Oklahoma’s top stories this week highlight legislative momentum, infrastructure gains, and economic development, shaping a dynamic landscape for the state. The Oklahoma Legislature received a 73 percent pro-growth score for 2025, according to the State Chamber’s Prosperity Tracker, which evaluates lawmakers on their support for business, job creation, and economic growth. Seven legislators, including Rep. Mike Osburn and Sen. Christi Gillespie, earned perfect ratings, signaling a strong pro-business climate in the state. The new scorecard app allows companies to follow legislative actions on key economic policies, further encouraging business-community engagement.In policy news, the recently enacted $12.6 billion state budget for fiscal year 2026 will boost education spending, double funding for many county roads and bridges, and allocate $312 million to purchase a private prison in Lawton, safeguarding around 500 jobs. Education remains the largest portion of the budget, with $5.76 billion dedicated to Oklahoma’s schools. Additional funds include $250 million for a new veterinary medicine complex at Oklahoma State University and $200 million for a pediatric heart hospital at the University of Oklahoma, marking major investments in both education and healthcare infrastructure according to House Appropriations and Budget Chairman Trey Caldwell.On the economic front, Muskogee is set for a major transformation as local businesses welcome the Port Muskogee expansion. Kristen Turley of Georgia-Pacific calls the port a critical infrastructure asset for eastern Oklahoma, anticipating it will attract skilled labor and spur new job growth throughout the region. In rural communities, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s expanded “In the Weeds” program is helping entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate funding opportunities, further fueling rural innovation and growth.Workforce development also received a boost with a new partnership between Caddo Nation and OSUIT, focusing on high-demand fields such as renewable energy, construction, and environmental remediation. This initiative is poised to build a skilled workforce ready for careers in emerging sectors, reflecting Oklahoma’s commitment to both tribal economic development and statewide diversification.Among recent legislative updates, several bills target the medical marijuana industry, tightening employee training, adjusting background checks, and revising warning labels. These changes are intended to streamline regulation and enhance public safety, according to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority’s new guidelines.While the state has not experienced severe weather in the past week, ongoing infrastructure improvements, including road and bridge upgrades, remain a priority, particularly in southwestern Oklahoma.Looking ahead, listeners should watch for continued economic impacts from the Port Muskogee expansion, further developments in state education and infrastructure projects, and the rollout of new rural business support initiatives. Election season activities and new legislative sessions are also on the horizon, with potential for additional policy shifts.Thank you for tuning in and remember 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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