Senate gives approval to measure indexing Oklahoma’s unemployment benefits

Senate gives approval to measure indexing Oklahoma’s unemployment benefits

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 27th) – Sen. Zack Taylor, R-Seminole, won passage of House Bill 1933 from the full Senate Tuesday, moving the measure closer to becoming law.  

The legislation would index Oklahoma’s unemployment benefits, effectively ending unemployment tax increases on Oklahoma businesses. This system would adjust how the state pays unemployment compensation to a tiered system based upon the number of weekly claims. This means individuals would qualify for more weeks of benefits when the economy is performing poorly, and less weeks of benefits when the economy is strong.

Gov. Stitt launches first TV ad of reelection campaign

Gov. Kevin Stitt is out with his first TV ad of his reelection campaign, touting accomplishments from his first term in office amid the difficulties of the pandemic and economic downturn.

Stitt, who faces token opposition in the GOP primary, is being challenged by RINO-turned-Democrat State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister. He holds a commanding lead over the duplicitous Hofmeister, who has clearly shown herself to be a pandering liar when it comes to her political ideology and philosophy.

An anti-Stitt group, led by a so-called Republican former legislator and political consultant affiliated with previous Hofmeister campaigns as well as figures like Congressman Markwayne Mullin, claims to have $10 million to spend against Stitt (link, subscription required, unfortunately).

I don't think Stitt will have any difficulty batting away two-faced Hofmeister or her allies.

STITT FOR GOVERNOR 2022 LAUNCHES FIRST TV AD, AIRING STATEWIDE

March 10, 2022 (Oklahoma City, Okla.) – The Stitt for Governor 2022 campaign announced today its first TV ad of the election season, which is airing on broadcast and cable statewide. The TV ad “Hard Times II” reflects on the environment that propelled Kevin Stitt to run for office as a conservative businessman and political outsider when Oklahoma was facing year-after-year budget short falls and government systems failing to deliver results due to political posturing. 

“Not long ago, Oklahoma was facing hard times,” Stitt opens in the TV ad. “While hardworking Oklahomans suffered, the political insiders were only helping themselves.” 

During the three years of Governor Kevin Stitt’s leadership, the State of Oklahoma has experienced a turnaround with: 

• First-in-the-region rankings for teacher pay and benefits and three consecutive years of historic increases in funding for common education, with more than $3 billion appropriated by the State annually. 
• A historic level of savings by the State, making it the 4th largest savings account in the nation, and a credit rating increase to AA and rating outlook of “stable” 
• Tax cuts for all Oklahomans (HB 2962, HB 2960, HB 2961, HB 2963)
• A historic high in workforce participation in Oklahoma and a historically low unemployment rate at 2.8%. 

“On day one, we got to work. We took power out of the hands of the insiders and put you back in charge,” Governor Kevin Stitt continues. “We cut taxes, slashed job killing red tape, started fixing our schools and turned a budget deficit into $2 billion in savings.”

Most recently, Governor Stitt signed into law the Redbud School Funding Act (SB 229) to increase funding to charter and traditional rural schools as well as signed into law an expansion of the Equal Opportunity Scholarships (SB 1080) to provide more school choice for low income and underserved families through increased investments. He continues to advocate for expansion of freedoms for parents in selecting schools that best meets students’ learning needs as well as for professional teachers to have a trajectory for making $100,000 salaries (HB 4388 and HB 4387).

With the perspective of a conservative businessman, Gov. Stitt also called for with the first-ever financial audit of the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Governor Stitt charged the State Auditor to identify all revenue sources flowing in the OSDE and to determine transparency compliance of financial transactions for all public education institutions.

“Oklahoma’s turnaround is working. Let’s keep it going,” concludes Governor Kevin Stitt. 

The TV ad can be viewed by clicking here, or watch below:

Oklahoma unemployment rate hits record low, remains 3rd lowest in nation

OKLAHOMA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REACHES NEW RECORD LOW, REMAINS THIRD LOWEST IN NATION

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 17, 2021) — The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports Oklahoma’s November 2021 unemployment rate has declined to a new record low of 2.5% and remains the third lowest rate in the nation.

Oklahoma’s unemployment rate improved from 2.7% in October, which had been the lowest since the Bureau of Labor Statistics started using the current method of measuring unemployment in 1976.

“It is encouraging to see our unemployment rate continue to decline and show that Oklahoma’s economy remains one of the strongest in the nation,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “While we celebrate record low unemployment, we must also remain focused on expanding and training Oklahoma’s workforce to make sure businesses can hire and retain the employees they need to keep our economy thriving.”

OCPA column: Preserving Freedom

Preserving freedom

By Jonathan Small

In 1964, Ronald Reagan famously warned, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

As we celebrate our nation’s founding on July 4, Oklahomans should keep Reagan’s warning in mind. As a state, we have much to be thankful for this year, especially compared to many of our counterparts elsewhere. But there’s no guarantee that will last. We must protect our freedom, not take it for granted.

Oklahoma’s unemployment rate of 4 percent ranks 12th lowest in the country. In other states, the rate still hovers around 8 percent. A major reason for that difference is that Oklahoma officials moved quickly to reopen the state as much as possible, as quickly as possible, following the COVID-19 shutdown in spring 2020, while states that continue to have high unemployment rates typically kept activity shut down much longer.

State leadership, not blind luck, played a major role.

Stitt to end extended unemployment benefits in June, announces $1200 to first 20k who get jobs

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT, OESC DIRECTOR ZUMWALT ANNOUNCE RETURN TO WORK INCENTIVE

First 20,000 Oklahomans on unemployment to get back into the workforce will receive $1,200 incentive

All federal benefits to end June 26, 2021 

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 17, 2021)— Today Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Executive Director Shelley Zumwalt announced a new Return to Work Incentive for Oklahomans who are on unemployment. The first 20,000 Oklahomans currently receiving unemployment benefits who return to the workforce will receive a $1,200 incentive using funds from the American Rescue Plan. All federal benefits will end June 26, 2021, giving Oklahomans six weeks’ notice of termination.

The Return to Work Incentive will be enacted via Executive Order 2021-15.

“This is the right move for Oklahoma,” said Governor Stitt. “Since our state has been open for business since last June, the biggest challenge facing Oklahoma businesses today is not reopening, it’s finding employees. For Oklahoma to become a Top Ten state, workforce participation must be at a top level and I am committed to doing what I can to help Oklahomans get off the sidelines and into the workforce.”

"As we emerge from the pandemic, it is important we continue to focus on rebuilding our economy, which means we need more Oklahomans to participate in our state's workforce," said Shelley Zumwalt, OESC Executive Director. "With today's announcement, which includes a strong return-to-work incentive program, OESC is placing top priority on helping claimants find stable employment or retraining opportunities. We have 28 offices across the state ready to help all of the state's citizens who are eligible to work but currently are not working and the hundreds of employers who are struggling to find employees."

Oklahoma employers applauded the decision.

“Every employer I speak with, inside or outside of the state, is struggling to recruit workers,” said Chad Warmington, president and CEO of The State Chamber. “While federal programs provided needed benefits at the height of the pandemic when businesses were forced to shutter, these benefits have now incentivized workers to remain on unemployment after we have safely reopened our economy. Employers are offering competitive wages with generous benefits packages and workers are still refusing to return to work. It was time to stop disincentivizing hope and opportunity for Oklahomans. Gov. Stitt recognizes there is no government program that can provide the same potential for individual economic freedom as a fully functioning private business can.”

“Georg Fischer Central Plastics stayed open and kept our employees safe during the pandemic. As businesses began to open back up, demand for our products skyrocketed, but our ability to add to our workforce was disappointing at best, with many stating they could make more on unemployment. These are not minimum wage jobs and offer career growth, excellent benefits and a safe and stable workplace. Today’s action by Gov. Kevin Stitt is a step in removing one of the barriers for Oklahoma to thrive,” said Dani Shields, Director of Human Resources for Georg Fischer Central Plastics, LLC.

“Over the last three months, Michelin North America has had difficulty in meeting customer demand due to labor shortages with both subcontractors and our core hiring populations in many of our manufacturing locations. We employ approximately 1,500 individuals in our Ardmore facility and are hopeful this change will help us fill our open subcontractor positions as soon as possible,” said Will Whitley, Director of State, Local Government Affairs and Community Relations for Michelin North America.

Governor Stitt’s executive order will direct OESC to end all federal benefits including Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) and Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) on June 26th.

Starting June 27, 2021 any claims filed after June 26, 2021 must be for benefits weeks prior to June 27, 2021. Any claims that are currently in the adjudication, appeals or in the Board of Review process that are filed for weeks prior to June 27, 2021 will still receive benefits for those weeks if their claim is approved. Claimants who are currently receiving Traditional Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits will continue to receive weekly benefits paid out of the UI Trust Fund, but like other programs will not receive FPUC or the additional $300 weekly federal benefit.

The $1,200 Return to Work Incentive is for claimants currently receiving PUA, PEUC or UI between May 2-15, 2021, and who have completed 6 consecutive weeks of employment of 32 hours a week or more with the same employer. The timeframe for eligibility for the incentive starts today, May 17, 2021 and will be ongoing through September 4, 2021. Claimants can begin uploading their information along with the six weeks of pay stubs starting June 28, 2021. Payments will begin dispersing the second week in July. The incentive is limited to the first 20,000 approved applicants.

Specific details on the incentive program and the federal benefits announcement are available at https://oklahoma.gov/oesc.html.

Unemployment continues decline in Oklahoma, 9th lowest in nation

OKLAHOMA SEPTEMBER UNEMPLOYMENT RATE CONTINUES TO DECLINE, REMAINS IN TOP TEN

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 20, 2020) – New figures released by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor show Oklahoma’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 5.3% in September, ranking ninth lowest in the country.  

The September rate is an improvement from August’s 5.7% mark and below the national unemployment rate, which declined to 7.9%.  

“Oklahoma continues to be months ahead of other states in our recovery from COVID-19,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “This data shows how important it is to continue to protect our most vulnerable while also minimizing the other harmful effects of the pandemic. We remain committed to strengthening our state's vibrant economy and job opportunities as Oklahomans continue to go back to work." 

In September, statewide seasonally adjusted employment increased by 51,724 persons (+3.0%), while unemployment decreased by 4,909 persons (-4.7%) from the previous month. 

“Governor Stitt’s priorities of protecting the health and lives of Oklahomans while mitigating the impact of COVID-19 to our economy continue to pay dividends,” said OESC Executive Director Shelley Zumwalt. “Our state has leveraged federal CARES Act funds to support our businesses in innovative ways and Oklahomans continue returning to work to support their families. OESC will continue to provide support and reemployment services to those who have lost their jobs and are looking for their next career.”   

Oklahoma currently has one of the lowest unemployment rates in comparison to surrounding states, including Texas, Arkansas and Kansas.   

Surrounding States Unemployment Rates for September 2020 (National Rank):  

Arkansas: 7.3% (T-30) 
Colorado: 6.4% (T-22) 
Kansas: 5.9% (13) 
Missouri: 4.9% (6) 
New Mexico: 9.4% (44) 
Texas: 8.3% (39)  

Oklahoma unemployment rate drops further, now 10th lowest in nation

OKLAHOMA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IMPROVES,  STATE RANKS 10TH NATIONALLY  

OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 18, 2020)-- Governor Kevin Stitt today announced the State of Oklahoma is now ranked 10th in the nation for lowest unemployment rate. 

New figures released by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor show Oklahoma’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 5.7% in August, a significant decrease from 12.6% in May and a further decrease from 7.1% in July.  

"Oklahoma's perseverance and pioneer spirit continues to shine bright as we bounce back from the economic impact of COVID-19," said Gov. Stitt. "These numbers prove our safe reopening plan is working, and Oklahomans are getting back on their feet and finding jobs thanks to our businesses who continue to innovate and grow their operations.” 

In August, statewide seasonally adjusted employment increased by 51,621 persons (3.1%), while unemployment decreased by 23,085 persons (-18.1%). 

Feds approve Oklahoma's application for additional unemployment program, $300 per week for claimants

GOVERNOR STITT ANNOUNCES FEDERAL APPROVAL OF STATE'S LWA APPLICATION 

Unemployed Oklahomans to receive additional $300 per week under approved program 

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 19, 2020)-- Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the State's application to provide unemployed Oklahomans with an additional $300 per week in benefits under the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program. 

"I am thankful for the teams at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management for working effectively with FEMA to ensure our application quickly received a stamp of approval," said Gov. Stitt. "I look forward to working with OESC to make sure the additional $300 in weekly benefits are distributed efficiently and on target to help Oklahomans as they continue working to find secure employment."

June unemployment declines by half, moves Oklahoma to 5th lowest rate in nation

OKLAHOMA JUNE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DECLINES SIGNIFICANTLY, TIED FOR FIFTH LOWEST NATIONALLY

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 20, 2020) – New figures released by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor show Oklahoma’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 6.6% in June, a significant decrease from 12.6% in May. Oklahoma is tied with Maine for the fifth lowest rate in the country, a ranking which is reflected on the newly-launched Governor’s Dashboard of Metrics. The national unemployment rate for June declined to 11.1%.

“These figures confirm that Oklahoma is leading the way in our recovery from COVID-19,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “Innovative programs like the Oklahoma Business Relief Program, the Oklahoma Manufacturing Reboot Program and others have allowed us to leverage federal CARES Act funds to support our businesses and get their employees back to work so they can support their families.”

OK Attorney General launches new resource to combat unemployment fraud

Attorney General Hunter Launches New Effort to Assist Victims of Unemployment Fraud

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today announced his office has developed a new resource to help process unemployment fraud claims.

Individuals or businesses that receive bogus claims are asked to fill out a new form on the attorney general’s website, where the claim will then be directed to the proper law enforcement agency.

Attorney General Hunter said during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, there has been an increased number of fraudulent filings to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC).

State announces progress in managing increase in unemployment claims

OESC and Digital Transformation Show Progress in Managing Increase in Unemployment Claims  

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 24, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt’s Secretary of Digital Transformation, David Ostrowe, in partnership with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) and Executive Director Robin Roberson announced today the State agency has made headway in upgrading the state’s decades old system for filing unemployment claims.

“Since the first of April, the agency has processed over 160,000 claims, which is more than the agency traditionally processes in one full year,” said Secretary of Digital Transformation David Ostrowe. “The speed of processing these critical and timely benefits was made possible due to rapid and significant digital improvements made to the agency’s operations in partnership with OMES.”