Table Of Content

From: Office of Governor Fallin <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2017 5:20 PM To: Cox-Kain, Julie Subject: Oklahoma Governor's Office Press Releases Update Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. You are subscribed to Press Releases for Oklahoma Governor's Office. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Gov. Fallin Congratulates Scott Pruitt on EPA Post, Considers His Successor 02/17/2017 05:45 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today accepted the resignation of Scott Pruitt as attorney general, who has been sworn in as administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Scott Pruitt will do a great job as EPA administrator,” said Fallin. “He has been a tireless advocate of the precious balance of power between state and federal governments. In his six years as attorney general, he led the charge to combat the ever- increasing overreach of the federal government. As head of the EPA, he will ensure states retain their decision-making policies, instead of having them transferred to the federal government.” Gov. Fallin Calls Special Election for State House District 75 Seat 02/16/2017 06:45 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today ordered a special election to fill the vacancy in Oklahoma House District 75 caused by the irrevocable resignation of Rep. Dan Kirby. His resignation will become effective March 1, 2017. The filing period for the special election is Feb. 27 and 28, and March 1. The special primary election is set for May 9 and the special general election is scheduled for July 11. In the event a special primary election is not necessary, the special general election will be May 9. 1 Gov. Fallin Statement on Resignation of Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb from Her Cabinet 02/16/2017 06:30 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb announced his resignation from her Cabinet, where he served as small business advocate: “I was disappointed and surprised to learn from a press release that Lt. Gov. Lamb had decided to quit serving as a member of my Cabinet. “I have always valued Todd’s independent voice. I valued it when we first came into office when we dealt Gov. Fallin Calls Special Election for State House District 75 Seat 02/16/2017 06:30 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today ordered a special election to fill the vacancy in Oklahoma House District 75 caused by the irrevocable resignation of Rep. Dan Kirby. His resignation will become effective March 1, 2017. The filing period for the special election is Feb. 27 and 28, and March 1. The special primary election is set for May 9 and the special general election is scheduled for July 11. In the event a special primary election is not necessary, the special general election will be May 9. Gov. Fallin Statement on the House of Representatives Passing REAL ID Measure 02/16/2017 12:15 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after the state House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) 1845, which would bring Oklahoma into compliance with the federal Real ID Act: “I’m pleased to see the House of Representatives taking action on this measure so early in the legislative session. This measure addresses the necessary steps to meet all the requirements of the REAL ID Act. I look forward to similar quick action in the Senate. We cannot burden Oklahomans with the additional cost and hassle of providing identification to gain entrance to federal buildings, military bases or federal courthouses. Failure to approve this measure also will force those Gov. Fallin Lifts Burn Ban 02/15/2017 03:00 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY - Due to significant rainfall that moved across the state, Governor Mary Fallin today signed an executive proclamation removing a burn ban she ordered for 53 counties. The governor issued the burn ban on Friday because of extreme dry and weather conditions; Gov. Fallin, OMES on Cybersecurity Incident: Unification Essential to Prevent Cybersecurity Attacks 2 02/14/2017 05:30 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin and the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) are offering the following information regarding a cyberattack against a state agency that was referenced last week during a state House of Representatives Government Modernization Committee meeting. The agency referenced did not pay a ransom as a result of the cyber incident, an investigation by Oklahoma CyberCommand, an arm of OMES Information Services, confirmed today. The incident in question was a ransomware attack on an agency that had not had its information technology (IT) unified Bold Reforms to Put Oklahoma on a Solid Foundation for the Future 02/14/2017 03:30 PM CST By Governor Mary Fallin Earlier this month, I introduced a plan to stabilize our state by beginning true, meaningful budget reforms and modernizing our state’s tax laws. It cuts some taxes and raises others. To help our families, I proposed eliminating the state sales tax on groceries, which is expected to result in annual savings of $350 to $676 for a family of four. Cities and counties, though, will still have the option to keep the sales tax on groceries, thus not hurting city and county revenue. ICYMI: The Oklahoman: Scott Meacham Column: States, Like Businesses, Must Invest to Grow 02/14/2017 11:30 AM CST by Scott Meacham Published: February 14, 2017 Last week, against the backdrop of yet another shortage in spendable revenue for Gov. Fallin Issues Two-week Burn Ban for 53 Counties 02/10/2017 05:30 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today issued a two-week burn ban for much of the state because of extreme weather conditions and extraordinary fire danger. The governor's Aid Approved for 10 Counties to Assist Local Governments, Rural Electric Cooperatives 02/10/2017 03:45 PM CST 3 OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today announced the federal government has approved disaster assistance to help with recovery expenses in 10 counties related to the Jan. 13-16 ice storm. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved the request to aid municipalities, counties, rural electric cooperatives and the state with infrastructure repairs and costs associated with responding to the storm. The 10 counties approved for public assistance are: Beaver, Beckham, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Major, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Gov. Fallin Appoints Paul Smith as District Attorney for Seminole, Hughes and Pontotoc Counties 02/10/2017 03:15 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced she is appointing long-time prosecutor Paul Smith as district attorney for Seminole, Hughes and Pontotoc counties. He will replace Chris Ross, who retired Jan. 1. Smith, of Seminole, will serve as district attorney for the remainder of Ross’s term, which expires in January 2019. “Paul Smith has 30 years of prosecution experience and has served as first assistant district attorney in District 22 the past five years,” said Fallin. “He has dedicated his career to serving the people of Oklahoma as a prosecutor. I know he Gov. Fallin Names Patrick Wyrick to Fill Vacancy on Oklahoma Supreme Court 02/09/2017 02:45 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today named Patrick Wyrick to serve as a justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Wyrick, 35, succeeds Steven Taylor, who retired from the bench last year. Wyrick has served as solicitor general in the Oklahoma attorney general’s office since 2011. As solicitor general, Wyrick represented the state of Oklahoma before the U.S. and Oklahoma supreme courts, and other federal and state courts. He also authored attorney general opinions and served as a key legal adviser to a variety of state officials. Gov. Fallin Delivers 2017 State of the State Address 02/06/2017 01:00 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today delivered the annual State of the State Address in front of a joint session of the Oklahoma Legislature. In it, Fallin focused on the urgent need to improve the state’s budgeting process to ensure that legislators can adequately fund priority goals related to education, public safety, health and the state’s infrastructure needs. Her State of the State Address can be found State of Oklahoma Requests Major Disaster Declaration for January Ice Storm 02/02/2017 04:45 PM CST 4 OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the state of Oklahoma has requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government for 10 counties impacted by the Jan. 13-16 ice storm. If approved, the designation would deliver federal funding to assist municipalities, counties and rural electric cooperatives with infrastructure repairs, debris removal, and costs associated with responding to the storm. The counties are: Beaver, Beckham, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Major, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward. Okla. Justice Reform Task Force Releases Recommendations to Protect Public Safety, Control Spending 02/02/2017 11:45 AM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the final findings and recommendations from the Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force: “Oklahoma is in a crisis as our current prison population greatly exceeds capacity, and we have the second- highest imprisonment rate in the country, with the highest rate for women. Without change, our prison population will increase by 25 percent, and will require three more prisons to be built or contracted. “To address this, in August I charged the Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force to perform a comprehensive review of Oklahoma’s criminal justice system and develop data-driven recommendations that will increase public safety by reducing recidivism, holding offenders accountable, and controlling the state’s skyrocketing corrections costs. “Since then, the members of the task force have spent countless hours studying data to craft fact-based State Charitable Campaign Surpasses Goal 01/27/2017 02:00 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin and Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs Executive Director Steve Buck today announced the State Charitable Campaign (SCC) surpassed its 2016 donation goal by raising $516,615 to benefit SCC member charities. Within the Oklahoma City metro area, donations among state staff reached $451,815, said Buck, 2016 SCC chairman. The SCC offers an efficient, accountable way for state employees to contribute to more than 200 local, statewide and international charities. The charities support a variety of services, including feeding the hungry, education Gov. Fallin Names Two to Serve on Oklahoma Water Resources Board 01/26/2017 05:15 PM CST 5 OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today named Charles ‘Chuck’ Darby, of Broken Bow, and Rob Stallings, of Enid, to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. Both appointments still must be confirmed by the Senate when it convenes this year. The governor plans to soon fill a third vacancy, from the northeast part of the state. Darby would succeed Richard Sevenoaks, whose term expired. Darby’s term would expire in May 2023. Stallings would Gov. Fallin Statement on the Passing of Oklahoma Journalist Frosty Troy 01/19/2017 06:45 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the passing of Frosty Troy, who was a longtime editor of the Oklahoma Observer and a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame: “Frosty Troy was a diligent journalist who covered the state Capitol for nearly 40 years, reporting on governors, lawmakers and state officials. I first met him 26 years ago as a young legislator. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.” New Report Shows Major Progress In Bringing High-Speed Internet to More Schools & Students 01/19/2017 10:30 AM CST EducationSuperHighway’s Second Annual “State of the States” Report Finds 91 Percent of Oklahoma School Districts Now Meet Minimum Connectivity Goal; Up from 85 Percent in 2015 OKLAHOMA CITY— Governor Mary Fallin today expressed appreciation for ongoing efforts to bring high- speed Internet to more schools and students statewide as part of her Oklahoma Connect and Learning Initiative. The Oklahoma Connect and Learn Initiative is part of the Oklahoma Works strategic plan. The Initiative leadership team consists of members from the Governor’s Office, Oklahoma State Department of Education, Oklahoma Corporation Commission, and Office of Management and Enterprise Services. The initiative is coordinated through a national policy academy hosted by the National Governors Association and EducationSuperHighway, a national non-profit focused on upgrading the Gov. Fallin Comments on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 01/16/2017 07:45 AM CST OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement regarding Martin Luther King Jr. Day: “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached a message of tolerance, mutual respect and human dignity that is just as relevant today as it was when he lived. He was a patriot who believed in the great potential of our country and its message of freedom and 6 equality of opportunity. I encourage all Oklahomans to join me in celebrating the spirit of brotherhood and love that Dr. King embraced.” Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 16. The Gov. Fallin Declares State of Emergency Due to Approaching Storms 01/12/2017 04:45 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today declared a state of emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties due to severe winter weather predicted for the state. Because the weather event is expected to include dangerous road conditions and power outages, emergency management authorities recommended issuing this declaration before the full brunt of the storms arrive. Winter storms, snow, freezing rain, ice, severe storms, tornadoes, straight line winds and flooding may impact different parts of the state during the next two or three days. Gov. Fallin Announces Grant to Improve Education for Young People 01/11/2017 12:45 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today thanked JPMorgan Chase & Co. and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) for awarding Oklahoma a grant that will complement her existing Oklahoma Works Initiative goal to create a future-ready workforce. The New Skills For Youth grant will provide Oklahoma with $2 million over three years to help improve access to skills-based education and training for high-skill, well-paying careers. “A postsecondary degree, credential or certificate is the new minimum for success in the workforce,” said Fallin. “The New Skills for Youth Grant builds on my Oklahoma Works Initiative to align education to the needs of the workforce. Through increased cooperation between The Oklahoman Editorial: Oklahoma Can't Afford to Stand Pat and Hope to Fill Jobs Pipeline 01/06/2017 12:00 PM CST By The Oklahoman Editorial Board Published: January 5, 2017 GOV. Mary Fallin is setting the bar mighty high in her effort to fit more Oklahomans for the workforce of Gov. Fallin Appoints Karen Youngblood to Board of Juvenile Affairs 01/04/2017 01:30 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appointment of Karen Youngblood to fill an unexpired term on the Board of Juvenile Affairs. 7 Youngblood succeeds Wendell Hixson, who resigned. She will serve the remainder of Hixson’s term, which expires in July 2018, representing Congressional District 3 with experience in education. She can begin serving immediately on the seven- member board, which is the governing body for the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA). Her appointment still must be confirmed by the Senate when it convenes this year. Youngblood, of Yukon, is Oklahoma Receives REAL ID Extension through June 2017 01/03/2017 06:00 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin along with legislative leaders today announced that Oklahoma has received an extension through June 6, 2017, to meet the requirements in the REAL ID Act. But the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned that failure for the state to act during the 2017 legislative session on legislation committing Oklahoma to all the REAL ID requirements could result in the denial of future extension requests. Without the extension, federal agencies later this month would have been prohibited from accepting Oklahoma driver's licenses and identification cards, meaning those without identification that complies with the REAL ID Act won't be able to enter a federal building, military base or Gov. Fallin Comments on Election of House Speaker, Senate President Pro Tem 01/03/2017 02:45 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today made the following statements after Rep. Charles McCall was formally elected speaker of the House of Representatives and Sen. Mike Schulz was formally elected president pro tem of the Senate: “I am confident Charles McCall will be an effective and hard-working speaker of the House of Representatives. I look forward to working with him as we pursue policies to help create jobs and make state government more efficient. “Mike Schulz is a dedicated leader who previously earned the respect of his fellow senators as majority floor leader. I look Gov. Fallin Establishes Goal to Increase Post-secondary Education, Training Attainment 12/29/2016 03:30 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced a goal to increase post-secondary education and training attainment for Oklahomans. The goal, named Launch Oklahoma, is for 70 percent of Oklahoma’s residents, age 25-64, to complete a postsecondary degree, certificate or credential by the year 2025. About 40 percent of the state’s residents now have that level of education or training.* “Projections show that in 2025, 77 percent of the state’s new labor market will require greater than a high school diploma, highlighting the critical need for higher education,” said Fallin, who authorized Launch Oklahoma in Gov. Fallin Statement on Christmas 12/23/2016 11:45 AM CST 8 OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement wishing Oklahomans a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season: “This is my favorite time of year. It’s a chance to reflect upon the blessings we have received and to spend time with family, loved ones and friends. In this busy holiday season, we should all take a moment to embrace the true meaning of Christmas and offer goodwill to all. “Let us not forget the men and women in uniform who risk their lives to protect our freedoms and families. Holiday separations are always difficult, not only for them but also for their families. “On behalf of myself, the First Gentleman and my entire family, I wish all a very Merry Christmas and for a New Year filled with blessings and joy.” Gov. Fallin Applauds Signing of Water Infrastructure Bill into Law 12/20/2016 03:45 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after the President signed into law the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. Among other items, the WIIN Act includes the water agreement between Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, and the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations. “I am thrilled this critically important piece of legislation has become law. Among many things helpful to Oklahoma, the WIIN Act includes the water rights agreement reached this past summer with the state of Oklahoma, the city of Oklahoma City, and the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations. Now, thanks to the hard work of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation and the visionary leadership of the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations and Oklahoma City, existing uses of water remain secure, at the same time that certainty for future development is provided. “I want to particularly recognize the excellent legal work and the leadership of Attorney Gov. Fallin Calls Special Election for State House District 28 Seat 12/16/2016 03:30 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today ordered a special election to fill the vacancy in Oklahoma House District 28 caused by the irrevocable resignation of Rep. Tom Newell. His resignation will become effective Jan. 1, 2017. The filing period for the special election is Jan. 9, 10 and 11. The special primary election is set for March 7 and special general election is scheduled for May 9. In the event a special primary election is not necessary, the special general election will be March 7. Newell, of Gov. Fallin's Feeding Oklahoma Drive Exceeds Goal 12/15/2016 03:30 PM CST 9 OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today announced her seventh annual Feeding Oklahoma Drive, which ran Oct.1 through 31, exceeded its goal of raising 2 million meals. In total, the drive raised $303,991 in donations and 1,327,766 pounds of food, which will provide 2,626,428 meals for Oklahomans struggling with hunger. “I want to thank the many generous Oklahomans who stepped up and donated to this year’s Feeding Oklahoma Drive,” Fallin said. “Because of your incredible generosity, we will provide meals to our hungry neighbors across the state. Just because the drive has ended, though, and we have met our goal, please do not forget the continued importance of giving this holiday Gov. Fallin Discusses Trip to Middle East 12/14/2016 04:15 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today discussed her trip last week to visit Oklahoma National Guard troops in the Middle East. Governor Fallin was one of three governors to take part in the trip arranged by the Pentagon and the U.S. State Department. She was joined by Major General Robbie Asher, who is the Oklahoma Adjutant General, commanding the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard. As noted by the Pentagon, the 28th Secretary of Defense-sponsored Governor Delegation (GOVDEL) traveled to Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, and Germany to visit forward-deployed National Guard and Reserve Service Members and deployed home-state constituents, as well as to receive briefings from European Command (EUCOM) and Central Command (CENTCOM) leaders. “It was a privilege to participate in this trip organized by the Department of Defense. The trip was an incredible experience, and really brought to life the risks and sacrifices that our men and Gov. Fallin Praises Justice Reform Task Force's Work toward Significant Proposal 12/13/2016 05:00 PM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today announced she will extend the deadline for her justice reform task force to provide more time to strengthen its proposals. The governor will modify an executive order that had previously called for the Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force’s work to be complete by Thursday, Dec. 15. “To deliver the type of significant improvement Oklahoma needs, I am asking the task force to take the achievable, responsible ideas it already has a step further,” said Fallin. “The task force already has ways to save thousands of prison beds while Gov. Fallin Applauds Final Passage of Water Infrastructure Act in Congress 12/10/2016 11:30 AM CST OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted 78-21 to pass the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. The bill now moves to the president for his approval. 10