Good spirits abounded at Friday’s legislative luncheon held at the Cushing Country Club. Speakers included interim City Manager Steve Spears, Payne County Commissioner Bill Deering, Senator Jim Halligan and Representative Lee Denney. Each month while legislature is in session, the Cushing Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly luncheon to give citizens the opportunity to ask questions of their legislators and hear updates from them.
Highlights of Friday’s meeting included:
Deering gave update on “bridge to nowhere” *See story
Spears first reminded folks of Spring Cleaning Week which is set for April 6th – 11th. “We’re getting ready for summer,” Spears said.
Other items included the computer conversion the city recently underwent which will soon allow online bill paying; the new terminal at the airport is nearing completion and will give the community a place to hold meetings; and finally, Spears spoke briefly about the weatherization program currently available. Applications for that program can be picked up at City Hall as well as the Senior Citizen Center.
Senator Halligan and Representative Denney compared notes on bills currently in the House and in the Senate.
“We’ve just switched,” said Halligan. “We’re in the ‘killing zone’ right now. We’re seeing the ones from the House and they’re seeing ours.”
Halligan, referring to himself as a “rookie,” said he is amazed at the number of bills crossing his desk.
“They come in like bullets,” he said. “I can’t believe it. I don’t mean to be a smarty pants about things, but I don’t understand why we need so many policy changes. I have to say, just because someone violates a policy does not mean we should ammend the policy. How about punishing the violator instead?”
Halligan, who is currently serving as chair on the education subcommittee, is committed to doing what’s best in education – be it common ed, career tech or higher ed.
“We may have to make cuts,” Halligan said. “But we’re hoping to fill some of those holes with stimulus monies.”
Representative Denney is hoping there won’t be any cuts at all this year.
“We’re proud because we’ve been good stewards of the state’s money,” Denney said. “We’re hoping it will break even – this year, anyway.”
Halligan and Denney both agree that it is imperative to remain cautious when accepting any stimulus money. Both pointed out that accepting stimulus money without looking over the pros and cons, could lead to gaping holes in the budget later on down the line.
“Look for everyone to get their dancing shoes on,” quipped Halligan.
Denney said that more information on any stimulus money coming Oklahoma’s way should come in a week or ten days.
“I’ll know more then,” Denney said.
Denney is a guest on the Donna and Molly Show at 7:15 each Thursday morning on 1600 KUSH AM radio. Questions for Representative Denney can be submitted to [email protected].
For more information on the legislative luncheons, call the Chamber at 918-225-2400.
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