>>> HELLO EVERYONE, AND WELCOME TO THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNOUNCES THIS WEEK, THE OFFICE WILL WORK TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF THE POTENTIAL WRONG DOING.

THE CONTROVERSY LED TO THE RESIGNATION OF WINCHESTER, WHO'S BEEN REPLACED BY A FAMILIAR FACE IN GOVERNMENT.

WE HAVE MORE ON THAT.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THE DIRECTOR HAS TAKEN THE REINS AT A TIME THAT TOURISM IS BRINGING IN RECORD REVENUE.

AND THE TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE GUARDED FROM MISUSE.

>> THE OKLAHOMA TOURISM AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT HAS GONE THROUGH CHANGES SINCE THE SCANDALS LAST YEAR.

SHE'S THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF THE OKLAHOMA EMPLOYMENT COMMISSION, THAT HELPED THE AGENCY HANDLE THE UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS AT THE START OF THE PANDEMIC.

SHE'S ALREADY RECEIVING PRAISE ON THREE MONTHS ON THE JOB.

>> I HAVE SEEN PROGRESS, SHE'S DOING A GREAT JOB.

SHE DID A GREAT JOB AT OAC.

FOR HER TO SAY YOU CAN WE HAVE ISSUES.

IT'S LIKE ANYTHING ELSE, IDENTIFY AND BE HONEST, WE HAVE THINGS TO TAKE CARE OF.

>> SENATOR THOMPSON FEELS THE TOURISM DEPARTMENT IS GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AGAIN, BUT WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CHANGES OF HOW THE AGENCY IS MANAGED.

>> I DO BELIEVE TO PUT THE COMMISSION BACK IN PLACE, THE TOURISM.

THE LEGISLATURE NEED OVERSIGHT, WE NEED A COMMISSION TO HELP US WITH THAT.

THERE'S NO DOUBT, THERE'S MISSPENDING ON MONEY, AND PART OF THE RESPONSIBILITY WILL GO TO THOSE WITH MISSPENT MONEY OR AUTHORIZED IT.

A LOT OF THE RESPONSIBILITY COMES BACK TO THE LEGISLATURE TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE A STRUCTURE IN PLACE.

IF PASSED, THE SENATE BILL 3 GIVES THE COMMISSION MORE THAN AN ADVISORY BOARD.

>> THEY NEED TO BE MORE THAN ADVISORY.

MY PUSH THE COMMISSION BACK IN PLACE AS A DECISION MAKING BOARD.

THE MEMBERS ARE STILL APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE.

>> REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAMS IS LOOKING TO MAKE CHANGES TOO.

HE'S PREPARING THE STATE CONTRACTS ARE REVIEWED BY THE AGENCY.

>> MY GOAL IS TO TAKE IT BACK TO MAKE IT AN INDIVIDUAL AGENCY, THE CONTRACTS FOR THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

IT NEEDS TO HAVE OVERSIGHT, NEED TO BE REVIEWED, NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

RIGHT NOW IF YOU TALK TO THE DIRECTOR, HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON THERE.

THAT'S NOT HIS MAJOR COMMITMENT.

>> WILLIAMS ALSO WANTS TO DO AWAY WITH THE EXCEPTIONS THAT ALLOW THE CONTRACT TO GO THROUGH ALTERNATIVE PROCESS INSTEAD OF THE STANDARD CONTRACT BIDDING PROCESS.

>> MY BILL IS TO LIMIT THE EXEMPTIONS.

IF WE HAD NOT HAD AN EXEMPTION FOR TOURISM, WE WOULDN'T BE IN THIS PLACE RIGHT NOW.

TO GO THROUGH THE NORMAL PROCESS WE WOULD COME UP I THINK A REASONABLE AGREEMENT THAT WORKS.

>> OF COURSE, THE BIG FOCUS IS ON WHAT ENTITY WILL REPLACE, THE RESTAURANT OPERATOR IN SIX STATE PARKS.

THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE WORKING ON WITH HER STAFF IN SOUTHEAST OKLAHOMA.

>> I HADN'T BEEN TO BROKEN BOW AND THE LODGE HERE IN ABOUT PROBABLY FIVE YEARS.

SO WE COME DOWN HERE AS A TEAM TO WORK ON THE PLANNING FOR THE YEAR.

>> THE DEPARTMENT STARTED THE PROCESS BY INVITING POTENTIAL VENDERS TO THE PARK.

>> WE REALIZED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS, AND IT'S DIFFERENT THAN A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY THE PRIVATE BUSINESSES ARE USED TO.

>> THEY'LL KEEP THE INFORMATION GATHERING PERIOD OPEN UNTIL FEBRUARY 10.

THE DEPARTMENT WILL REQUEST THE PROPOSALS.

>> WE'RE INTERESTED IN HEARING FROM THE COMMUNITY.

ESPECIALLY THE SMALLER COMMUNITIES, TO GET SOMETHING BACK IN THERE, IT WAS A REAL MEETING POINT.

HOW CAN WE MAKE SURE WE'RE HONORING THAT AND GET A SOLUTION OR A CONCEPT THAT'S RIGHT FOR THE COMMUNITY AND NOT NECESSARILY WHAT WE DO EVERYWHERE.

>> GIVING THE NEW DIRECTOR AND THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AN OPPORTUNITY TO STOP AND THINK, WHAT DO WE WANT THE RESTAURANTS TO LOOK LIKE ACROSS THE STATE.

BEAVER'S DEN IS DIFFERENT THAN ROBERT'S CAVE.

>> THE SECRETARY OF TOURISM, WILDLIFE AND HERITAGE IS CONFIDENT.

>> I'M OPTIMISTIC THAT WE'LL HAVE A NEW VENDOR IN THOSE RESTAURANTS.

WE HAVE FOOD TRUCK OPERATIONS GRAB AND GO OPERATIONS THAT MANY OF THE STATE PARKS TODAY BECAUSE THEY'RE SO POPULAR AND OUR STATE PARKS ARE FULL TODAY.

>> A RECORD ECONOMIC IMPACT OF $10 BILLION IN 2021.

>> IT'S A HUGE DRIVER IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

THE TOURISM IS THE FRONT DOOR TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

>> THEY'RE ENCOURAGING OKLAHOMAENS TO DENVER WHAT THE STATE PARKS HAVE TO OFFER.

IN FACT, A TRIP TO GRAND LAKE.

>> THE OTHER THING THAT'S EXCITING TO ME, IS WE HAVE INTERESTING CURIOSITIES IN THE PARK.

THERE'S THE TWO RACCOONS THAT WE HAVE IN GRAND RIVER, EXCUSE ME, GRAND LAKE.

I STARTED PULLING UP GHOST RACCOONS, THEY'RE WHITE, THEY'RE AMAZING.

WE NEED TO GET THESE GUYS ON SOMETHING, THEY'RE AMAZING.

>> WE HAVE BEAUTIFUL PARKS, OKLAHOMA IS A GREAT STATE TO VISIT.

WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO BE A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT.

>> THE POSSIBLE LEGISLATIVE CHANGES THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM WILL BE CONSIDERED.

>> MORE THAN 3,000 BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS HAVE BEEN FILED FOR THE SESSION.

THAT BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 6, ONLY A FWRAKS OF THE -- FRACTION OF THE BILLS WILL BECOME LAW.

>> LET'S START IN THE SENATE, WHERE A TOTAL OF -- BILLS AND 18 SENATE JOINTLY RESOLUTIONS ARE FILED.

>> THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION, WHAT'S NOT THERE?

SENATE PRESIDENT PROTIM DIDN'T FILE A SCHOOL CHOICE OR VOUCHER BILL LIKE SOME EXPECTED HE WOULD.

HE HAD THE ONE IN THE 2022 SESSION.

BUT THERE WERE TWO SCHOOL CHOICE MEASURES FILED.

THAT WOULD ALLOW PARENTS TO USE A PORTION OF THE STATE EDUCATION DOLLARS TO PAY FOR OTHER EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.

AND SENATE BILL 943 WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE STATE FUNDS TO BE USED FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION AND EXPENSES IN COUNTIES OF POPULATIONS MORE THAN 4,000, AND IN THE SMALLER COUNTIES.

>> AS WE EXPECTED, THE VOUCHER AND SCHOOL CHOICE IS A BIG PART OF THE SESSION.

HOW ABOUT THE HOUSE NUMBERS.

>> BUT THAT'S ALL IT SAYS.

IT DOESN'T HAVE LANGUAGE THAT SAYS WHETHER IT'S INCREASING OR DECREASING THE INCOME TAXES OR THE STANDARD DEDUCTION OR ANYTHING ELSE.

IN THE END IT'S RARE THAT A BILL FILED AS A SHELL AND GETS LANGUAGE PUT IN IT, EVER MAKES IT TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

>> AND ALSO IN THE HOUSE THIS WEEK, BUDGET REQUEST HEARINGS FOR THE MAJOR AGENCIES, WHO WANT WHAT?

>> SOME ARE REQUESTING NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS.

THOSE REQUESTING THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING ARE USUALLY DOING SO FOR SPECIFIC PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS.

ONE REQUEST THAT IS MORE CONSISTENT IS MONEY FOR STATE EMPLOYEE PAY RAISES.

MOST STATE AGENCIES HAVE SEEN ONLY MODEST APPROPRIATIONS, USUALLY AGAIN FOR THOSE SPECIFIC PROGRAMS.

SO AGENCIES HAVE NOT HAD A LOT OF MONEY IN WHICH TO GIVE THE EMPLOYEE PAID INCREASES.

>> I LIKE THE SOUND OF THAT.

RAISES FOR EVERYONE.

ANY EARLY INDICATION OF HOW THE ADMINISTRATION WILL INTERACT WITH THE REPUBLICAN MAJORITY.

ARE THEY IN SYNCH OR HAVING DIVERSION PATHS?

>> THERE'S ISSUES FOR LAWMAKERS AND GOVERNOR STILL TO WORK OUT, LIKE SCHOOL CHOICE AND VOUCHERS.

AND INFLATION OR TAX RELIEF.

THEY HAVE YET TO GET ON THE SAME PAGES IN THE PAST YEAR.

WE HAVE SEEN THE GOVERNOR ENDORSE SOME OF THE IDEAS, BUT NOT NECESSARILY THE SPECIFIC BILLS LIKE SPORTS BETTING, FOR EXAMPLE.

I WOULD SAY THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN GOOD IN THE PAST COUPLE OF STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESSES OF POINTING OUT PARTICULAR BILLS HE SUPPORTS.

I EXPECT WE'LL HEAR THAT AGAIN FEBRUARY 6 WHEN HE DELIVERS THE FIFTH STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS.

>> HAVING SAID THAT, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE FIRST MAJOR LEGISLATION OR BILL THAT'LL WIND UP ON THE GOVERNOR'S DESK TO BE SIGNED.

>> STATE ELECTION BOARD IS TELLING BUDGET WRITERS THAT HE NEED $850,000 TO CONDUCT A STATEWIDE ELECTION MARCH 7 REGARDING THE LEGALIZATION OF REC RATIONAL MARIJUANA.

THAT WAS NOT ON THE CALENDAR WHEN HE ASKED AND THE LAWMAKERS APPROVED THE BUDGET FOR THE CURRENT YEAR, THE GOVERNOR SET THAT ELECTION BACK IN OCTOBER.

NOW, EARLY THIS MONTH I WAS TOLD THAT I AM HIGHLY CONFIDENT BASED ON THE CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LEADERSHIP AND THE GOVERNOR'S REPRESENTATIVES, THAT WE'LL HAVE SUFFICIENT FUNDS TO RUN THE MARCH 7 ELECTION.

BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT HE NEEDS THE APPROPRIATION TO COME IN FEBRUARY SO HE'S READY TO GO ON MARCH 7.

THAT SHOULD BE THE FIRST BILL OF THE SESSION.

>> SESSION JUST AROUND THE CORNER, I KNOW YOU'LL BE BUSY.

>> THAT'S RIGHT, WE LOOK FORWARD TO IT.

>>> A BILLION DOLLAR PROJECT CALLED INTERNET FOR ALL.

IT'S A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE OKLAHOMA TRIBES.

>> IT'S ALL ABOUT GOETH AFFORDABLE -- GETTING AFFORDABLE INTERNET ACCESS.

FOR THOSE FORCED TO SIT ON THE SIDELINES FOR A HANDFUL OF REASONS.

>> WE WANT TO CLEAR ALL THE OBSTACLES, GET GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE WAY AND LET YOU GET -- >> WHEN CONGRESS APPROVED A MASSIVE, HISTORIC INFRASTRUCTURE BILL LAST SUMMER, IT INCLUDED $50 BILLION TO BRING INTERNET AVAILABILITY INTO EVERY SINGLE WORKING AND LIVING SPACE IN AMERICA.

LAST WEEK, THE GOVERNOR, PRESENTED A UNIFIED FRONT.

>> AND I WANT TO STRESS AFFORDABILITY AND RELIABILITY.

WE'RE CALLING IT THE INTERNET FOR ALL PROGRAM, AND WE MEAN IT.

>> SHE'S DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.

>> I AM FROM BUHL, IDAHO.

I AM A POTATO FARMER'S DAUGHTER.

MANY MOONS AGO.

AND I GREW UP IN A TOWN OF 3500.

I KNOW WHAT IT MEANS ABOUT RURAL BROAD BAND, AND PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO LEAVE THEIR HOMETOWN.

THEY DON'T WANT TO LEAVE FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY OR JOB SOMETIMES.

AND THEY WANT TO LEARN AND HAVE ONLINE HEALTH CARE.

THOSE RURAL COMMUNITIES, I THINK IT'S EXCITING.

I THINK IT'LL BE A WHOLE INSURGENCY IN THE COUNTRY.

>> BASICALLY OKLAHOMA IS GETTING HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO ATTRACT PRIVATE INDUSTRY TO DIG THE TRENCHES AND LAY THE CABLE NEEDED TO CONNECT EVEN THE MOST RURAL SPECS IN THE STATE.

>> WE'RE HOPING THAT EVERY STATE, INCLUDING OKLAHOMA WILL RECEIVE $100 MILLION FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE SPEED PROGRAM.

BUT IN ADDITION TO THAT, BASED ON THE REMAINING MONEY IS ALLOCATED BY THE NUMBER OF UNDERSERVED LOCATIONS OVER THE PROPORTION OF UNDERSERVED LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE.

THEY'RE GUESSING CLOSE TO 700 MILLION.

I DON'T PERSONALLY KNOW THE NUMBER YET.

BUT THE NUMBERS ARE BIG.

>> THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION HAS ALREADY COME UP WITH A NATIONWIDE MAP THAT IDENTIFIES PLACES THAT DON'T HAVE THE INTERNET AND OTHERS THAT ARE UNDERSERVED.

>> THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO DO.

TO BE A TRANSPARENT AND OPEN PROCESS.

GET THIS ON TARGET, GET THE GOVERNMENT OUT OF THE WAY.

EVERY SINGLE HOME AND COMMUNITY.

>> IT'S A HUGE UNDERTAKING.

>> THE CHAIRMAN OF OKLAHOMA'S BROAD BAND GOVERNING BOARD.

>> EVERYONE WANTS IMPROVED INTERNET.

I DON'T CARE WHERE YOU ARE, AGE, RACE, EVERYONE WANTS BETTER INTERNET.

>> YOU HAVE TO COMPETE.

>> IT'S THE FUTURE OF WHERE IT'S GOING.

TO SAVE THE FAMILY FARM, INTRODUCING THE TECHNOLOGY.

I THINK IT'S CRUCIAL FOR THE FARM FAMILIES.

>> FOR A HANDFUL OF DIFFERENT REASONS, SOME URBAN AREAS DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET EITHER.

>> TO HELP OFFSET THE COST, AND ALSO, INDIVIDUAL STATES WITHIN THEIR OWN SPEFT PROGRAMS -- COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS HAVE THE ABILITY TO PUT THAT IN THE BIDDING PROCESS.

>> SHE SAYS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY AWARDED $204 MILLION TO 11 TRIBES IN OKLAHOMA.

WHICH HAS SO FAR CONNECTED 19,000 NATIVE AMERICAN HOUSEHOLDS TO THE INTERNET.

THE TRIBAL BROAD BAND COORDINATOR FOR CHOCTAW NATION.

>> WHEN THE PANDEMIC HAPPENED, EVERYONE WENT HOME TO WORK AND GET EDUCATED.

WHAT WE REALIZED IS MOST SDROENT CONNECTIVITY IN THE HOUSE TO CONNECT TO WORK THAT WAY.

OUR ROLE IS TO WORK WITH CURRENTLY PROVIDERS, NEW PROVIDES, TO GET THE SURFACES IN THE RIGHT AREA.

>> THERE'S A LOT OF MONEY FLOWING, BUT LINGERING SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES REMAIN.

>> THE BROAD BAND DIRECTOR SAYS THEIR CITIZENS ARE WORKING TO TRAIN A NEW WORK FORCE, THAT CAN NAVIGATE BROAD BAND FIBEROPTICS.

>> WE PARTNERED WITH THEM, TO -- WE HAVE IDENTIFIED THE FIRST CLASS OF PEOPLE, AND COUPLING THEM WITH OUR CONTRACTORS THAT ARE DOING THE FIBEROPTIC INSTALLS TO HELP TRAIN THEM IN THE FIELD.

>> WHAT'S COMING IS HISTORIC.

>> YOU LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE UNITED STATES, THEY STARTED OFF BIMGD CITIES ON THE COAST.

AND THEN ON WATER WAYS.

AND THEN ON RAILROADS AND INTERSTATES.

THAT'S THE WAY THEY WERE CONNECTING PEOPLE.

>> AGAIN, THIS IS A MASSIVE, FIVE YEAR EFFORT.

THERE'S HOPE THE SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES WILL EVENTUALLY WORK THEMSELVES OUT.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> JANUARY IS NATIONAL STALKING AWARENESS MONTH.

IN OKLAHOMA ONE IN THREE WOMEN EXPERIENCE BEING STALKED BY A MAN IN THEIR LIVES.

WE HAVE MORE DETAILS.

>> THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MAKING IT EASIER TO FALL VICTIM TO STALKING.

A SIMPLE SEARCH CAN BRING UP LIMITLESS INFORMATION ON THE INDIVIDUAL IN SECONDS.

>> HAVE YOU GOOGLED YOURSELF?

RUN YOUR OWN NAME THROUGH, AND FIND OUT THE INFORMATION.

>> THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA HAVE ALLOWED PEOPLE TO MAKE OLD CONNECTIONS, IT ALSO ALLOWS THAT YOUR INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE AND ANYWHERE.

>> WE PROVIDE UPDATES, AND PICTURES.

WE GIVE AWAY INFORMATION WITHOUT REALIZING HOW SIGNIFICANT THAT CAN BE.

>> IN OKLAHOMA, STALKING IS DEFINED AS SOMEONE WHO INTENTIONALLY FOLLOWS ANOTHER PERSON IN A MANNER THAT MAKES THEM FEEL FRIGHTENED OR HARASSED.

>> SPECIALLY IF YOUR IN A FORMER RELATIONSHIP WITH, AND THEY MAKE UNWANTED APPEARANCES IN YOUR LIFE, CALL YOU, ACCEPTING YOU LETTER.

>> IT CAN HAPPEN THAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW YOUR STALKER, BUT THAT'S FEW AND FAR BETWEEN.

MOST OF THE TIME THEY'RE A CURRENT OR FORMER PARTNER OF THAT VICTIM OR AN ACQUAINTANCE.

A COWORKER, FAMILY MEMBER, SOMEONE THEY DID KNOW IN SCHOOL.

>> WE DATED WHEN I WAS A VERY YOUNG GIRL.

AND I WAS HIS FIRST LOVE.

THAT'S WHY HE KEEPS COMING BACK.

>> NEARLY THREE DECADES LATER, THE STALKING CONTINUES.

>> IT'S NOT GOTTEN BETTER, BUT NOT WORSE.

IT'S JUST BASICALLY WHEN HE SHOWS UP, HE SHOWS UP.

I HAVE A PROTECTIVE ORDER, BUT I THINK ABOUT TEN YEARS AGO, I FILED THREE POLICE REPORTS.

NOTHING.

SO PIECES OF PAPER WILL NOT PROTECT YOU FROM STALKING.

>> THE MASTER SERGEANT EXPLAINS HOW IT HELPS TO HAVE A VICTIM PROTECTION ORDER.

>> YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO BE IN PLACE, IT'S EASIER ON LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE PROSECUTION IN CASE YOU HAVE A PREEXISTING PPO ON A PERSON.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THERE'S ALSO RESTRAINING ORDERS OUT THERE.

WE DON'T ENFORCE THOSE.

THE REGARDLESS OF A STRANGER, A FORMER PARTNER OF SOME TYPE, LOVE INTEREST, YOU NAME IT, IF SOMEONE IS BOTHERING OR UNWANTED ADVANCES MADE TO YOU, CERTAINLY, CALL 911.

>> EVERY STALKING SITUATION IS DIFFERENT.

HELP VICTIMS KNOW WHAT SAFETY OPTIONS BEST SUITS THEM.

>> WE TALK ABOUT THE PROS AND CONS OF EVERY STEP YOU TAKE.

IF YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT FILING A REPORT, WILL THAT MAKE YOU SAFER OR LESS SAFE.

WHAT'S THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOU.

>> WE TRY TO INSTRUCT THEM TO PLAN AHEAD AND PLACE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS, MONETARY THINGS, CASH OR CHECKS.

THINGS LIKE MEDICATION AND IS THINGS LIKE THAT IN A PLACE THAT'S SAFE.

IF THEY HAVE TO LEAVE, THEY CAN EASILY GRAB IT OR TAKE IT WITH THEM.

IT'S ALREADY IN A VEHICLE OR A BAG.

>> IN MAY OF 2022.

TO BE CHARGED, AND THE MAXIMUM JAIL TIME IS EXPANDED FROM ONE TO THREE.

AND ANOTHER ADDITION IS LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO PROVIDE A LETTER TO THE ACCUSED.

>> WE CAN SEE THAT EVEN IN TIMES OF PROTECTIVE ORDERS ISSUES, A LOT OF VICTIMS CHOOSE NOT TO DO THAT.

BECAUSE IT JUST ANGERS THE STALKER.

WITH A WARNING LETTER WE WONDER IF THIS WILL JUST DO THE SAME THING.

>> IT COULD GET -- IF HE KNOWS YOUR TRYING TO SEEK JUSTICE.

IN HIS MIND HE DOESN'T THINK HE'S DOING ANYTHING WRONG.

WHY ARE YOU REPORTING HIM.

>> I CAN SEE THAT IT WOULD CAUSE ISSUES.

>> STALKING DOESN'T DISTRICT AGAINST RACE, GENDER OR AGE OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION.

IT'S IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE TO BE EDUCATED ON THE ISSUES.

>> ENTERTAINMENT RO MANHATTAN SIZES IT, AND MAKES IT FUNNY.

PEOPLE END UP MISSING THE POINT.

JUST HOW SIGNIFICANT IT IS.

>>> AT THEIR FIRST MEETING.

WALTERS TOLD LAWMAKERS OBLIGATED TO PRESENT THE BUDGET REQUEST.

BUT WOULD RETURN NEXT WEEK TO REPORT HIS OWN BUDGET PROPOSAL.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR JOINING US.

>> SLOL, THANK FOR HAVING ME HERE.

>> HOW'S THE EXPERIENCE BEEN SO FAR?

>> IT'S BEEN GREAT TO BE IN THE DEPARTMENT AND STARTING TO WORK, GETTING THE FOCUS BACK ON EDUCATION AND MAKING SURE THAT THE TEACHERS ARE EQUIPPED.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE CLASSROOM, IT'S GREAT.

WE'RE MOVING FAST AND WE'LL BE BOLD.

IT'S A GREAT TRANSITION.

>> WE HAVE HEARD SOME CONCERNS, WHAT DIRECTION YOU MIGHT TAKE THE STATE OF DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

>> OUR TEACHERS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSONNEL IN THE SCHOOL FOR THE SUCCESSES.

WE HAVE TO HAVE HIGH QUALITY TEACHERS, AND SUPPORT THEM.

WE HAVE TO HAVE HIGHER TEACHER PAY.

I WANT THEM TO MAKE MORE MONEY AND TO GET MORE SUPPORT.

>> WHAT DO YOU HAVE THE LEVEL OF THE STUDENTS?

>> ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE'LL TALK ABOUT IS READING.

OUR STUDENTS RANK 49TH IN THE LATEST SCORES OF READING.

OUR STUDENTS, WE HAVE BERATING STUDENTS, INCREDIBLE STUDENTS IN THE STATE.

WE HAVE DONE A DISSERVICE TO THEM.

IT'S A MATTER OF TEACHING.

OR UNDERSTANDING HOW TO READ.

ONCE YOU DO THAT AND ASK HER THAT, THE WORLD IS UNLIMITED.

WE HAVE NOT BEEN DOING THAT.

>> IN YOUR CAMPAIGN YOU MENTIONED YOU WANTED TO EXPAND THE SCHOOL CHOICE FOR PARENTS.

WHAT STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN?

>> ABSOLUTELY, NOBODY KNOWS BETTER FOR THE KIDS THAN THEIR PARENTS.

WHAT WE HAVE LIMITED CURRENTLY, IF YOU HAVE HIGHER INCOME, YOU CAN SEND YOUR KIDS TO A DIFFERENT SCHOOL.

EVERY PARENT SHOULD HAVE THAT ABILITY, NO MATTER THE BACKGROUND OR WHERE THEY LIVE.

WE'LL ADVOCATE AND ADVANCE THE ULTIMATE SCHOOL CHOICE PLAN.

EVERY EDUCATION DOLLAR FOLLOWS THE PARENT'S DECISION FOR THEIR CHILD.

EVERY SINGLE EDUCATION DOLLAR SHOULD FOLLOW HER CHILD TO THAT SCHOOL.

>> WHAT'S SOMETHING YOUR OFFICE PLANS TO DO TO GET THE QUALIFIED TEACHERS BACK IN THE CLASSROOM?

>> SEVERAL THINGS, WE HAVE TO GET THE INDOCTRINE -- IN THE CLASSROOM.

A MATH TEACHER NEEDS TO BE TEACHING MATH.

AND SCIENCE, SCIENCE.

WE HAVE TO GET MORE MONEY OUT OF -- AND INTO THE CLASSROOM.

WE HAVE WAY TOO MUCH GOING TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST.

THIS IS TRAINING, MENTORSHIP.

AND WE HAVE TO HAVE THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST MAKE MORE MONEY.

THE HIGH PERFORMERS MAKE MORE MONEY.

>> SENATOR CAME UP WITH A $541 MILLION PLAN FOR RAISE INCENTIVES AND INCREASE THE FUNDING FOR STATE SECURITY.

>> I WORK REALLY WEAL WITH THE SENATOR.

-- WELL WITH THE SENATOR.

EDUCATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE TACKLE.

I APPLAUD HIM FOR GETTING RIGHT OUT FRONT, AND TACKLE THIS.

AND WE HAVE TO WORK ON THIS.

>> THERE ARE CURRENTLY TWO BOARDS DEALING WITH CHARTER SCHOOL.

SHOULD BOTH BOARDS BE VIRTUALLY, OR UNDER ONE ROOF?

>> THE REALITY IS THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IS THE ORGANIZATION, MY STATEWIDE ELECTED OFFICE, WE HAVE THE ABLE TO HELP OVERSEE THE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM.

TO MAKE SURE THAT TAX DOLLARS ARE SPENT APPROPRIATELY.

AND WE HAVE AN AGENDA ITEM THIS THURSDAY.

YOU HAVE THE KEEN OVERSIGHT IN ONE AREA SO YOU CAN HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE.

WHEN YOU DIFFUSE THE POWER, YOU'RE LEFT WITH FINGER POINTING BORTOLINI.

THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WILL SAY, LISTEN, WE HAVE ENTRUSTED THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT TO HOLD THE EDUCATION MONEY ACCOUNTABLE.

>> IT'S STILL UNDERWAY, ONCE THE FINDINGS ARE REVEALED AND RELEASED.

>> WE'RE AUDITING EVERY DIVISION FOR THE MONEY THAT'S SPENT, WHERE THE MONEY CAME FROM, HOW IT'S SPENTS.

AND RESOURCES IN GENERAL.

WHAT PROGRAMS ARE SUCCESSFUL FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE, AND WHAT PROGRAMS AREN'T.

THE REALITY IS YOU SPEND MONEY HERE, THAT COULD BE MONEY HERE IN A TRULY INTACTFUL PROGRAM.

WE'LL MAKE SURE THAT PARENTS KNOW THEY CAN SEE HOW MONEY IS SPENT, THERE'S NO LEFT WING IDEAL -- IDEOLOGY AND LASTLY THAT IT IMPACTS THE KIDS.

EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR AND PROGRAM IS AUDITED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU.

WE SHOULD NOTE, RYAN WALTERS IS ALSO NOW A MEMBER OF THE OETA BOARD.

>>> THIS WEEK, GOOGLE ANNOUNCED A LARGE LAY OFF IN HISTORY.

MICROSOFT, TWITTER, MANY OTHERS ANNOUNCED MAJOR STAFF REDUCTION.

WHAT'S THE SITUATION HERE IN OKLAHOMA?

THAT'S THE SUBJECT COMING UP LATER IN THE NEWSCAST.

HERE'S A PREVIEW.

>> THE STATE MAKES AN EFFORT TO MAKE SURE, IF THEY DO FIND THEMSELVES WITHOUT WORK, THERE'S OPPORTUNITIES TO RECONNECT IN THE WORK FORCE AND FIND OTHER CAREERS.

THE FACT OF IT, WE'RE ALWAYS BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES.

OTHER EMPLOYERS HERE ARE MORE RELUCTANT.

SO WE SEE MORE OF A CONSERVATIVE APPROACH.

THE EMPLOYERS IN THE STATE DO A BIT BETTER JOB KIND OF PLANNING ON THE FRONT END.

I MENTION KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD IS A WORRY.

THE ECONOMIC CONCERN IS THE BRINGING DOWN THE INFLATION.

>> STICK AROUND FOR THE REST OF THAT CONVERSATION IN A FEW MINUTES.

>>> OKLAHOMA'S FIRST ASIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS UP AND RUNNING IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

OKLAHOMA HAS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING ASIAN POPULATION IN THE U.S. >> WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO SHARE OUR CULTURE AND BUSINESS PRACTICES WITH THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.

AND WE WELCOME ALL COMMUNITIES FROM THE AREA TO GET TO KNOW US, PARTNER WITH US, LEARN WITH US, TEACH US, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE FUN WITH US.

>> WE REPRESENT OVER 50,000 AGENTS, AND MORE THAN 5,000 BUSINESSES.

>> THE LEADERS WANT TO HELP THE BUSINESSES ADAPT TO THE EVER CHANGING MARKETPLACE IN OKLAHOMA.

>>> WE HAVE THE WEEKLY BUSINESS REVIEW.

>> TO SELL THE REGENT ASSETS.

THE LEADERS SAY THIS IS THE FIRST STEP.

THE COMPANY IS IN TALKS WITH OTHERS FOR THE REMAINING PARTS OF THE PROPERTY IN THE REGION.

THE MONEY GENERATED FROM THE SALE IS EXPECTED TO PAY OFF COMPENDEBT.

>>> EARNING REPORTING SEASON IS UNDERWAY.

THAT TOPS THE TOP INCOME.

THE ACQUISITION OF THE BANK IS STRONGLY GROWTH IN THE MARGINS, HELP POWER THE RECORD EARNINGS FOR THE BANKING COMPANY.

THAT'S A NEARLY 28% INCREASE YEAR OVER YEAR.

THE COMMERCIAL BANKING SEGMENT PERFORMED BELL THIS YEAR.

THE COMPANY SIGNIFICANTLY RAISED THE LEVELS.

AND AUSTIN BASED COMPANY IS MAKING A MOVE TO TULSA.

THE COMPANY IS LOCATED AT 36 DEGREES NORTH -- THEY PLAN TO INVEST $3 MILLION OF THE SEPARATION AND HAS PLANS TO RESPOND.

AND FINALLY, A STORY FROM EARLIER, IN TULSA DID NAB THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD.

>>> THANK YOU.

AGAIN, SOME OF AMERICA'S BIGGEST AND MOST PROFITABLE -- >> THIS IS AN IMPORTANT TOPIC, AND WE HAVE A PANEL FOR DOING A DEEP DIVE.

WE HAVE DR. -- AND THE SECURITY COMMISSION AND JOINING US IS DAVID CROW WHO'S THE OUTREACH AND INFORMATION OFFICER FOR THE OKLAHOMA OFFICE OF WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT.

THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING WITH US.

MY FIRST QUESTION IS TO YOU, TRAVIS.

>> WE'RE NOT VERY TECH HEAVY HERE.

IT'S GOOD TO HAVE CONTEXT WITH THE NUMBER.

WE HAVE BEEN KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD FOR A WHILE NOW.

WORRIED ABOUT IT, BUT WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THIS IS A SMALL PORTION OF ALL JOBS IN TECH, AND SURE, LAY OFFS ARE UP BUT WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN.

MANY CAN FIND A NEW JOB READILY AFTER THAT.

>> WE HAVE JOBS AVAILABLE HAS NOT FILLED CURRENTLY IN OKLAHOMA.

>> ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

WE HAVE MORE JOB OPENINGS THAN APPLICANTS.

THAT'S A SIGN OF A VERY VERY HEALTHY JOB MASCOT.

>> I WANT TO COME TO YOU, WHAT DO THEY DO TO HELP THOSE RECENTLY OUT OF WORK.

>> THERE'S JOBS, MORE THAN 25 OF THEM, AND THEY'RE OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 8 TO 25.

THE STATE REALLY MAKES AN EFFORT TO FIND -- TO RECONNECT IN THE WORK FORCE AND FIND OTHER CAREERS.

WE'RE HIRING LIKE CRAZY IN THE STATE.

>> WHEN SOMEONE IS LAID OFF, WHAT ARE THE CURRENT STEPS THEY TAKE?

>> THEY'RE AN EVER PRESENT THING.

WE SEE THE JOB MARKET EBB AND FLOW.

DEMANDING ON THE INDUSTRY, THERE'S USUALLY JOBS READILY AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE TO TRANSITION INTO.

THE WORK FORCE CENTERS ARE OUT THERE TO AID THEM IN THE PROCESS.

THEY CAN WORK DIRECTLY THROUGH THE RECRUIT FIRMS OR WITH THE EMPLOYERS.

OUR AMERICAN JOBS, HAVE A TON OF RESOURCE AND THEY WORK CLOSELY WITH THE LAWYERS TO HELP NAVIGATE THAT TIME.

>> HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT THAT?

>> HOPEFULLY THEY WATCH OETA, AND GET INFORMATION FROM LOCAL NEWS CHANNELS LIKE THIS.

BUT WE PUT OUT QUITE A FEW RESOURCES ONLINE.

AND WE HAVE A LOT OF REACH EFFORTS.

THE LOCAL OFFICES, THERE'S 28 IN THE STATE, AND THEY WORK CLOSELY WITH A LOCAL WORK FORCE BOARD.

TO DRIVE A LOCAL FLAVOR MARKET.

THERE'S A LOT OF RESOURCE SHARING AND RESOURCES MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE OR IN THE OFFICES THEMSELVES.

OUR STAFF IS GOING IN AN EMPLOYER SPACE AND SETTING UP SHOP THERE.

GOING TO LIBRARIES, EMPLOYERS.

>> IF YOU KNOW A COMPANY IS DOING ACCESS, CAN THEY ASK FOR HELP.

>> SURE.

WE LOVE, LOVE, LOVE HEARING FROM THE EMPLOYERS.

WE REALLY HOPE THE EMPLOYERS WILL ENGAGE US, AND WE HAVE LOTS OF RESOURCES TO SHARE WITH THEM.

THE FACT IS, WE DON'T SEE THE LAY OFFS IN OKLAHOMA LIKE OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.

I THINK OUR EMPLOYERS HERE ARE MORE RELUCTANT THAN ON THE COAST.

WE'LL SEE MORE OF A CONSERVATIVE APPROACH.

THE EMPLOYERS IN THE STATE DO A BETTER JOB KIND OF PLANNING FOR THAT ON THE FRONT END.

>> I HAVE SEEN GAS PRICES GOING UP A BIT IN OKLAHOMA, AND THE EGGS ARE UP, BUT NOT WHAT I'M SEEING NATIONWIDE.

>> WE ARE A LITTLE INSULATED, WE'RE NOT AS -- REALLY GOVERNING A LOT OF THE JOBS.

IN OKLAHOMA, WE DO HAVE A HEAVY DOSE OF ENERGY EMPLOYMENT.

WE HAVE NEW AND GROWING FILM INDUSTRY, RURAL JOBS, AND MANUFACTURING.

WE'RE MORE DIVERSIFIED I GUESS THAN THE AVERAGE STATE.

WHAT HELPS US TOO, IS WE HAVE FOLKS LIKE ON THE PROGRAM TODAY WHO ARE DOING THEIR JOB OF HELPING WITH UNEMPLOYMENT SHPS AND MOVING THE FEDERAL DOLLARS AND MONEYS AND ALLOCATIONS TO HELP STABILIZE THE ECONOMY.

>> WHAT ARE YOU TELLING YOUR STUDENTS?

>> IT'S A GREAT TIME TO BE AN ECONOMICS MAJOR.

WHEN INFLATION IS UP, YOU'RE ASKED HOW TO BRING IT DOWN.

ONE THING THAT'S INTERESTING, THIS IS A CLASSIC FREE MARKET ECONOMY, PRICES ARE GOING UP AND DOWN.

WE HAVE THE AVIAN FLU.

THE IDEA THAT SOMEONE IS TURNING THE LEVERS BEHIND THE SCENE TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN, THAT DOES NOT EXIST.

ALSO BRINGING IN THE POLICY ON THE BOOKS.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE.

IT'S AN ECONOMIC STABILIZER.

IT'S A POLICY THAT'S PASSED TO HELP IN TIMES MAYBE THERE'S CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON.

THAT'S GREAT, WE SAW A SPEAKER WHO VOTE.

HAVING SOME OF THESE BUILT IN THE ECONOMY OF THE WORK, IS A GREAT PLACE FOR THE ECONOMY.

>> I WANT TO GO TO DAVID QUICK.

IF THE WORST HAPPENS, WHAT ARE PREEMPTIVE MEASURES THAT THEY CAN TAKE?

>> THE END OF THE DAY, THE OPEN COMMUNICATION.

WE WANT TO SEE THE EMPLOYERS IF THEY EXPERIENCE A LAY OFF, THEY HAVE TO FILE A NOTICE, THE SOONER THE BETTER.

THAT'S A WORKSHOP WHERE THE EMPLOYEES AFFECTED ARE ABLE TO SEE WHAT'S OUT THERE, THEY'RE ABLE TO SEE WHAT JOBS ARE AVAILABLE.

WAYS TO BRUSH UP ON THEIR SKILLS, LOOKING AT CHANGING INDUSTRIES.

IT'S ABOUT COMMUNICATION, AND IT'S ABOUT HAVING AN OPEN DIALOGUE WHEN THERE ARE OF LAWS AND CHALLENGE IN THE ECONOMY, TALKING ABOUT IT.

THERE'S SO MANY RESOURCES OUT THERE WITH THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA THROUGHOUT OUR ENTIRE WORK FORCE NECHLT SYSTEM THAT'S -- INVESTMENT SYSTEM THAT'S AVAILABLE TO HELP.

IT'S SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE OPEN COMMUNICATION.

>> WE WERE TALKING EARLIER, YOU'VE BEEN WHERE YOU ARE FOR A FEW MINUTE.

A FEW YEARS LIKE.

WHEN IS THE LAST BIG LAY OFF IN OKLAHOMA?

>> IT STARTED IN MARCH OF 2020, WE HAD SOME ROUGH MONTHS WITH THE PANDEMIC.

PRIOR TO THAT, WE HAD SOME LARGE OF LAWS IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY IN LATE 2019, THAT GOT A LOT OF PEOPLE'S ATTENTION.

WE'VE BEEN ON ENORMOUS SMOOTH SAILING FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS.

WE'VE SEEN OVER THE YEARS AT TIMES, WHEN IT'S THE REVERSE OF THAT.

RIGHT NOW, IT'S A DIFFERENT ECONOMIC KIND OF SETUP THAN HISTORICALLY.

WE'RE LEARNING HOW TO DO THE BEST WITH IT.

>> I WOULD ADD, I THINK WE SEE TRENDS ACROSS INDUSTRY THAT EXPLAIN SOME OF THE WHAT WE'RE NOTICING.

IT'S MORE OF A SEASONAL TREND AND THAT'S WHAT WE'RE SEEING RIGHT NOW.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT LAY OFF NEWS IN OKLAHOMA PRESENT, IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE WHERE WE ARE IN CONTEXT.

LOOKING BACK, AND AVERAGING THE JOB MARKET TREND OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.

THE SEASONAL EMPLOYERS, THOSE ARE TEMPORARY HIRES, WE'RE ACTUALLY SEEING THAT COOLING IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS, THE NUMBERS UPTICK, AND THEY'RE WITHIN RANGE OF WHAT WE'VE SEEN IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS.

IT'S PRETTY NORMALIZED.

>> I'M GOING TO ASK ALL OF YOU, AND YOU CAN ANSWER FIRST.

DO YOU WALK AROUND SAYING, WHEN IS THE OTHER SHOE GOING TO DROP, THINGS ARE TOO GOOD.

IS THAT JUST WHAT OKLAHOMA IS?

>> I DON'T THINK THAT'S A GREAT WAY TO LIVE YOUR LIFE, THE NEXT STEP FORWARD WILL FALL OFF A STAIR.

THE QUESTION THREW ME OFF GUARD, NO, WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT?

WE KEEP KICKING THE CAN ON THE RECESSION, IT'S A WORRY, BUT NO ECONOMIC DATA TO SUPPORT THAT WE SHOULD BE.

THE ECONOMIC CONCERN IS THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS TIGHTENING THE INTEREST RATES.

AND THERE'S DARK MEMORIES FROM THE EARLY 80S.

SO FAR, WE'RE ABLE TO REDUCE INFLATION, BECAUSE IT'S WITH BACK LOGS AND SUPPLY CHAINS AND COVID-19, AND NOT TOO MUCH MONEY SUPPLY IN THE SYSTEM.

WE'RE NOT SEEING THIS DARK CLOUD OF RECESSION THAT EVERYONE IS TALKED ABOUT.

IT'S NOT JUST SHOWN UP.

>> IN THE MEDICAL INDUSTRY, ARE WE SEEING LAY OFFS AND PEOPLE LOSING THEIR JOBS THERE?

>> WE ARE.

THERE WERE SOME THAT MADE THE NEWS RECENTLY.

AND PART OF THIS IS A TIMING MISMATCH.

WE HAVE SOME HOSPITALS STUCK ON OLDER PRICING CONTRACTS.

AND WE NEED TO REMEMBER, A HOSPITAL NEEDS TO REMAIN SOLVENT.

THEY CAN'T ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN.

THERE WILL BE SELF-GOVERNANCE, AND THEY'LL CALL IT RIGHT SIZING, BUT YOU'LL SEE LAY OFFS IN SECTORS TO KEEP A COMPANY AFLOAT.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMMENT ON THAT BRIEFLY.

IT'S DIFFICULT TO RUN HEALTH CARE OPERATIONS WHEN THE SUPPLY OF STAFF IS WHAT IT'S BEEN.

FOR INSTANCE, UNEMPLOYMENT BEING LOW IS A GOOD THING.

BUT IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO FIND PEOPLE WITH SPECIALIZED SKILLS WITH JOBS BECAUSE THEY CAN GO OUT AND MAKE MORE MONEY.

NURSING IS A JOB THAT CERTAINLY SAW THAT PEAK IN THE PANDEMIC.

THE PAY IS GOING UP.

THE TYPICAL SUPPLY AND DEMAND EQUATION.

TO TAKE CARE OF WHAT THEY WERE STRAPPED WITH IS A CHALLENGING THING TO NAVIGATE.

AND WE SAW THAT SECTOR OF THE STATE GROW BY 6600 JOBS OVER THE LAST YEAR.

YOU SEE THIS RIGHT SIZING, OR LEVELLING OFF, THEY'RE TAKING EVERY CHANCE THEY CAN TO PUT THEMSELVES ON SOLID GROUND TO TAKE CARE OF OKLAHOMAENS.

THERE'S NO ROAD MAP FOR THE UNPRECEDENTED.

CERTAIN INDUSTRIES FEEL THE BURN MORE, WHEN PEOPLE ARE IN SHORT SUPPLY, IT CAN GET HARDER TO PLACE.

>> I'M GOING TO WRAP UP WITH DAVID.

DO YOU THINK ANOTHER SHOE WILL DROP?

OR ARE WE INSULATED.

>> SO FAR, EVERYTHING WE'VE SEEN, AS MENTIONED ON THE PANEL WE'RE DOING GREAT.

THE ECONOMY IS GROWING IN THE STATE.

UNEMPLOYMENT IS AT OR NEAR RECORD LOWS.

IT'S GOOD.

WE FEEL COMFORTABLE WHERE WE ARE.

MY ADVICE TO PEOPLE, IF THEY DO WIND UP IN A SITUATION THEY ARE UNEMPLOYED.

PLEASE REACH OUT TO THE LOCAL WORK FORCE, AMERICAN JOB CENTER.

WE HAVE SUCH GREAT STAFF AT THOSE LOCATIONS, THEY'RE HAPPY TO HELP.

ALL OF US CAN USE OUR INTERVIEW SKILLS, BRUSHING UP ON.

THE RESUMES ANOTHER SET OF EYES.

FIND THE JOB -- THERE'S A LIST ON THE WEBSITE.

I WOULD JUST ENCOURAGE OKLAHOMAENS IF YOU'RE LOOKING AT WANTING TO INCREASE YOUR TRAINING OR SKILL SET, PLEASE GO TO THE CENTERS AND VISIT WITH THAT STAFF.

THEY CAN WORK WONDERS.

WE SEE IT EVERY DAY.

THE AMOUNT OF GOOD THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN TERMS OF PEOPLE FINDING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN OTHER GREAT THINGS THEY DIDN'T KNOW WAS POSSIBLE.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF YOU WITH THE TIME, AND THE INSIGHT.

IT'LL BE PUT TO GOOD USE.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US, AND FOCUSING ON AN IMPORTANT TOPIC TODAY.

>>> GREAT TOPIC.

THIS WEEK'S NATIONAL VIEW WE'LL HEAD NORTH TO MINNESOTA WITH A ROBOT NAMED TIM IS ON THE MOVE AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

OUR PARTNERS AT LAKEWOOD PBS CAUGHT UP WITH TIM, MAKING HIS ROUND.

>> THIS IS A TWO STORY BUILDING WITH A LAB ON THE BOTTOM FLOOR, AND -- AT THE TOP.

>> COLLEAGUE BROUGHT IT TO ME, THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY SAW A ROBOT AT ANOTHER LOCATION.

WE STARTED TO INVESTIGATE THAT.

WHAT VENDORS WERE AVAILABLE.

AND THAT LED US DOWN THAT PATH TO FIND THE TUG THAT WE USE TODAY.

>> IT'S A SMART ROBOT, THAT SCURILLELY DELIVERS -- SECURELY DELIVERS MEDICATIONS.

>> AND THE EMERGENCY ROOM ALSO UTILIZES IT.

THEY CAN SEND SAMPLES, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT WHEN WE DON'T HAVE THE STAFF TO RUN THE SAMPLES DOWN.

>> THE WAY IT'S USED IS THROUGH A PROGRAM.

>> LOG ON TO THE WEBSITE, AND THEN YOU CAN CALL HIM UP TO YOUR PLACE WHERE YOU'RE WORKING AND YOU WANT HIM TO COME.

HE'LL STOP FOR FIVE MINUTES, IF NOBODY COMES TO HIM, HE'LL LEAVE.

IF THEY DO COME AND PUT THE SAMPLES IN, AND THERE'S DRAWERS, AND HIT THE GREEN BUTTON AND HE LEAVES.

AND GOES TO THE NEXT STATION.

>> THEY'VE HAD THE DEVICE, TIM IS UTILIZED QUITE OFTEN.

>> IT'S PUT ON OVER A THOUSAND MILES IN THE BUILDING.

1300 TRIPS.

TO DO LABS, PATIENTS, THE DRAWS.

AND THERE'S MORE STAFF AVAILABLE THAT WE NEED TO DO THE WORK AND NOT DRAW THEM AWAY, RUNNING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THE TWO STATIONS.

>>> NEXT WEEK, WE BEGIN A YEARLONG SERIES OF REPORTS ON OKLAHOMA'S FRONTIER TOWNS.

WE'LL EXAMINE THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE AND EXPLAIN WHY THEY'RE A VITAL PART OF THE OKLAHOMA'S HISTORY.

>>> AND A LOOK AT NATURE COURSE EXHIBIT AT THE OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM.

FROM ALL OF US HERE ON OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT, STAY WARM AND STAY TUNED TO OETA.