(As shared by the State Chamber of Oklahoma.)

Energy, Health Care, Lawsuit Reform, And Water Top Legislative Leaders’ Comments – Among the myriad of issues discussed by legislative leaders at The State Chamber’s 2008 Public Affairs Forum, four came to the forefront:  Energy, Health Care, Lawsuit Reform and Water.  House Speaker Chris Benge, Senate Majority Leader Todd Lamb, Senate Democratic Leader Charlie Laster and House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan shared their views regarding key issues for the 2009 legislative session in a leadership panel presentation, moderated by H.J. Reed, Chairman of the Chamber's Legislative Affairs Committee. 

Speaker Benge tabbed the development of a state energy plan as a short-term challenge for Oklahoma.  He said developing our own energy plan would add momentum for Oklahoma to participate in the development of a national energy plan.  The Speaker also emphasized the importance of keeping Medicaid reimbursement rates up and spoke against the passage of more mandates which he said are a reason for health insurance cost increases, and the need for lawsuit reform. 

Senator Lamb indicated that Senate Republicans, now in control of the State Senate for the first time in history, would push an aggressive agenda of taxation and fiscal responsibility in 2009.  Removing the state sales tax on groceries and adding school supplies to the Sales Tax Holiday list will be addressed, he said.  Lamb also stressed the need for lawsuit reform, saying that a “Texas Plus” bill will once again be sent to the governor.  Gov. Brad Henry vetoed similar legislation in 2007.  Lamb also called for education reform, stressing accountability.

Senator Laster called for harmony among Democrats and Republicans.  He pointed-out that for the past two years, everyone had lived with a 24-24 deadlock and learned to work together.  That should continue, he said.  He also tabbed the development of a state energy plan as an important issue, and identified water as an issue the state has to address.  “We have a lot of water – just not in the right places.  We need to protect it and make sure Oklahomans are served first,” he concluded. 

Representative Morgan began his comments with the fact that there are seven small business owners among the Democratic caucus.  “Our job is to stay out of your way, and let you do your business,” he said.  He also labeled water as a key issue:  “We have a crisis in water in Oklahoma – not a lack, but in moving it where it’s needed,” he said.  Morgan also pointed out the new dynamics of today’s workforce, which are now driven by quality of life issues, and the problems a lot of businesses have providing health care to their employees because of the costs involved.   He concluded by calling for the state to develop five-year and ten-year outlooks to determine where we want the state to be.

The State Chamber’s Board of Directors approved the Chamber’s 2009 Legislative Agenda at its meeting Tuesday prior, to the Public Affairs Forum.  The agenda reflects the recommendations of the Chamber’s standing committees and task forces, along with staff and membership input. To access the 2009 Legislative Agenda, click here.   
Contact Ronn Cupp.