Key Legislative Issues for 2009

Support legislation that provides adequate water development, i.e. determining how much water we have; finding out how much we will need the next 50 years; determining where and when water is needed; and devising a way to pay for necessary infrastructure to develop and distribute water. 

• Support funding to address the critical railroad access issue Shawnee has at both the State and Federal Level.
   
• Work with the City of Shawnee, Shawnee Economic Development Foundation and County officials to seek federal funding for the Shawnee Regional Airport, water infrastructure and a Visitor Center.
   
• Work for legislation to promote more local control over local school funding needs and to address the funding problems associated with the dependent school districts. 
   
• Support full funding of the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG) and the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) as separate line items appropriated programs. 
   
• Oppose any additional legislation that would place more burdens on the business community. We believe any companion bill must not go forward so the impact(s) of HB 1804 on enforcement provisions, the state's future economy and constitutionality challenges can be evaluated.
   
• Support broad-based lawsuit reform.
   
• Support legislation to find both short-term and long-term solutions to finding skilled workers to replace those reaching retirement age and for new jobs being created today.
   
• Support legislation that will allow Oklahoma‘s wineries to grow their businesses and thrive.
   
• Promote and encourage participation in The State Chamber’s 2009 Washington, DC Fly-in to advocate for local community issues.

.