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OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, recently presented Interim Study 26-110 , Developing Oklahoma Workforce Through Registered Apprenticeships: Expanding CareerTech Partnerships for the Aerospace and Construction Industries, before the House Postsecondary Education Committee. The Sept. 8 study examined how Oklahoma can expand CareerTech apprenticeship programs to address workforce shortages and better prepare students for high-demand careers in the aerospace and construction industries. Rep. Norwood opened the interim study by discussing Malcolm Gladwell’s 2008 book "Outliers," which examines how early opportunities contributed to the success of various individuals. "The Beatles played in Germany two shows a night for four months before they came to America, and it set them up for this moment of success as they rolled in, was the experience they had," Rep. Norwood said. "Bill Gates was given time on a computer, a supercomputer, before it was ever an opportunity for other students to do that. So, today's study really is looking at how we can create opportunities for outliers within these two spaces of aerospace and construction." CareerTech officials outlined several legislative and funding changes intended to expand apprenticeship opportunities for high school students and remove barriers for participating employers to increase access to workforce training. Oklahoma CareerTech State Director and CEO Brent Haken and CareerTech Apprenticeship Manager Tonja Norwood discussed these recommendations and explained how the state’s existing apprenticeship programs operate. Tonja Norwood explained the differences between Registered Apprenticeship Programs and CareerTech Apprenticeship Programs. Registered programs require at least 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning and 144 hours of related instruction. They follow an employer-led plan approved through the U.S. Department of Labor and result in a nationally recognized certificate. CareerTech programs require at least 510 hours of on-the-job learning and 90 hours of related instruction. Each participant is assigned a mentor and receives a state-recognized certificate. Both models are designed for W-2 employees whom businesses intend to develop over the long term. "It's not just an experience like an internship or a job shadowing," Tonja Norwood said. "It is a long-term employee that you as a company are developing." CareerTech leaders stated that it helps businesses establish apprenticeship programs at no cost, with one recent program moving from request to implementation within 72 hours. Haken said CareerTech currently serves about 151,000 students through K-12 programs to introduce young people to career opportunities. However, he said demand for technology center programs has increased 40% since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many students on waiting lists. "We have every sector of industry that is asking for more workers, and so that's what we're up against," Haken said. Haken asked lawmakers to consider legislation allowing high school students to spend up to half of the school day in approved apprenticeship settings. He stated that current law generally limits internship hours to two hours per school day, which can make participation difficult for employers. He also discussed allowing schools to use 9,000-level course codes for apprenticeships and permitting qualified workplace mentors to supervise students in coordination with an education provider. "Currently, we can give 9,000-level course codes to attend a technology center," Haken said. "We are wanting the same to be available for apprenticeship opportunities for students [but] we're never going to fill the full need if we have to bring every one of them to the technology center." Other potential improvements discussed during the study included funding regional apprenticeship coordinators, expanding technology center capacity, providing career-focused curriculum and increasing access to aerospace training licenses. The study also allowed industry representatives to discuss their experiences with apprenticeship programs. "It is very important for the state of Oklahoma to recognize that if we align ourselves as a state with the space force, there's going to be a lot of really good things that come from that over time," said Jim Bridenstine, CEO of Quantum Space. Aerospace and Construction industry presenters at the study included Bridenstine; Joel Dougherty, NORDAM vice president of human resources; Bailey Perkins-Wright, senior community investor for Boeing; Bobby Stem, executive director of AOGC; Whitney Hill, owner of Central Staffing Solutions; and Scot McAdoo. Rep. Norwood said the information gathered through the study will help lawmakers understand how the state can connect more students with meaningful career opportunities. "Any opportunities we can give students to figure out where they're headed earlier, I think that's a positive thing," Rep. Norwood said. "Because kids that already have a path and a plan, they get on that and get moving and that gives them a future for a whole lot of things. So, we want to give those opportunities." The study can be watched on the Oklahoma House website under News & Media, live proceedings, then search by date for Sept. 8, Interim Study 26-110 Developing Oklahoma Workforce Through Registered Apprenticeships: Expanding CareerTech Partnerships for the Aerospace and Construction Industries .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, will host two interim studies this week focused on rising housing costs and classroom discipline in Oklahoma. As housing becomes more expensive, Hall's first study will take a closer look at what is driving those costs and what can be addressed at the state level. The discussion will cover free-market approaches, private property rights, regulatory burdens and the balance between affordability, quality and safety. Hall's second study will look at the role discipline plays in creating a classroom environment where teachers can teach and students can learn. The study will consider how discipline and classroom culture affect student outcomes, character development and teacher retention, as well as what lawmakers can do to better support educators. "These studies are an opportunity to hear from national experts and local leaders to get a better understanding of what is already happening in these areas," Hall said. "As we evaluate what role the Legislature should play in addressing the issues of housing costs and school discipline, we want to hear from the people who work in these fields every day. We know they can help identify where, if anywhere, state policy changes could be helpful. Once these conclude, we'll have a better idea of what our next steps should be." The housing study will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Room 206. The school discipline study will begin at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, in Room 450. Both will be held at the Oklahoma State Capitol. -END- Rep. Rob Hall, a Republican, represents District 67 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Bixby and Tulsa.

Rep. Derrick Hildebrant, R-Catoosa, chair of the Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus, and Rep. John George, R-Newalla, vice chair, released statements today marking 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Hildebrant, a retired Air Force veteran who served 25 years in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, watched the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks unfold while deployed near Iraq. "On September 11, 2001, I was deployed to Incirlik Air Base in Turkey in support of Operation Northern Watch. Like all Americans, we watched in shock as the terrorist attacks unfolded, uncertain of what would come next. I was only three years into my military service, but 9/11 became a defining moment in my career. Every operation I supported or deployed to during the next 23 years stemmed, directly or indirectly, from the events of that day. "25 years later, America is still living with the consequences of that day. We lost 2,977 innocent lives on 9/11, and in the wars that followed, more than 7,000 American service members were killed in action. I’m not bitter. I’m grateful to have served in this era and mindful of those who never came home. "My heart is with the families of the 2,977 victims, including the seven Oklahomans, the countless first responders and the thousands of American service members who gave their lives in the years that followed. I encourage everyone to take a moment today to remember them and pray for their families. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten." George, who served in the Oklahoma National Guard for five years and the Oklahoma City Police Department for over 30 years, recalled sitting in his OKCPD office watching the events unfold. "The events of September 11th, 2001, have always stuck in my memory, as I know they do for every other American. I will always remember the civilian lives lost that day, as well as my First Responder colleagues who ran into danger and paid the ultimate sacrifice for their fellow man. "Every year, this day serves as a reminder that the terroristic desire to destroy our great country still exists today. But our commitment to the freedoms of America and our willingness to aid our neighbors is even stronger than any threat. May we continue to remember the unity that bound our nation together in the days following this attack, and may we continue to pray for peace upon all affected by this tragedy." Seven Oklahomans were killed in the Sep. 11 terrorist attacks. The Oklahoma Veterans and Public Safety Caucus represents veterans, active-duty service members, first responders and public safety professionals while advocating for those who serve and protect Oklahoma communities.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Robert Manger, R-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt denied parole for Verna Stafford: "We do not take crimes of this magnitude lightly in Oklahoma. I trusted Governor Stitt to make the right decision in this case, and he did. Several relatives of the victims reached out to me with serious concerns about this possibility for Stafford, and I listened to them. Let this be a reminder that those responsible for a massacre should not expect leniency from the state. Any forgiveness Stafford seeks must come from the victims of the family and God." The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board could reconsider parole for Verna Stafford's first life sentence in three years. Had Stitt approved parole, Stafford would have completed her first life sentence and begun serving her second consecutive life sentence. Manger chairs the House Judiciary and Public Safety Oversight Committee. He began his 33-year law enforcement career the same year the Sirloin Stockade murders occurred and was present when those responsible were booked into jail. He later served with the U.S. Marshals Service, where he helped bring numerous fugitives to justice.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, on Tuesday held an interim study before the House Agriculture Committee examining Oklahoma’s existing water resources, current management practices and long-term sustainability efforts. "There's probably not anything else that's more crucial to our everyday life than water," Newton said . "You can live without food longer than you can live without water. And so, in Northwest Oklahoma or a lot of Western Oklahoma, we depend on underground waters. We don't have these nice, huge lakes that some of them have in Eastern Oklahoma. And so, without that underground water, we would cease to exist out there. And so with that, this is just to get an idea of where we're at on our underground water. Are there any solutions to this? Or is there anything we can do to help prevent further loss of that water?" Newton said water conservation and use has been on his heart for years, but the current drought is bringing additional urgency to the issue. "I know some of the other representatives in my area are getting hit up by people that their aquifers have dropped and their wells are dry," he said . "And so, with that a factor, people are very concerned about that." Newton invited Christoper R. Neel, Chief of the Water Rights Administration Division at the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, to discuss groundwater and well-permitting law. Neel displayed the severity of drought in Western Oklahoma and the Panhandle, which experience the worst drought classifications up to 30% of the time. The overlap of groundwater permits in the state shows the heaviest concentration in the same area. One issue is that groundwater wells were not required to be reported to the Water Resources Board until 1982, and the board has only about 50% compliance. In addition, most permit holders just estimate how much water they use each year. And the board is not an enforcement agency, so landowners are basically on the honor system, even though each is supposed to get an equal proportionate share of available water. "So, you combine the number of wells that are being drilled in Oklahoma with drought with the amount of permits that we have. You can kind of understand why we're sitting here and talking about groundwater just to give an update of what the state of Oklahoma is up to," he said . Duane Smith, executive director, and Josh McClintock, water policy specialist, with the Oka' Water Institute at East Central University, explained watershed sustainability. Smith explained that reduced water supply associated with drought and a warmer drier climate endangers public health, threatens habitat and jeopardizes local and state economies. He said funding statewide drinking water infrastructure needs by 2045 will total $117.6 billion. It's imperative that regions throughout the state begin planning to fund and meet these needs, he said, to mitigate depletion and to conserve this resource. Tom Kimball, a Board of Directors member with the Grand River Dam Authority, examined alternative help for declining aquifers, including the possibility of water transfer. "Water transfer is a big project," Kimball said . "If you come from western Oklahoma and say we're going to put a pipe in Grand Lake and start pumping water west, well, you're going to hear a lot of people probably start hollering. So, it's very difficult to go in and say we're going to take water from here and take it to there, even if you don't need it where it's at. But it's not difficult to take the water away from the people in New Orleans, Louisiana." Kimball explained that when the GRDA generates electricity at the Pensacola Dam at Grand Lake, the water goes into Lake Hudson, Lake Fort Gibson and then the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers, ending in the Gulf of Mexico. "It's not used for navigation. It's not used for irrigation," Kimball said . "It's not used as potable water. Once it goes through generation, it's going to New Orleans and used for absolutely nothing." The water could instead be captured and moved west, a difficult but not impossible task, he said. This could happen from other areas of the state as well, he said. He begged study participants to make sure water is not secured by private industry but instead remains available for future generations of Oklahomans. "With our water moving around the state where it's needed, we can produce jobs for our children and grandchildren that are just not even really thought of today," Kimball said . It's something to dream about, Newton said. The study can be watched on the House website under News & Media, live proceedings, then search by date for Sept. 8, IS26-006 Oklahoma Water Resources . 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, has been named a 2026 Elected Women of Excellence Award recipient by the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL). The award recognizes state and local elected women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their communities. Recipients are invited to attend NFWL’s 2026 Annual Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, in November, where they will be honored during a formal ceremony. "Being recognized alongside some of the most accomplished women serving in elected office across our country is both humbling and deeply meaningful," Gise said. "This award means more to me than I can fully express. It reminds me that the late nights, difficult discussions and hours of research are part of work that truly matters. I am sincerely grateful for this recognition and look forward to traveling to Nashville and getting to know the remarkable women being honored alongside me." The NFWL says award recipients are trailblazers who have often overcome significant barriers to serve and lead. "NFWL is built on celebrating the remarkable achievements of dedicated women leaders, and we are honored to recognize this year’s outstanding awardees," said NFWL Executive Director Renee Dabbs. "We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments in Nashville this November." The NFWL is a nonpartisan educational foundation composed of women elected to municipal, county and state offices across the United States.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, and Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman, released the following statements regarding a Norman councilmember’s request to discuss the potential de-annexation of Norman property east of 60th Avenue. “We can’t allow extreme proposals like this to silence East Norman,” said Menz. “Our concerns may be inconvenient for corporatists who will stop at nothing to replace homes and farms with toll roads and strip malls, but taking away our municipal votes and surrendering Norman’s authority over zoning and future development is not only bad business, it’s immoral. I think we should all be asking who has been behind these municipal-level ideas of late, and how do they benefit from making Norman look crazy? I realize this proposal remains under discussion, but the people of House District 45 want to make it clear right now: we will always fight for our right to representation at every level of government.” Rep. Rosecrants says this potential de-annexation could lead to economic repercussions. “Regardless of political party or geography, elected officials should protect representative government, private property rights, and taxpayers,” said Rosecrants. “Spending tax dollars to disenfranchise rural Norman residents is flat-out wrong, as de-annexing East Norman could have serious consequences for all of us: think lost economic opportunities, a smaller tax base, and potentially higher costs for everyone else. Also, attempting to save a buck by reducing Norman’s fire and police workforce only increases home insurance rates, and I don’t think anybody wants that. This proposal is obviously shortsighted, harmful, and a misuse of taxpayer resources.”  Rep. Deck says this request could have real consequences. “Governing is not an academic exercise, it has real-life consequences for real people,” said Deck. “What public good comes from selling out our rural, more conservative neighbors and their public safety? The answer is ‘none.’ Just as our Council is working to restore public confidence, one councilmember goes rogue with another unserious proposal to embarrass our community. I am confident the rest of the Council will reject this lunacy and correct course.”  The Norman City Council Business and Community Affairs Committee will consider the matter Thursday, Sept. 3 at 4 p.m. Currently, the agenda item is for discussion only, with no ordinance or vote scheduled.  -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, on Monday held an interim study on the critical role of advanced primary care and value-based care in improving Oklahoman's healthcare outcomes and reducing costs. The study was held before the House Appropriations and Budget Health Subcommittee. "We're concerned about the cost of healthcare and are trying to make all aspects of it more affordable for individuals and taxpayers," Newton said. "When people can afford to access preventative healthcare, they have a better quality of life." Kari Webber, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians and the executive director of the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said both organizations are doing everything possible to promote primary care. "One of the things that we know," Webber said, "is that when patients are meeting with primary care physicians, costs of healthcare go down. And when we're doing that preventative care and care coordination models, we know we see impacts not only in the patient and their health outcomes but also the costs of overall care in general." Newton explained in his study request that advanced primary care is a physician-led, team-based model that expands upon traditional primary care by emphasizing prevention, care coordination, enhanced patient access, behavioral health integration and accountability for quality and outcomes. Traditional fee-for-service payment models, however, often do not provide the resources necessary for such care. Advanced primary care and value-based care are complementary strategies. Value-based care rewards providers for improving outcomes and reducing costs, while advanced primary care provides the infrastructure and care management capabilities necessary to achieve those goals. Both have shown to reduce overall healthcare costs by reducing unnecessary treatments and hospitalizations. For the study, Newton drew together healthcare providers representing rural, regional and tribal interests. These included Dr. John Zubialde, senior advisor for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, Teresa Huggins, CEO of the Stigler Health & Wellness Center, Inc.; Dr. Marty M. Lofgren, and registered nurses Sandra Vaughn and Deana Aissaoui with Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health Systems; Dr. Jesse Campbell, regional physician executive, Sommer Skinner, vice president of Primary Care, and Rachel Allen, a registered nurse and director of operations for Mercy Oklahoma Community. Presenters discussed the successful implementation of advanced primary care, which requires investments in care teams, technology, data analytics, quality reporting and patient outreach. The study further examined whether current payment models adequately support these investments, particularly for independent and rural physician practices. Study presenter Dr. John Zubialde explained the overall need for advanced primary care versus other care models to address those with chronic and more complex healthcare needs. This generally represents the greatest costs to patients, insurers and the public. "When we look at Oklahoma's health statistics compared to national averages," Zubialde said, "we can see that chronic disease prevalence in Oklahoma is substantially above many national averages across the majority of the major measures." Mental health concerns, including depression, and substance abuse disorders, including methamphetamine and opioid use, along with preventable deaths, premature death rates and preventable hospitalizations also are substantially higher than national averages. At the same time, the use of preventive care services are well below the national average. "Oklahoma ranks about mid-tier in per capita health spending," Zubialde said. "That's a positive. However, when you recognize that in terms of per-capita income and resources for the average Oklahoma family, we're in the bottom area." This all translates into some statistics that must be considered, he said. "We're in the top ten states for the steepest health services cost increases. We're in the top ten states for individuals forgoing care because they cannot afford it. Even worse, we're in the top two states for highest medical debt, approximately double the national average, and we're in the top two states for highest rates of uninsured patients." That ranks Oklahoma at about 48th out of 51 states and Washington, D.C. "Broad-based primary care that incorporates advanced primary care has the best chance for helping to change this equation in our state," he said. The study can be watched on the House website under News & Media, live proceedings, search by date for Aug. 24, IS26-035 Advanced Primary Care and Value Based Care in Oklahoma .

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Speaker Pro Tempore Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, has been selected to serve on the National Conference of State Legislatures' Executive Committee. This governing board maintains and advances NCSL's mission of representing and supporting legislatures from all 50 states as well as U.S. commonwealths and territories. The group works to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, promotes policy innovation and communication among the legislatures and ensures state legislatures maintain a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system. The bipartisan group assists 7,386 state lawmakers and more than 30,000 legislative staff. In this new role, Moore will be on the front lines of making decisions on behalf of all legislators and staff served by NCSL. "It's an honor to be chosen to serve at this national level and to bring Oklahoma's perspective and voice to this national conversation," Moore said. "Our state is making great strides in many areas, and I'll be able to share our trajectory. I also will draw on the experience of those from other states and learn what has worked well and what remains challenging on many different policy fronts." House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, commended Moore's selection. "Anthony has been a trusted leader on many of our state's most significant policy initiatives," Hilbert said. "Whether strengthening educational opportunities, defending constitutional freedoms, protecting property rights or advancing policies that promote economic growth, Anthony has consistently demonstrated the ability to build consensus and lead with conviction. He will certainly represent Oklahoma well in his new role on the NCSL executive committee. “Anthony’s selection ensures Oklahoma has a seat at the table on important issues facing state legislatures across the country. Our federal government is created by the states, not the other way around, and strong leadership at the state level is as important as ever. There are over 7,000 state legislators across the nation and Speaker Pro Tem Moore will be a strong voice for building consensus on tough issues that will help the United States of America continue to thrive for our next 250 years.”  Terms on the executive committee are for one year and renewable for up to three years. Moore's first term began at this year's legislative summit in Chicago, held at the end of July. It culminates at next year's summit in August in Atlanta.