Oklahoma listeners are following a busy week of developments shaping the state’s future. Among top headlines, Oklahoma utility regulators have delayed a decision on whether Oklahoma Gas & Electric can begin charging customers for new construction projects. Additionally, there’s growing pressure from legislators and the governor to boost food assistance, with $7 million allocated for state food banks in response to the ongoing federal shutdown affecting SNAP benefits. The Oklahoma Proton Center’s struggles continue, leaving cancer patients uncertain about future treatments, as reported by The Oklahoman.At the Capitol, the Oklahoma House elected Kyle Hilbert as Speaker and Anthony Moore as Speaker Pro-Tempore for the 60th Legislature, both pledging to increase budget transparency and address long-term challenges. According to Public Radio Tulsa, approximately 280 new laws just took effect, including a reduction of the state income tax rate from 4.75 to 4.5 percent. Other notable policy changes include expanded insurance coverage for diagnostic mammograms, new restrictions on cell phone use in school and work zones, and the establishment of a commission to set salaries for statewide elected officials. Lawmakers are also studying incentive pay for teachers based on performance, aiming to improve education outcomes.In local government, Oklahoma City approved tax increment financing for two major Midtown developments, including mixed-use business space and new public amenities, with completion expected by 2027. Oklahoma County allocated funds from the American Rescue Plan to support Edmond’s Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park, promising cultural and economic benefits for the region.On the economic front, Heartland Forward launched its Center for Investment Readiness to propel growth in 30 heartland communities by 2030, including Enid and Perry. Google announced a five million dollar investment to train Oklahoma workers for the AI-driven economy, and Beale has broken ground on a major data center campus in Tulsa. Amplify Energy has announced plans to divest all its Oklahoma assets by the end of the year, marking a significant shift in energy sector interests. Oklahoma also opened the Manufacturing Skills Academy to train residents for advanced manufacturing jobs.In education and research, the newly upgraded OneOklahoma Friction Free Network now connects over thirty higher education institutions, advancing scientific research and cloud computing programs statewide. Private donations and local efforts have allowed select Head Start programs in Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma to reopen despite federal funding challenges.Infrastructure projects are progressing, with construction on the US-70 Roosevelt Memorial Bridge replacement set to begin in summer 2026. Engineering and public works leaders united in a recent summit to strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline, ensuring recruitment for crucial roles in construction and maintenance.Public safety updates include the launch of a state task force to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples, announced by Oklahoma’s attorney general. Legislation is also moving forward to help storm trackers travel more safely on the roads during severe weather events.The weather this week has brought a powerful cold front across Oklahoma, as noted by KOCO meteorologists, ushering in one of the season’s coldest spells so far.Looking ahead, lawmakers are set to return for their next session in February, where further budget and policy issues will take center stage, including continued debates over education funding and public health investment. Watch for developments in rural health funding, AI workforce initiatives, completion of new business spaces in Oklahoma City, and the next round of infrastructure improvements. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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