Reactions roll in over Gov. Stitt's school choice compromise proposal

Governor Kevin Stitt's proposal to break the legislative impasse over school choice legislation is being met with a wide range of reactions.

Read below for statements from:

• House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka (cautiously positive)
• Oklahoma Farm Bureau (positive)
• House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-OKC (negative)
• Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Edmond (somewhat negative)

OK Farm Bureau, Cattlemen’s Association, AFR endorse O'Connor for AG

Oklahoma AG John O’Connor Receives Endorsement From Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and American Farmers and Ranchers

Oklahoma City, OK – Today, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and the American Farmers and Ranchers, all proudly endorsed conservative John O’Connor for Attorney General of Oklahoma.

Lucas' cattle bill passes House, aims to bring transparency to market for producers

Lucas' Cattle Contract Library Act Passes House

Washington, DC – Tonight, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5609- the Cattle Contract Library Act. Introduced by Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), and Frank Lucas (R-OK), the bipartisan bill would direct the United State Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) to establish a contract library for cattle producers, ensuring more transparency in the cattle market for producers. Congressman Frank Lucas released the following statement praising the passage of the Cattle Contract Library Act:

“Market strains have highlighted the vulnerabilities our cattlemen and women face day in-and-day out. For far too long, cattle producers have operated under volatile market conditions, forced to accept declining prices for live cattle while the cost of beef goes up at the grocery store. In order to guarantee greater competition, price discovery, and transparency, producers must be able to leverage marketing data while negotiating the price of cattle- and the Cattle Contract Library Act does just that,” said Congressman Frank Lucas. “I thank my House colleagues for passing the Cattle Contract Library Act, which will help America’s cattlemen and women better negotiate higher prices for their cattle. As Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers know, data drives marketing decisions and the Cattle Contract Library Act will improve transparency and give more leverage to Oklahoma’s cattle producers. I thank Congressman Johnson and Congressman Cuellar for their leadership on this issue, and I look forward to working with our Senate colleagues to move this legislation forward.”

Currently, USDA maintains a pork contract library, and following significant volatility in the cattle market and the release of the July 2020 Boxed Beef & Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report, the creation of a cattle contract library was recommended by experts and stakeholders.

OCPA column: Leaders in all fields raise alarm on McGirt decision

Leaders in all fields raise alarm on McGirt decision

By Jonathan Small

Numerous leaders in many fields are raising the alarm about the repercussions of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which declared the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s reservation was never disestablished.

Those critiques highlight why Oklahoma and tribal governments must agree to a uniform set of rules and regulations for all citizens, no matter where they live or their heritage. To do otherwise will not only produce chaos but also drive jobs and opportunity out of the state.

While McGirt dealt with only one tribe and one issue (criminal prosecution), it is expected to extend to five tribes with territories covering 40 percent of Oklahoma that are home to 1.8 million citizens, most of them non-Indian, and affect issues including taxes and regulation.

In a letter to the state’s congressional delegation, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau notes that, because of McGirt, non-tribal citizens potentially face new taxes if they own property in reservation territory. And businesses in affected areas, including farms and ranches, may face new tribal zoning or environmental regulations added on top of existing state and local ordinances.

Farm Bureau, other Ag groups endorse Stitt for Governor

PROMINENT AGRICULTURE GROUPS ACROSS THE STATE ANNOUNCE SUPPORT OF KEVIN STITT FOR GOVERNOR

TULSA, Oklahoma (October 3, 2018) - In a press conference at today at the Tulsa State Fair, prominent Oklahoma agriculture groups representing farmers and ranchers across the state endorsed Republican Candidate Kevin Stitt for Governor.

Joined by farmers, ranchers, and students, Stitt welcomed the support of the agriculture groups and discussed his goal to work with these leaders in order to open more doors of opportunity for rural Oklahoma.

“I am honored to have the strong and diverse support of leaders from our hard-working agriculture community,” said Kevin Stitt. “Agriculture is an economic mainstay in Oklahoma, and, as governor, I will fight to protect the agriculturists, farmers, and ranchers that play a vital role in driving economic opportunity and job growth in Oklahoma.”

The groups endorsing Kevin Stitt are the Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s OK Ag Fund, Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association, and the Oklahoma Pork Council.

During the primary run-off campaign, Kevin Stitt garnered the support of more than 80 individual farmers and ranchers across 37 counties.

“The Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association is excited to support Kevin Stitt for governor,” said Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey. “Kevin has made it clear that he understands our profession and the importance of engaging in conversation with Oklahoma’s ranchers in order to make decisions for the betterment of our community. Kevin is the best leader to help protect and grow Oklahoma’s cattle industry.”

“Kevin Stitt understands the issues that Oklahoma’s agriculturalists face today,” said Roy Lee Lindsey, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Pork Council. “Our council has full faith that Mr. Stitt’s business and leadership experience will serve our state well. As governor, he will bring all voices to the table, seek out the advice of the ag community, and be a champion for the industry.”

Stitt is dedicated to working with the agriculture community in Oklahoma to achieve the goal of making Oklahoma a Top Ten state. Stitt’s policy priorities for the industry can be read here: https://www.stittforgovernor.com/farmers-and-ranchers-for-stitt/

OKAgFund endorses Corp. Comm. Bob Anthony

State Farm/Ranch group endorses Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony

July 2nd, 2018 -- Trusting that Bob Anthony will continue to stand up for Oklahoma’s farming and ranching families, late last week, OKAgFund, the political action committee of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, endorsed the Republican incumbent for re-election to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

“Bob Anthony grew up serving customers in his family’s clothing stores, C.R. Anthony’s.  They sold school clothes and work clothes and home goods to hard-working families in more than 50 towns and cities all across the state.  Bob has never forgotten his family’s commitment to serving Oklahoma’s rural communities,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Rodd Moesel.  “He has stood up for small businesses and against powerful special interests, and we have confidence he will continue to listen to our concerns and treat us fairly.”

“It’s an honor to receive the OKAgFund endorsement,” said Anthony.  “I grew up in a family business, and Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers epitomize the commitment it takes to keep a business going across multiple generations.  They believe in Oklahoma values – especially strong families, strong communities, and a strong work ethic – and so do I.”

“In addition to protecting private property rights and the environment while at the commission, Bob Anthony incentivized the roll-out of high-speed Internet to more than 100 towns and cities across Oklahoma, many of them in rural, agricultural areas.  And he did it through regulatory reform, not tax increases,” said former president of the Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association Danny Geis of Hitchcock.  “Having access to these new technologies has helped bring distance learning to our schools, and telemedicine to our rural hospitals, and allowed our local businesses to connect to markets worldwide.  Bob Anthony understands that with equal consideration and the right tools, rural Oklahoma economies can not only survive, but thrive.”

A non-partisan organization of farm and ranch families, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau has many members who voluntarily support qualified candidates to public office through the OKAgFund – candidates who have demonstrated beliefs and actions consistent with Oklahoma Farm Bureau policies.

Having won 51 of 77 Oklahoma counties and dominated the vote in most of the state’s rural areas during the primary, Anthony faces term-limited former legislator Brian Bingman in the August 28 runoff election for the Republican nomination.

OK Farm Bureau's PAC endorses candidates, including Lamb and Hunter

OKAgFund endorses, funds candidates in state elections

The OKAgFund, Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s political action committee, has endorsed 22 candidates and donated to 71 candidates running for election in statewide, state Senate and state House races.

The OKAgFund board met Friday, May 18, to donate a total of $63,000 to candidates and to choose candidates for endorsement based on input from farmers and ranchers across Oklahoma.

Comprised of OKFB members from across the state, the OKAgFund identifies candidates who demonstrate beliefs and actions that are consistent with OKFB’s policies, regardless of political affiliation. While the OKAgFund contributes financially to several state campaigns, an endorsement is the highest level of support the committee gives to chosen candidates.

“With so few people involved in agriculture, we must elect state leaders who value the needs of Oklahoma farmers and ranchers,” said Coy Farmer, OKAgFund chairman. “After careful consideration of all candidates by Farm Bureau members across the state, the OKAgFund is proud to support candidates who we believe will stand for agriculture and rural Oklahoma.”

The OKAgFund endorsed Todd Lamb in the 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial election along with Mike Hunter for Oklahoma attorney general, Randy McDaniel for state treasurer and Glen Mulready for state insurance commissioner.

Oklahoma Senate candidates receiving an endorsement from the OKAgFund include Roger Thompson, SD 8; Frank Simpson, SD 14; Kim David, SD 18; and Brent Howard, SD 38.

Oklahoma House candidates endorsed by the OKAgFund included Jim Grego, HD 17; Justin Humphrey, HD 19; Charles McCall, HD 22; Kevin Wallace, HD 32; Greg Babinec, HD 33; Sean Roberts, HD 36; John Pfeiffer, HD 38; Todd Russ, HD 55; Harold Wright, HD 57; Rhonda Baker, HD 60; Scooter Park, HD 65; John Echols, HD 90; Lewis Moore, HD 96; and Tess Teague, HD 101.

The OKAgFund is supported by voluntary contributions from OKFB members across the state as an option portion of their membership dues.

NW Oklahoma fire relief information

This week, wildfires burned over 780,000 (1,218 square miles) acres of land in northwestern Oklahoma, and southwestern Kansas, with additional large fires in the Texas Panhandle. At least seven deaths were reported, and thousands of head of cattle are said to have been lost to the fires, in addition to destroyed grassland, structures, and wildlife.

The burn area from the fires (click to enlarge)

A Kansas home that escaped destruction

Fighting a fire in NW Oklahoma

Aerial shot of a Kansas fire near the Oklahoma border, taken by OHP Pilot Roy Anderson

Here's some information on various relief efforts:

OKFB partners with Love's Travel Stops, Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma 

to fund fire relief

In the wake of devastating wildfires throughout northwest Oklahoma, Oklahoma Farm Bureau has partnered with Love’s Travel Stops and Farm Credit Associations of Oklahoma to fund relief for fire victims.

The three organizations have furnished gift cards for fuel to those transporting donated hay to the affected area.

An estimated 1.3 million acres of land have burned, devastating farmers and ranchers throughout northwest Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. Ranchers in the area are in dire need of feed for the cattle.

Gift cards will be distributed at the hay drop off locations. If interested in donating additional funds, please contact the Oklahoma Farm Bureau office at 405-530-2681.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau provides resources for giving and
those receiving wildfire relief

If you would like to donate relief effort funds, please make checks payable to Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation and put "Fire Relief" in the memo line and send to P.O. Box 82395 Oklahoma City, OK 73148. To donate online, visit www.okcattlemen.org.

If farmers and ranchers need hay, please reach out to the Harper County Extension Office at 580-735-2252.

Emergency donations and information is available below. The immediate needs are hay and trucking services to transport hay. Below are the drop-off points if you would like to donate hay:

The Conservative View: Who Serves Who?

This week's Conservative View, by Adair County Commissioner Russell Turner (R-Stilwell).

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

Who Serves Who?

Over several years our elected officials have created so many agencies and departments that they are collapsing under their own weight. Like a person that has a credit card and lacks the ability to control his spending, our government has a never-ending appetite for more and more of the money that we work hard for. Over the past few years I have noticed many agencies having budget problems, often times they were created for some specific purpose to serve the people; sadly they are turning their priorities into being a fundraising organization. Often the legislature creates boards and commissions and they allow the un-elected bureaucrats too much authority to raise fees and licenses upon the people that they were supposed to help in the first place.

In the Oklahoma legislature, House Joint Resolution 1086 filed by State Representative George Faught would have protected the people of Oklahoma from a new groundwater permit fee recently adopted by the Oklahoma Water Recourses Board. The new agency rule would force rural Oklahomans to pay nearly a half million dollars in new fees. The rule would require a $50 fee for all groundwater permits, including those used for agriculture irrigation. This $50 fee would be per permit up to $500 per person and would be paid annually with an additional $50 late fee. Faught was quoted as saying, “We’ve seen a growing tendency among state agencies to do an end-run around the Legislature and fill budget holes by enacting fee increases on working Oklahomans without legislative approval. HJR 1086 would have prevented that taxation without representation during this challenging economic climate. The Legislature should not cede budget authority to unelected bureaucrats.” HJR 1086 passed the Oklahoma House, but was denied a hearing in the State Senate. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau was among those opposing the fee hike and supporting Faught’s legislation.

If you wish to contact Russell Turner, or want to subscribe to his email loop, email him at rdrepublican@windstream.net.

Faught Blasts Senate Over Fee Increase

Faught: Senate Inaction Places Hefty Fee on Rural Oklahomans

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Senate leadership has declined to hear legislation opposing a new groundwater permit fee recently adopted by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board that would force rural Oklahomans to pay nearly a half million dollars in new fees, state Rep. George Faught said today.

House Joint Resolution 1086, by Faught, would disapprove the fee increase, which was adopted as a permanent agency rule by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board on February 9, 2010. The new agency rule would require a $50 fee for all groundwater permits, including those used for agriculture irrigation. This $50 fee would be per permit up to $500 per person and would be paid annually with an additional $50 late fee.

“State agencies should not be allowed to unilaterally hike fees anytime their budget gets a little tight,” said Faught, R-Muskogee. “Unfortunately, under current law, the only way to stop them is for the Legislature to disapprove a rule – which is why I filed this resolution.

“We’ve seen a growing tendency among state agencies to do an end-run around the Legislature and fill budget holes by enacting fee increases on working Oklahomans without legislative approval. HJR 1086 would have prevented that taxation without representation during this challenging economic climate.

“It is unfortunate that Senate leadership has declined to hear the resolution,” Faught continued, “and as a result, the people of rural Oklahoma will literally pay the price. I am frustrated that the Senate is sending the message that it is okay to allow a state agency to unilaterally impose $300,000 to a half-million dollars in new fees on working Oklahoma families. The Legislature should not cede budget authority to unelected bureaucrats.”

HJR 1086 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a bipartisan 70-26 vote, but was denied a hearing in the State Senate, thereby allowing the rule to go into effect. The Oklahoma Farm Bureau was among those opposing the fee hike and supporting Faught’s legislation.


George Faught, R-Muskogee, is the state representative for House District 14, which covers portions of Muskogee and Cherokee counties. He can be reached by calling 405-557-7310 (Capitol), 918-682-8383 (home district), or emailing george.faught@okhouse.gov.