Jeff Elkins

Oklahoma City

Capitol, Biz reporter for @JournalRecord / past: @NormanNews, @TheVista1903 / Musician / Cubs, Cowboys, Thunder, Sooners fan / tips: [email protected]

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Articles

New Oklahoma Reps Norwood, Clinton and Timmons sworn in to office

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

State Rep. Kevin Norwood, left, R-Owasso, state Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, and state Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City, are shown taking their oath of office at the Capitol Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of the Legislative Services Bureau) Summary:– Kevin Norwood, Amanda Clinton and Aletia Timmons won June 10 special elections. – The new representatives were sworn in Wednesday by Chief Justice Dustin Rowe.
Oklahoma launches $75M fund to improve infrastructure in all 77 counties

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Summary:– HB 2758 creates the Preserving and Advancing County Transportation (PACT) Fund with $75M annually. – The fund helps counties improve roads and reduce the number of deficient bridges, especially in rural areas. – Two-thirds of funds go to road maintenance; one-third is allocated to county bridge projects.
OKC’s Full Sail sets course for growth with Mercer deal

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Summary:– Full Sail Capital joins Mercer Advisors after rapid local growth. – Deal brings more tech, tax services and national support. – OKC team will expand reach with 600+ families already served. OKLAHOMA CITY — An Oklahoma City-based registered investment advisor looks to continue its rapid growth following a recent acquisition by a leading national fiduciary wealth-management firm.
Oklahoma education package signed into law

2 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Key Summary:Gov. Stitt signed five education bills focused on reformGrow Your Own program supports school staff becoming teachersOklahoma Math Act targets grade 2-5 proficiency improvementNew tutoring and scholarship programs expand student supportOKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed five pieces of education legislation touted by Republican Senators. The measures were authored or co-authored by State Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, chair of the Senate Education Committee Chair, or State Sen.
Tribal impact in Oklahoma soars to $23.4 billion

2 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Key Summary:Oklahoma tribal nations contributed $23.4 billion in FY 2023Tribes supported nearly 140,000 jobs and $7.8B in wagesTribal healthcare provided 3.5M patient visits across 45 facilities$351M went to education, including scholarships and school programsOKLAHOMA CITY — A recent study found First American tribal nations in Oklahoma contributed $23.4 billion to the state’s economy in FY 2023.
With $8M state investment, OSU-Saint Francis to launch Tulsa Trauma Center

2 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Key Summary:Legislature approved a second Level I Trauma Center in Tulsa through a public-private partnership. House Bills 2784 and 2793 authorize agreements and $8 million funding for trauma training and infrastructure. Saint Francis Health System and OSU Medical Authority lead the effort to improve emergency care in eastern Oklahoma. The new trauma center will increase survivability for rural patients and support medical training statewide.
Oklahoma leaders exposed: Commission runs afoul of cockfighting laws

2 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Key Summary:Animal groups expose illegal cockfighting in OklahomaOklahoma Gamefowl Commission co-founders tied to eventsPolitical donations linked to decriminalization effortsDrone and video footage submitted as legal evidenceOKLAHOMA CITY – An investigation conducted by two animal-protection organizations released Wednesday found the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission is connected to cockfighting.
Oklahoma Cosmetology Board extended one year amid restructuring debate

2 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Key Summary:Cosmetology board extended one year after sunset vetoGov. Stitt cited need for restructuring and transparencySenate Bill 676 included last-minute extension languageLawmakers push for careful, long-term agency reformOKLAHOMA CITY – The State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering will continue under its current structure for at least another year. Oklahoma lawmakers this session extended the sunset date of the board, which oversees the licenses of more than 77,000 Oklahomans.
NBA Finals showcases Oklahoma City growth on international stage

2 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Key Summary:Oklahoma City‘s population grew from 601,040 in 2012 to 710,000MAPS initiatives fueled downtown revitalization and developmentThe Thunder’s playoff return puts global spotlight on the cityOfficials highlight improved quality of life and business climateOKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City has seen significant growth since the last time its NBA franchise was on the biggest stage in basketball. The population of Oklahoma City in 2012 was 601,040, according to Census data.
New Oklahoma laws aim to prevent foreign litigation funding, put cap on non-economic damages

3 weeks ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Key Summary:SB 453 caps non-economic damages and adopts Daubert standardHB 2619 restricts foreign litigation funding in Oklahoma courtsBusiness groups support reforms to reduce legal unpredictabilityBoth laws take effect in fall 2024, improving legal clarityOKLAHOMA CITY – Business leaders say two pieces of legislation recently signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt will help them navigate Oklahoma’s commercial legal environment.