Two Lawsuits Are Challenging Bills That Were Signed Into Law By Governor Mary Fallin.
A group of parents, teachers and members of the state Board of Education are fighting the repeal of Common Core standards.
They say the bill violates the state Constitution by letting the Legislature take over an executive function.
The bill repeals the Common Core standards, which Fallin initially supported. It says new standards will be developed. Opponents say the language of the law gives the Legislature too much power to review the new guidelines.
A Supreme Court referee will hear the case in July.
And Attorney Jerry Fent Is Challenging The Bill That Changed Gross Production Taxes On Oil And Gas Wells.
Fent has previously convinced the state Supreme Court that laws were unconstitutional. His lawsuits often say that bills violate a provision that says measures must address only one topic.
A compromise bill set the tax at 2 percent for the first 36 months for all wells. After that, it increases to 7 percent. Previously, horizontal and vertical wells were taxed differently
Fent says that counts as a revenue bill, and all revenue bills must go to a vote of the people.
He sent a letter to Governor Fallin asking her not to sign it, but she did.
Attorney General Scott Pruitt said he will defend the state’s interests in the matter.
Sonic Reported Strong Earnings Last Week.
Earnings per share for the drive-in restaurants rose 15 percent for the latest quarter.
The company said that same-store sales rose 5.3 percent for the quarter. It also opened 10 new locations.
Sonic has been buying back stock, and has now purchased $69.4 million dollars’ worth of shares.
CEO Cliff Hudson said that things are going well because of a nationwide advertising campaign, even though Sonic is only in 44 states. Earlier this year, Sonic said it wants to add 1,000 drive-ins in the next decade.
Hudson also said customers like limited-time offers such as special discounts.
Those offers have helped the company double chicken sales.
Some PSO Customers Say New Smart Meters Are Causing Health Problems.
One man told the Oklahoma Corporation Commission that his wife suffered a brain hemorrhage less than 24 hours after the meter was installed at their home.
Customers said they wish there were a way to opt out of the program. But the utility says that allowing people to refuse the meters would hurt efforts to conserve energy.
A regulatory consultant also said that the devices fall well within FCC guidelines for emissions.
An OU professor said that the idea of electromagnetic fields causing health problems is controversial.
Margaret Levin Phillips said well-designed studies have showed no association between devices and medical symptoms.
_________________________
The Business Intelligence Report is a collaborative news project between KGOU and the Journal Record.
As a community-supported news organization, KGOU relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online, or by contacting our Membership department.
The Journal Record is a multi-faceted media company specializing in business, legislative and legal news. Print and online content is available via subscription.
