House Media

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. David Hardin, R-Stilwell, issued the following statement after Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced a new agreement involving the companies named in the long-running Illinois River Watershed poultry litigation: "After more than two decades of litigation, I am encouraged that the state and all six poultry integrators have reached a new agreement. The agreement announced this week appears to offer a more balanced path that addresses concerns within the watershed while recognizing the importance of poultry production to our region. It is important to be clear that this is an agreement between the Attorney General, acting on behalf of the state, and the defendant poultry integrators. It is not yet a court-approved resolution. The agreement must still move through the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the federal district court before the prior judgment can be vacated and the lawsuit dismissed. There are still important steps ahead, but I am hopeful this agreement will bring this decades-long case closer to a responsible conclusion and provide greater certainty for eastern Oklahoma families." The agreement involves Tyson Foods, Cargill, George's, Peterson Farms, Cal-Maine and Simmons Foods. It includes funding for watershed projects, environmental monitoring and other measures related to poultry litter management. The agreement remains subject to court approval.  -END-   Rep. David Hardin, a Republican, represents House District 86 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Adair County and portions of Cherokee, Mayes and Delaware counties.

Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, has been named as chair of the Fiscal Affairs and Government Operations Committee for the Council of State Governments (CSG) South.  Pae officially assumed the role during the organization's 79th Southern Legislative Conference (SLC), held this week in Lexington, Kentucky. He has served as vice chair of the committee for the past four years.  "I am honored by the confidence my legislative colleagues across the South have placed in me," Pae said. "As vice chair, I've had the opportunity to work alongside outstanding legislative leaders from across the region. I'm excited to build on that foundation and continue fostering productive discussions that benefit not only our member states but also the people we serve."  CSG South’s Fiscal Affairs & Government Operations Committee focuses on a broad range of issues impacting state budgets and finances, such as the impact of the federal budget on state finances, state revenues and expenditures, and national and regional economic outlooks. The Southern Legislative Conference is the largest of The Council of State Governments' four regional conferences, bringing together legislators and legislative staff from 15 southern states to exchange ideas and collaborate on public policy issues.  Pae serves House District 62 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he represents west Lawton. He currently serves as chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Human Services Subcommittee and as vice chair of the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, has filed an interim study request to continue work previously led by Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, examining Oklahoma's innovation economy, workforce and economic development policies. The proposed study would review whether state laws, incentives and policy efforts are helping grow businesses, strengthen communities and create long-term opportunities for Oklahomans across the state. "Chairman Hill has done important work on this issue for several years and I appreciate the foundation he has laid," Banning said. "As we continue looking at economic development policy, we need to be certain the laws we pass and the tools we put in place are actually benefiting Oklahoma families." Hill hosted his eighth annual interim study on Oklahoma's innovation economy and workforce last fall. The study brought together state leaders, industry experts, agency officials and innovators to discuss the challenges facing Oklahoma businesses and opportunities to strengthen the state's economy. Banning said the next step is to build on that work by taking closer look at what is working and where the barriers remain. "Oklahoma's future will not be built by accident—it will be built through intentional leadership, innovation and a commitment to creating opportunities in every community," Hill said. "I greatly appreciate Rep. Banning's willingness to continue this important work and build upon the foundation established through these annual interim studies. By bringing together leaders from numerous industries, we can better identify barriers, strengthen our workforce and find solutions to ensure Oklahoma remains a place where businesses grow, and people thrive."  If approved, the study would be conducted later this year.