>>> FRESHMAN LAWMAKERS ARRIVE AT THE STATE CAPITOL WITH FRESH IDEAS ON ORGANIZATION DAY.

>> BEING PRO-BUSINESS IS IMPORTANT TO ME BECAUSE THAT IS THE ONLY WAY THAT WE'RE GOING TO GROW THE ECONOMY.

>> OBVIOUSLY EDUCATION IS I THINK GOING TO BE THE LARGEST TOPIC OF DISCUSSION THIS YEAR AND FOR YEARS TO COME.

>>> A SHORTAGE OF VETERINARIANS IS IMPACTING PETS AND LIVESTOCK IN RURAL OKLAHOMA.

>> I'M HAVING TO SERVICE LARGE AND SMALL ANIMALS, AND IT'S JUST TOUGH FOR ONE VETERINARIAN TO DO IT.

>>> AN IN DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH THOSE IN FAVOR, AND OPPOSED TO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S PROMISE OF MASS DEPORTATIONS.

>> THE LOGISTICS IS DIFFICULT.

>> THOSE WHO HAVE NOT COMMITTED A CRIME DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO FEAR.

THOSE IN THE PROCESS OF COMMITTING A CRIME WILL BE DETAINED.

>>> PLUS, A ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATION WITH OKLAHOMA'S NEW CHANCELLOR FOR HIGHER EDUCATION.

>> SO IT'S OUR JOB TO KIND OF COLLECT UP ALL THE NEEDS AND THEN MAKE THE PRESENTATION, WHICH I'M GONNA BE START DOING THIS, THIS WEEK AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

>>> THOSE STORIES, PLUS THE LATEST ON A U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE REPORT CRITICAL OF OKLAHOMA.

NEXT ON THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.” >>> HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT", I'M RICH LENZ.

WE'RE NOW LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY FROM THE GAVEL COMING DOWN TO OPEN THE NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

THIS TUESDAY, LAWMAKERS GATHERED AT THE STATE CAPITOL FOR ORGANIZATION DAY, AND WE HAVE TEAM COVERAGE OF WHAT THAT ENTAILED.

WE BEGIN WITH CAPITOL CORRESPONDENT, JASON DOYLE, REPORTING FROM THE CAPITOL ROTUNDA ON THE EARLY BATTLE LINES BEING DRAWN OVER PROPERTY RIGHTS AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

JASON?

>> A RALLY WAS HELD, THE COST OF LAND OWNERS.

THE WIND INDUSTRY IS DOING WELL IN OKLAHOMA.

DESPITE NOT HAVING MUCH INCENTIVE FROM THE STATE.

>> WELCOME !y[GA%1&?ñOKLAHOMA, G THE COLD INTO THIS WARM CAPITOL.

>> HE OPENS UP A RALLY ON TUESDAY, A NATIONAL GRASS ROOTS ORGANIZATION WITH LOCAL CHARTERS IN OKLAHOMA.

THE ORGANIZATION IS PUSHING BACK AGAINST GREEN -- LIKE WIND AND OIL.

THE OIL AND GAS SHOULD NOT TAKE A BACK SEAT.

>> OUR WARMTH TODAY WAS NOT BROUGHT TO US BY GREEN ENERGY.

>> HE WAS CRITICAL OF THE GOVERNOR'S RECENT SIGNING OF A MEMORANDUM UNDERSTANDING TO DEVELOP GREEN ENERGY SITES IN OKLAHOMA.

>> AND WHY, ARE WE PARTNERING WITH A SOCIALIST COUNTRY CALLED DENMARK.

I'M DISAPPOINTED IN THE GOVERNOR FOR SIGNING, TO DO BUSINESS WITH DENMARK, AND SUBSIDIZING ENERGY IN OKLAHOMA WHEN WE'RE THE PROURS OF -- PRODUCER OF OKLAHOMA OIL AND GAS.

>> SAID IN A STATEMENT, THE GOVERNOR SIGNED A NONLEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT, AND THE BUSINESS MAN GOVERNOR HE'S DOING EVERYTHING HE CAN TO MAKE OKLAHOMA THE MOST BUSINESS FRIENDLY STATE IN THE INDIGESTION.

AND COMPANY -- NATION AND THE COMPANIES ARE TAKING NOTICE.

IT'S NOT AN AGREEMENT TO SUBSIDIZE ANY ORGANIZATION.

THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE PUTTING THE THUMB ON THE SCALE OF ANY INDUSTRY.

THE GOVERNOR HAS ALWAYS BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE A CHAMPION FOR OKLAHOMA'S OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY AND IS EXCITED TO WELCOME BUSINESSES THAT WANT TO CALL OKLAHOMA HOME.

THE WIND INDUSTRY IS FACING SCRUTINY FROM LAND OWNERS AND THOSE PUSHING BACK AGAINST THE GREEN NEW DEAL, IN OKLAHOMA, FEW INCENTIVES EXIST FOR WIND COMPANIES TO BUILD FARMS.

BUT THE GROWTH CONTINUES.

>> WE'RE A PROBUSINESS STATE AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE ALSO HAVE A -- OF LAND OWNERS WHO HAVE DEALT FOR 100 PLUS YEARS.

WE'RE RIPE FOR THAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FACILITIES TO BE BUILT.

>> THE OKLAHOMA POWER LINES REPRESENT NEARLY 60 ENERGY COMPANIES FOR OIL AND GAS AND RENEWABLES LIKE WIND.

THE DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES SFIET THE STATE NO LONGER OFFERING TAX INCENTIVES.

>> WE'RE FAZED OUT.

THE FIVE YEAR EXEMPTION FAZED OUT DECEMBER 31, AND THE TEN YEAR TAX CREDIT ENDED ON JULY ONE OF 2017.

THE DEVELOPMENT YOU'RE HEARING ABOUT TODAY IN THE STATE, THOSE ARE WITHOUT ANY SUBSISUBSIDIES.

>> THE STATE IS GIVING TAX CREDITS BUT NOT ACCEPTING NEW WIND PROJECTS.

THE REMAINING TAX CREDITS THAT THE SENATOR IS LOOKING TO ELIMINATE.

>> ESSENTIALLY WHAT IT DOES IT ENDS IS REBATES THAT IS PAID THROUGH THE SUBSIDIES THAT ARE GETTING PAID TO THE WIND FARM COMPANIES.

>> LAST YEAR THE STATE PAID $16 MILLION FOR THE PROGRAM.

AND STATE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE SUBSIDIZING ANY BUSINESS.

>> I FIRMLY BELIEVE BUSINESSES SHOULD STAND ON THEIR OWN.

FREE MARKET SHOULD DICTATE WHAT CAN AND CANNOT BE THERE.

I DON'T BELIEVE THAT TAXPAYER MONEYS SHOULD GO IN PRIVATE BUSINESSES.

>> AND HIS OWN CONCERNS THAT GO BEYOND THE TAX INCENTIVE AND ENTERS THE REALM OF OWNER RIGHTS.

>> >> WE HAVE A FARM COMING IN, 2.8 MILES EAST OF THE TURNPIKE IN THE WESTERN END OF MACINTOSH COUNTY.

THE PROPOSALS THROUGH THE COUNTY.

>> PROPOSING TO BUILD THE WIND FARM, THE FARM THAT LARGE HAS IT'S OWN SET OF ISSUES, TO MAKE SURE THAT MEDICAL HELICOPTERS HAVE A CLEAR PATH AND THE IMPACT ON TOURISM.

>> THE ISSUES THAT WE DO HAVE, WE HAVE TO PROTECT OUR WATER, LANDS AND OUR EMERGENCY SERVICES THAT ARE GETTING THE ELDER FOLKS, THE YOUNG FOLKS WITH MEDICAL NEEDS IN AND OUT TO SAVE THEIR LIFE.

>> WITH THE COMPANIES WORKING WITH LAND OWNERS.

>> OKLAHOMA IS RICH WITH RESOURCES AND THAT PROVIDES A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE LAND OWNERS AND THE STATE AS THEY LOOK TO ENGAGE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

>> HE KNOWS THAT THE ELECTRICITY GENERATED IN OKLAHOMA IS THROUGH THE WIND FARM.

ALL OF THE ABOVE APPROACH FOR THE GENERATION WORKS IN OKLAHOMA.

>> AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS IS A BEAUTIFULLY MIX, WITH RENEWABLES AND GAS LINKED UP MAKING MOST OF THE ENERGY AND DRIVES PRICES DOWN.

THAT'S A GREAT THING.

>> THE PUSH BACK ON THE ALL OF THE ABOVE NOTION SAYS THAT LAWMAKERS NEEDS TO DO MORE.

>> NOTHING IN PLACE TO PREVENT -- FROM THE CORPORATIONS COMING INTO OUR STATE AND BULLDOZING THEIR WAY TO BUILDING NEW PROJECTS.

>> THE CAPITOL OBSERVERS BELIEVE THAT THE GREEN ENERGY AND OIL AND GAS ARE MAJOR POLICIES IN THE UPCOMING SESSION.

>> THE LEGISLATORS MET THIS WEEK FOR ORGANIZATION DAY.

AND THE LEADERSHIP FINALIZED THE RULES ON THE FLOOR AND GAVE A CHANCE FOR LEGISLATORS AND NEW LEGISLATORS TO LEARN THE IN'S AND OUTS OF THE OKLAHOMA CAPITOL.

BUT MOVING BOXES STILL STACKED UP IN NEW OUT OF USES IN THE CAPITOL, FRESHMEN LAWMAKERS HAVE THEIR FIRST DAY ON THE JOB.

>> I'M EXCITED AND CAUTIOUSLY NERVOUS.

>> TUESDAY WAS THE ORGANIZATIONAL DAY.

>> IT'S A GREAT DAY.

IT'S A GREAT DAY.

A LOT OF US ARE OPTIMISTIC OF THE FUTURE OF THE STATE AND THINK WE CAN GET VERY GOOD THINGS DONE IN THE LEGISLATURE.

I FOR ONE AM VERY EXCITED TO GET THE SESSION GOING.

>> BOTH CHAMBERS SEATED NEW LEADERS.

AND INSIDE THE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY, THE SITTING PRESIDENT -- >> WELL, IT'S BEEN A LONG RIDE TO GET HERE AND I APPRECIATE AND HONORED TO BE HERE TODAY.

>> AND THE OKLAHOMA HOUSE ELECTED -- THE SPEAKER.

>> CONGRATULATIONS MR. SPEAKER.

>> IN ADDITION THE LEGISLATURE WELCOMED 26 NEW SENATORS, AND 17 NEW HOUSE MEMBERS, THAT'S 43 NEW LAWMAKERS IN TOTALS.

AND THE FRESH FACES COME FRESH PERSPECTIVES.

>> MY MOTHER WAS AN ENGLISH TOOEFRP FOR 38 YEARS.

>> MARK MANN, COMES FROM A LONG LINEAGE OF EDUCATORS, AND LEFT HIS SPOT ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO RUN FOR THE SEAT.

>> OBVIOUSLY EDUCATION IS I THINK THE LARGEST TOPIC OF DISCUSSION THIS YEAR AND YEARS TO COME.

>> HE HOPES TO TACKLE ISSUES RELATED TO THE OKLAHOMA TEACHER SHORTAGE.

BUT THAT DOESN'T DAMPEN HIS AMBITION.

>> I HAVE A POINT OF VIEW THAT NEEDS TO BE HEARD.

>> AND ACROSS FROM HIS OFFICE IS HIS DEMOCRATIC COLLEAGUES, WHO REPRESENTS THE SECTIONS OF OKLAHOMA CITY.

>> THERE'S ALWAYS A CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND I THINK CLEARLY I COME FROM A PLACE WHERE ALL I KNOW IS BIPARTISAN WORK.

>> STRAIGHT FROM THE OKLAHOMA CITY CITY COUNSEL, STEPPING IN A BIGGER ARENA.

>> I'VE HAD TO TAKE MY CITY HAT OFF, AS FAR AS THE CITY IS CONCERNED YOU HAVE A FEW FOCUSES.

YOU HAVE A LITTLE, BUT MAIN EXTREMES CERTAIN THINGS AND HERE AT THE STATE LEVEL IS A BROADER BRUSH.

>> AND SHE APPRECIATES THE HISTORICAL WEIGHT -- CARRIES.

PORTER WAS THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN SENATOR IN OKLAHOMA HISTORY.

>> THIS IS THE SEAT.

I'M ON BROAD AND TALL SHOULDERS.

I'M GRATEFUL FOR THOSE THINGS.

>> AND TIM TURNER REPRESENTING PARTS OF SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA GOES FROM ENFORCING LAWS TO MAKING THEM.

>> 22 YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND IT'S BEEN ADMINISTRATIVE MOSTLY, FROM THE DRUG TASK FORCE TO DEA AND SHERIFF IN THE COUNTY.

>> HE WANTS TO REVAMP THE WAY THAT OKLAHOMA DOES CRIMINAL JUSTICE.

>> WE HAVE TO LOOK AT -- HEALTH AND MAKE SURE WE QUIT DECRIMINALIZING THINGS AND HOLD PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE.

AND MAKE PRODUCTIVE IN SOCIETY TO GET THEIR CHILDREN BACK TO THEM, AND GET THEM BACK IN THE WORK FORCE AND MAKE THEM BACK TO PRODUCTIVE IN OKLAHOMA AS THEY WERE.

>> AND ELECTED TO REPRESENT HOUSE DISTRICT 15 IS PERSONAL.

>> IT'S WHERE I MADE HOME.

MACINTOSH IS WHERE I WAS BORN AND RAISED, I HAVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THE REST OF THE BISHOP, AND THIS GIVES ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO NOT JUST SERVE AT HOME BUT WHERE I WAS BORN AND RAISED AND TO SERVE THE PEOPLE.

>> REPRESENTATIVE HARRIS IS STEPPING IN HIS FIRST FULL TERM AFTER ELECT IN THE A SPECIAL ELECTION NEARLY A YEAR AGO.

REPRESENTING OKLAHOMA CITY.

THE ECONOMY, CAMPAIGNED ON A BUSINESS FRIENDLY LEGISLATOR.

>> BEING PRO BUSINESS IS IMPORTANT TO ME, THAT'S THE ONLY WAY WE'LL GROW THE ECONOMY.

IT'S NOT THE GOVERNMENT'S RESPONDENT GOING OUT AND CREATE JOBS IT'S THE PRIVATE SECTORS.

>> HE'S IN LINE WITH MOST OF PARTY, BUT HE URGES THAT THE LEGISLATURE CAN DO MORE.

>> I THINK THAT OFTEN TIMES YOUR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT WANTING TO MAKE OKLAHOMA A BUSINESS FRIENDLY STATE, WE HAVE TO HAVE LEGISLATION THAT DOES THAT AND SUPPORTS THAT AS WELL.

>> AND WITH ALL THE BILLS FILED IN THE REGULARING SESSION ON THE HORIZON -- IMPARTING WISDOM -- >> I'M A BIG SPIDERMAN FAN.

WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY.

AND I SEE THIS ROLE AS ONE WITH A LOT OF POWER BUT A LOT OF RESPONSIBILITY.

SO FOR THE PEOPLE OF EDMON, TO ELECT ME NOT ONCE BUT TWICE, TO BEçBN0ñ THE REPRESENTATIVE HERE HUMBLING.

>> RECOGNIZING THE POWER AND RESPONSIBILITIES THAT COMES WITH HOLDING A SEAT IN THE LEGISLATURE IS UNIVERSAL.

>> WE EVER FORGOT WHY WE'RE SITTING HERE AND WHO SENT US HERE, IT'S TIME TO GO HOME.

>> THEY URGED TO BE A PART OF THE PROCESS.

>> REACH OUT TO THE FOLKS YOU ELECTED TO SERVE YOU.

THOSE THINGS ACTUALLY MATTER.

>> THE NEXT TIME THE LEGISLATURE WILL MEET IS FEBRUARY 3, AND KICK OFF THE REGULAR SESSION.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE IS ACCUSING THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA CITY, AND THE OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT OF VIOLATING THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT BY DISCRIMINATING AGAINST PEOPLE WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISABILITIES.

THE REPORT FOUND OKLAHOMA LACKS THE NECESSARY HEALTH RESOURCES AND FACILITIES, AND THAT OKC POLICE ACTED IMPROPERLY IN SOME CASES INVOLVING PEOPLE EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.

>> WE FOUND THAT OKLAHOMA IS VIOLATING THE ADA BY UNNECESSARILY INSTITUTIONALIZING ADULTS WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISABILITIES AND PSYCHIATRIC FACILITIES IN OKLAHOMA COUNTY.

WE ALSO FOUND THAT OKLAHOMA CITY AND THE OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT ARE VIOLATING THE ADA BY DISCRIMINATING AGAINST PEOPLE WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DISABILITIES IN THEIR EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM.

>> NOT SURPRISED AT ALL.

I'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS ISSUE FOR THE LAST EIGHT YEARS IN THE LEGISLATURE.

WE EFFECTIVELY ARE TURNING POLICE OFFICERS INTO SOCIAL WORKERS, INTO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EXPERTS AND THAT'S NOT WHAT THEIR SCOPE OF AUTHORITY IS OR JOB DESCRIPTION.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE FULLY FUND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE MOBILE UNITS THAT ARE GOING OUT THERE AS OPPOSED TO POLICE OFFICERS.

RIGHT NOW WHAT WE'RE DOING IS CRIMINALIZING MENTAL HEALTH.

>> GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT DISAGREED WITH THE FINDINGS IN THE DOJ REPORT, SAYING: "THIS IS ANOTHER BIDEN ADMINISTRATION OVER-REACH ON THEIR WAY OUT THE DOOR.

ALLIE FRIESEN AND HER TEAM ARE WORKING HARD TO REFORM OUR MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM, BUT THEY CAN'T DO THAT IF THEY'RE BURDENED WITH HEAVY-HANDED, OUT-OF-TOUCH MANDATES FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT."

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT HAS ALSO SAID HE WANTS OKLAHOMA TO BE QUOTE, "FIRST IN LINE" WHEN THE INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BEGINS WHAT IT SAYS WILL BE THE LARGEST MASS DEPORTATION PROGRAM IN U.S. HISTORY.

WHAT WILL THAT MEAN FOR OKLAHOMA IMMIGRANTS WHO HAVE ENTERED THIS COUNTRY ILLEGALLY?

THAT'S THE FOCUS OF OUR UPCOMING "IN DEPTH" CONVERSATION LATER IN THIS NEWSCAST.

WE'LL HEAR FROM THOSE IN FAVOR, AND OPPOSED TO THE PLAN.

HERE'S A PREVIEW.

>> MANY FAMILIES HAVE ONE PERSON THAT MAY BE UNDOCUMENTED IN THEIR FAMILY, SO IT WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT THEIR FINANCIAL ABILITY TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR FAMILIES.

IT WOULD IMPACT THEIR ABILITY FOR TO GET THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL HOUSING.

IT WOULD INFLICT FEAR ON THE FAMILIES.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE AFRAID RIGHT NOW, AND SO MANY OF THEM, ONCE THE ADMINISTRATION COMES IN, THEY MAY NOT WANT, THEY MAY BE AFRAID TO SEND THEIR KIDS TO SCHOOL OR GET HEALTHCARE OR OR COM OR REPORT A CRIME BECAUSE THEY'RE AT FEAR THAT THEY MAY BE APPREHENDED THEMSELVES.

>> THOSE THAT HAVE COME INTO THE UNITED STATES ILLEGALLY KNEW THAT THEY WERE ILLEGAL WHEN THEY CAME IN.

RIGHT?

SO IT'S NOT LIKE A SHOCK AND SURPRISE, BUT I THINK TO ASSUAGE ANXIETY OF THOSE LISTENERS, I MEAN, IF YOU'RE NOT COMMITTING A CRIME, YOU'RE NOT ON MY LIST.

YOU COMMIT A CRIME, YOU'RE ON MY LIST.

WE'RE NOT GONNA RACIALLY PROFILE IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

IT'S IMMORAL AND ILLEGAL.

WE WON'T DO THAT.

BUT IF YOU'RE COMMITTING A CRIME AND YOU'RE HERE UNDOCUMENTED, YOU'RE GONNA BE DETAINED AND DEPORTED.

>> THE REST OF THAT CONVERSATION WITH MODERATOR CASSIDY MUDD, COMING UP LATER IN THIS NEWSCAST.

>>> AG DRUMMOND IS ALSO TOUTING THE SUCCESS OF HIS TOP TEN MOST WANTED LIST THAT LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER OF LAST YEAR.

SEVEN FUGITIVES HAVE NOW BEEN APPREHENDED, MOST RECENTLY: DONOVAN TYLER RAY AND VIRGINA HUBBARD.

AND WITH THAT, THE WEBSITE IS ADDING TWO NEW NAMES TO THE LIST.

YOU CAN SEE THEIR PICTURES HERE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM BY LOGGING ONTO OKLAHOMA.GOV/OAG/OKMOSTWANTED.

HUBBARD WAS CAUGHT THANKS TO AN ANONYMOUS TIP AND AS YOU CAN SEE REWARDS ARE TYPICALLY OFFERED FOR INFORMATION THAT LEADS TO AN ARREST.

>>> WE'VE DONE SEVERAL STORIES ON THE LACK OF QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN RURAL PARTS OF OKLAHOMA, BUT WHAT ABOUT PETS AND LIVESTOCK?

THERE IS ALSO A SHORTAGE OF VETERINARIANS IN OUR STATE.

WHAT'S BEING DONE TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM?

STEVE SHAW JOINS US NOW WITH THE ANSWER.

STEVE?

>> OKLAHOMA'S SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE SAYS THE SHORTAGE OF RURAL VETERINARIANS AROUND THE STATE THREATENS AGRICULTURAL LIVELIHOODS, DISEASE CONTROL, AND EVEN PUBLIC HEALTH.

A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH AN ORGANIZATION CALLED THE FARM JOURNAL FOUNDATION HOPES TO CHANGE THAT.

>> COME ON IN.

ALL RIGHT.

LET'S GET MISS LUNA RIGHT HERE.

>> HER 6 MONTH OLD PUPPY, MADE THE 90 MINUTE DRIVE FROM THE TOWN TO THE HOLDENVILLE VET CLINIC IN HOLDENVILLE.

>> LET ME LISTEN TO HER, AND WE'LL GO OVER A COUPLE OF THINGS.

ALL RIGHT.

>> MILLER SAYS LUNA NEEDED SOME THINGS DONE THAT ARE NOT REAL COMFORTABLE BUT THEY HAVE TO GET DONE.

THE VETERINARIAN SAYS TO KEEP LUNA FROM GETTING REALLY SICK.

>> LET'S GET THAT TAKEN CARE OF, GET HER DEWORMED, ON AN ANTIBIOTIC AND GET HER BACK IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE SHE'S HEALTHY ENOUGH.

PERFECT.

>> MILLER SAYS SHE'S GRATEFUL FOR THE GREAT CARE BUT WISHES SHE DIDN'T HAVE TO DRIVE THREE HOURS ROUND TRIP TO GET IT.

>> THERE'S NO PLACE CLOSE THAT WOULD DO IT.

>> AGAIN HOLDENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE, 110 POUNDS HALF GREAT DANE, HALF MASSTIFF CAME TO SEE THE DOCTOR MONDAY FOR STOMACH ISSUES.

>> GOING TO THE BATHROOM A LOT IN THE HOUSE.

>> THAT'S A RED ALERT.

>> IT IS, YEAH.

>> TIME TO GET THEM IN.

>> IT SURE IS.

>> HOW GREAT IS IT TO HAVE HER HERE?

TO HAVE THIS VETERINARIAN SO CLOSE?

>> IT'S AWESOME, SHE'S A GREAT VETERINARIAN.

I'VE HAD TO BRING HIM IN FOR A LOT OF DIFFERENT ISSUES.

>> THE CLINIC IS FIVE MINUTES OUTSIDE OF THE TOWN OF HOLDENVILLE.

>> IT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE, ESPECIALLY IN SMALL TOWNS ESPECIALLY LIKE THIS ONE.

FOR A LONG TIME I WAS THE ONLY VETERINARIAN IN THE COUNTY, IT'S NOT A HUGE COUNTY BUT I'M HAVING TO SERVICE LARGE AND SMALL ANIMALS, IT'S TOUGH FOR ONE VETERINARIAN TO DO.

>> A FEW OTHERS HAVE MOVED TO THE AREA.

>> YOU SEE ACROSS THE STATE IN THE SMALL TOWNS AND COMMUNITIES WE'RE NOT HAVING THE VETERINARIANS THAT WE NEED, ESPECIALLY LARGE ANIMAL VETERINARIAN.

>> IS THIS A CASE OF YOU AND YOUR SMALL STAFF OF BEING ON CALL 24/7.

>> I WISHñK]s÷ I COULD BE, BUT T CAN'T.

>> THE FARM JOURNAL NATIONAL -- HAS -- >> WE'VE HAD SEVERAL MEETINGS WITH THEM, AND THEY'RE KIND OF IN A FACT FINDING PHASE RIGHT NOW.

>> HE BELIEVES THAT THERE'S SEVERAL REASONS WHY.

HE SAYS THERE ARE NOW FEWER AND FEWER YOUNG PEOPLE WHO GROW UP ON FARMS IN OKLAHOMA.

AND HE SAYS, VETERINARIAN SCHOOLS ARE ALSO TOUGHER TO GET INTO THAN EVER.

>> THAT RURAL KID MAY HAVE BEEN OUT THERE CUTTING WHEAT OR WORKING CATTLE, AND DIDN'T HAVE THE TIME OR TAKE THE TIME TO STUDY TO GET THAT 4.0 GPA.

THEY MAY ONLY HAVE A 3.7, AND THAT'S HOW COMPETITIVE THE PROCESS IS OF GETTING INTO VET SCHOOL.

>> OKLAHOMA VETERINARIAN SCHOOL GRADUATES ON AVERAGE START AUTO$200,000 IN SCHOOL DEBT.

THE VETERINARIAN JOBS LIKE IN OKLAHOMA CITY, TULSA, AND ENID PAY MORE THAN RURAL SPOTS.

>> COMPASSION FATIGUE IS ANOTHER THING, WE NEVER HEARD THOSE WORDS WHEN I WAS IN SCHOOL.

>> YOU POWERED THROUGH IT.

>> A LOT OF US DID.

A LOT OF CLASS MATES GOT DIVORCED AND ONE TOOK HIS OWN LIFE.

I BELIEVE WE WEREN'T GOOD SEPARATING OUR WORK LIFE FROMOIRE PERSONAL LIFE.

>> THE GOOD NEWS IS YOUNG VETERINARIANS ARE BETTER EQUIPPED TO HANDLE THAT.

THE SCHOOLS ARE GRADUATING MORE VETERINARIANS NOW THAN EVER.

BUT, HE SAYS IN OKLAHOMA, THERE ARE NOW A THIRD LESS RURAL VETERINARIANS THAN THERE WERE JUST 20 YEARS AGO.

>> IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE THE PEOPLE THERE TO RECOGNIZE FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASES TO HELP WITH FOOD SAFETY, LOTS, LOTS OF GOOD REASONS WHY WE NEED GOOD VETERINARIANS IN RURAL OKLAHOMA.

>> YOU HAVE SICK ANIMALS, YOU HAVE SICK PEOPLE.

>> EXACTLY.

>> HE'S BEEN A CATTLE RANCHER FOR 59 YEARS.

HE RELIES ON DR. HARTFIELD.

>> WE'RE ALWAYS BOMBARDED WITH EITHER WEATHER OR DISEASE OR GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS.

AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO HAVE ALL OF THOSE THINGS COMING AT YOU AT THE SAME TIME, AND NOT HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE FROM YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.

>> HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL THE STATE SAYS THEY'LL TRY TO DO A BETTER JOB.

>> THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT.

>> SHE WAS JUST A CHAMP FOR THAT.

HE DIDN'T SCREAM AT ALL.

SHE WAS SUPER BRAVE.

PERFECT.

SO, IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE SPAY HER AT 6 MONTHS.

>> HOLDENVILLE RENT PAMELA AND HER DAUGHTERS BROUGHT THEIR NEW PUP IN TO SEE DR. HARTFIELD FOR VACCINATIONS ON MONDAY.

>> PEOPLE LOVE THEIR ANIMALS.

AND KNOW -- WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO QUEEN BEE?

>> WE WOULD BE DEVASTATED.

YES.

>> BUT THAT'S WHY YOU CAME IN TO GET HER SHOTS.

>> EARLIER THIS WEEK THE FARM JOURNAL FOUNDATION IN WASHINGTON D.C. TOLD ME THEY'RE ABOUT TO SEND THEIR PRELIMINARY REPORT TO THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOOD AND FORESTRY.

RICH.

>>> MUSCLE LOSS IN THE ELDERLY CAN LEAD TO UNEXPECTED FALLS AND A DIMINISHED QUALITY OF LIFE.

IT'S MEDICAL NAME IS SARCOPENIA, AND A RESEARCHER AT THE OKLAHOMA MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION IN OKLAHOMA CITY HAS JUST RECEIVED A $1 MILLION GRANT SPREAD OUT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS TO STUDY WAYS TO DELAY THE LOSS OF MUSCLE.

DR. JORDAN FUQUA WILL ALSO SEEK TO DEVELOP TREATMENTS TO LESSEN THE ACCELERATED ATROPHY THAT OCCURS FOLLOWING PROLONGED BED REST.

THE GRANT WAS AWARDED BY THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.

>> SEAN BURRAGE IS EARNING ROLE AS CHANCELLOR OF THE OKLAHOMA SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

HE OVERSEES, AND ADVOCATES FOR 25 STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AND SINCE TAKING OVER ON DECEMBER 5, HE HAS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING.

THIS WEEK, EDUCATION REPORTER TAELYR JACKSON SAT DOWN WITH BURRAGE AND SHE JOINS US NOW WITH MORE ON THEIR ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATION.

TAELYR?

>> RICH, THE FORMER STATE SENATOR RETURNED TO THE STATE CAPITOL THIS WEEK TO PRESENT HIS FIRST BUDGET PROPOSAL TO LAWMAKERS, AND IT WILL INCLUDE A SIZEABLE INCREASE FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.

SEAN BURRAGE HAS BEEN ON THE JOB FOR JUST OVER A MONTH BUT HE'S NO STRANGER TO HIGHER EDUCATION.

BEFORE TAKING ON THE ROLE OF CHANCELLOR, HE SERVED AS VICE PRESIDENT OF EXECUTIVE AFFAIRS AND CHIEF OF STAFF AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA.

BEFORE THAT HE WAS THE PRESIDENT OF SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY.

WHEN I SAT DOWN WITH HIM THIS WEEK, I ASKED HIM HOW HIS PREVIOUS ROLES PREPARED HIM TO BE CHANCELLOR.

>> WELL, AS CHANCELLOR, I CONSIDER MYSELF SORT OF THE FACE OF HIGHER EDUCATION AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

I THINK THOSE ROLES THAT I'VE HAD IN THE PAST DO HELP PREPARE ME BECAUSE I'VE WORKED IN THE LEGISLATURE, I'VE BEEN A MEMBER, I'VE BEEN AT THE HELM OF A REGIONAL UNIVERSITY IN RURAL OKLAHOMA, THEN THE LAST FIVE YEARS AT ONE OF OUR STATE FLAG STATE FLAGSHIP.

SO I THINK THOSE ARE ARE GOOD PLACES TO BE FOR ME TO HAVE THE PERSPECTIVE OF NOT JUST ONE UNIVERSITY, BUT ALL UNIVERSITIES AND ALSO ALL DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE STATE.

NOW I LIVE IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

I WAS A STATE SENATOR IN NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

I WAS A COLLEGE PRESIDENT IN SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

SO I GUESS I JUST NEED TO LEAVE IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA.

I'LL HAVE IT ALL COVERED, BUT I, I HOPE THAT I CAN REPRESENT THE VIEWPOINTS OF ALL THOSE ACROSS THE STATE.

>> AND SPEAKING OF THE LEGISLATURE, I KNOW YOU ARE SEEKING A $95 MILLION BUDGET INCREASE FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO KIND OF ALLOCATE SOME OF THAT MONEY?

>> SO WE'VE ASKED ON OUR ANNUAL PREPARATION OF A 9.3% INCREASE, WHICH IS ABOUT $95 MILLION, AND ABOUT 40 TO $43 MILLION OF THAT WOULD BE, WOULD GO TO BASICALLY INCENTIVIZE UNIVERSITIES TO DO THINGS THAT MATTER THE MOST IS, FROM OUR PERSPECTIVE, WHICH IS, YOU KNOW, STEM FIELDS, NURSING, ENGINEERING, BASICALLY AREAS THAT WILL HELP DRIVE THE WORKFORCE NEEDS HERE IN OKLAHOMA.

THE OTHER HALF IT WOULD BE, YOU KNOW, BASICALLY ALLOCATED FOR, FOR THE PERFORMANCE THINGS WHERE THEY'VE PERFORMED WELL, IF THEY'RE DOING THINGS WE'VE ASKED THEM TO DO AND, YOU KNOW, HIGHER ENROLLMENTS.

>> CHANCELLOR, HOW DO YOU PLAN TO COLLABORATE WITH SOME OF THESE UNIVERSITIES TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR NEEDS ARE BEING MET?

>> WELL, WE, YOU KNOW, EVERY YEAR WE DO A NEED SURVEY.

SO WE GO OUT TO ALL THE COLLEGE, ALL 25 COLLEGE UNIVERSITIES, ASK THEM WHAT THEY NEED AND THAT'S WHERE, YOU KNOW, WHAT NEW PROGRAMS THEY NEED, WHAT RESOURCES THEY NEED, WHETHER IT BE FOR DEFERRED MAINTENANCE OR FOR NEW BUILDINGS.

AND THEN THEY, THEY, WE COLLECT ALL THOSE NEEDS SURVEYS AND THAT'S WHAT WE PUT TOGETHER AS WE, IF WE PREPARE THE BUDGET FOR ALL OF THE STATE REGIONS, BECAUSE ALL OF THAT MONEY THAT COMES FROM THE, THE STATE, STATE OF OKLAHOMA COMES TO US AND THEN WE ALLOCATE IT.

SO IT'S OUR JOB TO KIND OF COLLECT UP ALL THE NEEDS AND THEN MAKE THE PRESENTATION, WHICH I'M GONNA BE START DOING THIS, THIS WEEK AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

>> EARLIER YOU SPOKE ABOUT WORK READINESS AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT I KNOW GOVERNORS HAS BEEN VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT.

ABSOLUTELY.

WORK READINESS IN, IN OKLAHOMA EDUCATION.

SO FROM THAT HIGHER ED PERSPECTIVE, WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT YOU'RE KIND >> WELL, YOU KNOW, GOVERNOR'S JUST BEEN VERY CLEAR THAT, THAT HE WANTS HIGHER ED ALL OF EDUCATION TO MAKE SURE THAT OKLAHOMA HAS THE TOP WORKFORCE.

SO WHEN COMPANIES, CORPORATIONS ARE LOOKING TO LOCATE OR RELOCATE THEIR BUSINESSES, THAT OKLAHOMA NOT ONLY HAS THE BEST BUSINESS CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT, BUT WE ALSO ARE WORKFORCE READY.

WE HAVE PEOPLE READY TO FILL THOSE JOBS AND THAT MEANS TRAINING IN THINGS LIKE NURSING, ENGINEERING, OTHER STEM FIELDS.

AND SO WE WANT, WE WANT TO INCENTIVIZE THE COLLEGE UNIVERSITIES TO DO THAT AND WE'RE GONNA DO THAT.

>> I KNOW THE AGENCY RECENTLY RECEIVED A 34.7 MILLION GEAR UP GRANT.

CAN YOU KIND OF TALK TO US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THAT GRANT?

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE A PROGRAM LIKE THAT HERE IN THE STATE?

>> WELL, YOU KNOW, OKLAHOMA IS, COMPARED TO OTHER STATES, YOU SEE THAT WE, WE HAVE HIGH POVERTY RATES.

WE HAVE A STATE WHERE 28% OF THE, OF OUR POPULATION HAS A, HAS AN BACHELOR'S DEGREE WHERE NATIONWIDE, THAT'S 36%.

SO WE HAVE A LOT OF FAMILIES, I SHOULD SAY, THAT EITHER ARE LOW, LOW ON THE INCOME SCALE OR DON'T HAVE AS MANY PEOPLE THAT HAVE GONE TO COLLEGE IN THEIR FAMILIES.

SO THESE GEAR UP GRANTS GET IN, GET TO THESE STUDENTS YOUNG AND GET THEM READY FOR COLLEGE TO LET THEM KNOW THAT NOT ONLY CAN THEY GO TO COLLEGE, BUT THEY SHOULD GO TO COLLEGE BECAUSE THEIR EARNING CAPACITY IS SO MUCH HIGHER.

WE KNOW IN OKLAHOMA THAT IF YOU HAVE A A, A HIGH SCHOOL DEGREE VERSUS A BACHELOR'S DEGREE, YOU'RE GONNA MAKE $20,000 MORE PER YEAR.

OKAY.

THAT'S A LOT OF MONEY.

WE KNOW THAT IF YOU HAVE A, AN OKLAHOMA, IF YOU HAVE A HIGH SCHOOL DEGREE VERSUS A GRADUATE DEGREE, IT'S SOMETHING LIKE $33,000 MORE YOU'RE GONNA MAKE ON AVERAGE.

SO LETTING THOSE STUDENTS KNOW EARLY, EARLY ON THAT HIGHER EDUCATION IS AN OPTION FOR THEM.

>> ACCORDING TO A 2023 EMPLOYMENT OUTCOME REPORT FROM THE AGENCY, 75% OF GRADUATES REMAIN IN THE STATE AFTER GRADUATION.

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT CAN BE DONE TO EITHER INCREASE OR MAINTAIN THAT LEVEL OF, OF STUDENTS GETTING IN THE WORKFORCE HERE?

>> IT'S OBVIOUS IF WE CAN GET 'EM INTO AN OKLAHOMA COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY AND GRADUATE, THEN WE HAVE A GREAT, A REALLY GOOD CHANCE OF KEEPING THEM.

AND SO THAT'S WHERE IT BECOMES EVEN MORE IMPORTANT TO RECRUIT OUTTA STATE STUDENTS.

PEOPLE SAY, WELL, WHY DO, WHY DO WE WANT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY TO HAVE OUTTA STATE STUDENTS?

BECAUSE WE'RE IMPORTING A WORKFORCE.

SO IF WE CAN GET THOSE STUDENTS TO >> WELL CHANCELLOR, I WANT TO THANK YOU SO MUCH AGAIN FOR SITTING DOWN WITH US THIS AFTERNOON.

>> THANK YOU.

>> CHANCELLOR BURRAGE SAYS WORKING WITH THE NINE REGENTS IS AN HONOR OF A LIFETIME.

RICH.

>>> OKLAHOMA'S ECONOMIC OUTPUT IS GROWING, AND ONCE AGAIN, ITS LARGELY DUE TO THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY.

THAT STORY TOPS THIS WEEK'S STATE-WIDE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW, WITH JASON DOYLE.

>> IBIS WORLD'S ANNUAL LOOK AT HOW STATE ECONOMIES PERFORM FOUND THAT OKLAHOMA'S STATE GROSS PRODUCT GREW BY SEVEN TENTHS OF A PERCENT OVER THE PAST FIVE YEAR SPAN.

STATE GROSS PRODUCT IS THE TOTAL OF ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES CREATED AND SOLD.

THAT PUTS OKLAHOMA 43RD IN THE NATION FOR STATE GROSS PRODUCT GROWTH.

IN 2024, OKLAHOMA GENERATED A GROSS STATE PRODUCT WORTH $206.8 BILLION.

THE TOP THREE REVENUE GENERATING BUSINESSES IN OKLAHOMA ARE ALL RELATED TO THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY AND MAKES UP MORE THAN HALF OF STATE PRODUCT REVENUE.

FRESH OFF THE 2024 ACQUISITION OF MEDALLION MIDSTREAM, TULSA BASED ONEOK HAS NAMED TWO NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICERS FROM THE MEDALLION TEAM.

RANDY LENTZ IS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND FOUNDER OF MEDALLION.

HE'LL NOW SERVE AS ONEOK'S EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER.

SHERIDAN SWORDS WILL TAKE ON THE ROLE OF EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER OVERSEEING THE COMPANY'S NATURAL GAS PIPELINES SEGMENT.

HE WAS MEDALLION'S EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OVER COMMERCIAL LIQUIDS AND NATURAL GAS GATHERING AND PROCESSING.

BOTH BEGIN THEIR NEW ROLES IMMEDIATELY.

IF YOU OWN RILEY PERMIAN STOCK, YOU ARE ABOUT TO SEE SOME CASH COME YOUR WAY.

THAT'S BECAUSE THE OKLAHOMA CITY COMPANY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DECLARED A QUARTERLY DIVIDEND OF 38 CENTS A SHARE.

INVESTORS MUST HAVE THE STOCK IN THEIR PORTFOLIO BY THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON JANUARY 23 TO RECEIVE THE DIVIDEND PAYOUT ON FEBRUARY 6.

JASON DOYLE THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>>> BOTH GOVERNOR STITT AND ATTORNEY GENERAL GENTNER DRUMMOND HAVE SIGNALED THEIR SUPPORT FOR A TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLAN TO DEPORT IMMIGRANTS WHO HAVE ENTERED THIS COUNTRY ILLEGALLY.

OF COURSE, MANY OKLAHOMANS THINK MASS DEPORTATIONS ARE A BAD IDEA.

THIS WEEK, WE OFFER YOU BOTH PERSPECTIVES.

IN THIS "IN DEPTH" DISCUSSION WITH MODERATOR CASSIDY MUDD AND HER PANEL OF GUESTS.

CASSIDY?

BIGGEST PROMISES IN HIS TIME OF OFFICE, IMMIGRATION CONTROL.

ATTORNEY GENERAL DRUMMOND AND TIPTON -- THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR JOINING US.

>> ATTORNEY GENERAL, GOV HAS EXPRESSED INTENTION FOR OKLAHOMA READY FOR DAY ONE TO SUPPORT MASS DEPORTATIONS OF UNDOCUMENTED IMGRANTS.

TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO HAVE COMMITTED CRIMES IN OKLAHOMA WHILE IN THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY.

HOW IS YOUR OFFICE PREPARING?

>> WE'LL FOLLOW THE LEAD, SO POLICY AND PROCEDURE IS NOT LAID OUT TO ANYONE.

IT'S A SIMPLY CONCEPT.

-- SIMPLE CONCEPT.

WE HAVE FEDERAL LAWS NOT ENFORCED IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, READY TO ENFORCE THE FEDERAL LAWS.

>> AND WHERE ARE WE AT WITH THE PROCESS?

WE'RE WAITING ON THE COURT STILL?

>> WE'RE IN THE PROCESS OF LITIGATING THE ISSUE.

>> WHERE DO WE GO FROM THAT?

>> I'M HAPPY TO VISIT WITH YOU ABOUT THAT LAW.

THE INTENT OF THE LAW IS NOT TO TARGET ANYONE.

IT'S TO TAKE -- GIVE US A MECHANISM WHICH WE CAN DETAIN AND DEPORT THOSE WHO ARE IN THE STATE ILLEGALLY AND COMMITTING A CRIME.

THAT'S THE OBJECTIVE.

AND THAT'S CONSISTENT WITH FEDERAL LAW.

>> WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FORESEE FOR OKLAHOMA IN IMPLEMENTING A LARGE SCALE OF MASS DEPORTATIONS?

>> YES, SO WE'RE PREPARING FOR THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AS WELL TO COME IN, WE'RE EDUCATING THE CLIENTS ON BEING PREPARED FOR THAT.

THE LEGAL CONSEQUENCES OF A MASS DEPORTATION WOULD BE CHALLENGING.

MANY UNDOCUMENTED INDIVIDUALS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO GO THROUGH THE IMMIGRATION JUDGES AND THE PROCESS WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY DEPORTED IF THEY'RE HERE FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS.

AND THE LOGISTICS OF THE MASS DEPORTATION IS SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFICULT BECAUSE OF THE RESOURCES THAT THE ICE OFFICERS HAVE.

THERE'S A LIMITED NUMBER OF OFFICERS THAT ARE ALREADY OVERWORKED.

IT WOULD BE A DIFFICULT CHALLENGE TO IMPLEMENT MASS DEPORTATIONS IN OKLAHOMA OR ACROSS THE U.S. >> HOW IS OKLAHOMA WORKING WITH ICE?

>> CERTAINLY, LET'S BREAK THIS DOWN.

IF SFs8<EONE IS CONVICTED OF A CRIME IN OKLAHOMA AND IN THE PENAL SYSTEM, IT'S MY INTENTION THAT PERSON SERVE THEIR TIME.

IT'S NOT COMMIT A HOMICIDE AND GET OUT OF JAIL FREE AND GO BACK TO YOUR OWN COUNTRY.

THOSE WHO HAVE COMMITTED A CRIME, NEED TO SERVE.

THOSE WHO HAVE NOT COMMITTED A CRIME HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR.

THOSE IN THE PROCESS OF COMMITTING A CRIME WILL BE DETAINED.

IN THE PAST ADMINISTRATION, THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IS CATCH AND RELEASE.

WE WOULD GO IN AND DETAIN SOMEONE, AND CALL ICE, GIVE HIM A CARD AND SHOW UP IN TWO MONTHS.

AND WE WOULD SEE THE SAME GUY LATER.

>> WHAT'S YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THAT?

>> THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE BEEN RELEASED AND LATER CHECK IN WITH IMMIGRATION OR COURT.

A LOT OF REASONS THAT ALLOW PEOPLE TO COME IN IS THE PEOPLE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN OR THEY'RE NOT A THREAT TO THE COMMUNITY.

SO IT SAVES RESOURCES BY NOT HAVING THEM DETAINED SO THEY CAN GO WITH FAMILY MEMBERS OR GO IN THE COMMUNITY AND IT WOULD NOT FILL UP THE JAIL SYSTEMS AND THE DETENTION CENTERS.

IT DOES SAVE RESOURCES BY ALLOWING SOME PEOPLE TO GO BE RELEASED.

>> AND AFTER THIS PROCESS IS OVER FOR THE OPERATION GUARDIAN FOR REMOVING PEOPLE UNDOCUMENTED AND REMOVING CRIME OUT OF THE JAIL, WHAT WOULD COME NEXT?

>> I THINK THAT'S A HEAVY LIFT.

WE HAVE A -- I CAN GIVE YOU A REAL EXAMPLE.

WHEN I TOOK OFFICE, JUST OVER 12,000 MARIJUANA GROWTH FACILITIES IN THE STATE.

NOW WE HAVE JUST OVER 3,008.

WE WOULD GO IN AND FOR THE MOST PART, THE ILLEGAL GROWTH FACILITIES ARE POPULATED BY THE CHINESE OR THE CARTEL BY MEXICO.

WE WOULD COME IN, BUST THE CARTEL, ARREST THE LEADERS BUT THE WORKERS ADVANCING THE CRIMINAL ACTIVITY, ARE NOT COMMITTING A CRIME, THEY'RE JUST WORKERS.

WE WOULD TAKE THEIR IDENTIFICATION, AND INFORM ICE, AND HEY, WE LET THEM GO.

UNDER THIS NEW ADMINISTRATION, WE WON'T BE LETTING THEM GO.

WE'LL DETAIN THEM, THEY'RE INVOLVED IN THE COMMISSION OF A CRIME, AND WE'LL LET ICE TAKE THEM FROM US AND DEPORT THEM.

>> YOU'RE CONFIDENT OF THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THERE'S NO CHANGE OF LAW.

THAT'S THE ODDITY.

WE HAVE HAD THESE ON THE BOOKS.

I TESTIFIED, WE DON'T NEED A NEW LAW, WE JUST NEED TO ENFORCE THE LAW.

>> WHAT IMPACTS YOU THINK THE DEPORTATIONS WILL HAVE ON FAMILIES WITH THE MIX IMMIGRATION STATUS?

>> I THINK IT WOULD BE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON FAMILIES.

MANY FAMILIES HAVE ONE PERSON THAT MAY BE BE UNDOCUMENTED IN THE FAMILIES, IT WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT THE FINANCIAL TIEBLT TAKE CARE OF THEIR -- ABILITY TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR FAMILIES, TO GET CHILDREN TO SHOOL, HOUSING -- SCHOOL, HOUSING, AND INFLICT FEAR ON THE FAMILY.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE AFRAID RIGHT NOW.

MANY OF THEM, MAY NOT WANT -- BE AFRAID TO SEND KIDS TO SCHOOL, N GET HEALTH CARE OR REPORT A CRIME THEY'RE AT FEAR THEY MAY BE APPREHENDED THEMSELVES.

THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN HEARING.

>> ATTORNEY GENERAL, HOW CAN WE ADDRESS THE FEARS AND CONCERNS?

>> WE ARE A NATION THAT OPERATES BY A RULE OF LAW.

AND WE'RE A STATE THAT OPERATES BY THE RULE OF LAW.

THOSE COMING TO ITS UNITED STATES ILLEGALLY, KNEW THEY WERE ILLEGAL WHEN THEY COME IN.

IT'S NOT A SHOCK OR SURPRISE.

BUT THE ANXIETY OF THE LISTENERS, IF YOU'RE NOT COMMITTING A CRIME YOU'RE NOT ON MY LIST.

IF YOU COMMIT A CRIME YOU'RE ON MY LIST.

WE DON'T -- IF YOU'RE COMMITTING A CRIME AND HERE UNDOCUMENTED YOU'LL BE DETAINED AND DEPORTED.

>> ARE THERE SAFEGUARDS, TO MAKE SURE THEY'RE NOT MISTAKENLY TARGETED.

>> DON'T COMMIT A CRIME.

AND LITERALLY, IF ANY LISTENER EXPERIENCES RACIAL PROFILES, THEY NEED TO REPORT THAT.

AND THEY NEED TO CONTACT MELISSA AND GO THROUGH THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS.

>> TELL US OF THE PROCESS AND WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE?

>> THERE'S MANY WAYS THEY CAN GET LEGAL, JUST A LOT OF TIMES THEY DON'T KNOW.

SPEAK TO AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY, THERE MAY BE LAWS FROM THE PAST ON THE BOOKS THEY COULD IMMIGRATE FROM A PAST LAW OR PROTECTION AND IS SEEK TEMPORARY STATUS OR LEGAL STEPS THEY MAY NOT REALIZE THAT'S AVAILABLE.

THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE THAT JUST DON'T KNOW.

IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR THEM TO GET EDUCATED.

>> DO YOU BELIEVE THE LEGAL PATH WAYS AND THE PROCESS TO BECOME DOCUMENTED DO YOU THINK IT'S A GOOD PROCESS OR IT NEEDS WORK?

>> I DO THINK WE NEED IMMIGRATION REFORM.

BUT THERE'S LAWS ON THE BOOKS, IF THEY SEEK IT OUT, THERE MAY BE BE WAYS TO GET LEGAL NOW.

>> AND ATTORNEY GENERAL, YOU MENTIONED EARLIER THE THINGS FROM THE MARIJUANA INDUSTRY, BUT MANY CONCERNS OF PEOPLE WHO AGREE WITH THE PLAN AND WANT TO BE MORE, WITH CONCERNS OVER PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIME -- >> RIGHT, SO WE HAVE THE EXAMPLE OF LINCOLN RILEY.

THE YOUNG NURSING STUDENT.

THE INDIVIDUAL WHO MURDERED HER WAS IN THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY, AND IF THE LAWS WERE APPLIED HE WOULD HAVE BEEN DETAINED AND DEPORTED.

BUT A CATCH AND RELEASE, AND HE CAME BACK AND COMMITTED A HEINOUS CRIME.

I'M GLAD THEY PASSED THE LINCOLN RILEY ACT.

IF IT PASSES THERE, IT'LL GIVE US A MECHANISM TO DETAIN UNTIL THE DEPORTATION.

>> AND ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE CRITICS -- HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND?

>> I'M IN THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY AS A RANCHER.

AND FLS MANY OF THE -- THERE'S MANY OF THE HISPANIC DECENT.

I DON'T KNOW IF YOU COULD BACK UP THE ALLEGATION OF HARM, AND WE HAVE A LOT OF IMIMMIGRANTS THAT ARE HERE LEGALLY, AND THEY WORK HARD.

>> SOME ARGUE THAT UNTOUMENTED FWRINTS.

>> A LOT OF IMMIGRANTS CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITIES AND THE SCHOOLS AND WORK.

AND THEY PAY SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES, AND THEY ALSO DO A LOT OF THINGS FOR THE COMMUNITY.

AND THEY TAKE THEIR KIDS TO SCHOOL, AND WORK IN THE HEALTH CARE AND THEY WORK IN THE AGRICULTURE AND THEY DO A LOT OF JOBS THAT HELP OUR ECONOMY.

>> ATTORNEY GENERAL, YOU TALKED ABOUT THIS A BIT, DO YOU BELIEVE THERE'S LONG TERM BENEFITS MORE MASS DEPORTATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC SAFETY?

>> BENEFITS, I THINK CERTAINLY ON THE PUBLIC SAFETY SIDE.

WE HAVE INDIVIDUALS IN THE -- WE HAVE TO HAVE A MECHANISM THAT WHICH WE SCREEN PEOPLE COMING IN THE COUNTRY.

AND ONE FAMILY MEMBER IS NOT DOCUMENTED, THAT'S DIFFERENT THAN WHAT I'M FOCUSSED ON.

I'M FOCUSSED ON PUBLIC SAFETY.

WE HAVE A POROUS BORDER FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS.

BAD PEOPLE HAVE CROSSED IN THE STATE, AND I'VE BEEN PART OF THE ARREST AND DETENTION AND PROSECUTION OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

>> IT'S GOTTEN BETTER SINCE YOU'VE BEEN HERE.

>> WE HAVE HAD GREAT SUCCESS, BUT WE HAVE YEARS AND YEARS TO GO.

>> TELL US A BIT ABOUT OPERATION GUARDIAN.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> THAT'S THE GOVERNOR'S PROGRAM.

I THINK IT'S HALF BAKED.

I DON'T THINK HE'S THOUGHT IT THROUGH.

AS I UNDERSTAND HIS PROGRAM, HE WOULD TAKE -- WE WOULD HAVE ALMOST 40,000 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN THE PENAL SYSTEM AND HE WOULD SAY, SEND THEM HOME.

I THINK THAT WOULD ENCOURAGE CRIME.

IF I WERE HERE ILLEGALLY AND COMMIT MURDER AND KNOW THE GOVERNOR WILL SEND ME HOME, WHY NOT COMMIT MURDER.

I WOULD ENCOURAGE THE GOV TO THINK THROUGH THE NEWS FEED HE'S LOOKED FOR.

>> ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEPORTATION TO TRIGGER CONCERNS -- >> YES, I DO.

I THINK THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE COMING THROUGH THE SOUTHERN BORDER THAT ARE -- SEEKING SAFETY AND ASYLUM FROM THEIR COUNTRY.

WE HAVE TO BALANCE THOSE ELIGIBLE FOR ASYLUM WITH THOSE WHO ARE NOT.

WE DO NEED TO SECURE THE BORDER WHILE ALSO MAINTAINING THE DID I GO TO OF THOSE SEEKING HELP.

>> WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THE PEOPLE?

>> I WOULD SAY THEY NEED TO FOLLOW THE LAW AND IF THEY NEED TO SEEK HELP, GO THROUGH THE PROCESS TO LEGITIMATELY APPLY FOR ASYLUM IN THEIR COUNTRY.

AND APPLY FOR BENEFITS.

GO BEFORE THE IMMIGRATION JUDGE OR SERVICES TO SEE IF THEY'RE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROTECTIONS.

>> AND REALLY QUICKLY, CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF SEEKING ASYLUM LOOKS LIKE.

>> YES, YOU HAVE TO SHOW THAT YOU WOULD HAVE A WELL FOUNDED FEAR OF PERSECUTION IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY.

THE IMMIGRATION REQUIRES THAT TO SEEK ASYLUM YOU FILE WITHIN ONE YEAR OF ENTRY IN THE COUNTRY.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED IN THE COUNTRY IN ORDER TO GET AN ATTORNEY OR GET THE TIME TO GET THE APPLICATION TOGETHER SO THEY CAN PREPARE TO GET THE DOCUMENTATION TO THE IMMIGRATION BEFORE THE ONE YEAR MARK.

IF THEY GET THE APPLICATION IN BEFORE THE ONE YEAR MARK, THEY WOULD EITHER GO BEFORE THE U.S.

CITIZENSHIP OR IN COURT.

>> ATTORNEY GENERAL, A BIT BACK TO THE DISABLING OF THE PLANS, HOW TO WORK WITH THE LOCAL, COUNTY AND STATE OFFICIALS.

>> I THINK ACROSS THE -- I'M ACROSS THE STATE EVERY WEEK TALKING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT.

I HAVE OBSERVED A GREAT DEGREE OF FRUSTRATION WITH THE UNWILLINGNESS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PARTNER WITH, AND I THINK ON JANUARY 20, THAT CHANGES.

WE HAVE A PRESIDENT WHO UNDERSTANDS THE LAW, AND WANTS TO ENFORCE THE LAW, AND THAT'LL TRICKLE DOWN TO THE COOPERATIVENESS OF THE STATE, COUNTY AND CITY, AND WILL RESULT IN REDUCTION OF CRIME AND GREATER ENHANCED PUBLIC SAFETY.

>> I HAVE HEARD THIS IS SOMETHING -- I HEARD THERE'S CONCERNS FROM POLICE OFFICERS OF WHAT THIS NEW ADMINISTRATION MIGHT LOOK LIKE.

WILL IT REQUIRE MORE TRAINING?

>> I DON'T THINK SO.

I THINK WE'RE A NATION OF LAWS.

IF YOU BREAK THE LAW, WE ENFORCE THE LAW.

AND NOW WE'LL HAVE A FEDERAL PARTNER TO ASSIST US IN THE DEPORTATION OF THOSE COMMITTING THE CRIMES.

ALL OF THOSE SEEKING ASYLUM AND DOING THE PROPER PROTOCOL THROUGH MELISSA, I TIP MY HAT.

WE'RE ALL IMMIGRANTS IN THIS NATION BUT FOR THE NATIVE AMERICAN FRIENDS.

WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS.

AND I WELCOME THOSE WHO DO IT LEGALLY AND THOSE HERE LEGALLY, I'M HAPPY TOP FIND YOU -- ILLEGALLY, I AM HAPPY TO FIND YOU AND DEPORT YOU.

>> WELL WHAT WE DO WHEN PEOPLE COME IN THE OFFICE, WE DO WORK WITH ICE OFFICIALS IF THEY'VE BEEN APPREHENDED BY ICE.

WE ALLOW THEM TO GET THE APPLICATIONS FROM THE IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, WE ASSIST THEM WITH THE COURT PAPER zH<ÑW WE PROVIDE -- AND ALSO BEFORE THE UCIS.

WE DO ASSIST THEM IN WORKING WITH THEM.

AND A LOT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE HAS WORKED WITH THE LAWYERS AND INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE WITH THE BENEFITS.

>> ALL RIGHT, WE'RE ABOUT OUT OF TIME.

ATTORNEY GENERAL, ANY FINAL THOUGHTS?

>> NO, I APPRECIATE THE TIME.

I WANT TO VIEWERS TO NOT HAVE ANXIETY.

IF YOU'RE NOT BREAKING THE LAW YOU'RE GOOD.

>> I WOULD LIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE UNDOCUMENTED TO SEEK HELP, PROTECT THEMSELVES AND GET ASSISTANCE FROM A LAWYER OR SOMEONE TO LET THEM KNOW THEY'RE RIGHTS AS AN IMMIGRANT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR JOINING US.

>> MY PLEASURE.

>> THAT WAS A GREAT CONVERSATION.

THANK YOU.

>>> OUR NATIONAL VIEW SEGMENT TAKES US TO SOUTH DAKOTA THIS WEEK, FOR A GOOD OLD-FASHIONED LOVE STORY.

ED AND MAGGIE JERDE MET IN THE FIRST GRADE, LOST TRACK OF ONE ANOTHER AND THEN REUNITED AT A REUNION.

CAN'T MAKE IT UP!

A FEEL GOOD STORY COURTESY OF OUR P.B.S.

FRIENDS AT SOUTH DAKOTA PUBLIC BROADCASTING.

>> FIRST GRADE.

>> REMEMBERS OUR MEETING MORE THAN I DO.

IT WAS BACK IN FIRST GRADE.

>> HE HELPED ME TAKE MY RAIN BOOTS OFF.

>> THE TWO STAR CROSSED LOVERS WOULD GO TO HIGH SCHOOL.

>> I WAS ALREADY SIGNED UP TO GO TO ST. JOHN'S SCHOOL OF NURSING IN HERON, I DECIDED THAT WAS NOT MY CAREER CHOICE.

SO I QUIT AND JOINED THE ARMY.

AND WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT I SCORED HIGH ON THE LANGUAGE TEST THAT THEY GIVE YOU.

AMONGST THE OTHER BEVY OF TESTS, AND I HAD A CHOICE OF MANDARIN, KOREAN OR RUSSIAN.

AND I CHOSE RUSSIAN, AND STATIONED IN WEST BERLIN FOR FIVE YEARS DURING THE COLD WAR.

AND THEN BOUNCED AROUND THE WORLD, COLORADO SPRINGS, SAN FRANCISCO, AND ANKLE RIDGE, AND ENDED UP 22 YEARS IN PHOENIX.

>> THAT'S WHEN SHE GOT IN TOUCH WITH HER HISTORY.

>> I HAD BEEN HAVING MEMORIES OF A GENTLEMAN WHO LIVED ACROSS THE STREET STREET FROM ME, AND DIDN'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT HIM.

AND WANTED TO KNOW MORE.

I ASKED A FRIEND HOW TO FIND OUT ABOUT THIS GUY NAMED JOHN.

AND SHE SAID, ASK THE TOWN HISTORIAN.

AND WHO'S THAT?

>> AND SHE SAID ED.

>> AFTER THAT MEETING, CHEMISTRY IS BACK AGAIN 41 YEARS LATER.

>> I ALWAYS LIKED HER, AND REMEMBERED HER FROM SCHOOL PRETTY WELL, AND SHE STOPPED IN THE OFFICE, SO SHE HAD A BIT OF A PLACE IN MY HEART.

>> HE SAID, HEY, YOU WANT TO GO OUT TO THE LAKE?

SURE.

BUT I WOULD RATHER GO TO THE CEMETERY.

AND OUR FIRST DATE, SINCE WE RECONNECTED WAS WALKING THE CEMETERY.

AND HE WAS TALKING ABOUT THE TOWN HISTORY.Cu6 >> AFTER A COUPLE YEARS APART, THEY MARRIED AND CONTINUED TO WALK AND DRIVE AROUND TOWN, CELEBRATING THEIR LOVE OF HISTORY AND EACH OTHER.

>> I HOPE THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID.

>>> ON THE NEXT EDITION OF THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT".

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PLANS TO COUNT THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WHY?

AND WILL THAT BE APPROVED BY GOVERNOR STITT.

EDUCATION REPORTER, TAEYLER JACKSON REPORTS, NEXT FRIDAY AT 7!

WE'LL SAY SO LONG WITH A TOUR INSIDE FACTORY OBSCURA IN OKLAHOMA CITY, COURTESY OF O.E.T.A.

'S PRODUCTION TEAM.

REMEMBER YOU CAN ACCESS ADDITIONAL NEWS CONTENT BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE, OETA.TV.

YOU CAN ALSO FIND US ON INSTAGRAM AND "X" BY SEARCHING OETA.

O.N.R.

AND ON FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE, JUST SEARCH, "THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT".

FOR ALL OF US WHO PLAY A ROLE IN PUTTING THIS NEWSCAST ON THE AIR EACH WEEK-- I'M RICH LENZ, HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

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