Governor Kevin Stitt has again amended the list of businesses in Oklahoma that are considered essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, state agencies and the legislature are continuing to work outside their offices and practicing social distancing. KGOU's Dick Pryor and eCapitol's Shawn Ashley discuss the recent developments at the state Capitol.
TRANSCRIPT:
Dick Pryor: This is Capitol Insider, your weekly look inside Oklahoma politics, policy and government. I'm Dick Pryor with eCapitol news director, Shawn Ashley. Shawn, we're working remotely and people in state government are doing the same as much as they can. The COVID-19 story is moving so fast we're not going to discuss too many numbers. But as we are talking, the number of reported positives in Oklahoma is increasing and so are coronavirus related deaths. Who is in charge of the state's COVID-19 response?
Shawn Ashley: Well, ultimately, it appears that comes down to Governor Kevin Stitt. But what the governor has done is to surround himself with a task force, which he calls the Governor's Solutions Task Force, made up of various cabinet secretaries such as Secretary of Health and Mental Health, Jerome Loughridge, and Secretary of Science and Innovation, Dr. Kayse Shrum, who is also director of the Oklahoma State University's Center for Health Sciences. You also have individuals from the State Health Department and others who are working with these individuals to help make recommendations to the governor on what steps to take to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Dick Pryor: Governor Stitt has issued two executive memorandums, adding to his original list of what the governor considers to be essential businesses that can remain open during the state of emergency. Where does this apply?
Shawn Ashley: Well, it applies specifically in those counties,which have instances of COVID-19. When Governor Stitt originally issued the order, there were just 19 counties that faced that problem. Now it's in excess of 40 and that number continues to grow.
Dick Pryor: What are some of the businesses or services the governor lists as being essential?
Shawn Ashley: Well, initially, the governor relied upon the Department of Homeland Security's definition of essential businesses. And of course, this included things like the health care industry, particularly in a situation like this. It also included things like grocery stores and pharmacies and financial services. But in the two executive memorandums that the governor has issued, he's expanded that list by several hundred businesses. Medical marijuana dispensaries are covered because they would not be covered by the federal definition because marijuana is still illegal under federal law. It also includes hardware stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, some things very specific, like within Oklahoma's energy and agriculture sectors. And it even goes on to include things like public and private golf courses.
Dick Pryor: Indeed, there is the growing conflict between cities and the state on emergency orders, where the state preempts orders in cities and counties. For instance, on Tuesday, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt issued an amended emergency proclamation that, among other things, closed Oklahoma City municipal golf courses. One day later, those golf courses announced they were opening because the governor had deemed them to be essential businesses in his order. What are city governments and local businesses to do with these continually shifting standards?
Shawn Ashley: Well, I think those standards are going to continue to shift. And in part, that is because the governor has created a process by which various businesses can apply online with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to be deemed an essential business. Still, they have to explain why they would qualify, why they're important to the continuity of the state and of its economy. But as a result of that, you will probably see, over time, even more businesses added to that list as Oklahoma moves forward.
Dick Pryor: Where in state government can people find the latest credible information and direction on what is permitted and what is not?
Shawn Ashley: Credible information is really a big issue in this crisis. And we've seen the attorney general talk about that. If you're looking for information on central businesses and the economic side of things, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce has prepared a couple of list and FAQs to address that issue and those are available at okcommerce.gov. Meanwhile, the State Department of Health is maintaining a lot of information about COVID-19 in Oklahoma, ranging from the number of people who have tested positive to information about the availability of hospital beds and other related health care information that is available at coronavirus.health.OK.gov.
Dick Pryor: Shawn, agencies are telecommuting as much as possible. The state Capitol is open, but there is limited work being done there. What's going on with the legislature?
Shawn Ashley: Well, much of the talk is taking place by telephone and video conference, but no legislative work is actually taking place. Nothing's being voted on. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat indicated he did not know when lawmakers will be back in the Capitol to continue the 2020 session.
Dick Pryor: That's Capitol Insider. If you have questions, email us at news@KGOU.ORG or contact us on Twitter @KGOUnews. You can also find us online at KGOU.ORG or ECAPITOL.NET. Until next time, with Shawn Ashley, I’m Dick Pryor.
