.

>>> MEET THE NEW LEADERS WHO WILL GUIDE THE UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

>> WHAT I HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR FROM THE MEMBERS OF MY CAUCUS IS THAT WE WANTED TO BE MORE DELIBERATIVE.

>> I'M VERY INTERESTED TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE NEW YEAR.

THE ELECTIONS REALLY SHOOK UP THE SENATE AND SO WE'RE READY.

>>> HOW DID OKLAHOMA'S CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS FAIR DURING THE JUST-COMPLETED HOLIDAY SEASON?

>> 90% OF OUR DONORS ARE LOCAL BUSINESSES AND SMALL CORPORATIONS, AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT WHAT WE DO.

>>> OKLAHOMA CITY UNVEILS A PROPOSED PLAN TO REDUCE FATALITIES ON THEIR ROADWAYS.

>> WE HAVE TO REMOVE ALL THE INSTANCES WHERE SOMEONE COULD POTENTIALLY MESS UP.

THAT IS A VERY LOFTY GOAL.

>>> IS THE OKLAHOMA PARDON AND PAROLE BOARD, MORE OR LESS LENIENT THAN IT HAS BEEN IN THE PAST?

>> AH YES, PAROLE IS NOT A RUBBER STAMP IN OKLAHOMA, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'VE BEEN CONVICTED OF A VIOLENT OFFENSE.

>>> GOVERNOR STITT ORDERS ALL STATE EMPLOYEES BACK TO THE OFFICE.

AN IN DEPTH DISCUSSION ON THAT DECISION.

>>> THOSE STORIES, PLUS A FOND FAREWELL TO AMERICA'S LONGEST-SURVIVING PRESIDENT.

NEXT ON THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT".

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

WHEN THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 3, THERE WILL BE 31 NEW LAWMAKERS, 17 IN THE HOUSE AND 13 IN THE SENATE, AND THEY'LL BE LED BY NEW LEADERS WITH NEW IDEAS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE.

CAPITOL CORRESPONDENT JASON DOYLE JOINS US NOW WITH MORE ON THAT.

JASON?

>> RICH, THREE OF THE FOUR TOP LEGISLATIVE LEADERS COMING INTO THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE ARE NEW TO THE JOB.

ONE OF THEM IS ACTUALLY THE YOUNGEST PERSON TO FILL THEIR LEADERSHIP ROLE.

THE HOUSE SPEAKER ELECT OF THE OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE.

HE'S THE YOUNGEST TO HOLD THE GAVEL.

>> I'VE LEANED INTO MY YOUTH AS AN ADVANTAGE, NOT A DISADVANTAGE.

A LOT OF TIMES YOU LOOK AT POLITICIANS IN WASHINGTON, DC, THEY'RE MUCH MUCH OLDER THAN THE AVERAGE AMERICAN.

THEY CAN TALK ABOUT THEIR DECISIONS, BUT I PERSONALLY HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE DECISIONS MADE IN THIS BUILDING.

>> UNDER THE PREVIOUS SPEAKER -- HE HAS A LOT OF RESPECT FOR THE PREDECESSOR WHO IS ALSO THE LONGEST SERVING HOUSE SPEAKER.

HE'S LOOKING TO MAKE CHANGES.

NOW POLICY BILLS WILL BE HANDED LIKE APPROPRIATIONS BILLS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

>> WHAT I HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR IS WE WANT TO BE MORE DELIBERATIVE, AND PUT IN MORE WORK, TO MAKE SURE THE WORK WE'RE PUTTING OUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, IS A GOOD PROVINCE.

THAT'S WHAT WE WANT TO DO.

>> THE NEW TIER STRUCTURE, THE BACKING OF HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER.

>> I AM EXCITED ABOUT THE NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE, THERE HAVE BEEN QUITE A FEW OF US ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE, THAT HAVE RAISED CONCERNS OF THE TIME SPENT IN THE COMMITTEES, AND TO USE THAT OPPORTUNITY TO WORK THROUGH THE LEGISLATION, CHANGES, AND GETTING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT THE BILLS WILL BE ONCE THEY BECOME LAW.

>> SHE FEELS IT COULD BE -- THE MOST EXPERIENCED AMONG THE FOUR LEGISLATIVE LEADERS, THIS IS HER THIRD YEAR.

SHE'S SERVING AS DEMOCRATIC LEADER IN THE OKLAHOMA HOUSE.

SHE'S LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE NEW LEADERS.

>> CHANGE IS GOOD, AND I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THE NEW IN THE HOUSE, WE'LL ALWAYS APPRECIATE HIS SERVICE, AND REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW LEADERS IN THE SENATE.

SHE AND I HAVE BEEN CLOSE FRIENDS BEFORE SHE STARTED RUNNING FOR OFFICE.

>> I'M INTERESTED TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED IN THE NEW YEAR.

THE ELECTIONS SHOOK UP THE NEW SENATE.

>> THE SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER SAYS WHILE THE REPUBLICANS HAVE THE SUPER MAJORITY, IT'S UP TO THE DEMOCRATS.

>> WE DON'T SET THE AGENDA.

A LOT OF TIMES WE'RE REACTING TO THE AGENDA.

IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE SPELL OUT WHAT THE SHARED VISION IS FOR THE STATE, AND ENVISION WHAT COULD HAPPEN, IF WE MAKE NEW POLICIES.

>> AND ALSO TAKING ON A NEW ROLE, IS -- HE WANT TO BE A SERVICE TO FELLOW SENATORS.

>> THERE'S 47 OTHER SENATORS THAT HAVE ALL THINGS, AND PART OF MY JOB IS TO HELP THEM BE SUCCESSFUL.

>> TO CONTINUE WHAT THEY STARTED WITH AN OPEN BUDGET PROCESS.

HE CALLS THE NEW PROCESS A SUCCESS FOR THE SENATE.

>> WE'LL BUILD ON THE SUCCESSES OF LAST YEAR, AND YES, THE TRANSPARENCIES WILL BE WIDE OPEN.

>> WE'RE ABOUT A MONTH AWAY BEFORE THE HALLWAYS FILL UP WITH HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE TRYING TO GRAB THE ATTENTION OF THE LAWMAKERS, AND TO SAVE TIME, THEY'RE COMING UP WITH THE IDEAS OF WHAT THEY'LL CONSIDER IN THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

THAT INCLUDES TAX -- >> RENTERS TAX CREDIT.

IT'LL GIVE A TAX CREDIT TO PEOPLE WHO ARE RENTERS.

WE'RE TRYING TO GIVE THEM A LEG UP.

REALLY THE HOMEOWNERS GET TAXED.

>> THE DEMOCRATS ARE BACKING THE RENTAL TAX CREDIT APPROXIMATE AND SALES TAX RELIEF CREDIT FOR LOWER INCOME FAMILIES.

>> WE WERE ABLE TO TACKLE -- AND THERE'S SO MUCH MORE THAN WE CAN DO TO COME TO RELIEVING THE TAX BURDEN ON WORKING PEOPLE.

AND FIGURING OUT WAYS TO LOWER COST.

THAT'S THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, LOOKING AT EXPANDING THE SALES TAX RELIEF CREDIT THAT WE HAVE ON THE BOOKS.

>> THE TAXES WILL BE ADDRESSED IN HOUSE WITH OTHER ISSUES.

>> THE TAX CODE CONTINUES TO BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION DAY IN AND DAY OUT.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS BUILDING ON MENTAL HEALTH, WE HAVE TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF MENTAL HEALTH MEDS.

WE HAVE TO SEE BETTER RULS AND BEFORE EDUCATION OUTCOMES, AND TO HAVE IMPROVEMENTS AND BETTER EDUCATION FOR THE STUDENTS.

>> LAWMAKERS WILL HAVE A LOT ON THEIR PLATES IN THE SESSION.

>> YOU'LL SEE A LOT OF THE TYPICAL REOCCURRING THINGS WE DEAL WITH.

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, TRANSPORTATION ISSUES, AND SO ON, THAT WE'RE KIND OF REPETITIVE.

SOMETIMES THINGS POP UP IN THE MIDDLE OF SESSION THAT WE WEREN'T ANTICIPATE ING >> WHILE THE START OF THE SESSION IS THE FIRST MONDAY IN FEBRUARY, LAWMAKERS WILL COME TOGETHER NEXT WEEK FOR ORGANIZATIONAL DAY, MAKING THE LEADERSHIP ELECTIONS OFFICIAL AND SETTING THE RULES GOING FORWARD FOR THE SESSION.

RICH.

>>> TRIBUTES ARE POURING IN FOR THE NATION'S 39TH PRESIDENT, JIMMY CARTER, WHO MANY CONSIDER TO HAVE HAD ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL AND ADMIRED POST PRESIDENCIES IN HISTORY.

CARTER VISITED OKLAHOMA IN 2009, AND SPOKE ON RELIGIOUS ISSUES IN NORMAN.

CARTER DIED LAST SUNDAY AT THE AGE OF 100.

THE ONE-TERM PRESIDENT WAS ELECTED IN 1976 AND THEN DEFEATED BY RONALD REAGAN IN 1980.

HE WENT ON TO HAVE A LONG AND DISTINGUISHED INTERNATIONAL CAREER AS A HUMANITARIAN AND ACTIVIST.

>> IN HIS LIFE, HE SERVED THE NATION IN THE - IN THE NAVY.

HE LED THE STATE OF GEORGIA.

HE BECAME PRESIDENT AND A BELOVED STATESMAN ALL OVER THE WORLD.

BUT TO KNOW HIS CORE, YOU NEED TO KNOW HE NEVER STOPPED BEING A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER AT THAT BAPTIST CHURCH IN PLAINS, GEORGIA.

TODAY'S WORLD, SOME LOOK AT JIMMY CARTER AND SEE A MAN OF A BYGONE ERA WITH HONESTY IN CHARACTER, FAITH AND HUMILITY MATTERED.

BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IT'S A BYGONE HERE.

I SEE MAN, NOT ONLY OF OUR TIMES, BUT FOR ALL TIMES.

>> JANUARY 9 WILL BE A NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING.

CARTER WILL BE BURIED NEXT TO HIS WIFE OF 77 YEARS, ROSALYNN, IN HIS HOMETOWN OF PLAINS, GEORGIA.

>>> ON DECEMBER 18, GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT ISSUED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER"REQUIRING OKLAHOMA'S ROUGHLY 30,000 STATE EMPLOYEES TO RETURN TO THE OFFICE ON A FULL-TIME BASIS BY FEBRUARY 1, NO MORE REMOTE OR HYBRID WORK SCHEDULES.

THAT INCLUDES ALL OF US WHO WORK HERE AT OETA.

THE FOCUS OF THIS WEEK'S "IN DEPTH" CONVERSATION IS THE REACTION TO THAT EXECUTIVE ORDER, WHICH DOES INCLUDE SOME SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS.

HERE'S A PREVIEW WITH MODERATOR CASSIDY MUDD.

>> THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER.

HE BASICALLY SAID, LOOK, IF YOU'RE A STATE AGENCY WHO HAS KIND OF LIMITED YOUR OFFICE FOOTPRINT IN THE LAST FEW YEARS AND DON'T HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO HAVE PEOPLE, EVERYBODY BACK IN THE OFFICE AT ONCE, YOU CAN BASICALLY APPLY FOR AN EXCEPTION FROM THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT ENTERPRISE SERVICES, THAT'S THE STATE'S KIND OF BIG SUPER AGENCY, KIND OF BACK OFFICE PERSONNEL BUILDING, KIND OF MAINTENANCE AND, AND ADMINISTRATION.

>> I THINK THAT THERE ARE ALWAYS GOING TO BE CHALLENGES ANYTIME THERE'S CHANGE.

'CAUSE PEOPLE ARE FEARFUL OF CHANGE.

A LOT OF AGENCIES THAT I INTERACT WITH REGULARLY, I KNOW OUR AGENCY, OESC HAS BEEN WORKING IN THIS DIRECTION AND SETTING THE GROUNDWORK TO COME BACK FOR QUITE A WHILE.

I - I DON'T THINK THIS WAS A SURPRISE TO MOST AGENCIES.

WE TALKED A, A BIT AGO ABOUT, YOU KNOW, HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENTS AND, AND BRINGING PEOPLE BACK.

I THINK THAT'S BEEN HAPPENING A LOT OF AGENCIES ACROSS THE STATE.

>> THE REST OF THAT CONVERSATION COMING UP LATER IN THIS NEWSCAST.

>>> WHILE IT'S STILL A LITTLE TOO SOON TO TELL IF CHARITABLE GIVING WAS UP OR DOWN DURING THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON, THE SALVATION ARMY IS REPORTING A DROP IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO VOLUNTEER TO HELP THE NEARLY 160-YEAR OLD ORGANIZATION DO IT'S GOOD WORK.

WITH MORE ON THAT, AND HOW OTHER OKLAHOMA CHARITIES FAIRED IN 2024, WE'RE JOINED BY STEVE SHAW.

STEVE?

>> YEAH RICH.

THE STATE SALVATION ARMY SPOKESPERSON SAYS WHILE GIVING TO THE SALVATION ARMY IS BACK TO PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS, THEIR VOLUNTEER NUMBERS STILL LANGUISH AT AROUND HALF OF WHAT THEY USED TO BE.

BUT THERE WAS STILL A LOT OF GOOD THINGS GETTING DONE OVER THE HOLIDAYS.

CENTRAL OKLAHOMA'S SALVATION ARMY, TOOK PLACE IN MIDWEST CITY.

>> WE ACTUALLY SAW BACK IN AUGUST, EVERYTHING FROM ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED.

THEY REGISTER WITH US, AND THEN WE HAVE VOLUNTEERS,ING WE LITERALLY GO THROUGH EVERY APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL.

>> CENTRAL OKLAHOMA'S SALVATION ARMY AREA COMMANDER SAYS THAT MORE THAN 120 VOLUNTEERS PUT IN MORE THAN 6,000 HOURS TO MAKE THIS YEAR'S EVENT HAPPEN.

>> ACTUALLY, I THINK THE PANDEMIC REALLY GAVE PEOPLE A FOCUS TO SAY, YOU KNOW WHAT, WE MIGHT BE IN OUR HOUSE, BUT PEOPLE ARE STILL IN NEED AND PEOPLE STILL REACHED OUTS AND GAVE TO US IN THAT TIME FRAME.

>> BIKES AND BARBIE DOLLS ARE POPULAR, BUT THE MOST ASKED TOY BY KIDS THIS YEAR IS GODZILLA VERSUS KONG.

>> IT'S A BLESSING TO ME.

>> SHE'S A 23 YEAR SALVATION ARMY VOLUNTEER.

WHO OVERSEES THE BIKES TO BUCK PROGRAMMING.

THIS YEAR, THE WOMEN'S -- FOR CHILDREN, AGES 3 TO 12 YEARS OLD.

>> SOME YEARS, I'M TELLING YOU, 1600 BIKES, AND SOME YEARS 400 BIKES.

THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE BIKE -- THE CHILDREN WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM, IS THEY AND A BIKE AND BUCKS FOR BIKES FULFILL THAT REQUEST.

WE'VE BEEN VERY BLESSED THE LAST FIVE OR SIX YEARS SO WE CAN FULFILL EVERY REQUEST.

>> WE DON'T WANT TO PAY THE BIKES, WE WANT THE DONATED MONEY TO BUY BIKES.

WE HAVE FEDEX TO PROVIDE CHARITIES FOR US, THIS IS LIKE THEIR TENTH OR 11TH YEAR TO DO THIS PROGRAM WITH US.

THAT'S OVER $23,000.

IF WE HAD TO PAY FOR BIKES, THERE'S NO WAY WE COULD SUPPLY SOME OF THE BIKES TO THE CHILDREN.

>> A RECENT UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA GRADUATE, WHO STARTS NURSING SCHOOL LATER IN JANUARY.

HER MOTHER IS A LONG TIME SALVATION ARMY VOLUNTEER.

>> SHE BROUGHT US IN AS LITTLE KIDS, AND A BUNCH OF TIMES I WENT I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT.

AND SEEING IF FAMILIES, I WANTED TO KEEP DOING.

>> RIGHT AROUND THE SAME TIME AS THE ANGEL TREE EVENT, OKLAHOMA CITY'S BASED -- PRESENTED $112,000 CHECK TO THE OKLAHOMA SALVATION ARMY.

>> I'M COMING TO PICK UP THE BOYS TODAY.

>> DUSTIN FISHER IS THE EXECUTIVING DIRECTOR OF THE OPERATION CHRISTMAS TREE SET FOUNDATION.

>> LOOK AT ALL THIS.

>> FRIDAY, BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE PICKED UP A BUNCH OF GOOD STUFF AFTER A GENEROUS TOY DRIVE AT SIX LOCATIONS.

>> OUR PRIMARY FOCUS STARTED WITH CHRISTMAS BECAUSE SOMEBODY ELSE HELPED ME WHEN I WAS A CHILD AND IN NEED AT CHRISTMAS TIME.

THAT'S WHERE WE STARTED, THAT'S WHERE OUR ROOTS ARE.

>> IN 2024, THEIR STAFF OF VOLUNTEERS PROVIDED BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES, AND CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR 3,000 KIDS IN AN 80 MILE RADIUS IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

>> 90% OF THE DOLLARS ARE LOCAL BUSINESSES, AND SMALL CORPORATIONS AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS THAT SUPPORT WHAT WE DO.

>> THE RED CROSS TOLD ME THEY RESPONDED TO -- AND HELPED MORE THAN 1700 FAMILIES.

>> RED CROSS IS REALLY THERE.

>> THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAYS THE RED CROSS CARRIES 40% OF THE NATION'S BLOOD SUPPLY.

AND IN OKLAHOMA LAST YEAR, THEY COLLECTED MORE THAN 20,000 UNITS OF BLOOD PRODUCTS.

RAISING MONEY IS ALWAYS A CHALLENGE.

>> OUR GOAL IS JUST AROUND $5 MILLION THAT WE'RE TRYING TO RAISE.

AND -- >> 2024?

>> FOR THE 2024-2025 YEAR, YES.

WE'RE WELL ON OUR WAY.

BUT I WILL SAY THAT MOST OF THE DISASTERS IN OKLAHOMA, WILL MY MONEY STAY HERE?

THE SHORT ANSWER, ABSOLUTELY.

>> THE RED CROSS ALSO WANTS ME TO ADD THEY ARE HOSTING A BLOOD DRIVE ON MONDAY AT THEIR CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA OFFICE HERE IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

RICH.

>>> AFTER TWO UNEXPECTED RESIGNATIONS IN EARLY DECEMBER, OKLAHOMA'S PARDON AND PAROLE BOARD IS ONCE AGAIN FULLY-STAFFED WITH FIVE MEMBERS.

HOW DOES THE BOARD OPERATE, AND ARE THEY CONSIDERED TO LEAN TOWARDS LENIENCY, OR ARE PARDONS AND PAROLES HARD TO COME BY?

I DISCUSSED THAT WITH REPORTER KEATON ROSS WITH OUR CONTENT PARTNERS AT "OKLAHOMA WATCH".

>> YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING INTO THE FREQUENCY OF THE BOARD GRANTS PAROLES.

>> 29% OF THE OKLAHOMA PRISONERS WERE GRANTED PAROLE THAT WAS AN UPTICK FROM 2023, ABOUT 24% LAST YEAR IN 2023.

PRETTY NOTABLE UPTICK THIS YEAR.

>> HISTORICALLY, WOULD YOU SAY THE BOARD IS CONSERVATIVE?

>> GENERALLY THAT'S A PRETTY GOOD OBSERVATION OF IT.

OF COURSE, THOSE RATES CAN SORT OF EBB AND FLOW OF WHO'S APPOINTED ON THE BOARD, IF YOU HAVE MORE PEOPLE WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY PROSECUTOR BACKGROUND, THEY MAY BE MORE DIFFICULT TO GET A YES FROM, THAN SOMEONE INVOLVED IN A CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM GROUP.

OR DIVERSION BACKGROUND, THAT SORT OF THING.

PAROLE IS NOT A RUBBER STAMP IN OKLAHOMA, ESPECIALLY IF YOU'VE BEEN CONVICTED OF A -- >> FOR THE VIEWERS, LET'S REVIEW.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PARDON, A PAROLE AND A CLEMENCY.

>> THE PARDON IS POST CONVICTION.

YOU'VE BEEN RELEASED FROM PRISON OR ON PAROLE OR PROBATION FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.

POST CONVICTION.

THAT'S AN ACT OF LENIENCY THAT YOU'VE DONE A GOOD JOB PERFORMING YOURSELF.

A PRODUCTIVE CITIZEN AFTER YOU SERVED ALL OR MOST OF THE SENTENCE.

PAROLE, OF COURSE, IS YOU GO BEFORE THE PAROLE BOARD, IF YOU'RE CONVICTED OF A NONVIOLATE OFFENSE, THEY CAN RELEASE YOU TO THE STREET.

IF IT'S VIOLENT OFFENSE, THEY CAN RECOMMEND -- IT'S SUPERVISES, YOU HAVE -- SUPERVISED YOU HAVE TO FULFILL CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS, IF YOU BREAK THEM YOU COULD BE SENT BACK TO PRISON.

AND CLEMENCY AND COMMONATION IS ANOTHER FORM OF LENIENCY.

THEY CAN SAY YOUR SENTENCE WAS EXCESSIVE OR HARSH AT THE TIME.

>> I APPRECIATE THAT.

WHAT IS THE BOARD'S WORKLOAD LOOK LIKE.

HOW MANY CASES DO THEY CONSIDER WHEN THEY GET TOGETHER.

>> GENERALLY THEY MEET ONCE A MONTH.

IN THE MEETINGS THEY'RE WEIGHING IN ON SEVERAL HUNDRED CASES.

300 TO 500 OF THESE PAROLE CASES, AS WELL AS THE COMMONATIONS, THAT'S USUALLY A THREE DAY MEETING THAT HAPPENS EVERY MONTH AND THEY'RE CONSIDERING HUNDREDS OF CASES.

>> WOW, THAT'S A LOT.

WHAT DO THE MEMBERS IN OKLAHOMA MAKE PER YEAR?

>> THERE'S SEVERAL JUSTICE REFORM ADVOCATES THAT I'VE SPOKEN WITH, AND HAVE ADVOCATED ON THE ISSUE WITH THE LEGISLATURE AND ELSEWHERE, THAT THE OKLAHOMA WOULD BE BETTER SERVED BY A FULL-TIME PAROLE BOARD, THAT'S SOMETHING IF YOU'RE LOOKING AT NEIGHBORING STATES, TEXAS HAS A FULL-TIME PAROLE BOARD.

OF COURSE, TEXAS HAS MORE PEOPLE IN PRISON AND MORE CASES TO CONSIDER THAN OKLAHOMA.

BUT CERTAINLY THAT IS SOMEONE THAT FOLKS BELIEVE COULD BE BENEFICIAL.

>> WHAT TO THE MEMBERS IN OKLAHOMA MAKE PER YEAR?

>> THEY MAKE AROUND $2,000 PER MEETING MONTHLY, THAT WOULD ADD UP TO $24,000 A YEAR FOR THAT PART-TIME WORK, I BELIEVE IT'S ESTIMATED THAT WOULD BE AROUND 10 TO 15 HOURS A WEEK AS A COMMITMENT.

OF COURSE, THAT'S AN ESTIMATE.

>> THAT WAS GREAT INFORMATION.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>>> OKLAHOMA CITY HAS ISSUED A PROPOSED VISION ZERO ACTION PLAN THAT INCLUDES THE LOFTY GOAL OF ELIMINATING TRAFFIC FATALITIES AND SERIOUS INJURIES.

TRAFFIC DEATHS ARE INCREASING IN OUR STATE'S LARGEST CITY, WITH ABOUT 100 PEOPLE DYING EACH YEAR ON CITY ROADS.

WITH MORE ON THE PLAN AND HOW RESIDENTS CAN HAVE THEIR SAY ON WHAT IS INCLUDED IN IT, WE'RE JOINED BY NOAH MACK.

NOAH?

>> RICH.

THIS PLAN IS A PART OF THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW PASSED UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IN 2021.

OVER 100 CITIES HAVE ALREADY ADOPTED THEIR OWN VERSION OF THE VISION ZERO ACTION PLAN, AND OKLAHOMA CITY WANTS TO BE THE FIRST CITY IN OKLAHOMA TO FOLLOW SUIT.

>> OKLAHOMA CITY HAS A NEW PLAN TO MITIGATE -- FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS, CITIZENS CAN CALL IN AND OFFER THEIR THOUGHTS.

>> OF WHERE THEY LIVE.

>> THE PLAN IS FIVE INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS, FOCUSSED ON PROVIDING SOLUTIONS.

IT WAS DUBBED THE ZERO VISION ACTION PLAN.

THE VISION, ZERO RELATED TRAFFIC DEATHS.

>> IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN OVERNIGHT, BUT THERE'S NO OTHER ACCEPTABLE GOAL THAN ZERO.

>> TO CRAFT THE PLAN THEY SIFTED THROUGH CAR CRASH CASES BACK TO 2017, ALL THE WAY TO 2021.

>> GET IN THE WEEDS AND LOOK AT THE MOST DANGEROUS STREETS AND INTERSECTIONS,AND REALLY GET SURGICAL WITH THE SOLUTIONS OF HOW TO FIX THEM.

>> THE PLAN MEETS SEVEN HIGH PRIORITY STREETS.

THEY WERE THE MOAT FATAL AND -- FAUXES FATAL AND -- MOST FATAL CAR WRECKS.

>> THIS ROAD IS ONE OF THE SEVEN OF THOSE IN THE PLAN, AND NOW IT'S THE LONGEST AND BUSIEST STRETCH OF ROAD AND ALSO THE DEADLIEST.

THE FACT IS, ONE OF THE BIGGEST FACTOR IS SPEED.

>> STREET INTERVENTION, WHERE YOU CAN SORT OF GO IN AND CHANGE THE INFRASTRUCTURE A BIT.

>> I SPOKE WITH THE -- AT LARGE TRAFFIC COMMISSIONER, A MEMBER OF THE ADVISORY BOARD.

>> AND IN IT TO LOOK, EVERY STREET AND SAY, IT WOULD REALLY WORK HERE IS A ROUND ABOUT.

WHAT WOULD WE'LL LOOK HERE IS LIGHTING.

IT HAS NO LIGHTING.

PEDESTRIANS THAT CROSS DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO THAT.

OR EVEN ADDING -- ON TO STREETS.

THAT SLOWS DOWN TRAFFIC QUITE A BIT.

SO FOR SOME OF OUR STREETS THAT ARE BUSY TO BEGIN WITH, ADDING BIKE LANES WILL ALLOW US TO DECREASE THE SPEED OF THE CAR TRAFFIC THAT'S COMING THROUGH AND ALSO GIVING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOMEONE TO SAFELY RIDE THEIR BICYCLE ON THE SAME STREET.

>> THE TEAM WAS THOROUGH WHEN COMPILING THE RECOMMENDATIONS.

>> PART OF WHAT WE -- WITH THE CONSULTING TEAM, IS WE DROVE ALL OF THESE, WE WALKED DOWN THEM, AND HAD ENGINEERS HELP US LOCK AT THE PROBLEMS.

>> THE CHANGES WON'T STOP THE SEVEN STREETS.

AFTER THE HIGH PRIORITY AREAS ARE TAKEN CARE OF, THEY'RE HOPING TO CONTINUE TO OTHER ROADWAYS IN THE CITY.

OVER A QUARTER OF CAR CRASH DEATHS IN THE STATE ARE DUE TO DRUNK DRIVING.

AND TO OKLAHOMA CITY SPECIFICALLY, DRUNK DRIVING ACCOUNTS TO 14% OF ALL FATAL WRECKS.

REALITIES LIKE THIS MAKE IT HARDER TO REACH THE GOAL OF 0 DEATHS.

>> THAT'S A LOFTY GOAL, BUT THE INFRASTRUCTURE CHANGES ARE MADE TO MAKE THE HARDER FOR HUMAN ERROR TO OCCUR.

IT IS WHAT WE DO TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR INFRASTRUCTURE POLICIES, OUR POLICING, ALL OF THE BIG PICTURE, HOW CAN WE REMOVE THAT HUMAN ERROR SKILL.

>> THE FINAL CHAPTER OF THE PLAN OUTLINES FIVE PILLARS.

THE NONINFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS ARE FOCUSED ON POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS AND EDUCATION.

THE PLAN IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT UNTIL JANUARY 8.

THEY SAY THAT CITIZEN INPUT IS VITAL.

>> IT'S FOR EVERY ROAD YOURSELF, NOT JUST THE DRIVERS OR PEDESTRIANS.

WE'RE LOOKING AT THE FULL PICTURE TO ENSURE THAT EVERY PERSON WHO IS A ROAD USER IN OKLAHOMA CITY ALL OF THE CITIZENS ARE SAFE.

THIS WOULD BE A REALLY BIG MOVE TO THE RIGHT DIRECTION OF MAKING SURE THAT THE STREETS ARE SAFER.

>> TO READ THE PLAN AND COMMENT YOU CAN GO TO VISION.OKC.GOV AND SEARCH FOR VISION ZERO.

THE LAST DAY TO VOICE YOUR OPINION WILL BE THIS UPCOMING WEDNESDAY.

RICH.

>> THE CANOO EV COMPANY HAS SCHEDULED AN AUCTION TO SELL OFF IT'S ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT IN OKLAHOMA.

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

>> CANOO IS PUTTING SOME OF ITS ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT AT ITS OKLAHOMA FACILITIES UP FOR AUCTION ON JANUARY 24.

THE ELECTRIC CAR MANUFACTURER HAS IDLED ITS OKLAHOMA CITY PLANT AND FURLOUGHED ITS EMPLOYEES IN MID DECEMBER.

BID IT UP AUCTIONS WILL HOST THE BIDDING ONLINE.

AMONG THE ITEMS UP FOR AUCTION.METAL MILLING MACHINES, LASER CUTTING SYSTEMS, AND TEMPERATURE AND CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEMS.

THE FOUNDER OF BANKFIRST OKLAHOMA GENER RAINBOLT PASSED AWAY THIS WEEK AT THE AGE OF 95.

RAINBOLT WAS BORN IN NORMAN IN 1929, AND BOUGHT HIS FIRST BANK IN PURCELL IN 1962.

RAINBOLT ALSO WAS KNOWN FOR HIS EXTENSIVE PHILANTHROPY.

TULSA BASED ONEOK HAS CLOSED THE SALE OF ITS THREE WHOLLY OWNED INTERSTATE NATURAL GAS PIPELINE SYSTEMS TO TEXAS BASED DT MIDSTREAM.

SOME OF THE ONEOK EMPLOYEES CONNECTED TO THE PIPELINE SYSTEMS WILL TRANSFER TO DT MIDSTREAM TO HELP ESTABLISH THAT COMPANY'S TULSA OFFICE.

THE PIPELINE SYSTEMS INCLUDE THE GUARDIAN PIPELINE, MIDWESTERN GAS TRANSMISSION, AND VIKING GAS TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS.

THE DEAL IS WORTH $1.2 BILLION FOR ONEOK AND PROVIDES MORE FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY TO THE COMPANY.

TULSA BASED WILLIAMS ANNOUNCED IT HAS EXPANDED ITS NATURAL GAS CAPACITY IN ITS TRANSCO SYSTEM IN NORTH CAROLINA AND VIRGINIA.

THE PROJECT IS CALLED THE SOUTHSIDE RELIABILITY ENHANCEMENT, ADDING 423,400 DEKATHERMS PER DAY OF FULLY CONTRACTED PIPELINE CAPACITY, HELPING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF MORE THAN TWO MILLION HOMES IN THAT AREA.

THE EXPANSION COMES JUST AS THE TRANSCO SYSTEM HIT RECORD AND NEAR RECORD LOAD DEMAND IN DECEMBER.

THE TRANSCO PIPELINE SYSTEM STRETCHES MORE THAN 10,000 MILES FROM SOUTH TEXAS TO NEW YORK CITY MAKING IT THE NATION'S LARGEST VOLUME NATURAL GAS PIPELINE SYSTEM.

U-HAUL'S ANNUAL REPORT ON ONE-WAY RENTALS FOR PEOPLE MOVING TO NEW STATES SHOWS OKLAHOMA HAD THE BIGGEST GROWTH AMONG THE 50 STATES STATES, TAKING THE 11TH HIGHEST RANKING IN 2024.

IN 2023, OKLAHOMA RANKED 41ST ON THE LIST.

JASON DOYLE, THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>>> THE INCOMING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION SAYS IT WILL ORDER ALL FEDERAL WORKERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY WORKING REMOTELY TO RETURN TO THE OFFICE FULL TIME, OR POTENTIALLY LOSE THEIR JOBS.

IN DECEMBER, OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT ISSUED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT MIRRORED THAT MANDATE FOR STATE WORKERS HERE IN OKLAHOMA.

IN THIS WEEK'S IN DEPTH CONVERSATION, MODERATOR CASSIDY MUDD DISCUSSES THAT WITH HER PANEL OF GUESTS.

CASSIDY?

>> THAT MANDATE APPLIES TO ALL FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.

LATER ON, WE'LL BE JOINED BY HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER FOR THE REST OF THE DISCUSSION.

THANKS FOR JOINING US HERE ON IN-DEPTH.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING US.

>> CAN YOU PLAIN THE EXECUTIVE ORDER -- EXPLAIN THE EXECUTIVE ORDER?

>> THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS PUT ON AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TELLING ALL STATE EMPLOYEES TO GO BACK TO WORK FULL-TIME IN THE OFFICE.

THIS IS A CHANGE FROM THE COVID ERA.

THE STATE IS MOVING ON SEVERAL AGENCIES.

SOME ARE WORKING FULLY REMOTE, SOME ARE HYBRID, REST OF TIME WORK FROM HOME.

THE EXECUTIVE ORDER SAYS IN INTEREST OF THE ACCOUNT NOT AND -- COVID IS STILL AROUND BUT OVER IN THE EXTENT A FEW YEARS AGO.

>> WE KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE STATE EMPLOYEES WHO ARE WORKING FROM HOME?

>> WE DON'T HAVE THE FULL NUMBERS, BUT WE LOOKED AT LAST YEAR, WE'VE HAD SOME AGENCIES AS MUCH AS 30% ARE FULLY REMOTE.

THIS IS 40% ON A HYBRID SITUATION.

SOME OF THE BIGGER SITUATIONS, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES IS ONE OF THE BIGGER SERVICES.

44% OF THE EMPLOYEES ARE FULLY REMOTE.

THAT WAS A BIG PUSH IN THE PANDEMIC, TO -- EFFICIENT AT THAT TIME.

THEY'VE GONE TO FULLY REMOTE, AND WE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY FROM THE PANDEMIC FUNDS TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN ON TECHNOLOGY, TO.

THIS IS A REVERSAL ON THAT.

>> WHAT REASONS DID THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE GIVE FOR REQUIRING TO COME BACK TO THE OFFICE?

>> I THINK IT STEMS MOSTLY FROM EFFICIENCIES FOR TAXPAYERS.

THERE ARE A LOT OF JOBS PERFORMED IN STATE GOVERNMENT THAT ARE NOT OFFICE BASED, BUT PEOPLE CAN WORK REMOTE JUST AS WELL FROM THE OFFICE.

I BELIEVE THE PUSH IS SO THAT WE GAIN THE EFFICIENCIES AND SEE MORE COLLABORATION FROM THE TEAMS.

A LOT OF AGENCIES HAVE PULLED PEOPLE BACK TOGETHER PRIOR TO NOW.

AND HAVING THEM COMING IN.

AND HAVING FULL-TIME IN THE OFFICE.

WE SEE THE TEAMS GET AN OPERATIONAL LIFT WITH THAT.

GOING THROUGH THE PROCESSES AND EXAMINING THE WORK FLOWS, AND FOCUSING ON THE CUSTOMER WORK INITIATIVES.

IT'S EASIER TO DO THOSE WITH THE INOFFICE PRESENCE.

THAT'S WHAT WAS BEHIND IT TO SEE IT.

>> YOU HAVE SEEN THE EMPLOYEES WORKING BETTER BECAUSE THEY'RE IN OFFICE.

>> WE HAVE SOME EMPLOYEES IN THE FIELD AND ACROSS THE STATE.

SOME OF THE STAFF ARE MOBILE, OUT LOOKING FOR VETERANS AND JOB SEEKERS WE HAVE SOME OF THE HYBRID ARRANGEMENTS TOO.

WE SEE WHERE THEY WORK IN THE FIELD AND THEN WHEN THEY'RE IN THE OFFICE, KIND OF THE DIFFERENCES THERE.

AND THERE'S SEVERAL JOBS IN THE STATE IT MIGHT MAKE SENSE TO ONE OR THE OTHER A HYBRID ARRANGEMENT.

WE COULD SEE EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

>> THEY HAVE TAKEN THE OPTION AWAY, THEY HAVE SEEN EVERYONE COMING BACK.

THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS.

>> THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER, IF YOUR STATE LIMITED YOUR OFFICE FOOTPRINT IN THE LAST FEW YEARS AND DON'T HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO HAVE EVERYONE BACK AT ONCE, YOU CAN APPLY FOR AN EXCEPTION.

BUT YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THEM AND SAY, HEY, THIS IS THE REASON WE NEED THAT.

AND THEY'LL GRANT THAT, AND THEMSELVES, FAIRLY REMOTE THEMSELVES.

NOW, THAT IS IN SOME CASES BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO BE.

THEY HAVE DIFFERENT AGENCIES WORKING IN IT ISSUES.

THERE'S SOME REASON FOR THAT REMOTE SIDE.

BUT THE GOVERNOR SAYS, IF YOU WANT AN EXCEPTION -- >> FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENT PERSPECTIVE, DO WE FORESEE ISSUES OR DIFFICULTIES MOVING PEOPLE FROM HYBRID SCHEDULES FROM HOME BACK TO OFFICE.

>> I THINK THERE'S ALWAYS CHALLENGES ANYMORE THERE'S CHANGE.

PEOPLE ARE FEARFUL OF CHANGE.

A LOT OF AGENCIES THAT I INTERACT WITH REGULARLY, THEY'RE WORKING IN THIS DIRECTION AND SETTING THE GROUND WORK.

THERE'S NO SURPRISE.

WE TALKED A BIT AGO ABOUT HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENTS AND TAKING PEOPLE BACK.

THAT'S BEEN HAPPENING WITH A LOT OF AGENCIES IN THE STATE.

IT IS WELL AHINED TO WHERE -- WELL ALIGNED TO WHERE WE ARE, THERE'S ACCOUNTABILITIES INJECTED IN THE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES.

WE'RE TRYING TO BOIL TOWN THE BASICS YOU'RE PROVIDING TO YOUR PETROLEUM.

FOR -- PEOPLE.

FOR US, IT WAS A NATURAL FIT.

I AM SURE THERE'S SOME THAT ARE FEARFUL OF CHANGE OR APPRECIATE HAVING MORE FLEXIBILITY.

I THINK WHERE WE HAVE A LOT OF POSITIONS LIKE GAIN WARDENS, SHE -- GAME WARDENS, THEY'LL ALWAYS BE IN THE FIELD.

>> HOW IS THE MANDATE -- >> I HEARD FROM STATE EMPLOYEES, THE GAMMET OF RESPONSES, WE'VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR A WHILE.

WE WERE ALREADY READY TO DO THIS.

OTHERS WERE SURPRISE AT OUR AGENCY, WE HAD AN EMERGENCY MEETING THE NEXT DAY.

WE DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH IT FROM THE REGULAR EMPLOYEE SIDE OF IT.

AND OF COURSE, SOME WERE HIRED ON A REMOTE POSITION AND WHAT THE STATUS IS NOW.

THAT'S NOT THE JOB SITUATION I WAS HIRED FOR.

I'VE HEARD A BIT ABOUT THAT AS WELL.

>> HOW DOES THE STATE PLAN TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS OF THE EMPLOYEES WHO ARE HESITANT OR NERVOUS OF GOING BACK TO FULL-TIME.

AND LEADING THE ABILITY TO TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AT HOME.

>> I THINK THE BEST WAY TO LOOK AT OPERATING THE AGENCIES IS THE WAY YOU OPERATE ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

THERE ARE SOME FLEXIBILITIES BASED ON YOUR WORK ARRANGEMENT.

YOU CAN BE AT HOME OR IN THE FIELD.

WHEN YOU'RE ON AND WORKING, THAT'S THE EXPECTATION.

AND THE AGENCIES THAT ARE POSITIONED BETTER TO TAKE SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN SPRIED ARE THE -- STRIDE ARE THE ONES FOCUSSED ON THE MANAGEMENT.

THESE ARE THE EXPECTATIONS AND WE KNOW WHAT THE PRODUCTIVITY LOOKS LIKE, AND WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FURTHER BEHIND, WE HAVE BACK LOGS.

WHERE SOMEONE SITS I THINK IS A BIT LESS IMPACTFUL ON THEIR WORK IF THE AGENCIES WERE MAKING THE STRIDES TO IMPROVING THE SERVICE THE AGENCY IS GIVING TO TAXPAYERS.

I THINK WHERE IT'S DISRUPTIVE IS WHERE THEY NEED IT MORE.

I SEE MORE POSITIVE COMING OUT OF IT, BUT THE INDIVIDUALS YOU ASK, RECENTLY HIRED IN A REMOTE JOB THEY MIGHT NEED LEADING TO FIND THEIR OPPORTUNITIES AND WHERE THERE'S POSITIVE.

THAT MAY BE THE FIRST TIME THEY THOUGHT ABOUT IT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME, AND THANKS FOR JOINING US FOR THE DISCUSSION.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING US.

>> JOINING US NOW FOR THE REST OF THE DISCUSSION IS HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER, THANKS FOR JOINING US.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE DECISION TO END REMOTE STATE EMPLOYEES.

>> IT'S A BIG SURPRISE AND A BIG CONFUSING.

IT WAS HIS IDEA THE FIGURE OUT WAYS TO NOT JUST REMOTE WORK OR PEOPLE TO NOT BE IN THE BUILDING AND WORKING IN PERSON BUT TO FIGURE OUT ON HOW TO GET MORE FOLKS WORKING IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, AND BEING ABLE TO FIND FLEXIBILITY IN WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOME LIFE AND THE BUSINESS OF THE STATE.

SO THE REVERSAL IS CONFUSING.

THE TIMING IS INTERESTING, AND STILL NOT CLEAR WHY HE MADE THE DECISION.

>> WHEN YOU LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED IN THE NATIONAL ELECTION AND THE NATIONAL LEVEL, THERE'S A CALL FROM THE INCOMING PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATION OR FUTURE ADMINISTRATION TO SLIM DOWN STATE OR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WORKERS.

IT'S HARD NO TO QUESTION OR WONDER IF THAT'S THE SAME THING GOVERNOR IS TRYING TO DO.

>> YOU MENTIONED THE UPCOMING ADMINISTRATION, PUTTING TOGETHER A FEDERAL EMPLOYEE, OKLAHOMA IS NOT UNIQUE TO THIS TOO.

>> I'M CONCERNED THIS IS A WAY TO KEEP FOLKS FROM WANTING TO WORK IN STATE GOVERNMENT.

IT'S INCENTIVE, THIS IS AN OPTION, FLEXIBILITY, IT'S HARD SOMETIMES TO RECRUIT PEOPLE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WHEN THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS RECRUITING PEOPLE.

AND THEY'RE UNDERSTANDING THAT PEOPLE ARE WANTING TO WORK FROM HOME.

ESPECIALLY AFTER COVID.

THEY WANT TO BALANCE THEIR LIFE.

IF THEY CAN BE JUST AS EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE AT HOME, COST SAVING ON GASHINGS CAR -- GAS, CAR MAINTENANCE, THAT'S AN ADDITIONAL BENEFIT.

>> BREAK THIS DOWN FOR US.

WHY WOULDN'T WANT PEOPLE IN STATE GOVERNMENT OR THE LEADERS NOT WANT THEM IN STATE GOVERNMENT.

>> THEIR APPROACH IS TO TRY TO SHRINK GOVERNMENT.

THE RHETORIC THAT THEY SHARE.

AND THEY COME FROM THE PRESIDENT OR THE INCOMING PRESIDENT, THE ADMINISTRATION AT A NATIONAL LEVEL, SAYING THAT THEY'RE SPENDING MONEY ON WORKERS WHEN SERVICES THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR AMERICANS IN OKLAHOMA FOR OKLAHOMAENS THAT CAN BE CUT.

I CAN'T EXPLAIN WHAT THEY'RE TRYING TO DO.

BUT IT IS MY FEAR THAT IT'S A WAY TO SHRINK GOVERNMENT.

IF HAVE YOU NOT -- OR CUTTING SERVICES, IF YOU DON'T HAVE WORKERS PROVIDING THE SERVICES, THERE'S ALWAYS SOMEONE THERE.

>> WHAT SERVICES WOULD BE CUT?

>> I THINK MY CONCERN IS THE -- SERVICES.

THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES IN PARTICULAR.

THERE WAS A MOVE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO TO CLOSE SOME RURAL LOCATIONS, PEOPLE WERE ABLE TO WORK FROM HOME, AND SAVE MONEY ON CAPITAL.

THAT WAS A GOOD MOVE.

AN ABOUT TO DO TECHNICIAN TO WENT TO A WAY TO PROVIDE TO OKLAHOMANS, AND PROVIDING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS.

>> IT'S INTERESTING, SINCE 2019, A RUK OF 30 -- REDUCTION OF 30,000 STATE EMPLOYEES.

DO YOU THINK TO END THE REMOTE WORK -- >> THERE'LL BE SOME IMPACT.

THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS LOOKING FOR WORKERS TOO.

THE WORK FORCE IS LOOKING HOW TO PROVIDE MORE FLEXIBILITY FOR FOLKS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR WORK.

I THINK IF YOU'RE SOMEONE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO SAVE MONEY AND HOW YOU CAN PROVIDE GOOD SERVICES WHEN IT COMES TO CHILD CARE, THAT'S A HUGE ISSUE.

AND IF YOU'RE ABLE TO BALANCE TAKING CARE OF YOUR WHIRN WHILE WORKING FROM HOME AND THE OPPORTUNITY IS TAKEN AWAY FROM YOU, YOU'RE PROBABLY LOOKING AT OTHER OPTIONS OUT THERE.

AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

THOSE ARE TOUGH DECISIONS THAT FOLKS WILL HAVE TO MAKE NOW WITH THE REVERSAL THE GOVERNOR HAS ANNOUNCED.

>> AND YOU MENTIONED EFFICIENCY.

IT'LL MAKE STATE SERVICES MORE EFFICIENT.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT?

>> I DON'T KNOW THAT THAT'S NECESSARILY TRUE.

WE WOULD HAVE TO SEE, SOME DATA AND INFORMATION ON THAT.

I KNOW THAT WHEN YOU CAN SAVE TIME DRIVING BACK AND FORTH FROM WORK.

IF YOU CAN GET THINGS DONE, WITHOUT AS MANY INTERRUPTIONS WORKING FROM HOME, IT DOES PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR MORE EFFICIENCY.

THE GOVERNOR IS ASKING FOR REGULAR REPORTS.

THAT'S GOING TO TAKE TIME AND COST MONEY.

WE WOULD HAVE TO QUESTION IS THAT MORE EFFICIENT WAY OF TIME WHEN PEOPLE CAN GET TO WORK AND DO THE SERVICES THAT OKLAHOMANESS --, REALLY, NEED >>> IN THIS WEEK'S "NATIONAL VIEW", WE'RE GOING TO HEAD TO ST. LOUIS FOR A STORY ON WHAT'S OFTEN BEEN CALLED THE WORLD'S OLDEST PROFESSION, AND A VERY LUCRATIVE ONE FOR A GENEROUS WOMAN NAMED ELIZA HAYCRAFT, WHOSE FUNERAL PROCESSION WAS ATTENDED BY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHEN SHE DIED IN 1870.

HER INTRIGUING STORY, COURTESY OF OUR FRIENDS AT 9 PBS.

>> ON DECEMBER 7, 1870, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FLOOD THE STREETS OF ST. LOUIS FOR THE FUNERAL PROCESSION OF 51-YEAR-OLD ELIZA.

THEY REPORTED ON THE FUNERAL AND QUOTE, A REMARKABLE CAREER OF A REMARKABLE WOMAN.

AND THOSE WHO LABELED HER CAREER AS REMARKABLE, SOME PEOPLE WOULD HAVE DESCRIBED HER WORK AS IMMORAL.

>> SO MANY ISSUES, SHE ENTERS INTO THE -- AND GOES ON TO HAVE HER OWN OPERATION.

>> A PUBLIC HISTORIAN AT THE MUSEUM, SAYS SHE BECAME A PROMINENT BUSINESS LEADER IN THE CITY.

BY RUNNING A BROTHEL.

SHE WAS MOST LIKELY SINGLE AND POOR.

THIS PHOTO IS THOUGHT TO BE A YOUNG HAYCRAFT.

>> IF YOU WERE A WOMAN ON YOUR OWN, NO FAMILY SUPPORT, YOU WERE VULNERABLE.

SHE WAS ILLITERATE, SHE COULDN'T READ BUT SHE UNDERSTOOD BUSINESS.

AND UNDERSTOOD USING HER TALENTS TO THE BEST OF HER ABILITY.

>> BECAUSE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WERE PASSING THROUGH, BUSINESS WAS BOMBING -- BOOMING.

>> SHE HAD A QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS IN HER ESTATE, WHICH IS $30 MILLION NOW.

MOST OF THE TIME POLITICIANS, POLICE WERE TURNING A BLIND EYE TO IT, AND UNDERSTOOD IT WAS PART OF SOCIETY.

BUT THEN FROM TIME TO TIME YOU WOULD HAVE ENOUGH OF A MOVEMENT TO CRACK DOWN ON IT OR TO ENFORCE THE LAWS.

AND THAT'S WHEN SHE SHOWS UP IN THE LEGAL RECORD.

>> SHE WAS ALSO KNOWN SAST IF I -- IN 1859, SHE DONATED $50 TO A CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST FOR THE POOR.

THAT'S ABOUT $1,900 TODAY.

>> SHE DONATED SOME OF THE MONEY WHEN SHE DIED BUT ALSO IN THE LATER YEARS OF HER LIFE, DONATED TO ORPHANAGES, WOMEN AND CHILDREN AFTER THE CIVIL WAR.

>> AND IT'S WORTH NOTING SHE WAS NOT THE ONLY PROMINENT MADAME IN ST. LOUIS AT THAT TIME.

THEY OWNED BROTHELS AROUND WHERE BALLPARK VILLAGE IS TODAY.

>> THEY WERE BLACK WOMEN, AND BOTH SLAVES.

>> THEY WERE KNOWN FOR THEIR WEALTH AND BUSINESS SUCCESS AND -- LIKE HAY CRAFT, CONNER WAS HONORED WITH A HUGE FUNERAL PROCESSION.

BUT SHE HAS A LARGE GRAVESTONE IN THE CEMETERY, WHERE HAYCRAFT HAS AN UNMARKED PLOT.

>> IT'S A THING SAYING, YOU CAN BE BURIED HERE, BUT BY KEEPING HER A MONUMENT THAT LOOKS LIKE THE OTHERS, THAT WOULD BE ACKNOWLEDGING HER AS A WOMAN BUSINESS LEADER AND THE TYPE OF -- SHE WAS PART OF.

>> SHE THREATENED TO TRÉALS NAMES OF HER -- RELEASE THE NAMES OF HER CLIENTS.

>> SHE GOT WHAT SHE WANTED.

>> HAYCRAFT DIED OF HEART FAILURE ON DECEMBER 5, 1870, UNFORTUNATELY FOR HER WAS THE SAME YEAR THAT ST. LOUIS BECAME THE FIRST U.S. CITY TO LEGALIZE PROSTITUTION.

THE LAW ONLY LASTED FOR FOUR YEARS.

AND THOUGH SHE'S BEEN DEAD OVER 150 YEARS, PEOPLE ARE STILL FASCINATED BY HER STORY.

HER LIFE IS THE SUBJECT OF A BOOK, A PLAY AND MANY WORKS OF ART.

>> I THINK HAYCRAFT LIKE SO MANY WOMEN IN HISTORY IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF SOMEONE NOT LIVING THE NORM, AND TAKING AGENCY ON THEIR OWN STORY.

HER FORTUNE IS IMPRESSIVE, FROM SOMEONE WHO COULDN'T READ, THE WHOLE STORY IS ONE OF THE GOOD RAGS TO RICHES TYPE OF STORIES THAT WE'RE DRAWN TO.

>> REGARDLESS OF HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT HER PROFESSION, WELL, I THINK THE REVEREND AT HER FUNERAL SAID IT BEST.

LET HIM WITHOUT SIN AMONG YOU CAST THE FIRST STONE.

>>> ON THE NEXT EDITION OF THE "OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT", RURAL OKLAHOMA LACKS DOCTORS, AND VETERINARIANS TOO.

WHAT'S BEING DONE TO MAKE SURE PETS AND LIVESTOCK GET THE MEDICAL CARE THEY NEED.

STEVE SHAW REPORTS, NEXT FRIDAY AT 7!

>>> WE'LL SAY SO LONG WITH THE TRADITION OF COOKING BLACK EYED PEAS ON NEW YEAR'S DAY, COURTESY OF O.E.T.A.

'S MATT BARNETT AND HIS WIFE, TASHA.

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!