of the measure. “This is an innovative way to help tenants save money on their rent while assisting landlords with repairs they may not have the time or finances to address,” Pugh said. “I’m grateful for the Legislature’s and governor’s overwhelming support of this commonsense bill that will help families and property owners alike.” HB3409 takes effect Nov. 1.   -END- Carol Bush serves District 70 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes part of Tulsa County. Forrest Bennett serves District 92, which includes part of Oklahoma County.

Governor Abbott Sets Special Election For Proposed Constitutional Amendments

For Immediate Release: January 26, 2022   “It’s Not Disheartening, It’s Disgusting”: At Governor DeSantis’ Roundtable Discussion, Physicians and Patients React to Federal Government Ending Access to COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment MIAMI – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis held a roundtable with doctors and patients who have recently received monoclonal antibodies now banned by the Biden Administration to highlight the real-world clinical success of these treatments. On Monday night, Biden’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unexpectedly revoked the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Eli Lilly and Regeneron monoconal treatments. As a result of this abrupt and clinically unsupported action, the appointments for more than 2,000 Floridians to receive monoclonal antibodies were cancelled.  “This decision was made without clinical data and without any advance warning to states and medical providers, leaving sick Floridians scrambling to find an alternative treatment,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Thousands of Floridians, who were already in the system and waiting to get treatment, woke up to an email saying that these treatments were now prohibited. It is fundamentally wrong and not the way we should treat people in this country. Our view in Florida is that we want doctors to be able to administer this treatment and patients to be able to access it, and they can make their own decisions from there.” “Monoclonal antibodies have been at the forefront of treatment for COVID-19. It is a very well tolerated and scientifically proven treatment against the virus,” said Dr. Kenneth Sheppke, Deputy Secretary, Florida Department of Health. “The value of monoclonals cannot be understated in the ability to treat people with this disease. We have two pieces of conflicting data, we have this study on cells that suggests it might be less effective against Omicron and we have real world experience in humans where we have seen really excellent outcomes. Floridians and the rest of the nation have come to expect the availability of these treatments and it is really important for us as physicians to have those tools at our disposal to make the decisions on what treatment is best for patients.”  “We have been studying the monoclonals to see if it actually does what it says. We published our first paper that found that the monoclonals had an amazing reduction on hospital admissions,” said Dr. David Farcy, MD Chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center. "In the course of six weeks, we had an estimated 1000 patients that received monoclonals. Out of those 1000 patients that were considered high risk, we only had single digits of patients that came back that needed to be admitted to the hospital, less than 5%. We are not here to say that one is better than the other, we need prospective data, meaning we need data to be studied forward.” “I was disheartened to tell 18 patients we could not give them my typical medication when I woke up to find out the FDA had pulled the EUA for the medications I use the most for my COVID patients,” said Dr. Dwight Reynolds, MD, ABEM, FACEP, Medical Director and Owner, Centers for Heath Promotion, Inc. “I gave one patient Regeneron and she thought I was someone special, she was feeling so much better after getting treatment. I have treated approximately 200 patients over the last two weeks in my practice in Coral Springs. Out of 200 patients - I personally called the next day - they have had absolutely no problem with the medication, and they all are doing well.” “I tested positive, and I immediately had the treatment scheduled for the next day. Within 20 minutes of my appointment time I had already had the treatment, gone home, and went on with my day,” said Scott Fortney, Realtor and Monoclonal Treatment Patient. “The next morning, I woke up and felt better, and another 24 hours later I woke up and I could breath. I can say without fail I felt so much better, had more energy, went to my desk working, and felt better without doubt. My roommate, who tested positive, elected not to take the treatment, and to this day she feels terrible. My biggest fear is that this option wouldn’t be available to her. This is an option that’s not harming people, let’s give them a choice. Let them make that choice with their physician.” “A week ago I started feeling sick, it was so rapid it was scary, and just feeling horrible,” said Nancy Schlotter, Cancelled Monoclonal Treatment Patient. “I couldn’t believe it was happening so quickly, and the next morning I tested myself and it was positive. I was feeling worse and worse. I didn’t know what to do but I knew these mAbs were available. I still don’t have taste or smell and wish I had the treatment but thank you for trying to provide this to those of us who may need it.” “We had a plan and feel healthy for our age, but we were holding out for the mAb treatment if we were to get sick,” said Frank Schlotter, Cancelled Monoclonal Treatment Patient. “When we tested positive, not knowing how sick we were going to get we signed up for the treatment and were blindsided when the appointments were cancelled. We’re fortunate to start feeling better but we were really disappointed when there was short notice cancellation.” Earlier this week, Governor DeSantis condemned the Biden Administration’s haphazard decision to revoke authorization of these lifesaving monoclonal antibody treatments. This decision was made solely by Biden’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) without advance warning to states and health providers and without clinical data to support the decision. The deliberate decision by the Biden Administration to make this announcement effective immediately through a press release actively prevented states and health care providers from making real-time operational decisions to save lives. ###

January 25, 2022 Parish to close Standard Oil Road Bridge for replacement Beginning January 31, 2022, the bridge located on Standard Oil Road near Highway 1 in North Caddo will be closed to allow the Caddo Parish Department of Public...… Read on

Offices of the United States Attorneys Former City of Shreveport Employee Sentenced for Conspiracy and Aggravated Identity Theft 08/13/2021 12:00 AM EDT Columbia Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud 08/12/2021 12:00 AM EDT Hattiesburg, Miss. – A Columbia, Mississippi woman pled guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of health care fraud. Louisiana Compound Marketer Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Pay Illegal Kickbacks and Conspiracy to Defraud the United States 08/12/2021 12:00 AM EDT Gulfport – A Monroe, Louisiana man pleaded guilty today to engaging in a multi-million dollar conspiracy to pay illegal health care kickbacks and conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Date: Monday, August 2, 2021   Air Pollutant(s): Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

For Immediate Release: July 19, 2021 Governor Ron DeSantis Celebrates the Signing of Senate Bill 976 Creating the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act POINCIANA, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis celebrated the signing of Senate Bill 976, The Florida Wildlife Corridor Act. The legislation directs the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to encourage and promote investments in areas that protect and enhance the Florida Wildlife Corridor. To support these efforts, the Florida Leads budget dedicates $300 million specifically to protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This funding is in addition to the $100 million that is allocated to the Florida Forever program.  “Today we celebrate another milestone of this year’s legislative session, which was a resounding success for Florida’s environment,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I thank the legislature for their support of this landmark legislation that will conserve critical natural ecosystems and working landscapes for the protection of Florida’s unique and diverse wildlife while preserving Florida’s green spaces for generations to come.”  This funding can be used for the acquisition of Florida Wildlife Corridor lands, in fee simple or conservation easements. The legislation designates the Florida Wildlife Corridor as an existing physical, geographically defined area comprised of over 18 million acres, of which almost 10 million acres are conservation lands, that was developed through a coordinated effort of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Coalition. The Florida Wildlife Corridor relies on and continues the decades of work by numerous scientists and conservation organizations that recognize landscape-scale conservation approaches, and specifically corridors, as a way to address habitat loss and fragmentation across Florida. “Thanks to the Governor’s bold vision and the continued support of the legislature, Florida's environmental priorities have remained strong, including land acquisition for protection of our natural resources and wildlife,” said Interim Secretary Shawn Hamilton. “This bill will further Florida’s conservation efforts by building upon a network of public and private lands to provide critical habitat for wildlife across the state.”  “I thank Governor DeSantis and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for their investment in the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act,” said Carlton Ward, Jr., National Geographic Explorer and founder of the Path of the Panther project. “Through their leadership, Florida will set a global example for how world-class natural areas, like the Everglades; rare and endangered wildlife, like the Florida panther; and a robust and growing economy can thrive together.” “Protecting essential Florida lands and waters is necessary not only to the Florida panther, black bear, red cockaded woodpecker, gopher tortoise, longleaf pine and so many others that depend on those lands to move, grow and prosper in Florida, but also for our ability to successfully mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change,” said The Nature Conservancy in Florida Executive Director Temperince Morgan. “There is great economic opportunity in the preservation of our natural places, and the importance of access to nature for our physical and mental wellbeing, as well as for recreational opportunities cannot be understated.  The signing of the Florida Wildlife Corridor bill demonstrates the Florida Legislature, Governor DeSantis and the state’s continued commitment to protecting rare and sensitive lands.” “The signing of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act by Governor DeSantis marks a big win for land conservation in Florida and sparks both excitement and inspiration for Florida's conservation future,” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. “Conservation Florida is thrilled to celebrate the signing of the Act into law and is grateful for the Governor’s leadership on this historic day.”  "Preserving and expanding Florida's Wildlife Corridor will ensure more of Florida’s unique natural habitats are maintained for future generations of Floridians," said Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson. "Governor DeSantis has always been a champion of Florida’s environment and I appreciate his support of this key initiative." Our children and grandchildren deserve to know, and enjoy, the same beautiful Florida that we do,” said House Speaker Chris Sprowls. “This landmark legislation will ensure that Florida’s distinctive ecosystem continues to flourish. Governor DeSantis has made sensible, solution-oriented environmental policy a priority during his time in office and along with President Simpson’s expertise with agriculture and conservation planning, we were able pass this important bill unanimously through the legislature. I thank Governor DeSantis for his leadership, and congratulate President Simpson, Senator Brodeur and Representative Truenow for their hard work on this bill that will benefit Floridians for generations." “From the study of the Little Wekiva River to the creation of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, we are taking important steps toward the preservation and protection of vulnerable lands and waters – particularly those needed to allow for the migration and genetic exchange of Florida’s apex predators, especially black bears and panthers,” said Senator Jason Brodeur. “The Wildlife Corridor Act is a major first step to ensuring Florida’s ecological future,” said Representative Keith Truenow. “To emphasize the importance of this legislation, the House and Senate agreed to allocating $300 million towards this effort. I was very proud to work on this very important piece of legislation.”    ###

Oklahoma Department of Labor

Leslie Osborn

COMMISSIONER OF LABOR

July 15, 2021

Dear Oklahoma Employer:

The Safety Saves OSHA Consultation program delivers free direct one-on-one assistance in the form of safety consultants and industrial hygienists. Our professional staff will work with you to develop high-performance workplace safety programs in a confidential and voluntary partnership designed to help you achieve compliance with OSHA regulations, reduce workers’ compensation costs, and strengthen the safety culture within your organization. A $1,000 tax exemption is now available to employers who successfully complete a comprehensive full service safety or health consultation.

Since it is not associated with enforcement, citations and penalties cannot be issued. The onsite consultation program can help identify hazards in your workplace and find effective and economical solutions for eliminating or controlling those hazards. In addition, the safety and health consultant can assist in developing and implementing a safety and health management system for your workplace all while providing you an exemption from an OSHA inspection.

We also have a program that recognizes excellence in occupational safety and health. The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) is a voluntary program that encourages and recognizes excellence in occupational safety and health. Employers who achieve SHARP certification are exempted from federal OSHA’s general-scheduled inspections for up to a period of two (2) years. An awards ceremony is held for every employer who achieves SHARP status. The Commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Labor presents the SHARP certification to employers in recognition of their outstanding accomplishment.

I encourage you to contact our office so we can begin working together to improve workplace safety at your facility. Do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide you with additional information or you would like to schedule a free onsite consultation with one of our safety and health experts. I can be reached at 405-496-7458 or 405-521-6141 to request a consultation.

Sincerely,

Jason Hudson, Director

Safety Saves OSHA Consultation

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2021 House, Senate redistricting chairs comment on final passage of legislative redistricting plans OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate each in bipartisan and overwhelming votes on Wednesday approved new legislative district maps. By law, the Legislature must redraw its legislative and congressional district boundaries to reflect changes in population every 10 years immediately following the decennial Census. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, redistricting plans for state legislative districts must be completed by the end of this year’s regular session. “At the outset, we pledged to have an open and transparent redistricting process and we delivered. At every turn, we engaged with the public and sought their input in the redistricting process as part of our commitment to transparency. The results were maps that are more compact and better than the current legislative boundaries,” said Sen. Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle and chair of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting. “The new redistricting boundaries ensure each Oklahoman has an equal voice in state and national government for the next ten years,” said. Rep. Ryan Martinez, R-Edmond and chair of the House Redistricting committee. “This year, every member of the House served on a redistricting committee, and over 20 public meetings, including virtual, were held to get as much input as possible into this important process. I’m glad to send these plans to the governor’s desk so they can be signed into law and fully implemented.” The House and Senate, from December to March held 22 town hall meetings – 18 in person and four virtual – to solicit input from the public. All Oklahomans were invited to attend, ask questions, submit testimony and talk to lawmakers and staff about what makes the most sense for their community. Meetings were livestreamed, when possible, and recorded and archived on the House and Senate websites. Redistricting maps and all related materials are available for review on the redistricting websites of the House and the Senate. The public can submit questions to the Senate at any time via email at redistricting@oksenate.gov and to the House via email at  redistrictoklahoma2020@okhouse.gov. Congressional redistricting has no deadline. The Legislature plans to reconvene in a special session in the fall to complete congressional redistricting and make any necessary adjustments to legislative districts upon the release of final Census data. The U.S. Census Bureau failed to meet the April 1 deadline to release final data to the states and has announced the data will be released in September. Details will be announced soon on town hall meetings regarding congressional redistricting. ###

Everett’s Law, Banning Organ Transplant Discrimination, Moves to Governor OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation that would prohibit discrimination against a potential organ transplant recipient based solely on the person’s physical or mental disability passed the House on Tuesday and moves to the governor to be signed into law. Senate Bill 378 by Rep. Carol Bush, R-Tulsa, and Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma, is a request from Edmond parents Rhys and Neely Gay, whose middle child, Everett, age three, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly after he was born and has a congenital heart defect. Everett is healthy after undergoing five surgeries but along the way, his parents learned that individuals with mental or physical challenges could be denied a life-saving transplant simply on the basis of a disability, so they began advocating for change. Their actions resulted in SB 378. “On behalf of all families in Oklahoma, who have a loved one with disabilities, we are very proud and grateful that “Everett’s Law” passed both chambers of the Oklahoma State Legislature unanimously. We are hopeful, as this bill head to Governor Stitt’s desk for his consideration, that it will soon signed into law. We are thankful that Representative Carol Bush decided to carry this bill through the House. She is such an advocate for those who cannot fight for themselves.” Bush said she was honored to be the House author of this bill. “I applaud Everett’s parents for fighting not only for their son but for everyone who might faces such unfair discrimination,” Bush said. “Once this measure is signed into law, this will be an incredible win for the community of people that have physical or mental disabilities. They will now be able to access life-saving organ transplants to live longer, healthier lives.” Rosino, the Senate author, worked closely with the family to draft the legislation. “I want to thank members in both chambers for supporting this legislation, and I especially want to thank Representative Bush for working with me on this important bill,” Rosino said.  “It’s hard to believe that simply having a diagnosis of Down Syndrome could result in a sweet child like Everett being turned down for a life-saving transplant.  This measure will prevent that kind of discrimination.  It’s been an honor championing this bill on behalf of Everett and his family.” Under SB 378, a health care provider or entity responsible for matching anatomical gift donors and recipients may not, solely based on a qualified individual’s mental or physical disability: Deem the person ineligible to receive an anatomical gift or organ transplant Deny medical or related organ transplantation services Refuse to refer the person to a transplant center or other related specialist for evaluation or organ transplantation Refuse to place a person on an organ transplant waiting list Place a person at a lower position on an organ transplant waiting list Decline to accept insurance coverage for any procedure associated with the receipt of the anatomical gift The bill prohibits health carriers from: Denying coverage solely on the basis of the disability Denying a patient eligibility or continued eligibility for a health benefit plan to circumvent the requirements of the section Reducing provider reimbursement or providing incentives to induce the provider to provide care in a manner inconsistent with the section Limiting coverage benefits to a patient for services related to organ transplantation Twelve other states have similar legislation.  The bill passed the House 76-0 and now moves to the governor for his consideration of signing it into law. -END- Carol Bush represents District 70 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes parts of Tulsa County. PHOTO ATTACHED: Everett Gay approaches the state Capitol to watch as a bill named after him is presented in the House of Representatives.

Communications & Public Affairs April 20, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OKC Reps Release Statement on Utility Regulatory Legislation OKLAHOMA CITY – Two Oklahoma City Metro representatives released statements today after Senate Bill 1049 passed the House. Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, filed an unsuccessful amendment to recapture the profits utility suppliers made during our recent ice storm:   “I applaud my colleagues for their efforts to ease the cost burden for Oklahoma’s utility customers,” Fugate said. “However, the language in Senate Bill 1049 is a half-measure. It does nothing to recover any of the obscene profits made by those who manipulated energy markets during a crisis. Whether customers pay all at once or using an installment plan, the fact remains: the people of Oklahoma will pay for this. The current bill merely converts that payment from a lump sum into a utility tax. “During the recent ice storm, utility suppliers manipulated markets to overcharge Oklahomans by $4.5 billion in just a matter of days. That’s $1.5 billion more than we will budget this year for all of Oklahoma’s public school children. It’s outrageous that we are moving to pay this without also working to get any of this money back. “The Legislature has entertained all manner of legislation demanding the AG work on issues. This is an issue that truly deserves his attention.” Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-OKC:  “Oklahomans across the state are struggling to get back to normal after 2020,” Dollens said. “Now they are being asked to shoulder a $4.5 billion dollar energy bill. If the ongoing investigation concludes energy providers manipulated the market to profit off February’s Arctic blast, Attorney General Hunter must stand up for the people who elected him and do everything in his power to reclaim their hard-earned dollars.” -END- Senate Bill 1049

Communications & Public Affairs March 12, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: State Rep. Mike Osburn Capitol: (405) 557-7360 House approves civil service reform OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that modernizes the state employee human resources system passed unanimously in the House on Tuesday. House Bill 1146, or the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act, is authored by Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond. “Our state employee human resources system has not been updated in nearly forty years,” Osburn said. “I’ve worked exhaustively the last four years with all stakeholders on this legislation, and we’ve achieved what we consider to be the gold standard in the nation for how state employment systems should work.” Osburn said the legislation updates human resources processes for about 36,000 state employees. It creates better flexibility for state agencies in hiring, advancing, promoting, rewarding and paying their employees. This saves Oklahoma taxpayers by cutting red tape and creating a much more efficient system, he said. The measure places all employees into a newly modernized civil service system under the Human Capital Management Division of the Office of Enterprise Services (OMES). Political appointees and employees of the House, Senate, governor's office, lieutenant governor's office and judiciary would not be under the system. Agency directors also would be able to make 5% of their employees, typically upper management, exempt. Osburn said this is perhaps the most collaborated-on bill of the session – the very definition of consensus legislation. The language in the measure is agreed upon by most, if not all, of the stakeholders, including the House, Senate, governor, the Oklahoma Public Employees Association (OPEA), the Oklahoma State Troopers Association, Office of Management and Enterprise Services Human Capital Management Division and others. Questions and concerns supplied by multiple agencies, associations and other stakeholders were addressed in recent weeks. Osburn has been working on the issue since his first legislative session in 2017. He passed similar merit protection reform last year, but it was sidelined because of COVID-19. He said the pause actually allowed him to improve the measure.  “Every party negotiated, collaborated and provided input admirably, and the resulting product is truly one of the biggest state government reforms in recent memory,” Osburn said.  Briefly, this bill: Reduces bureaucracy by consolidating administrative HR functions and taking the handcuffs off state agencies for more autonomy to manage their workforces. Establishes an efficient, unbiased, and fair review process for objections to disciplinary actions. Eliminates “classified” and “unclassified” designations from the state’s personnel management. State employees will simply be state employees. Creates a confidential whistleblower program and an Office of Veteran Placement under HCM. If signed into law, HB 1146 would go into effect Jan. 1, 2022. It would sunset the Merit Protection Commission Dec. 31, 2022. HB 1146 passed by a vote of 93-0. It now goes to the state Senate where it is authored by President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. -END- Mike Osburn represents District 81 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes part of Edmond in Oklahoma County.

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Governor Abbott Issues Executive Orders To Mitigate Spread Of COVID-19 In Texas 03/19/2020 03:51 PM CDT The four orders serve to limit public gatherings and help reduce exposure for people across the state. WHEREAS, the novel coronavirus (COVD-19) has been recognized globally as a contagious respiratory virus; and WHEREAS, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on March 13, 2020, certifying that COVJD-19 poses an imminent threat of disaster for aH counties in the state of Texas; and WHEREAS, COVID-19 continues to spread and to pose an increasing, imminent threat of disaster throughout Texas; and WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that person-to-person contact heightens the risk of COVID-19 transmission; and WHEREAS, the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, as promulgated by President Donald J. Trump and the CDC on March 16, 2020, call upon Americans to slow the spread of COVID-19 by avoiding social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people, using drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options at restaurants and bars, and avoiding visitation at nursing homes, among other steps; and WHEREAS, the Texas Department of State Health Services has now determined that, as of March 19, 2020, COVID- 19 represents a public health disaster within the meaning of Chapter 81 of the Texas Health and Safety Code; and WHEREAS, under the Texas Disaster Act of 1975, “[t]he governor is responsible for meeting . . . the dangers to the state and people presented by disasters” (Section 418.001 of the Texas Government Code), and the legislature has given the governor broad authority to fulfill that responsibility. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, do hereby order the following on a statewide basis effective 11:59 p.m. on March 20, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020, subject to extension thereafter based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas and the recommendations of the CDC: Order No. 1 - In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, every person in Texas shall avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people. Order No. 2 - In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts, or visiting gyms or massage parlors; provided, however, that the use of drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options is allowed and highly encouraged throughout the limited duration of this executive order. Order No. 3 - In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, people shall not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. Order No. 4 - In accordance with the Guidelines from the President and the CDC, schools shall temporarily close. This, executive order does not prohibit people from visiting a variety of places, including grocery stores, gas stations, parks, and banks, so long as the necessary precautions are maintained to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. This executive order does not mandate sheltering in place. All critical infrastructure will remain operational, domestic travel will remain unrestricted, and government entities and businesses will continue providing essential services. For offices and workplaces that remain open, employees should practice good hygiene and, where feasible, work from home in order to achieve optimum isolation from COVD-19. The more that people reduce their public contact, the sooner COVID-19 will be contained and the sooner this executive order will expire. This executive order supersedes all previous orders on this matter that are in conflict or inconsistent with its terms, and this order shall remain in effect and in full force until 11:59 p.m. on April 3, 2020, subject to being extended, modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by me or by a succeeding governor. Given under my hand this the 19th day of March, 2020. Governor Greg Abbott View the executive orders

Dr. John Hellerstedt Issues Public Health Disaster Declaration In Texas 03/19/2020 03:37 PM CDT The actions, taken immediately, will reduce and delay the spread of COVID-19. TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME: I, John W. Hellerstedt, M.D., Commissioner of the Department of State Health Services, do hereby certify that the introduction and spread of the communicable disease known as COVID-19 in the State of Texas has created an immediate threat, poses a high risk of death to a large number of people and creates a substantial risk of public exposure because of the disease’s method of transmission and evidence that there is community spread in Texas. THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 81.082(d) of the Texas Health and Safety Code, I do hereby declare a state of public health disaster for the entire State of Texas. Pursuant to Section 81.002 of the code, each person shall act responsibly to prevent and control communicable disease. The following actions, taken immediately, will reduce and delay the spread of COVID-19: • People, businesses and communities should immediately undertake hygiene, cleanliness and sanitation practices that are accessible, affordable and known to be effective against COVI D-19. Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same. If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. o Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away. o Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often. o Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • People who are known to have, or are under investigation or monitoring, for COVID-19, should adhere to the direction provided to them by duly authorized persons, including public health officials. Failure to abide by such direction may result in involuntary quarantine or isolation for the purposes of preventing further community spread of COVI D-19. People who are ill, especially those with symptoms consistent with influenza or COVID 19, should isolate themselves at home until they recover. Such persons should only present for medical evaluation and treatment if their symptoms are such that they cannot continue to be cared for in their home. And, when seeking medical care should call their doctor or health care facility before arriving to allow them to prepare. • Limit trips into the public to essential outings. Traveling to work, the grocery store, the pharmacy or to seek medical care would be considered essential trips. • Limit as much as possible close contact with other people. Stay six feet away. • Do not gather in social groups of more than ten (10) individuals. • Employers should allow work at home alternatives to the greatest extent possible. • Restaurants should not allow dine-in options, either inside or outside. Take-out and curbside options with minimal contact are permitted and highly encouraged. The Texas Department of State Health Services will continue to provide the most current and practical advice on how to control the spread of COVID-19 and encourages all Texans to seek additional information from a trusted source such as https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/ or from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/. Adherence to these rules and the sound public health principles that support them will provide optimal protection for the people of Texas. These measures are necessary to advance the health and safety of all Texans. Copies of this proclamation will be filed with applicable authorities. Given under my hand this the day of March, 2020. JOHN W. HELLERSTEDT, M.D. Commissioner of Public Health Read the declaration

Local man indicted in $1 million identity theft scheme

12/31/2019 12:00 AM EST

A 34-year-old Nigerian man who resided in Houston has been charged with conspiracy, bank fraud and aggravated identify theft

Communications & Public Affairs March 16, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: STATEMENT: Rep. Sean Roberts on COVID-19 OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Sean Roberts (R-Hominy) today released the following statement regarding COVID-19: “Constituents and members of the media, The threat of coronavirus is quite real. The next several weeks are paramount in determining the impact this virus has on our communities. Awful national tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina have shown us what happens when government fails to aggressively act preemptively. We have a chance to change our trajectory.  We must mitigate the impact and realize that this virus impacts all age groups. It is important that we fight this virus with an ‘Oklahoma Strong’ mentality. We must all work together to protect our seniors, high risk patients, and our healthcare providers. Even if you, as an individual, are not classified in a high risk sector for the coronavirus, if necessary precautions are not taken, you are potentially putting our senior citizens, high risk patients and healthcare providers at a higher risk of contracting the virus. The deaths, hospitalization rates and effects that coronavirus have had on European countries, as well as China and South Korea, show that this is extremely far from just being the flu. It took an extreme, mandated quarantine for China to even limit its mortality rate to 5%. That level of quarantine is incompatible with our culture. That Europe has seen young people hospitalized with grave damage, and in large significant percentages, should give us extreme concern as to the risk this invisible enemy poses. As Chairman of the House Public Health Committee, I implore our citizens to actively limit their exposure. This would include looking at keeping their families safe, be it their child going to school virtually or telecommuting to work. Wherever possible, I encourage families to look at options where they can stay home and limit their exposure. This limits them to risk from both people displaying symptoms, as well as those who do not yet qualify to test for the virus but may be actively spreading the disease.  We see this storm front on the horizon. The impact of this disease, if looking at infection rates and mortality rates seen in other countries, shows that this can be the most threatening enemy to our society in living memory. Action absolutely MUST be taken, and NOW. Even a low estimate of a 2% mortality rate and a cursory discussed British infection rate translates to thousands of Oklahomans dying in the next 12 months due to coronavirus. We must stand together as a community and limit our exposure to protect not only ourselves, but also our neighbors and to hopefully get ahead of this virus before it is too late and we are simply reacting to it.” -30-

Communications & Public Affairs Feb. 27, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: State Rep. Kyle Hilbert Phone: (405) 557-7353 Utilities Committee Passes Hilbert Bill to Limit Telemarketers and Scam Calls OKLAHOMA CITY – The House Utilities Committee today passed legislation to prevent telemarketers from replicating phone numbers and misrepresenting the origin of a phone call. House Bill 3081, authored by Rep. Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow), would prohibit callers from tampering with information displayed on caller IDs to disguise their identities. This practice is known as “caller ID spoofing” and is a common tactic used by telemarketers and scammers. “House Bill 3081 prohibits telemarketers from replicating phone numbers or misrepresenting the origin of a phone call in order to deceive call recipients,” Hilbert said. “Until this issue is resolved at the federal level, we must do everything we can as a state to help cut down on these predatory and time-consuming practices.” “I was happy to hear this bill in the Utilities Committee and to vote for it. We need to make sure we stop the deceptive practices behind these calls that are harmful to our senior citizens and other vulnerable adults,” said House Majority Leader Mike Sanders (R-Kingfisher), the chair of the House Utilities Committee. Hilbert said Texas passed similar legislation last year. HB3081 passed the House Utilities Committee 10-0. It is co-authored in the Senate by Sen. James Leewright (R-Bristow) and is now available to be considered by the House. -30-

MIKE HUNTER ATTORNEY GENERAL OF OKLAHOMA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 13, 2020  State Officials Announce Plans to Resume Execution by Lethal Injection Updated protocol includes recommendations by 2016 multicounty grand jury OKLAHOMA CITY – State officials including Gov. Kevin Stitt, Attorney General Mike Hunter and Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Scott Crow announced today that the state has found a reliable supply of drugs to resume executions by lethal injection. The state will use an updated version of the previous protocol that includes recommendations by the 2016 multicounty grand jury. The three drugs that will continue to be used are: midazolam, vecuronium bromide and potassium chloride.  Additionally, officials with the Attorney General’s Office have complied with the notice provisions of the joint stipulations, thus enabling the state to request execution dates for inmates who have exhausted their appeals after 150 days. “It is important that the state is implementing our death penalty law with a procedure that is humane and swift for those convicted of the most heinous of crimes,” Gov. Stitt said. “Director Crow and Attorney General Mike Hunter have worked diligently and thoroughly to create a path forward to resume the death penalty in Oklahoma, and the time has come to deliver accountability and justice to the victims who have suffered unthinkable loss and pain.” Although the state previously announced the move to nitrogen hypoxia as the preferred method of execution, the 2015 law allowing the state to develop a method for nitrogen hypoxia specifically states death sentences shall be carried out by nitrogen hypoxia only if the drugs for lethal injections are unavailable. “My commitment to Oklahomans who remain tormented by the loss of their loved ones has been that we would go any route necessary to resume executions as expeditiously as possible within the rule of law,” Attorney General Hunter said. “They have endured enough through the decades of waiting on the lengthy appeals process and the state’s attempts to get the protocol right. I appreciate Director Crow and his team for their tireless search to acquire the drugs from a reliable source. Because of these efforts, we can finally tell the victims their wait for justice is nearly over.”   The updated protocol includes several of the recommendations by the 2016 multicounty grand jury, including a verification of execution drugs at every step in the process, more training for the execution teams, among others. Also, consistent with the multicounty grand jury recommendations, the DOC continues to work on a protocol that will allow the state to proceed by execution through nitrogen hypoxia when appropriate. “Under this enhanced protocol, Oklahoma Department of Corrections stands ready to resume executions recommended by a jury of peers, sentenced by an impartial judge, and mandated by law,” Director Crow said. “I thank Governor Stitt and Attorney General Hunter for their leadership, which helped create this improved process. Additionally, I am deeply grateful for the patience of victims’ families and loved ones as we worked to ensure Oklahoma’s executions resume and are carried out in a meticulous manner.” To read the updated protocol, click here.   ###

Communications & Public Affairs Feb. 10, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: House Passes Bill Requiring Law Enforcement to Comply with Federal Immigration Agencies OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation directing all sheriffs, jailers and deputies to comply with any request made in an immigration retainer request provided by the federal government. House Bill 3195 is authored by Rep. John Pfeiffer (R-Orlando), who pointed to instances in Oklahoma where illegal immigrants have been released by local law enforcement despite their immigration status having been confirmed. Pfeiffer said the bill was requested by members of law enforcement to help define their role in these situations. “I repeatedly heard from law enforcement in my district and from across the state that they needed clarification as to their roles in these situations,” Pfeiffer said. “House Bill 3195 requests that they comply with federal immigration agencies by alerting them to a person’s immigration status and holding a person for no longer than 48 hours while federal officials arrive.” House Bill 3195 was co-authored by Rep. Sean Roberts (R-Hominy). “Our local law enforcement should be cooperating with federal immigration agencies in instances where a person’s status as an illegal immigrant has been confirmed,” Roberts said. “We’ve seen unfortunate situations in Oklahoma where our existing laws failed to keep our citizens safe by releasing an illegal immigrant before federal agents arrived.” The legislation would require the person identified in the immigration detainer to be informed they are being held in accordance with the request from federal agencies. The bill states that a sheriff, jailer or deputy is not required to comply if the person has provided proof that the person is a citizen of the United States. House Bill 3195 passed the House by a 78-21 vote. It is now available to be considered by the Senate, where it is authored by Sen. Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville). -30-

The traffic information kiosk
for Oklahoma highways …

MIKE HUNTER ATTORNEY GENERAL OF OKLAHOMA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 16, 2020 Attorney General Hunter and U.S. Attorney Downing Announce Indictments in Home Title Conspiracy OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter and U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Downing today announced a federal grand jury has indicted three individuals after an investigation uncovered allegations of a scheme involving home title fraud. Laura Johnson, 44, Thomas Johnson, Sr., 51, and Cheryl Ashley, 69, all of Oklahoma City, have been indicted for conspiracy, fraud, identity theft and other related crimes. The trio is accused of using falsified documents to obtain titles on at least 12 homes without the owners’ knowledge.  Home title fraud typically occurs when someone steals an individual’s identity, forges the individual’s name on a deed and takes the title to the individual’s home. Abandoned, rarely used or unoccupied homes are the primary targets of deed fraud. However, occupied homes can also be targeted. “The elaborate coordination by these defendants and lengths to which they defrauded property owners is disturbing,” Attorney General Hunter said. “They not only preyed on victims whose properties were vacant, but they also used forged eviction notices and court documents to remove people from their homes and even targeted the deceased. I appreciate the leadership of U.S. Attorney Downing and our other law enforcement partners for making this case a priority.” According to court documents, some homeowners in this case claim to have vacated their homes based on phony eviction notices posted as part of the conspiracy. When certain victims fought the takeover of their homes in court, the defendants filed pleadings and submitted affidavits signed by attorneys who do not exist. Along with the Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the United States Secret Service assisted in the investigation. “Oklahomans have to be able to rely on records county officials maintain to establish ownership of real property,” said U.S. Attorney Downing. “When federal charges help uphold the integrity of governmental property records, the Department of Justice will eagerly work with state investigators and prosecute fraud. Thank you to Attorney General Hunter and his team for this outstanding example of federal-state cooperation.” Another method the defendants used to obtain home titles was targeting properties with delinquent property taxes that were subject to auction by the Oklahoma County Treasurer’s Office. The defendants would pay one or more years of taxes on the properties to avoid auctions. Then, the defendants would file fraudulent warranty deeds to transfer properties into the names of companies and individuals that did not exist. One home, of which the defendants gained possession, had been owned by a woman who died in 2012. Once they occupied the property, the defendants used records found in the home to abscond with $63,950 from the deceased’s bank accounts and $45,000 from her oil and gas interests. If convicted, the defendants face fines and prison time. Individuals seeking to protect themselves against deed fraud should regularly monitor their credit reports. All home owners should watch for potential deed fraud red flags and report them to authorities, such as: no longer receiving typical monthly bills, receiving a foreclosure notice on a property that does not have a mortgage or discovering evidence of activity at a vacation home or empty rental property. ###

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