The article stated that:
Since 2019, state agencies have spent more than $99 million on public relations and marketing work from outside companies, according to state financial records.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE
Ryan Walters has become one of Oklahoma's most effective communicators while slashing his agency's budget to a fraction of his predecessor.
I would argue he has done more with his $200,000 than other agencies have done with budgets much larger.
Governor Kevin Stitt said last Friday:
If there’s a rule that’s good for one agency, maybe let’s have an across the board for all state agencies.
Mark McBride is terming out of the legislature. He has used his term in office to advocate for the positions of the National Education Association (NEA) and their local affiliate, the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) in the state legislature. In return, the NEA/OEA made Mark McBride their top priority in terms of campaign donations.
The NEA/OEA connection to Mark McBride is
sufficient reason for him to advocate for
sections fifteen & sixteen of SB 1122.
Four years ago, Speaker Charles McCall (Atoka) appointed McBride to be Chairman of education’s Appropriations & Budget subcommittee.
While defending the bill, McBride repeatedly noted that Speaker Charles McCall asked for section fifteen and sixteen at the beginning of the 2024 session. I presume to apply the pressure of the power inherent in the leadership position.
I have been told that the Governor's office has an interest in hearing from Oklahomans from across the state as he contemplates whether to sign this legislation into law, to veto it, or to line-item veto sections fifteen and sixteen.
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