Senate Bill 998 is one of the latest pieces of legislation finding its way to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. SB 998 allows electrical generating companies to pass some of the upfront cost of construction onto consumers in advance rather than waiting until construction is finished prior to beginning new charges. I supported this legislation as I believe the sooner you start paying on notes the less interest is charged saving customers money in the end. Apparently some groups are opposed to this theory. We will see the court’s decision.
McAlester Defense Support Association held its annual meeting last week, and I had the privilege to attend. McAlester Army Ammunition Plant is unable to lobby on its own behalf, however MDSA is able to. I’ve always felt like MCAAP is a sleeping giant in Southeast Oklahoma economic circles. Its impact is felt all over this part of the state. Even my dad retired from this plant many years ago. It appears to continue to be a valuable contributor to our national defense.
Technically, we are still in a drought in this part of the state, but there doesn’t seem to be any lack of moisture for the mudslinging that we are witnessing in several of our statewide races. I truly believe each election cycle this ramps up more than the last. The governor’s race has really taken a turn for the interesting as of late. So many issues, so many promises. We will see.
The governor had until midnight May 29, to sign any final legislation into law or it became pocket vetoed. When the Legislature is in session, the governor has five days to sign a bill or it becomes law without his signature. Once the Legislature adjourns sine die, however, anything he doesn’t sign becomes a pocket veto. Three pieces of legislation were pocket vetoed this year. This governor did sign 29 bills and 11 joint resolutions into law the final day. This brings the total number of measures signed into law to 370; 89 measures become law without the governor’s signature; 37 measures were vetoed; four of those vetoes were overridden. This does not include the pocket vetoes.
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve. If I can help you in any way, I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim.grego@okhouse.gov.
Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and part and Pittsburg County.
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