Public Policy Guide Banking That Fits Your Needs
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2017 GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY CHAMBER PUBLIC POLICY GUIDE BANKING THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS Whether it’s a checking account today, a home loan tomorrow or retirement planning for your future, Arvest Bank has the products and services to t your needs. Convenient locations and extended hours with online and mobile banking give you the features of a large bank with the personal service of a community banker. arvest.com Open an account at your nearest Arvest location today. Member FDIC TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Chair ........ page 2 Pro-Business Scorecard .......page 14 Government Relations Staff .. page 3 Elected Officials Directory ...page 16 Greater OKC Chamber PAC .. page 4 Chamber Leadership ............page 34 2017 Public Policy Priorities .. page 5 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS BENEFACTORS 2017 Public Policy Guide 2017 Public Policy GOVERNMENT RELATIONS SPONSORS Enable Midstream Partners Google 1 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber takes pride in its role as the voice of business and the visionary organization of Oklahoma City. It is a role that we have held for more than 125 years, and as one of the largest chambers of commerce in the United States, we believe that our organization has an enormous impact in the political arena. As we begin the legislative session, it is a critical time to fully engage in the political process. The state is facing tough budgeting decisions, and many of our most effective economic development programs are up for review. Our education system is at a crossroads. And uncertainty at the federal level leads to questions about heath care and transportation outcomes on a state and local level. The Chamber is fully dedicated to ensuring the voice of the business community is strongly and accurately expressed throughout the legislative RHONDA HOOPER process on all of the issues found in the 2017 Public Policy Guide. But our Chair, Greater Oklahoma success depends on working together as a business community. I invite you to City Chamber examine our legislative priorities and be vocal with your elected officials about Jordan Advertising what matters. When an issue affecting your business, industry or the future of Oklahoma City is being considered by the legislature, please take a moment to let your officials know where you stand. By simply making a phone call or sending an email or letter, you will have a direct impact on the legislative process and positively supplement the Chamber’s efforts at the capitol. Our region remains strong because of visionary leadership and an ongoing commitment of community leaders. The Chamber will continue this momentum by working with elected officials to advance responsible solutions to the challenges we face. Sincerely, Rhonda Hooper Chair, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President & CEO of Jordan Advertising 2017 Public Policy Guide 2017 Public Policy 2 BE AN ADVOCATE FOR BUSINESS. Business Advocacy Center The Chamber’s Business Advocacy Center, www.OKCBusinessAdvocate.com, makes having a voice at the Capitol simple. With just a few simple clicks, you can identify your elected officials and communicate with them, ensuring you have an impact on the decisions of our state’s leaders. You can also stay up-to-date during the legisla- tive session by signing up for The Business Advocate, the Chamber’s newsletter solely focused on what’s happening at the Capitol during the legislative session. Together, we can build a stronger business climate for Greater Oklahoma City. Contact the Government Relations Team Throughout the year, the Chamber’s team works to ensure that Greater Oklahoma City is moving forward and growing stronger. From promoting pro-business policies at the Capitol to economic development, the Chamber is the voice of business in Greater Oklahoma City. The Chamber staff is always available to assist your business in any way possible. Roy H. Williams, CCE Michael Carrier President & CEO President, Oklahoma City Convention & 405.297.8939 Visitors Bureau [email protected] 405.297.8963 [email protected] Mark VanLandingham Drew Dugan, CCE Vice President, Government Relations Vice President, Education and Workforce 405.297.8925 Development [email protected] 405.297.8940 [email protected] Derek Sparks Kurt Foreman Government Relations Manager Vice President, Economic Development 405.297.8933 405.297.8945 [email protected] [email protected] 2017 Public Policy Guide 2017 Public Policy Sarah Barton Cynthia Reid Government Relations Executive Vice President, Marketing Assistant and Communications 405.297.8922 405.297.8942 [email protected] [email protected] 3 A Unified Voice for Oklahoma City’s Businesses One of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s primary goals is to improve Oklahoma’s businessMEMORANDUM climate and foster economic growth. To further the goals of the Greater Oklahoma City business community, the GreaterRE: Greater OKC OklahomaChamber Political City Chamber PAC Action Committee was formed to aggressively pursue the Executive Committee election and re-election of candidates who take a stand Bradfor Oklahoma Krieger, City’s key businessIn 2010, issues. the Chamber Since 2010, became the more aggressive in electing officials who would support our ChairmanGreater OKC Chamber PAClegislative has strengthened priorities. theBy unanimousChamber’s vote, our board established the Greater Oklahoma City ability to advocate on behalfChamber of the Oklahoma Political Action City businessCommittee. In voting to create the PAC, all board members Carlcommunity. Edwards, Since its creation,agreed the to Greater contribute OKC at Chamber least $500 annually to sustain it. TreasurerPAC has contributed $329,850 to help elect pro-business candidates. The PAC’s first year was outstanding. Of the 22 candidates receiving contributions, 21 were Tom McDaniel, elected and now serve our state by supporting issues and legislation that will advance the The Greater OKC Chamber PAC raised a record amount Secretary economic development of the Greater Oklahoma City area. of $115,500 for the 2015-2016 election cycle. Given the historically high number of open seats created by term limits Roy H. Williams, The 2011 legislative session, which just ended several weeks ago, resulted in the passage of and resignations, and the high number of incumbents who Deputy Treasurer most all of the Chamber’s legislative priorities, including: drew challengers this year, the Chamber PAC was able to • A total rewrite of the state’s workers’ compensation statutes invest the resources necessary to make a record number of Beverly Binkowski • Enactment of five key pieces of tort reform legislation, including a $350,000 cap on contributions to pro-business candidates competing in races non-economic damages and the elimination of joint and several liability in every region of Oklahoma. The Chamber PAC contributed J. Larry Nichols • Prevention of Arizona-style immigration reform in Oklahoma a total of $95,000 to pro-business candidates competing in • Protection of all 16 key economic development incentives identified by the Chamber, the 2015 & 2016 elections. During the 2015-2016 election including reinstatement of the Aerospace Engineer Tax Credit Richardcycle, theNix Greater OKC Chamber PAC made 86 contributions • Protection of Oklahoma’s thriving biosciences industry, including retaining the to candidates in state legislative and local races. Of these 86 EDGE fund and preventing the criminalization of certain types of medical research Davidcontributions, Rainbolt 81 were made to successful candidates, giving • Enactment of a hospital provider fee to access federal funds, keep doctors from the Chamber PAC an impressive overall winning percentage leaving the state, and ensure high quality health care is provided to more Davidof 94 Thompson percent. This success rate demonstrates the strong Oklahomans influence the Chamber PAC has in electing pro-business • Passage of major educational reform including the end of trial de novo, which will Johncandidates Michael Williams across the state who will be more likely to support allow underperforming teachers to be replaced at a significantly reduced cost the Chamber’s Public Policy agenda. The Greater OKC ChamberEnclosed PAC’s unified you will voice find hasa list a ofproven candidates the PAC supported last year and a Contributor track record in making a substantialStatement impactwhich muston the be political completed and returned with your 2011 contribution. Under future of Oklahoma City. It stateexists law, to allowcontributions every business to the PAC the cannot be made with corporate funds. However, an LLC 123 Park Ave. chance to voice its supportwhich for pro-business has no corporate candidates. members, You may contribute to a PAC. Oklahomacan be a City, part OK of this effort – make a contribution to help the 73102Chamber ensure a strongerPlease economic consider climate making by yourhelping contribution today. elect candidates who will support economic development, 405.297.8925workers’ compensation phone reform and transportation/ 405.297.8916infrastructure fax funding. Sincerely, For more information about the Greater OKC Chamber PAC or to make a contribution, visit www.okcchamber.com/PAC or contact Mark VanLandingham at [email protected] or 297-8925. 2017 Public Policy Guide 2017 Public Policy Carl Edwards Brad Krieger 4 Chairman, Greater OKC Chamber Chairman, Greater OKC Chamber PAC GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES 2017 Government Priorities STATE ISSUES There are several other programs