>> A PROGRESS REPORT ON OKLAHOMA'S AFGHANI IMMIGRANTS TWO YEARS AFTER THE CHAOTIC WITHDRAWL OF U.S.

FORCES FROM THEIR COUNTRY.

>> WE ARE A MODEL FOR OTHER STATES.

>> AN INTENT CONVERSATION FROM THE OKLAHOMA DELEGATION.

>> >> OKLAHOMA KNOWS HOW TO DO IT RIGHT.

WE'RE TRULY ALL THE ABOVE ENERGY STATE.

A NONPROFIT IS training HELPING TO TRAIN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO ENTER THE AEROSPACE STUDENTS TO COME OUT AND JUST GET THEIR FEET WET AND KIND OF LEARN THE BASICS AND THE ROPES.

>> CAR DEALERSHIPS AND GARAGES ARE GETTING CREATIVE TO HIRE MORE MECHANICS AND TECHNICIANS TO MEET DEMAND.

>> WE HAVE BEEN AT THIS SINCE 1946 AND THERE'S, WE'VE NEVER SEEN A DEMAND LIKE THIS.

>> DOG OWNERS ARE BEING WARNED ABOUT AN OUTBREAK OF THE DOG FLU IN O >> IT STARTED OUT AS ONE, THEN WITHIN 24 HOURS WE HAD THREE.

AND THEN WITHIN 48 HOURS WE HAD >>>THOSE STORIES AND MUCH MORE, NEXT.ON THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPOR >> HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME T THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

I'M RICH LENZ.

IT'S NOW BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE THE CHAOTIC WITHDRAWAL OF AMERICAN TROOPS FROM AFGHANISTAN SINCE THEN, ABOUT 18HUNDRED AFGHANS HAVE RESETTLED IN OKLAHOMA.

HOW ARE THEY DOING?

AND WHAT CHALLENGES REMAIN IN ASSIMILATING THESE IMMIGRANT FAMILIES INTO THE FABRIC OF OUR STATE AND COUNTRY?

JASON DOYLE JOINS US TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE.

>> ABOUT 1,000 AFGHAN REFUGEES LIVE IN THE OKLAHOMA CITY AREA.ANOTHER 700 SETTLED IN TULSA.AND ANOTHER 100 MOVED TO DIFFERENT PARTS OF OUR STATE.

WHAT THEY HAVE IN COMMON IS A NEED FOR BOTH THE FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT TO HELP ADDRES THEIR NEEDS NOW.

?RETURN TO INDE OF STORIES >> SENATOR BARBARA AND KERRY LISTEN IN AS COMMUNITY MEMBERS TESTIFY ABOUT HOW THE MORE THAN 1800 AFGHAN REFUGEES THAT MOVED TO OKLAHOMA ARE SETTLING IN TWO YEARS AFTER LEAVING THEIR COUNTRY.

WHILE ISSUES REMAIN, SOME ARE CALLING THE MASSIVE RELOCATION EFFORT A SUCCESS.

>> I BELIEVE OKLAHOMA SET A STANDARD NOT ONLY FOR OUR SELFS IN HISTORY BUT WE ARE A MODEL FOR OTHER STATES BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE COLLABORATION WORKS.

THESE ARE THE WAY VOLUNTEERS ROSE TO THE OCCASION AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS.

I'D LIKE TO BE APART OF THE HISTORY.

>> THE OKLAHOMA CHAPTER OF THE COUNSEL TILL OF THE RELATIONS AND CARE.

>> THE AFGHAN FAMILY HAD ISSUES.

>> MOST OF THE FAMILIES ARE HEALTHY AND HOUSED.

NOT ALL OF THE HOUSING IS WHAT WE WOULD CALL STANDARD.

A LOT OF IT IS SUBSTANDARD ON HEALTHY STANDING CONDITIONS.

THAT'S ALL THEY CAN HAVE.

>> THEY BELIEVE THE LEGISLATURE CAN TAKE ACTION TO HELP.

NOT JUST THE AFGHAN REFUGEES BUT OKLAHOMA'S WITH LOW INCOME FIND SUITABLE HOUSE.

>> WE NEED TO UPDATE OUR LANDLORD TENANT LAWS.

WE WANT THEM IN A HUMANITARIAN SPACE THAT DOESN'T PUT ANYONE AT RISK AT ROACHES INFEST INFESTATION OR RATS.

>> THE COORDINATOR AGREES WITH HICKS.

>> WE ARE ONE OF SIX STATES THAT DON'T HAVE ANY PROTECTIONS FROM LANDLORDS.

THERE IS NO AGE TIE ANTI-RETALIATION LAWS.

THEY DON'T COMPLAIN ABOUT SEWAGE OR HOLES IN THE WALLS.

A LOT OF PEOPLE LIVE IN THESE CONDITIONS BECAUSE THEY ARE AFRAID OF RETALIATION.

>> JEFF WHO SPONSORS REFUGEE FAMILIES TESTIFIED MANY OF THEM FACE OTHER BARRIERS TO FINDING OTHER HOUSING.

>> IT WAS DIFFICULT BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE A GOOD CREDIT SCORE.

MANY DON'T HAVE ANY CREDIT SCORE THAT DISQUALIFIES FROM MANY COMPUTER SYSTEMS TO ACCEPT AN APPLICATION.

MANY OF THEM HAVE VERY LOW INCOME.

THAT ALSO DISQUALIFIES THEM.

HAVING A LARGE FAMILY MOST LANDLORDS SAY NO THANK YOU.

>>Reporter: NOT EVERYONE SAW THEIR FAMILY MOVE FROM AFGHANISTAN TO OKLAHOMA.

>>> YOU >> YOU DON'T HANDLE THE RESETTLEMENT AND GETTING THEM OUT OF AFGHANISTAN.

I WOULDN'T DO JUSTICE FOR THEM IF I DIDN'T MENTION THESE FATHERS ARE AMAZING AND DOING ALL THEY CAN AND WORKING HARD AND SENDING THEIR MONEY BACK SO THEIR FAMILY CAN RECEIVE FOOD AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.

>> THAT'S ONE ISSUE THAT WILL HAVE TO BE ADDRESSED ON THE FEDERAL LEVEL JUST LIKE CERTAIN WORK PERMITS ABOUT TO EXPIRE.

THEY HOPE THE LEGISLATURE CAN INFLUENCE WASHINGTON D.C. TO TAKE ACTION AND EARN A LIVING.

>> MANY OF THE NEW NEIGHBORS ARE AT RISK OF LOSING THEIR STATUS.

TRYING TO INSERT PRESSURE WHERE IT WILL BE BENEFICIAL ON GETTING AN AUTOMATIC EXTENSION URGE THE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO MAKE SURE FOLKS, AGAIN, ARE NOT LOSING THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSE OR WORK PERMITS.

MAKING SURE FOLKS ARE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN WHAT THEY HAVE BUILT OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS.

>> ON THE POSITIVE SIDE, THE AFGHAN CHILDREN ARE EDUCATED AND FAMILIES ARE GROWING.

>> MOST OF THE KIDS ARE IN SCHOOL.

THEY ARE LEARNING, STRIVING, AND GROWING.

WE INCREASED THE NUMBER AND THE COMMUNITY RALLIED AROUND MAKING THEM FEEL SAFE AND SECURE AS OUR NEWEST NEIGHBORS.

>> EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE RESETTLEMENT PROJECT N THE NATION WE FEEL PRIVILEGED TO BE APART OF.

THIS IS FOR THE AFGHAN FAMILY.

IT'S AN EXCITING JOB.

>> THAT HAS BEEN PART OF IT.

THIS IS EVERYTHING.

>> ONE OF THE LAST REFUGEES TO SETTLE THAT SAID HIS FELLOW COUNTRY MEN AND WOMEN APPRECIATE THE SERVICES PROVIDED.

>> THE FAMILIES AND OTHERS ALL GOT TOGETHER TO GIVE US SUPPORT AND TO WELCOME US.

>> HE ADDS TO BE WELCOMED INTO A NEW LAND AFTER LOSING EVERYTHING AND FOR OKLAHOMANS TO CONTINUE TO WANT TO HELP ESTABLISH THEIR NEW HOME HERE IS A BLESSING.

>> THIS MEANS A LOT TO US AND OUR COMMUNITY.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT.

THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS.

>> WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE QUALITY OF THE SOUND PROVIDED BY THE OKLAHOMA SENATE.

SENATOR HICKS NOTED THAT MANY OF the THE REFUGEES WHO SETTLED IN OKLAHOMA.HAVE ADVANCED DEGREES FROM THEIR HOME COUNTRY.

SHE BELIEVES IF THOSE DEGREES WERE RECOGNIZED.IT WOULD ADD TO THE WORKFORCE TALENT POOL.

RICH.

>> JASON, THANK you.

>>> THE OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT HAS AGREED TO REVIEW AN APPEAL FILED ON BEHALF OF THE SURVIVOR OF THE 1921 TULSA RACE MASSACRE THE APPEAL WAS DISMISSED BY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE CAROLINE WALL ON JULY 7TH.

ATTORNEY DAMARIO SOLOMONSIMMONS IS REPRESENTING THE THREE SURVIVOR AND SAYS THEY DESERVE TO HAVE THEIR CASE HEARD IN COURT.

THE SUPREME COURT'S NINE JUDGES WILL DETERMINE IF WALL'S DECISION WILL STAND, OR WHETHER THE LAWSUIT SHOULD RETURN TO A DISTRICT COURT FOR A FULL HEARI >>> THE CHEROKEE NATION HELD IT INAUGURATION CEREMONY ON MONDAY IN TAHLEQUAH.

SWEARING IN MEMBERS OF THE TRIBAL COUNCIL, THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CHIEF, AND THE REELECTED PRINCIPAL CHIEF, CHUCK HOSKIN, JR.

THIS WILL BE HOSKIN'S SECOND 4YEAR TERM.

HE WAS FIRST ELECTED IN 2 IN HIS SECOND INAUGERAL, HOSKIN SAID A GREAT CHEROKEE CENTURY I WITHIN REACH FOR THE GROWING TR >>> WITH CONGRESS IN RECESS UNTIL SEPTEMBER, OUR OKLAHOMA DELEGATION IS BACK HOME.

AND THAT INCLUDES SENATOR MARKWAYNE MULLIN AND U.S. REPRESENTATIVE STEPHANIE BICE.

THEY JOINED MODERATOR REECE WETZEL FOR OUR WEEKLY INDEPTH CONVERSATION TO TALK ABOUT THEI PRIORITIES AND CONCERNS BOTH IN HERE IN OKLAHOMA AND IN WASHINGTON D.C.

HERE'S A PREVIE >> THERE HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT, WHICH HA INCREASED OUR DEFICIT AND WE NEED TO REIGN IN SPENDING.

REPUBLICANS ON THE HOUSE SIDE HAVE LOOKED AT THE BUDGET AND ARE TRYING TO ADHERE TO FY24 NUMBERS, BUT ALSO WITH RESCISSIONS THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT FROM LEFTOVER COVID DOLLARS, YOU KNOW, PUTTING THOSE TOWARDS IMPORTANT AREAS, INCLUDING DEFE >> WE HAVE TO HAVE A PERMITTING REFORM, TRUE PERMITTING REFORM, THAT IT GOES BACK TO THE BASICS OF WHAT THE UNITED STATES AND THE GOVERNMENT'S SUPPOSED TO BE DOING, IS TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT FOR ENTREPRENEURS TO, TO FIT THE NEEDS OF THE CONSUMERS OUT THERE, NOT PICKIN WINNERS AND LOSERS.

AND THAT'S WHAT THIS ADMINISTRATION IS DOI AND THAT CONVERSATION CONTINUES LATER IN THIS NEWSCAST.

>>> THE UNITED STATES IS WELL IT'S WAY TO FACING A CRITICAL >>> THE UNITED STATES IS WELL O IT'S WAY TO FACING A CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF PEOPLE WILLING TO EMBRACE A TRADE CAREER GENERATIONS OF MECHANICS, ELECTRICIANS, PLUMBERS, AND CARPENTERS, ARE RETIRING AND THEY'RE NOT BEING REPLACED.

WE HAVE TWO REPORTS FOR YOU TONIGH THE FIRST INVOLVES THE NEED FOR MORE CERTIFIED MECHANICS IN THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY AND WHAT'S BEING DONE TO ADDRESS IT.

STEVE SHAW JOINS US WITH THE DETAILS OF A NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN A MAJOR AIRLINE.A SCHOO DISTRICT.AND OKLAHOMA CAREER TE >> RICH.

AEROSPACE IS THE SECON INDUSTRY IN THE SOONER STATE.

THIS EFFORT INVOLVES SEVERAL PA OKLAHOMA CAREER TECH IS USING GRANT MONEY FROM A NATIONAL AEROSPACE NONPROFIT TO BRIDGE A GLARING GAP AS QUICKLY AS THEY CAN.

RETURN TO INDEX OF STORIES CAREERTECH AEROSPACEPKG RETURN TO INDEX OF STORIES SHAW WRAPS OKLAHOMA AEROSPACE EXPERTS SAY THE AEROSPSACE WORKFORCE NEEDS MENT >> WE HAVE TO GET IT FROM THE NORTH DAKOTA.

LAST YEAR 60 STUDENTS FROM PUTNAM HIGH SCHOOL BEGAN A 2 YEAR PROGRAM THROUGH OKLAHOMA CAREER TECH.

>> THESE ARE FITTED.

>> GO AHEAD AND TAKE THEM.

>> THEY FAMILIARIZED THEM WITH AEROSPACE AND AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND WHAT YOU NEED-TO-KNOW TO BECOME AN PIOLET AND DRONE PIOLET.

THIS YEAR, THE PROGRAM EXPANDED TO ALL THREE PUTNAM CITY HIGH SCHOOLS AND 120 STUDENTS THANKS TO A GRANT FROM A AEROSPACE NONPROFIT CALLED CHOSE AEROSPACE.

THE PROGRAM THAT COST EACH STUDENT THE $200 THAT FIRST YEAR IS FREE NOW.

>> YOU GET SOME BRUSHES AND TAKE OFF THE RESCUE AND WE HAVE TO CLEAN THEM.

WE ALSO SEPARATE WHICH ONES NEED REPAIRS.

>> BECAUSE OF THE NEED FOR SPACE TRAINING WILL MOVE OUT TO WILY POST AIRPORT.

>> WE WILL TRANSPORT STUDENTS FROM ALL THREE HIGH SCHOOLS OUT TO WILY POST, THEY WILL BE THERE 3 HOURS IN THE MORNING.

WE'LL HAVE AN AFTERNOON SESSION 3 HOURS IN THE AFTERNOON.

THEY WILL LEARN MAINTENANCE AND SCIENCE FOR THEM TO TAKEOUT THERE.

AN AVIATION SCIENCE.

>> YOU CLEANING THEM.

YOU KNOW HOW THIS, RIGHT HERE IS COMPOSITE.

YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE IT HAS THESE TWO RUBBER BEATERS.

>> AN AIRPLANE AND PIOLET LICENSE NORMALLY TAKES 18 MONTHS TO TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.

HENSLEY SAID THE PARTNERS INVOLVED ARE WORKING ON THE CURRICULUM THAT WOULD SHAVE SIX MONTHS OFF THE 18 MONTHS TO GET CERTIFIED ONCE THEY LEAVE THE PUTNAM CITY PROGRAM.

>> AT THAT POINT THEY HAVE A FEW CHOICES.

THEY CAN GO DIRECTLY INTO THE INDUSTRY AND WORK DIRECTLY FOR A COMPANY LIKE AAR OR AMERICAN AIRLINES AND WORK AS TECHNICIAN AND EARN TIME REQUIREMENTS OR THEY CAN GO TO VALLEY TECH AND EARN THEIR CERTIFICATION THAT WAY.

>> HAINESLY SAID PUTNAM CITY IS UNIQUE BUT OTHER SCHOOLS ARE MOVING THIS DIRECTION TOO.

>> I THINK NORMAN IS TRYING TO GO DOWN THE TRAIL RIGHT NOW.

ADA PUBLIC SCHOOL DOES A GREAT PROGRAM.

PRIOR DOES A GREAT PROGRAM.

PEOPLE ARE PICKING IT UP ALL OVER THE STATE.

>> YOU CAN MAKE QUIET A LIVING DOING THIS.

>> BY THE TIME THEY ARE 23, 24 THEY WILL MAKE EASILY $100,000 PER YEAR.

FRED IS AN INSTRUCTOR IN THE PROGRAM.

>> AS FAR AS THE LONG-TERM, IT'S GOOD GROWTH FOR THE STUDENTS TO COME OUT AND GET THEIR FEET WET AND LEARN THE BASICS AND ROPES.

GIVES THEM A REAL GOOD SENSE IF THEY WANT TO GO.

WHEN THEY FIGURE IT OUT AND EXCEL AT IT IT GIVES THEM A STARTING POINT AND GROUND BASIS THIS IS SOMETHING I ENJOY DOING.

>> AMERICAN AIRLINES IS A PARTNER.

THEY HAVE A MASSIVE MAINTENANCE HUB AND 5,000 EMPLOYEES BASED IN TULSA.

>> HIGH SCHOOL IS ABSOLUTELY A GREAT BREEDING GROUND TO INSTIL THE LOVE OF AVIATION INTO STUDENTS.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO CREATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF PROFESSIONALS.

>> THE ENTIRE TEAM THEY HAVE THE SECOND TO NONE AND WE OPERATE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND OKLAHOMA HAS IT FIGURED OUT WITH THIS SO I THINK, US EMBRACING THAT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT WILL SHOW TREMENDOUS BENEFIT HERE OVER THE YEARS.

>>Reporter: REECE CHARTERS IS IN HER SECOND YEAR IN THE PUTNAM CITY PROGRAM.

SHE SAID, SHE WOULD LIKE TO WORK IN AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE BUT ALSO LOOKING AT BECOMING A DRONE PIOLET.

>> I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT THAT AVIATION WAS AS WIDE OF A FIELD AS IT IS.

I KNEW NOTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL I WAS PUT IN THE CLASS.

>> JULIAN SAID HE ALWAYS KNEW HE WANTED TO LEARN A TRADE.

HE WANTS TO WORK IN AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AT WILL ROGERS WORLD AIRPORT.

>> I LIKE HOW YOU WORK AS A TIME, KIND OF.

I LIKE HOW YOU CAN ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP AND I LIKE HOW IT'S ABOUT THE QUALITY THEN THE PAYOR WORK GETTING DONE.

MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS DONE RIGHT AS OPPOSED AS FAST AS YOU CAN.

>> ELI HAS THREE BROTHERS SEVERING IN THE NAVY AND BELIEVES HE WOULD LIKE TO BE A A PIOLET.

>> I WANTED TO DO IT TO SEE WHAT PART OF THE PLANE BE HELPS AND ACCOMPLISHES DURING THE FLIGHT AND GET A FEEL FOR IT SO I CAN BE BETTER AS A PIOLET.

>> JUSTIN WORKS FOR AAR AIRCRAFT SERVICES AT WILL ROGERS AND MENTORED SEVERAL OF THE STUDENTS.

>> JUST SPENDING TIME WITH THEM AND LEARNING WITH THEM AND SEEING THEM GROW FROM DAY ONE WAS A BLAST WORKING WITH THEM.

>> DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING IN THE PROCESS?

>> THERE IS HOPE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION.

>> OKLAHOMA AEROSPACE EXPERTS SAY THE WORK FORCE NEEDS TO INCREASE BY AT LEAST 20% SOONER AND NOT LATER.

RICH.

>> STEVE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

YOU KNOW, MECHANICS OF A DIFFERENT KIND ARE IN DEMAND ON THE GROUND AS WELL AT CURRENT LEVELS, A HUNDRED THOUSAND NEW AUTO MECHANICS ARE NEEDED TO JOIN THE U.S.

WORKFORCE EVERY YEAR THROUGH 2026 FOR SUPPLY TO KEEP UP WITH AND THAT'S A TALL TASK.

JOEL FILOMENO REPORTS ON WHAT'S BEING DONE TO FILL THE EMPLOYMENT GAP UNDER THE HOOD.

ELI SAID THE FAST AND FURIOUS MOVIES INSPIRED HIM TO JOIN THE AUTO BODY INDUSTRY.

>> I WANTED TO TINKER WITH MY OWN PROJECTS AND IT'S BEEN A CALLING TOE MANY.

HEAT INDEX JOINED JOE COOPER AUTO GROUP A YEAR AGO AFTER FINISHING TECH SCHOOL.

>> I HAVE BEEN IN THE TRADE FOR A FEW YEARS IT WAS A NICHE.

>> THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF AUTO MECHANICS.

>> THERE IS A TECHNICIAN SHORTAGE WITH THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF VEHICLES AND CHIP SHORTAGE OF MANUFACTURERS.

>> ACCORDING TO A REPORT, THE U.S. AUTO REPAIR INDUSTRY WILL NEED 100,000 NEW AUTO TECHNICIANS TO KEEP UP WITH RISING DEMAND.

>> WE HAVE BEEN AT THIS SINCE 1946.

WE NEVER SAW A DEMAND LIKE THIS.

WE ARE TRYING TO TAKE CARE OF THE CUSTOMERS.

WE HAVE TO GET THE CARS IN AND OUT.

THE SUPPLY CHAIN IS FIXED.

WE NEED TECHNICIANS AT ALL OF THE STORES.

>> DON WITH THE JOE COOPER AUTO GROUP SAID MANY OLDER TECHNICIANS ARE RETIRING LEAVING A GAP.

>> YEAR AFTER YEAR WE SAW LESS AND LESS PEOPLE INTERESTED.

WE NEED PEOPLE CAPABLE OF DOING THAT.

>> THE TECH FORCE REPORT REVEALS THE NUMBER OF GRADUATES COMPLETING THE POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS HAS DROPPED 20% SINCE 2020.

CANADIAN VALLEY INSTRUCTOR JUSTIN ROBERTS SAID EMERGING TECH REQUIRES NEW TRAINING FOR THE UPCOMING GENERATION OF MECHANICS.

>> I SEE THAT COMING UP THE MOST THE DEMAND FOR HYBRID VEHICLES IS THERE.

A LOT OF THE INDUSTRY IS TRANSITIONING INTO THAT DIRECTION.

THAT'S GOING TO BE A LOT OF LEARNING FOR THE NEW TECH.

>> THE PROGRAM IS SPLIT INTO EIGHT PARTS AND STARTS AT THE BASICS.

>> WE HAVE BREAKS, ELECTRICAL, WE HAVE ENGINE REPAIR ENGINE TRANSAND AUTO TRANS.

>> GAVE VIN SAID >> GAVIN SAID THE FIRST BOOK HE READ WAS ABOUT CARS.

>> CARS ARE LIKE LEGOS.

YOU LEARN SO MUCH MORE HERE THEN YOU WOULD WATCHING YOUTUBE VIDEOS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

>> MOON RAIN SAID INSTRUCTORS AND CLASS PROJECTS HELPS HIM UNDERSTAND THES IN AND N AND OUT.

>> WHEN HE COMPLETES HIS TRAINING.

>>> WE GO TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY TRY TO SAVE UP THE MONEY.

>> WE HAVE SIX WIRES.

>> FRANCIS TECHNOLOGY CHARLES SAID WHAT MECHANICS DO UNDER THE HOOD HAS EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS.

>> WE ARE DOING MORE MAINTENANCE AND LARGE REPAIRS.

SO, IT'S KIND OF A MIXTURE OF ELECTRONICS AND MECHANICAL REPAIRS AS WELL.

>> FRANCIS TECH TRAINS TS OR BASIC VEHICLES.

THOSE TRAIN BEING TO BECOME TECHNICIANS MUST ADAPT TO NEW TECHNOLOGY.

>> WE NEED SOMEONE ABLE TO READ ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS AND LEARN THE TECHNICAL SIDE OF THE VEHICLES AS WELL.

>> ACCORDING TO A REPORT 178,000 NEW TECHNICIANS ARE REQUIRED TO GROW THE INDUSTRY.

AUTO GROUP OFFERS UP-TO-DATE TRAINING TWO TO THREE TIMES PER YEAR TO KEEP UP WITH TECHNOLOGY.

>> WE TAKE A PERSON FRESH OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL THAT'S DONE SOME TECH.

WE WILL BUY THEM TOOLS AND SET THEM UP WITH TRAINING.

IF THEY HAVE ANY TYPE OF TUITION WE'LL REIMBURSE THAT.

>> THERE >> THERE IS AN EFFORT TO RECRUIT SPANISH SPEAKERS ERS S TECHNICIANS.

>> WE HAVE FEW SPANISH SPEAKERS AND I CAN PERSONALLY HELP THEM TO GET THEIR EXPENSES PAID AND ALSO THE TOOL KIT TO GET THEM STARTED.

THE BILINGUAL MECHANIC CAN HELP THEM COMMUNICATE BETTER.

BILING GAL IS TWO PEOPLE IN ONE.

THE PERSON THAT CAN SPEAK BOTH LANGUAGES CAN COMMUNICATE WITH OUR CLIENTS THAT CAN HELP TRANSLATE.

WE HAVE A LOT OF NEEDS.

AN ENTRY LEVEL MECHANIC CAN EARN AS MUCH AS $39,000 PER YEAR.

AN EXPERIENCED TECHNICIAN CAN MAKEUP WARDS OF $72,000.

THE SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIED MECHANICS IS ONLY INCREASING.

>> BETTER WORK ENVIRONMENTS WOULD HELP FROM THE JUMP AND INCREASE PAY NATIONWIDE WOULD HELP.

IT WOULD INCENTIVIZE THE YOUNGER GENERATION TO GET IN THE TRADE AND OFFER MORE COURSES.

>> JOE >> THANK YOU.

>>> WE'LL CONTINUE TO LOOK AT THE OKLAHOMA INDUSTRY AND IT'S ECONOMY IN OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW WITH JASON DOYLE.

>> EDMOND NEEDS MORE AFFORDABLE AND DIVERSE HOUSING.

THAT'S ACCORDING A REPORT RELEASED THIS WEEK BY THE CITY OF EDMOND.WHICH SHOWS THE SUBURB WILL NEED 89HUNDRED NEW HOMES OF ALL VARIETIES BUILT OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS TO HANDLE PROJECTED GROWTH.

ADDITIONALLY, THE STUDY FOUND THAT 75 PERCENT OF THE WORKFORCE, CANNOT AFFORD TO LIV IN EDMOND DUE TO HIGHER HOME PR THE AVERAGE PRICE FOR A NEW HOM IN EDMOND IS MORE THAN $400,000.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE MANUFACTURER CANOO IS REPORTING IMPROVING FINANCIAL RESULTS.WITH A NET LOSS OF 70.9 MILLION DOLLARS DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.THAT'S COMPARED TO A NET LOSS OF 164.4 MILLION THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

THE COMPANY ALSO FINALIZED AGREEMENTS ON WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES FROM THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA AND THE CHEROKEE NATION.

THE COMBINED VALUE OF THE INCENTIVE AGREEMENTS IS UP TO 113MILLION OVER TEN YEARS.

CANOO ALSO SIGNED ONTHEJOB TRAINING AGREEMENTS WITH THE CHEROKEE NATION TO HELP STAFF THE PRYOR BATTERY PLANT.

ADDITIONALLY, CANOO INTRODUCED A NEW MODEL OF ITS EV.THE LIFESTYLE DELIVERY VEHICLE 190.

WHICH IS AN ELECTRIC CARGO VAN.

OKLAHOMA CITY BASED CHESAPEAKE ENERGY HAS COMPLETED ITS PLAN T GET OUT OF THE EAGLE FORD FORMATION WITH THE SELL OF ITS FINAL ASSETS TO SILVERBOW RESOURCES FOR 700MILLION DOLLAR THAT GIVES THE COMPANY A TOTAL OF 3.5 BILLION DOLLARS BY DIVESTING OF THOSE ASSETS IN TH SOUTHERN TEXAS OIL AND GAS BASI THE SALE IS EXPECTED TO CLOSE SOMETIME THIS YEAR.

CITIZENS BANK OF EDMOND HAS LAUNCHED A NEW SERVICE AIMED AT HELPING MILITARY MEMBERS WITH THEIR BANKING.

THE ONLINE BANK IS CALLED ROGER.

CITIZENS BANK PRESIDENT AND CEO JILL CASTILLA SAYS THE SERVICE WAS DEVELOPED BECAUSE OF HER OWN EXPERIENCE WHEN SHE ENLISTED INTO THE ARMY AT 19 AND HAD INTO THE ARMY AT 19 AND HAD ,.

>>> WE ARE STILL RESTRICTING THE PUBLIC.

WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GO TO KENNELS.

A QUICK EXPLANATION.

THEY CAN COME IN AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONCE THEY ARRIVE IN THE SHELTER THEY COME IN THE FRONT LOBBY.

WE HAVE A BOOK SET UP WITH ADOPTABLE ANIMALS.

>>> THE CITY ALSO TOOK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT THEIR SHELTER FROM BEFROM BECKON TAM NATED WITH THE VIRUS.

WE TOOK MAJOR PRECAUTIONS.

WE DIDN'T COMPLETELY PLEATLY BUT STOPPED ACCEPTING STRAYS.

THEY SENT OFFICERS OUT IN THE FIELD TO FIELD TO A HEALTH SCREENING.

WE DID EXTRA CLEANINGS AND MADE SURE WE SANITIZED AND DISINFECTED.

WE DID DAILY CHECKS MORNINGS AND IN THE AFTERNOON ON THE DOGS IN THE SHELTER.

>> IN ADDITION TO VACCINATIONS VETERINARY SAID CLEAN DOG TOYS AND BOWLS OFTEN.

CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY.

>> IF YOUR PET IS COUGHING, THAT'S NOT NORMAL.

DOGS MIGHT COUGH IF THEY HAVE CERTAIN HEALTH CONDITIONS OR IF THE COUGH IS NEW OR HAS BEEN RESISTANT.

THAT DOG NEEDS TO BE SEEN BY THE VET.

>> DURING THE OUT BREAK OKC ADOPTIONS HAVE NOT BEEN AVAILABLE.

BOTH SHELTERS HAVE PLENTY OF DOGS THAT NEED A NEW HOME, RICH.

>> >>> CONGRESSWOMAN STEPHANIE BICE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF HER 2ND TERM AS THE US REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE 5TH DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA.

AND, US SENATOR MARKWAYNE MULLIN IS A FRESHMAN IN THE SENATE, AFTER SERVING 5 TERMS IN THE HOUSE THEY REPRESENT TWO MEMBERS OF WHAT IS AN ALLREPUBLICAN OKLAHOMA DELEGATION IN WASHINGTON D.C.

THIS WEEK, THEY JOINED MODERATOR REECE WETZEL FOR AN INDEPTH CONVERSATION FOCUSED ON THE CONCERNS OF THEIR CONSTITUENTS.

>>> THANK YOU, RICH.

TODAY WE ARE JOINED BY TWO SPECIAL GUESTS.

WE'LL JUMP RIGHT INTO IT.

WE HAVE U.S. HOUSE STEPHANE AND WE HAVE U.S.

SENATOR MARK WAYNE MULLEN.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO SPEAK WITH US AND OKLAHOMANS.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US ON.

>> WE'LL START WITH REPRESENTATIVE VICE.

THE BIG THING IS THE BUDGET.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED AND DO YOU PREDICT THE APPROPRIATION BILLS TO GET PASSED.

>> NO ONE WANTS A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN.

WE FEEL LIKE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION THERE HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY SPENT THAT INCREASED THE DEFICIT.

REPUBLICANS ON THE HOUSE SIDE LOOKED AT THE BUDGET AND TRYING TO ADHERE TO FY23 NUMBERS.

WITH RESCISSIONS FROM LEFTOVER LEFTOVER DOLLARS AND PUTTING THOSE TOWARDS OTHER AREAS.

WE PASSED ONE FULL BILL OFF THE HOUSE FLOOR.

WE HAVE A FEW MORE NEEDING TO COME THROUGH COMMITTEE.

THIS IS A NEGOTIATIONS.

THE SENATE HAS WORKED ON THEIR APPROPRIATION BILLS AND THE IDEA COMING TOGETHER AND GOING TO CONFERENCE AND GO TO MIDDLE GROUND FOR WHERE WE WANT TO SPEND.

MY GUT TELLS ME WE'LL HAVE A CONTINUING RESOLUTION OR SHORT-TERM RESOLUTION TO GET TO CONFERENCE, COMBINE THE TWO BILLS, AND MOVE FORWARD.

>> SENATOR MULLEN, I'D LIKE TO TURN TO YOU.

WHAT SAY YOU ABOUT THE BUDGET AND WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING.

>> I AGREE WITH STEPHANE ON IN.

THE SENATE PASSED ALL 12 APPROPRIATION BILLS IT WILL BE DIFFICULT FOR THE HOUSE TO ACTUALLY PICK UP WHAT WE HAVE DONE IF THE HOUSE PASSES A SEPARATE BILL IN THE SENATE WE'LL HAVE TO GO TO CONFERENCE WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO CONFERENCE THEM TOGETHER.

WE WILL DO A CHUCK SHOE MER IS CARRYING JOE BIDEN'S WATER BY MAKING THE BILLS SO FAR LEFT AS HE COULD MAKE IT WE CALL THEM KILLER BILLS.

THAT WILL PREVENT THE HOUSE FROM VOTING ON IT.

I HATE A CONTINUED RESOLUTION I FEEL LIKE THAT'S PROBABLY WHAT WE'LL DO IF WE DO A SHORT-TERM ONE AND ANOTHER SHORT-TERM ONE AND GET TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR AND MIGHT TRY TO DO ONE BIG PACKAGE FOR SOME OF THEM.

I DON'T KNOW IF THAT CAN HAPPEN TOO.

I DON'T THINK WE'LL BE SO FAR AWAY FROM WHAT THE HOUSE CAN CARRY.

THANK GOODNESS, THE HOUSE HAS A SPEAKER MCCARTHY.

NO TELLING WHAT WE WOULD GET DONE AND TYPE OF SPENDING LEVEL WE WOULD HAVE IF THERE WASN'T CHECKS AND BALANCES.

I DON'T SEE US BEING ABLE TO GET TOGETHER ON ALL 12 BILLS.

WE MIGHT FIND A WAY FORWARD ON SOME OF THEM LIKE THE NDA.

I FEEL PRETTY STRONGLY ON MOST OF IT.

>> IF I COULD FOLLOW UP WITH THAT.

YOU ASKED WHAT'S THE PRIORITY.

YOU HAVE SEEN ADVERSARY SAR MOVES.

MAKING SURE WE INVEST IN THE MILITARY IS IMPORTANT.

WE WANT TO PLUS UP EXPENSE.

WITH THE CONTINUING RESOLUTION, WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS WE WILL CONTINUE THE SPENDING FROM THE LAST CONGRESS.

WE DON'T WANT TO DO THAT.

YOU WILL SEE A BIG FOCUS ON TRYING TO PUSH FORWARD THE DEFENSE SPENDING BILL AND GET IT ACROSS THE LINE.

>> LET ME JUST ADD TO WHAT STEPHANE IS TALKING ABOUT.

WE DO A CR THAT HOLDS SPENDING LEVELS WHERE THEY ARE AT AND DOESN'T ACCOUNT FOR INFLATION.

UNDER THE BIDEN INFLATION YOU HAVE SEEN A SEEN% INFLATION COST ACROSS-THE-BOARD.

ALL OF THE PROJECTS GOING ON, ALL OF THE INVESTMENTS WE ARE DOING THIS TIME LAST YEAR, WE CAN'T FUND IT ALL BECAUSE THERE IS NOT ENOUGH DOLLARS BECAUSE OF THE INFLATION THAT HIT US.

IN SOME INDUSTRIES INFLATION IS UP TO 30%.

WE ARE MAKING A TRANSITION FROM THE WAR ON TERROR TO NOW CONVENTIONAL WARFARE AND THAT'S MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE.

WE HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE AIR WE DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT JETS IN THE SKY.

WE DIDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT OUR SUBMARINES.

WE WILL FIGHT CONVENTIONAL ADD HAVE SARRY LIKE CHINA AND RUSSIA.

WE HAVE TO MAKE THE CHANGES.

WE HAVE TO INVEST IN THAT.

WITHOUT THE BIGGEST AND BADDEST MILITARY OUT THERE WE CAN'T HAVE PEACE.

>> THAT BRINGS ME TO A POINT.

IS THIS THE THOUGHT PROCESS THAT WENT BEHIND IT.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THE CHAIRMAN IS FOCUSED TO MAKE SURE SERVICE MEMBERS HAVE THE TOOLS AND RESOURCES NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE COUNTRY FROM A NATIONAL SECURITY PROSPECTIVE, PLUSSING UP OR INCREASING THE SPEND WAS A BIG FOCUS FOR HIM.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE FUND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND IMPORTANT AREAS ARE FULLY FUNDED AND INCREASED.

WE'LL CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON THAT MOVING FORWARD.

>> HOW DOES THIS CORRESPOND, A LITTLE BIT WITH WHAT WE SEE IN OKLAHOMA.

WE HAVE FOREIGN LAND PURCHASES AND ILLEGAL GROWS.

>> THEY ARE KIND OF SIMILAR BUT SEPARATE.

WE HAVE FOREIGN PURCHASING OF FARMLAND.

THAT'S NOT DIRECTLY THE CHINA OR CHINESE BUYING IT OR FROM SOME FOREIGN ADVERSARY BUYING IT.

THEY BUY SHELL COMPANIES OR BUY IN GROUPS WHICH THEY HAVE HEDGE FUNDS AND INVESTED IN HEAVY.

IT TAKES A WHILE TO FIND OUT WHO IS BEHIND THAT HEDGE FUND.

IT COULD BE THREE OR FOUR PEOPLE DEEP.

WE FIND THE MAJORITY OF THE ORGANIZE OWNED BY AN ALGUARD FROM RUSSIA OR BILLIONAIRE FROM CHINA WITH DIRECT TIES TO THE COMMUNIST PARTY.

IT'S HARD FOR US TO PAY ATTENTION TO IT.

WHAT WE DO IS MAKE SURE WE ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO THE LAND AROUND CRITICAL SPACES.

SO, FOR INSTANCE, NAVIGATIONAL CHANNEL AND SOME OF OUR LOCK AND DAMS.

PURCHASES AROUND THE AIR FORCE BASE OR AIRPORTS OUT BY FORT SEAL OR VANCE AIR FORCE BASE OR AMMUNITION DEPOT IN MCCALLISTER.

THOSE ARE STRATEGIC AREAS INSIDE OF OKLAHOMA.

ANY OF THOSE WE PLAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE LANDFILLS TAKING PLACE THERE THAT COULD CAUSE US PROBLEM.

THIS IS WHY WE INBE VEST SO HEAVY IN THE NDA.

WE INVEST IN THE ESTABLISHMENTS.

WE PUT $170 MILLION THAT GOES TO ALL FIVE OF OUR VERY STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT BASES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS.

THIS IS TO MAKE SURE WE PLUCK UP THE AREAS PREPARED FOR FUTURE WARS AND CONFLICTS.

>> LET ME FOLLOW UP ON THAT.

I FILED LEGISLATION TO PROHIBIT OUR ADVERSARIES FROM PURCHASING LAND, NOT ONLY CLOSE TO IMPORTANT STRATEGIC BASIS BUT ALSO FARMLAND.

YOU HAVE SEEN AN INCREASE IN PURCHASES PURCHASESSING SO, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE DOING OUR DUE DILIGENCE AND MAKING SURE THE STATES ARE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS.

FEDERAL NEXUS THERE.

THEY HAVE A BETTER PROSPECTIVE OF WHO IS BUYING THE LAND AND TRANSACTION IS BEING DONE.

FOR ME, THIS IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD LOOK AT.

PARTNER WITH THE STATES AND MAKE SURE THEY HELP US IDENTIFY AREAS WE DON'T WANT TO SELL.

>> I AGREE WITH THAT.

>> WE SPOKE ABOUT DEFENSE.

WE'LL HAVE TO MOVE ONTO ENERGY.

WE ARE OKLAHOMA AND HAVE TO TALK ENERGY, OF COURSE.

YOU WOULD LIKE MORE PRODUCTION OF I MEAN MORE OIL AN.

THIS IS WHILE THE PRESIDENT IS PUSHING FOR GREEN ENERGY.

>> OKLAHOMA WILL DETERMINE THINGS OVER THE NEXT FEW DAY CADES.

WE HAVE WIND, SOLAR, HYDRO IN THE NORTHEAST, CERTAINLY WE HAVE OIL AND NATURAL GAS.

THIS IS THE MIX THAT ALLOWS OKLAHOMA TO HAVE ONE OF THE LOWEST ENERGY COSTS IN THE COUNTRY.

THIS IS WHAT WE SHOULD DO ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.

THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IS NOT INTERRESTED IN N INTERESTED IN DOING THAT.

THEY ARE ANTI-FOSSIL FUEL.

THEY ARE LOOKING AT ARE RENEWABLES MAINLY SOLAR AND WINDS.

INVESTING IN SOLAR HAS DOWNSIDES.

MANY MINERALS REQUIRED TO BUILD THE PANELS ARE MINED IN CHINA.

WE ARE MAKING THIS COUNTRY RELIANT ON ADVERSARIES FOR ENERGY.

WE SHOULDN'T DO THAT.

OKLAHOMA IS DEBUNNANT WITH RESOURCES.

>> WHAT ABOUT PRODUCTION IN THE U.S.?

>> THERE ARE DISCUSSIONS TO MAKE SURE WE HELP PRODUCTION.

WE HAVE THINGS UP-AND-COMING.

>> LET'S GET YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE U.S. ENERGY POLICY.

>> LET'S UNPACK WHAT STEPHANE SAID.

WE HAVE THE RESOURCES TO DO IT.

WITH THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION IT'S IMPOSSIBLE FOR US FORGET IT PERMITTED.

IT WILL TAKE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS TO GET IT DONE.

YOU SEE THE GAINS WITH THE PIPELINE AND INDUSTRY NOT TO MENTION KEYSTONE PIPELINE.

YOU SEE IT OR INDUSTRIES WANTING TO STAND UP AND BRING BUSINESSES HERE.

YOU SEE MINES CAPABLE OF PRODUCING WHAT WE NEED HERE.

ONE COMPANY CAME HERE RECENTLY THAT WAS INTERESTED IN TAKING OVER THE SISTER, ZINC M. THEY TRIED TO TAKE IT OVER AND RETRIEVE THE METALS THAT ARE ABLE TO BE USED.

THEY WERE TOLD THERE IS NO WAY TO PERMIT IT.

NOT IN THIS ENVIRONMENT.

WE NEED A REFORM.

IT GOES BACK TO THE BASICS OF WHAT THE UNITED STATES AND GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE DOING.

CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT TO FIT THE NEEDS OF CONSUMERS NOT PICKING WINNERS AND LOSERS.

THIS ADMINISTRATION IS FORCING US TO BE RELIANT ON FOREIGN ENTITIES THAT ARE OUR ADVERSARIES AND LIMIT CHOSE.

IT'S NOT CONSUMER CHOSE BUT AN AGENDA THEY WOULD LIKE TO PUSH KNOWING IT'S NOT PRACTICAL.

WE SHOULDN'T GO TO ALL WIND AND SOLAR.

WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH LAND MASS.

IF WE WERE TO JUST COMPLETELY GO SO SOLAR AND WIND RELIANT.

IT WOULD TAKE A LAND MASS THE SIZE OF TEXAS TO FIT THE NEED.

IF THEY LIMIT MOTORS.

THE MOTOR TO CHARGE TWO VEHICLES TAKES AS HUNDRED AMP SERVICE.

DOUBLE THE SERVICE TO EVERY SINGLE HOUSE OUT HERE.

CALIFORNIA AND OTHER PLACES THAT ARE BLUE STATES NOT TO MENTION BUSINESSES LIKE MINE THAT HAS TRUCKS ON THE ROAD WE WOULD HAVE TO CHARGE OVERNIGHT.

WE COULDN'T FIT TODAY'S NEED LESS THE FUTURE NEEDS.

OKLAHOMA KNOWS HOW TO DO IT RIGHT.

THEY CHOSE TO IGNORE THE FACTS BECAUSE THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT POLITICAL BOWING DOWN TO ENVIRONMENTALIST GROUPS AND TOO AFRAID TO STAND UP AND SAY GUYS, LET'S DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THE COUNTRY BUT NOT WHAT'S BEST BECAUSE OF A FEELING.

>> REPRESENTATIVE BICE, WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME.

LET'S TALK ABOUT EXPANDING WORK FORCE.

I KNOW YOU ARE WORKING WITH SARAH JACOBS ON THAT.

WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND OUT?

>> I HAVE PART OF A TASK FORCE LAST YEAR ON THE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE THAT LOOKED AT OUR NATIONAL SECURITY SHORTFALLS.

OVER AND OVER IT WAS WORK FORCE.

EVERY INDUSTRY IS FACING A SHORTAGE.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF OUR WORK FORCE.

SARAH AND I LOOKED AT PUTTING TOGETHER INITIATIVETIONS TO INCREASE GRANT FUNDING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND BE ABLE TO TRAIN THE NEXT GENERATION OF THE WORK FORCE.

YOU LOOK AT HIGH TECH JOBS LOOKING AT ENGINEERING AND THE TRADE.

WE FORGET AND SENATOR MULLEN IS THE POSTER CHILD FOR THIS.

WE FORGET ABOUT THE TRADE.

THESE ARE HIGH PAYING JOBS.

YOU START YOUR OWN SMALL BUSINESS.

THERE IS TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY.

WE NEED TO EDUCATE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

>> ALL RIGHT, I'D LIKE TO THANK EVERYBODY.

JOINING US VIA ZOOM MARK WAYNE MULLIN.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US SPOKE SPEAK TO OKLAHOMANS.

>> VERY GOOD.

>> THE GREAT SALT LAKE IS IN R EVAPORATION CAUSED BY A LACK OF RAINFUL IS CREATING TOXIC DUST THAT THREATENS THE HEALTH OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO LIVE TH OUR PARTNERS AT PBS UTAH EXPLOR WHAT ONE YOUNG ACTIVIST IS DOIN TO ENCOURAGE TEENAGERS TO TAKE MORE INTEREST IN SAVING THE LAKE.

>> YOU THINK OF AN ERA WHEN PEOPLE HAD THE LAKE IN THEIR LIVES AND THEY CAME TO IT.

WITH THAT KIND OF NATURAL RESPECT THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT.

IT WAS PART OF HOW THEY LIVED WITH THE LAKE.

>> IN FACT IF YOU PICK IT UP, IT'S NOT COURSE LIKE REGULAR SAND.

>> THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO LABEL IT HARM ANY.

IT WAS PART OF THEM AND THEY WERE PART OF IT.

THAT'S SOMETHING THAT HAS COME TO ME OFTEN WHEN I HAVE BEEN OUT HERE.

>> A QUESTION THAT COMMUNITY ACTIVIST ELIZABETH WOULD LIKE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO THINK ABOUT ON EARTH DAY.

WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO THE GREAT SALT LAKE.

>> I'M STANDING ON THE LAKE WITH 20 YEARS OF DROUGHT AND RESENT YEARS OF REAL NEGLECT.

OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIVERTED WATER.

>> A STORMER STATE LEGISLATURE IS FOCUSED ON TEACHING TEENS THAT MAYBE THAT TAUGHT ABOUT THE GREAT SALT LAKE.

>> IF WE HAVE THE MINDSET SOMEONE ELSE WILL DO IT NO ONE WILL.

>> ROSIE WAS A HANDFUL OF TEENS FROM THE CHURCH THAT JOINED TO LEARN ABOUT THE LAKE'S HISTORY AND POSSIBLE FUTURE.

>> IT'S NICE TO SEE SOMETHING IN THE WATER KEEPING IT GOING.

>> I HEARD THE WATER LEVELS ROSE LAST YEAR MAKING ME HOPEFUL.

>> THIS GIVES WAKE HOPE.

>> MY PURPOSE IS TO HELP OTHERS BE COME ACTIVE IN SPEAKING TO ING TO POLICIES WHO DON'T KNOW ANY MORE THAN THEY DO.

>> IT DOESN'T FEEL GOOD TO SEE THE LAKE DEPLETED.

IT REMINDS ME OF THE POTENTIAL DEVASTATION THAT COMES.

>> HIS DESIRE TO SAVE THE LAKE IS PERSONAL.

>> I KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE STATE HAVE ASTHMA.

WE GO TO WAKE VALLEY AND CONVERSION.

IT'S FLYING AROUND IN THE AIR BY THE LAKE.

IT WILL JUST BE DIFFICULT.

>> IN GENERATIONS THEY ARE BROKEN.

THAT'S THE TRUTH WE HAVE TO DO IT.

WE DON'T DO ANYTHING.

>> THEY DO WHAT THEY CAN TO GRASP THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM AND WENT TO STATE LEADERS.

>> I'D SAY YOU HAVE TO ACT NOW OR ELSE, WE'LL HAVE A HARD TIME IN THE FUTURE.

THIS IS ABOUT LIKE OUR FUTURE.

WE WILL BE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE LIVING HERE AND MAKING DECISIONS.

>> WE WILL SAY SO LONG FOR NOW WITH A LOOK AT A HOT SUMMER DAY AT OKLAHOMA city's SCISSORTAIL PARK.

FOR ALL OF US HERE ON THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT, I'M RICH LENZ.

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