♪♪ ♪♪ >> THE LEGISLATURE SETS UP A SHOW DOWN BETWEEN COMPETING EDUCATION REFORM.

>> I RESPECT SPEAKER MCCALL.

HE AND I HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP.

BUT THAT'S JUST NOT THE WAY THE PROCESS WORKS.

THE HOUSE SEND THEIR BILL AND WE SEND OURS.

>> THE FUNDING CRISIS THAT COULD IMPACT VULNERABLE OKLAHOMANS.

>> UNFORTUNATELY ICF'S DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY FOR LOBBYIST.

LIKE DHS DOES.

>> SHELTERS ARE PACKED.

SEE WHAT'S BEING DONE TO KEEP DOGS FROM BEING EUTHANIZED.

YEAH, WE HAD TO MAKE TOUGH DISCUSSIONS.

>> LOOK AT THE LIFE AND MASTER OF THE "MASTER OF SPACE AND TIME".

>> WE FOUND THE GROOVE AND EVERYBODY WANTED IT ON THEIR RECORD.

>> AND LOOK AT TAX FILING SEASON NEXT ON THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

HELLO, EVERYONE.

WELCOME TO THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

I AM TAELYR JACKSON.

RICH LENZ WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK.

THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION BUSINESS WITH THE REFORM BILLS.

JASON IS LOOKING AT THE LAWS THAT COULD IMPACT OUR CLASSROOM.

>> TAELYR, THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS HEADING TOWARD A EDUCATION REFORM SHOW DOWN.

IT IS MUCH TOO EARLY TO TELL WHAT POLICYS WILL MAKE IT TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK BY THE END OF THE SESSION.

>> THE SENATE WILL NOW COME TO ORDER.

>> DESPITE THE SHORTER OKLAHOMA BREAK.

THE REFORM PROPOSAL IS BEING PUSHED THROUGH.

>> THAT IS MEANT TO RECRUIT MORE TEACHERS TO THE CLASSROOM.

>> SENATE BILL 529 ESTABLISHES THE OKLAHOMA TEACHER CORE PROGRAM.

THIS PAYS TUITUION AND FEES FOR A POTENTIAL TEACHER SHOULD THEY RECEIVE THE TEACHING CERTIFICATE AND GO TO COLLEGE IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

THEN THEY ARE OBLIGATED TO TEACH FOUR YEARS IN A TITLE ONE SCHOOL IN OKLAHOMA.

>> TITLE ONE RECEIVES FUNDING TO CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP.

>> WHAT HAPPENS IF THE INDIVIDUAL FAILS TO MET THE OBLIGATION IN THE TITLE ONE DISTRICT?

>> FOR EXAMPLE, TO THE QUESTION MR. PRESIDENT, THAT THEY TAUGHT FOR THREE YEARS, THEY WOULD PAY ONE YEAR BACK OF THEIR TUITION AND FEES.

SNSHS SENATE BILL 529 WON APPROVAL WITH A VOTE.

>> THE CLOSE THE ROLE.

44 AYE AND ONE NAY.

THE BILL HAS PASSED.

BILL 522 WILL HELP HELP THE TEACHERS.

>> IT IS A $500 STIPEND FOR THE TEACHERS IN THE STATE.

THEY WILL RECEIVE MENTORSHIP WHETHER THEY ARE BRAND NEW TEACHERS OR NEW TO THE DISTRICT.

>> THAT GAINED SUPPORT OF THE SENATE MEMBERS.

>> THE BILL HAS PASSED.

>> THE SENATORS WHO CARRIED THE BILLS FOR THE EDUCATION REFORM AGENDA RECEIVED SUPPORT AND NOTED AFTER THE LEGISLATION WAS SENT TO THE OKLAHOMA HOUSE ON TUESDAY.

>> I SAID MANY TIMES.

YOU CAN'T GET ANYTHING DONE IN THE BUILDING BY YOURSELF.

SO MY COLLEAGUES HAVE BOUGHT INTO THE REFORMS AND THE EDUCATION PACKAGE THAT I PRODUCED IN THE START OF SESSION.

>> PUGH WANTS IT TO ADDRESS EARLY CHILDHOOD READING.

THE SENATE BILL WOULD CREATE A TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE.

>> THERE WAS A LOT OF DISJOINTED COMPONENTS AND THE TASK FORCE GOAL IS TO BRING ALL OF THE VOICES TO ONE SPOT WHERE SOMEONE LIKE MYSELF CAN JUST SIT DOWN AND LISTEN AND GIVE THE EXPERTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE.

>> AND HE SET A GOAL FOR THE PROGRAM.

>> I WILL NOT RELENT ON THIS.

THIS IS IMPORTANT.

BY FOURTH GRADE.

100% OF OUR KIDS SHOULD BE ON READING LEVEL.

I KNOW THAT IS A BIG, BOLD GOAL, BUT I CANNOT STAND IN THIS BUILDING AS A STATE SENATOR AND ACCEPT LESS THAN THAT.

>> THERE IS SUPPORT FOR IT.

>> THE EDUCATION PLAN HAS MOMENTUM.

>> YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU GET BIPARTISAN SUPPORT, EDUCATION RARELY GETS THAT SUPPORT.

A HUGE MAJORITY OF ONE CAUCUS OR THE OTHER.

IT IS PROOF IN THE PUDDING.

>> AND THIS COMES AFTER HOUSE SPEAKER MCCALL TO THE SENATE NOT TO CHANGE THE PROPOSAL.

500 MILLION FOR TEACHER PAY RAISES AND A TAX CREDIT FOR PARENTS TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO PRIVATE SCHOOL OR TEACH AT HOME.

MCCALL ADDED IF THE SENATE CHANGED HIS BILL, THE SENATE EDUCATION BILLS WILL NOT GET HEARD IN THE HOUSE.

>> I RESPECT SPEAKER MCCALL.

HE AND I HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP.

BUT THAT'S NOT THE WAY THE PROCESS WORKS.

THE HOUSE SENDS US THEIR BILL AND WE SEND OUR BILLS.

THEY EXPECT TO HAVE OWNERSHIP AND LOOK AT OUR BILLS.

WE EXPECT THE SAME COURTESY.

>> WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IS YET TO BE DETERMINED.

THAT IS NOT STOPPING THE HOUSE FROM PASSING OTHER EDUCATION REFORMS THIS WEEK.

HOUSE BILL WAS PASSED ON THE FLOOR.

>> 1936 SIMPLY REQUIRES SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO APPROVE TRANSFERS UNLESS THE GRADE LEVEL OF THE PROCEEDING SCHOOL IS AT CAPACITY.

>> THEY WILL FIND A SCHOOL TO MEET THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS.

IF THERE ARE COURSES TO HELP THEM LATER ON, THEN MAYBE THAT IS THE SCHOOL TO GO TO.

>> AND BAKER NOTES THAT HOUSE REPUBLICANS ARE ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF THE SPEAKER MCCALL EDUCATION REFORM PACKAGE.

>> WE WANT CHILDREN TO BE SUCCESS: WE HEARD FROM PARENTS AND WE UNDERSTAND OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAVE TO BE SUPPORTED AND UNDERSTAND THAT FAMILIES THAT ARE CHOOSING SOMETHING DIFFERENT THAN PUBLIC ED.

THEY NEED A WIN FOR EVERY CHILD.

>> BOTH SIDES OF THE CAPITAL ROTUNDA HOPE THAT LAWMAKERS WILL FIND A PATH FORWARD TO BENEFIT STUDENTS AND THE SPRING BREAK MADE THINGS SHORTER.

THINGS WERE MOVING IN THE CAPITAL.

AND I SPOKE TO THE SPEAKER ABOUT WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED.

WE STARTED ABOUT OKLAHOMA'S FAMED ATTEMPT TO LAND THE VOLKSWAGON BATTERY PLANT.

>> OKLAHOMA AMENDED THE LEAD ACT.

IT IS A SEVEN MILL COMBRON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR VOLKSWAGON'S ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY PLANT TO QUALIFY.

BUT AS YOU SAID.

VOLKSWAGON CHOOSE ST. THOMAS ONTARIO, CANADA FOR THE PLANT.

IT IS RARE THAT A COMPANY COMES OUT TO SAY WHY IT CHOSE ONE LOENGDZ OVER THE ANOTHER.

GOVERNOR STINT NOTED OKLAHOMA WAS COMPETING AGAINST THE ENTIRE COUNTRY OF CANADA FOR THE COMPANY.

BUT HOUSE DEMOCRAT LEADER CINDY MUNSON SAID OKLAHOMA NEEDS TO HELP THE HEALTH CARE OF FOR WOMEN AND TRANSGENDER OKLAHOMANS AND THAT THE GOVERNOR AND STATE NEED TO STOP WORKING TO DEFUND AND DENOUNCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WE NEED TO REDIRECT OUR EFFORTS TO PROVEN WAPS TO GROW AND DEVELOP OUR WORK FORCE WITH QUALITY HEALTH CARE AND A STRONG PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

>> YOU KNOW, SHAWN, A LOT OF TIMES WE TALK ABOUT THE BILLS WHICH DO PASS.

BUT THIS WEEK WE HAD A BILL THAT WOULD RESTRICT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES.

JUST BECAUSE IT DIDN'T GAIN SUPPORT IT DOESN'T MEAN JOHN TALLY'S BILL IS QUITE DEAD YET.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THAT WOULD PROHIBIT THE PHYSICAL DYSDISCIPLINE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIESES.

TALLEY HAS THREE LEGISLATIVE DAYS INCLUDING THE DAY HE SERVED THE NOTICE TO BRING THE BILL BACK UP FOR CONSIDERATION.

BECAUSE THE HOUSE MET BRIEFLY ON WEDNESDAY, THAT MEANS HE MUST EXERCISE THE NOTICE AND PUT THE BILL UP FOR A SECOND VOTE ON MONDAY.

>> AND THE ARPA FUNDING BILL IS BEING FAST TRACKED THROUGH THE LEGISLATURE RIGHT NOW.

IT IS MEANT FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.

WHAT WOULD THAT BILL DO?

>> IT APPROPRIATES MORE THAN 65 MILLION THAT WILL BE ALLOCATED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO VARIOUS NON- PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FOR PROMOTING HEALTH CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTS FOR EXPANDING CAPACITY FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES, PROVIDING SERVICES TO REDUCE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT AND FOCUSING ON PROGRAMS WITH FATHER AND HIGH-RISK COMMUNITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FACILITY THAT SERVES VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND HUMAN SEX TRAFFICKING AND AMONG ANOTHERS.

>> A BILL WHICH DEALS WITH THE CITIZEN REVIEW BOARD FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PASSED THE HOUSE THIS WEEK, BUT THERE IS A LOT CONTROVERSY ABOUT WHO WANTED SIT ON THE BOARD.

>> HOUSE BILL 2061 MAN DATES THAT TWO-THIRDS OF THE CITIZEN BOARDS TASKED WITH POLICING LAW ENFORCEMENT AND REVYING THINGS LIKE POLICE SHOOTINGS AND MISDUCT BE MADE UP OF CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

TWO-THIRDS OF THEM.

WEEP WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE PEOPLE ON THE COMMITTEE THAT UNDERSTAND THE JOB OF POLICE OFFICERS.

REPRESENTATIVE ROSS FORD THE AUTHOR OF THE BILL SAID.

BUT OPPONENTS OF THE MEASURES SUGGESTED THAT THE BILL WOULD CREATE A SITUATION OF FOX WATCHING THE HEB HOUSE POTENTIALLY.

>> IT IS A SHORT WEEK WITH SPRING BREAK.

NEXT WEEK WHAT CAN WE EXPECT.

>> THURSDAY IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE BILLS TO BE HEARD IN THE CHAMBER OF ORIGIN.

THERE IS STILL A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF P BILLS.

MORE THAN 240 IN EACH CHAMBER THAT COULD BE CONSIDERED.

SOME OF THEM COULD BE CONTROVERSIAL AND IT LOOKS LIKE A BUSY WEEK.

>> ONCE AGAIN, SHAWN ASHLEY, THE PUBLISHER OF QUORUM CALL, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> YOU ARE WELCOME.

>> THE NEXT MAJOR DEADLINE IS MARCH 23RD WHEN THE BILLS MUST PASS OFF THE HOUSE OR SENATE FLOOR TO MOVE TO THE OPPOSITE CHAMBER.

TAELYR?

>> THANK YOU, JASON.

FOR NINE YEARS THE OKLAHOMA MUSLUMCOMMUNITIES HAS GATHERED FOR THE ANNUAL MUSLIM DAY IN THE CAPITAL.

THIS HELPS TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE SLAM LAM FAITH COCOMMUNISTS WITH OTHER FAITHS IN OKLAHOMA.

THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL ON ISLAMIC- AMERICAN RELATIONS SAID THAT IT CHANGES ATTITUDES IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> WE STARTED OUT NINE YEARS AGO WE STARTED OUT WITH PROTESTORS.

A LOT OF NEGATIVITY AND A LOT OF HATE.

IN ANYTHING THERE IS A LITTLE BIT HERE AND THERE.

BUT WE SEE A LOT OF SUPPORT NOT JUST FROM OUR FELLOW OKLAHOMANS BUT ELECTED OFFICIALS.

IT IS AWESOME.

WE HAVE HEARD POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM REPUBLICANS, DEMOCRATS AND PEOPLE FROM ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.

>> WITH 12 ISLAMIC CENTERS AND MOSQUE LOCATED AROUND THE STATE, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 35,000 TO 40,000 OKLAHOMANS PRACTICE THE MUSLIM FAITH IN OUR STATE.

THE SANTA FAYE PLACE IS A PLACE FOR OKLAHOMANS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES.

>> OLIVIA TURNER IS A PROUD RESIDENT.

IT IS A FACILITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO OKLAHOMANS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES.

THANKS TO THE SERVICE, TURNER LEARNED LIFE SKILLS.

>> I LEARNED HOW TO MANAGE MONEY BETTER.

I AM STILL WORKING ON IT.

I LEARNED HOW TO COOK.

I STILL HAVE TO HAVE A BIT OF HELP ON THAT.

BUT THEY HELP ME OUT.

>> WE HAVE THREE HOMES WITH ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIESES.

EACH HOME HAS 16 BEDS.

WE HELP THEM WITH THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE SO THEY CAN LEARN TO BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT AND THEY CAN DO IT ON THEIR OWN.

>> ALL OF THAT COULD CHANGE AFTER THE COVID 19 RELIEF FUNDING THIS SUMMER.

THE CEO STEPHEN BUCK SAID DURING THE PANDEMIC, OKLAHOMA HEALTH CARE AUTHORITY GAVE THE CO, FUNDS TO THE NURSING HOME.

>> THOSE PAYMENTS WERE MEANINGFUL AND ALLOW THE FACILITY TO KEEP UP WITH THE PACE OF INFLATION THAT OCCURRED SINCE COVID.

I CAN'T TELL YOU WHERE WE WOULD BE IF THEY WERE NOT THERE.

THEY ARE EXTRAORDINARILY HELPFUL.

>> THEY ARE HOPING THAT THE STATE LAWMAKERS WILL STEP IN.

>> I WILL BE CANID.

IF THEY DON'T ADDRESS THE FUNDING GAP, WE WILL LOSE IN THE FACILITIES.

>> JESSICA SMITH SAID SANTA FE POLICE IS FUNDED THROUGH MEDICAID INSTEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.

>> HARDEST PART FOR ICF, WE ARE THE LOWEST PAID PROVIDER IN OKLAHOMA.

RECEIVING THE COVID FUNDING WAS THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP STAFF GOING.

WHEN EVER THAT GOES AWAY, IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO KEEP STAFFING, BECAUSE WE CAN'T COMPETE WITH OTHER TYPES OF PROVIDERS IF WE DON'T HAVE HELP WITH FUNDING.

>> 2019, THE LEGISLATURE DID SOMETHING BOLD WITH SENATE BILL 280 AND SET THE FUNDING IN THE NURSING HOMES.

>> THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC JUST ADDED FUEL TO THE FIRE.

>> SO UNLIKE A HOSPITAL THAT MIGHT BE ABLE TO CHANGE THE PRICE THAT SET IN THESE SPACES, WE ARE DEPENDENT ON THE GOVERNMENT ON WHAT THEY PAY TO PROVIDE THE CARE.

WE HAVE TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT RAISING THE RATES IN THE CAPITAL.

>> THE FUNDING SHORTAGE COULD INTERRUPT SANTA FE PLACE.

THEY ENJOYED OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK AND VOLUNTEER LIKE ANY OTHER OKLAHOMANS.

THE SANTA FE AKTION CLUB WAS CREATED IN 2015 TO FIND RESIDENTS OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP THEIR COMMUNITY.

AKTION CLUB IS A KIWANIS CLUB.

IT IS ONLY LEADERSHIP FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIESES IN THE WORLD.

WE ARE CURRENTLY THE ONLY AKTION CLUB IN OKLAHOMA.

>> THEY HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT AND HOPE THAT THE POSSIBLE FUNDING SHORT FALL DOESN'T STOP IT.

>> WE HAVE FUN HERE.

WE HAVE A FRESH START AND HELP IN THE PARKING LOT.

WE HELP WITH LIKE THE PLACES FOR THE SHELTER ANIMAL PLACE.

>> AND WHAT IT DOES, IT TEACHES THEM THEIR VALUE AND TAKES AWAY THE SENSE OF VICTIM HOOD OR THAT SENSE OF SO MUCH SYMPATHY AND GIVES THEM ANOTHER STEP IN THEIR VENTURE FORWARD.

>> AKTION CLUB MEMBERS ARE KNOWN FOR BRIGHT ORANGE SHIRT AND SMILING FACES.

>> EVERY TIME THEY COME IN AND THEY SMILE AND ASK WHAT MORE THEY CAN DO.

THEY WORK AS A TEAM AND UNIFIED AND SO EVERYTHING THEY DO THEY DO EXCELLENT.

>> ON TUESDAY, SANTA FE HOSTED A TIME FOR SHOWING APPRECIATION.

>> THEY DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH THEY POURED INTO US.

WE WOULD NOT BE THE PLACE WE ARE IF WE DID NOT HAVE A CONNECTION WITH THE AKTION CLUB.

>> YOU GUYS ARE CHANGING THE MINDS.

YOU ARE CHANGING THE HEARTS.

YOU GUYS ARE MAKING THE IMPACT BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT SAYING I CAN'T DO THIS OR THAT.

THEY ARE TAKING IT BY THE REIGNS AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> TURNER SAID IT IS REWARDING TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

>> THE FACT THAT EVERYBODY IS APPRECIATIVE OF US, BECAUSE LIKE KNOWING THAT, LIKE IT PUFTS A SMILE ON MY FACE.

>> AND DURING HER TIME IN SANTA FE, SHE GAINED INDEPENDENCE AND LOVE LONG SKILLS.

>> I LOVE THE FREEDOM.

ALL OF THE GIRLS AND I GET ALONG FOR THE MOST PART.

AND YOU KNOW, WE HELP EACH OTHER OUT AND WE HAVE A LOT OF FUN.

>> SHE WILL CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE FOR THE RESIDENTS AND URGES OTHERS TO SPEAK WITH LAWMAKERS.

>> UNFORTUNATELY ICF'S DON'T HAVE MONEY FOR LOBBYIST.

MONEY LIKE DHS DOES.

WE DON'T GET A LOT OF ATTENTION.

>> THE AKTION CLUB TODAY CREATED GARDEN PLANTERS WITH THE KIWANIS MEMBERS.

THIS WEEK WAS SPRING BREAK FOR MANY KIDS AROUND THE STATE AND THE FIRST AMERICAN MUSASSUME HELPED PARENTS OUT TO INTRODUCE OKLAHOMA STUDENTS TO NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE.

THE CAMPS WERE GEARED TOWARD AGES 6 THROUGH 12 YEARS OLD.

THE SPRING BREAK CAMP SERVED AS A PREVIEW OF THE SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM.

>> CAMPS AT FIRST AMERICAN MU SIME ARE DIFFERENT IN THAT THEY ARE CENTERED IN THE INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE.

SO FAR FAMILIES WITH KIDS WHO ARE TRIBAL CITIZENS, IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP WITHIN THEMSELVES A GREATER SENSE OF NATIVE IDENTITY AND PRIDE.

THEN NON- NATIVE FRIENDS, IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THE CULTURE MORE DEEPLY.

>> WE ARE OFFERING CAMPS IN SCIENCE, AND VISUAL ARTS, IN READING AND LITERACY AND IN STORY TELLING AND STICKBALL.

SO WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERY KID NO MATTER WHAT THEIR INTERESTS ARE.

>> REGISTRATION FOR THE FAMILY SUMMER CAMPS IS OPEN FOR PUBLIC AND SCHOLARSHIP.

ARE AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFYING FAMILIES TO HELP COVER THE COSTS.

>> THEY SAY THE ONLY THING CERTAIN IN LIFE IN DEATH AND TAXES.

IN THIS WEEK'S IN DEPTH CONVERSATION REESE WETZEL AND HIS GUEST TALK ABOUT WHAT TAXPAYERS NEED TO DO BEFORE SENDING IN THEIR FORMS.

>> THE ESTATE LIFELINE EXCLUSION IS UP TO ALMOST 13 MILLION.

IF YOU THINK THROUGH ANY OF THE NORMAL STANDARD DEDUCTIONS SUCH AS MILEAGE RATES OR FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS OR FOR TRAVEL RATES AND THINGS THAT THE IRS WILL BASICALLY INCREASE EVERY YEAR.

BUT WE SAW PRETTY BIG INCREASES.

SO THAT LEADS TO LESS TAXES FOR PRETTY MUCH EVERYBODY BECAUSE OF THE INFLATION ADJUSTMENTES.

>> MAKE SURE YOU HAVE JOUSHGS W2, 1099'S AND WHATEVER COORDINATES TO YOU.

ANYTHING THAT YOU UTILIZE THAT HAS YOUR INCOME.

SO MAYBE YOUR CHECK REGISTERS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT YOU NEED THAT IS ON THE FILING.

>> I KEEP GOING TO THE WEBSITE.

BUT THAT IS THE BEST PLACE BECAUSE OF THE RESOURCES TO WHAT IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR SCENARIO.

>> MUCH MORE OF THAT INFORMATIVE CONVERSATION COMING UP LATER IN THE SHOW.

MANY OKLAHOMANS ADOPTED PETS IN THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC.

BUT SINCE THEN MANY OF US HAVE RETURNED TO WORK.

THOSE PETS ARE FINDING THEIR WAY INTO SHELTERS AROUND THE STATE.

STEVE SHAW IS HERE TO TELL US WHY THAT IS CAUSING PROBLEMS FOR THE SHELTERS.

>> TAELYR, MANY SHELTERS ARE RUNNING ABOVE CAPACITY.

OKLAHOMA CITY HAS THE LARGEST ANIMAL SHELTER IN THE SOONER STATE.

AND THEY SAY WE CAN ALL DO BETTER.

>> WE HAVE ROOMS FOR PEOPLE TO GO IN AND INTERACT.

>> JOHN GARY WORKED FOR OKLAHOMA CITY AN MALE WELFARE AND SUPERINTENDANT FOR THE PAST SEVEN.

>> WE ARE 160% CAPACITY.

IT IS A BUILDING DESIGNED TO HOLD 300.

WE HAD TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS AND THERE ARE NINE DOGS EUTHANIZED BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE THE SPACE TO KEEP THEM.

>> HE SAID THE PANDEMIC THREE YEARS AGO WAS A DOUBLE-EDGED SOURCE.

PEOPLE AT HOME ADOPTED DOGS AND CATS AND THEY HAD THE TIME AND STIMULUS CHECKS TO SPEND.

BUT WHEN THOSE CHECKS ENDED AND CORONAVIRUS SLOWED DOWN, PEOPLE WENT BACK TO WORK.

AND MANY OF THOSE ADOPTED DOGS AND CATS END THE BACK HERE.

>> WE ARE SEEING LESS FOSTER HOMES AND SOME OF OUR PARTNERS AND PEOPLE THAT WE WORK WITH.

GROUPS ARE CROWDED AS WE ARE.

THEY ARE IN THE SAME SITUATION WHERE THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO TAKE AS MANY FROM US.

IT IS GETTING BACK TO THE PREPANDEMIC INTAKE NUMBERS IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WE HAVE.

>> AND GARY SAID LEGWORK IS KEY TO KEEPING AT LEAST SOME DOGS AND CATS OUT OF SHELTERS IN THE FIRST PLACE.

>> WHEN YOU FIND A PET.

IF YOU FIND A DOG IN THE STREET, YOU REACT TO TAKING IT TO THE SHELTER.

ONLY 20% OF THE DOGS ARE RECLAIMED.

THE LIKELIHOOD OF THEM GETTING BACK HOME IS NOT GOOD.

IT IS BETTER TO LOCATE THE OWNER IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND NEXT DOOR APP AND FACEBOOK AND ALL OF THOSE PLACES THAT PEOPLE LIST LOST PETS.

TWO DECADES AGO, THERE WAS 30000 STRAY ANIMALS A YEAR.

THEY ONLY SAVED 10%.

LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF SPAY AND NEUTERING, THEY SAVED 84%.

THAT IS BECAUSE OF THE SUCCESS OF SPAY AND NEUTERING CAMPAIGNS STATEWIDE OVER THE SEVERAL YEARS.

>> REMIND PEOPLE HOW CHEEP IT IS TO SPAY AND NURTURE YOUR ANIMALS.

>> ESPECIALLY NOWADAYS.

IF YOU ARE AN OKLAHOMA CITY RESIDENT THERE IS FREE PROGRAMS.

YOU CAN GET YOUR DOG OR CAT SPAYED AND NEUTERED FOR FREE.

WE PARTNER WITH SAFE HAVEN NURTURE AND SPAY CLINIC IN SPENCER.

THEY DO THAT FOR US.

BUT EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT A OKLAHOMA CITY RESIDENT OR METRO AREA, HUMANE HAS LESS THAN A HUNDRED DOLLARS.

BELLA FOUNDATION HAS A SIMILAR PROGRAM.

THERE IS BEST FRIENDS OF PETS.

THEY OFFER ANOTHER ONE THAT IS LESS THAN $100.

>> AND OKAY, YOU ARE, THERE YOU GO.

>> SKYLER DENNY VOLUNTEERS IN THE OKLAHOMA CITY ANIMAL SHELTER.

>> I MEAN, I ENJOY IT.

I DON'T SEE IT AS A JOB OR ANYTHING.

>> IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

WALK THREW THE KENNELS AND THERE IS PILES OF PUPPIES.

IT IS VERY SAD.

WE COULD REALLY STOP THIS PROGRAM IF PEOPLE TOOK TIME TO SPAY AND NURTURE THE ANIMAL AND USING THE RESOURCES THEY OFFER HERE.

MOST OF THE TIME IT IS FREE.

>> AND SO MANY MEDICAL BENEFITS.

IT REDUCES CANCER RISK AND OTHER BENEFIT AND BETTER BEHAVIOR.

PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW WHY ANIMALS ARE TURNED TO THE SHELTER IS DUE TO BEHAVIOR REASONS.

YOU CAN HELP BY SPAYING AND NEUTERING AS WELL.

>> 19 MONTHS NORTH.

THERE IS DIESEL.

>> HE'S BEEN WAITING FOR THREE WEEKS.

HE SAID HIS FORMER OWNERS RETURNED DIESEL TO THE EDMOND SHELTER BECAUSE THEY WERE LOSING THEIR HOME.

>> IT IS EXPENSIVE TO TAKE CARE OF A PET.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE A THOUSAND A YEAR TO SPEND ON THE ANIMAL, YOU ARE PROBABLY NOT ABLE TO AFFORD IT.

SO ONCE THE PANDEMIC CAME TO AN SXEND PEOPLE WENT BACK TO WORK, THOSE POSITIVE NUMBERS IN THE PANDEMIC AND THE ANIMALS ANYTHING OUT WAS GREAT.

BUT THEY CAME BACK TRI- FOLD.

>> HE SAID PET ADOPTIONS HERE COST $25.

BUT EACH PET IS SPAYED AND NEUTERED AND MICROCHIP BEFORE GOING OUT OF THE DOOR.

BACK OVER IN OKLAHOMA CITY, IF YOU ADOPT A DOG OVER 40 POUNDS IT IS FREE.

>> AND THE IDENTIFICATION IS CRUCIAL.

HAVING MICROCHIP IS A PERMANENT.

HAVE AN ID AND USE BOTH.

ID IS THE QUICKEST WAY HOME FOR THE ANIMAL.

THE PUBLIC GENERALLY WILL GET THE DOG BACK TO YOU.

LAST FALL, TULSA ANNOUNCED PLANS TO BUILD A NEW LARGER $13.8 MILLION ANIMAL SHELTER BECAUSE OF THE NEED.

TAELYR.

>> THANK YOU, STEECH.

FANS OFALATE ROCK 'N ROLL HALL OF FAMER, LEON RUSSELL CELEBRATE HIS BIRTHDAY EVERY YEAR ON APRIL 2ND.

THERE IS A NEWLY RELEASED BOOK THAT EXPLORES THE LIFE OF THE TULSA- RAISED MUSICIAN.

RICH LENZ SPOKE WITH THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE REMARKABLE CAREER OF CLAWED RUSSELL BRIDGES.

>> BILL, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE LEON AS A SUBJECT?

>> I CAME INTO CONTACT WITH HIM WHEN I WAS 12 AND HAD THE RECORD THAT WAS CAPITATING.

IT WAS RIGHT UP BY THE ROLLING STONES OR KEY OF LIFE, BY STEVIE WONDER.

I JUST LOVE HOW THE ERA OF THE POST PSYCHEDELIC ERA OF ROCK 'N ROLL IN THE '70'S AND EVEN THE GOSPEL STRAIN AND PIANO THING.

THAT IS A CERTAIN GROOVE THAT LEON BROUGHT TO THINGS.

>> FOR A LOT OF BEATLE FANS, THEY HAVE BANGLADESH AND ALL-STAR CAST AND LEON RUSSELL, HE STOLE THE SHOW.

>> LEON, ON A STAGE WITH TWO BEATLES, ERIC CLAP AUTHORITY TON AND BILLY PRESTON, AND BOB DYLAN.

HE COMES OUT AND DOES THE ROLLING STONES COVER OF JUMPING JACK FLASH.

THAT WAS THE POINT OF ENTRY FOR LEON RUSSELL AND THAT SKY ROCKETED HIM TO STARDOM.

>> TELL US ABOUT THE DAYS WITH THE WRECKING CREW AND HIS TIME IN LOS ANGELES.

>> JUST LIKE THE OLD DAYS, THE OLD DAYS, THE OKLAHOMANS WENT OUT TO CALIFORNIA TO MAKE THEIR WAY IN MUSIC.

BUT LEON BECAME, FIRST CALL GUY AMONGST THE ELITE CADRE OF MUSICIANS THAT BECAME KNOWN AS THE WREAKING CREW.

THERE IS A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THEM.

THEY WERE THE PEOPLE WHO PLAYED ON ALL KINDS OF HITS FROM SINATRA AND BEACH BOYS AND LEON WAS ON CALIFORNIA GIRL AND MR. TAMBOURIN AND BE MY BABY.

>> HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE OKLAHOMA ROOTS IN AND WHAT IS THE TULSA SOUND.

LEON AND THE TULSA SOUND.

>> THE WREAKING CREW FIGURES WAS TOMMY.

HE SAID WHEN HE FIRST MET LEON.

HE WAS NERVOUS AND DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO PLAY.

TOMMY SAID, JUST PLAY THAT OKY THING.

JUST BE LEON RUSSELL AND NO ONE PLAYS LIKE YOU DO.

HE PLAYED THAT OKY STUFF AND IN HIS TERMS, AND HE FOUND THE GROOVE AND EVERYBODYMENTED IT.

>> AND PLAYING THE PIANO EARLY ON.

HE HAD ONE IN HIS HOUSE LIKE SINCE HE COULD WALK.

>> LEON COULD HAVE BEEN REGARDED A CHILD PROD EDGY OF THE INSTRUMENT.

BUT IN HIS OWN ESTIMATION.

DUE TO A BIRTH INJURY HE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE RIGHT SIDE BECAUSE OF A FORCEP DELIVERY.

IT KEPT HIM FROM BEING CLASSICAL.

>> AND TELL US ABOUT THE CHURCH.

>> LEON THOUGHT OF THE CHURCH NOT ONLY AS A CLUBHOUSE AND PLACE TO RECORD.

BUT HE LOOKED ALMOST MORE AS A PLACE TO GIVE BACK.

TO PROVIDE A PLACE FOR MUSICIANS TO COME AND WORK OUT YOUNG MUSICIANS IN PARTICULAR.

ELTON JOHN CAME THROUGH THERE.

>> AND LEON SAID ELTON JOHN FOUND HIM IN THE DITCH IN THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OF LIFE IN LATER YEARS.

IS THAT ACCURATE?

>> ELTON DOES HAVE A REVELATION AND REALIZATION THAT MAN, WHAT THIS GUY MEANT TO ME.

WHAT IS HE DOING?

LEON MADE BAD DECISIONS AND POOR CHOOSES.

SOME OF IT WAS SORT OF I MEAN, T-BONE BERNET, LIKE HE WAS WILLFULLY OBSCURE.

THAT QUOTE SURPRISED JAN BRIDGES, LEON'S WIDOW AND BAND MATES.

BUT LEON FELT LIKE, WOW, HEREIN AM ON THE STAGE OF THE ROCK 'N ROLL HALL OF FAME GETTING INDUCTED BECAUSE OF ELTON JOHN'S EFFORTS.

>> BILL, JUST A FANTASTIC BOOK.

I AM RACING THROUGH IT RIGHT NOW.

I WILL GIVE YOU THE FINAL SAY.

IN YOUR OPINION LEON'S LEGACY IS WHAT?

>> HOW DO I DESCRIBE HIS LEGACY?

HE IS A MUSICIAN'S MUSICIAN.

IN THE ROCK 'N ROLL HALL OF FAME WAS A NO BRAINER BUT IT WAS AN EFFORT TO GET HIM IN THERE.

HE DEFINED ROCK 'N ROLL.

STUDIO OWNERS AND FIRST CALL PIANO PLAYERS, AND SELLING OUT ARENAS LIKE LED ZEPPELIN AT THE SAME TIME.

HE WAS A LIFE FOR HIMSELF.

HE PLAYED FROM EARLY AGES AND ALMOST UNTIL THE DAY HE DIED.

>> BILL JANOVITZ, IT IS A BIG ONE AND NO QUESTION YOU WILL BE IN TOWN FOR A BOOK SIGNING IN TULSA.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND GREAT INFORM N. SNSHG THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME, RICH.

>> BILL JANOVITZ WILL KICK OFF A NATIONWIDE BOOK SIGNING TOUR AT THE CHURCH STUDIO IN TULSA ON SATURDAY MARCH 18TH FROM 10 TO 4 IN THE AFTERNOON.

IT IS TIME TO CHECK THE BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC NEWS FROM THE STATE.

HERE IS JASON DOYLE WITH THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>> ON THE HEELS OF ANNOUNCEMENT VOLKSWAGON WILL BE BUILDING A BATTERY FACTORY IN CANADA INSTEAD OF OKLAHOMA.

SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM GREG TREAT IS FORMING A COMMITTEE TO FIND OUT WHY THE STATE IS NOT LANDING THE BIG DEALS.

THIS IS THE SECOND FACTORY DEAL IN LAWMAKERS TRIED TO GET A COMPANY HERE.

TREAT WANTS TO KNOW WHY THEY ARE CHOOSING OTHER PLACES.

HE PLANS TO THE NAME MEMBERS NEXT WEEK.

OKLAHOMA CITY BASED SAND DRIJ ENERGY INCREASED ITS PROFITS.

THE INCOME OF $244.2 MILLION IN 2022.

SANDRIDGE SAID THE PRODUCTION WAS STEADY LAST YEAR AND CONTRIBUTED TO THE BOTTOM LINE.

FOR THIS YEAR, THE COMPANY PLANS TO SPEND 14 TO $19 MILLION IN DRILLING AND COMPLETING WELLS.

FORT WORTH BASED INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER IS SET TO BUY AT-LINK SERVICES.

THEY PROVIDE FIXED WIRELESS INTERNET TO RURAL OKLAHOMANS.

ELEMENT EIGHT SECURED 200 MILLION INVESTMENT FROM DIBLG DIG ALPHATO HELP FORWARD TO EXPAND.

OKLAHOMA CITY BASED TAIL WIND PROVIDES A ONE CONTENT FOR APPS FOR MICROSOFT'S EDGE.

IT HELPS MARKETING AND SEVERAL COMPANIES ARE USING IT TO HELP GENERATE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS.

TAIL WINDS APP IS AVAILABLE IN THE MICROSOFT STORE.

TAIL WINDS LAUNCHED MORE THAN 50 A- I FEATURES TO HELP WITH THE MARKETING.

JASON DOYLE, THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>> TAX SEASON IS ON US.

APRIL 18TH IS THE DEADLINE FOR FILING YOUR 2022 TAX RETURNS FOR FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENTS.

WE GET TIPS FROM REESE WETZEL AND HIS GUESTS.

>> WE ARE JOINED BY TWO GUESTS WHO CAN GIVE US INFORMATION ON TAX FILING SEASON.

WE ARE JOINED BY AMANDA, DIRECTOR OF THE INCOME TAX ACCOUNTS FOR THE OKLAHOMA TAX COMMISSION.

JOINED BY JOSHUA JENSEN AND KNOWN AS JJ, THE CPA.

>> WE WILL JUMP RIGHT INTO IT.

AMANDA, FIRST OF ALL.

TALK ABOUT RESOURCES THAT YOU OFFER THE OKLAHOMA TAX COMMISSION TO OKLAHOMANS WHO ARE FILING AND BUSINESS OWNERS WHO ARE ALSO FILING.

>> SURE, SURE, I WOULD SAY THE OTC WEBSITE HAS GREAT RESOURCES.

THERE IS A SPECIFIC SECTION WHERE YOU CAN GO TO ACCORDIAN RESOURCE AND THEY WILL TELL YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, WHETHER YOU HAVE A BUSINESS OR INDIVIDUAL FILING AND LOOKING FOR HOW TO CONDUCT YOUR FILING AND DO IT ONLINE.

WE HAVE TRC, AND TAXPAYER RESCOURS CENTER TO HAVE PEOPLE GO AND WALK IN AND WE'LL BE THERE TO HELP YOU.

>> THAT IS OPEN FIVE DAYS A WEEK AND ANYBODY CAN COME IN AND GET HELP.

>> WE REMEND AN APPOINTMENT AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PERSON TO SPEAK TO.

>> JJ, TAX SEASON ALWAYS CHANGES.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT LAST YEAR AND THIS YEAR.

ANY IMPORTANT CHANGES OKLAHOMANS SHOULD KNOW?

>> THERE IS A LOT OF CHANGES STARTING WITH HIGHER DEDUCTIONS IN 2022 COMPARED TO '21 FOR THE STANDARD DEDUCTION.

LET'S SAY FOR EXAMPLE.

BUT BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC, WE HAD BIG TAX CREDITS IN '21 THAT ARE NOT AROUND IN '22.

SPECIFICALLY THE CHILD TAX CREDIT.

AND SO IN '21, THAT WAS UP TO $3,000 FOR THOSE OVER FIVE YEARS OLD AND UNDER AGE 18.

IF THEY WERE FIVE AND UNDER, IT WAS $3,600.

BACK IN 2022, TAX CREDIT OF 2000 FOR EACH CHILD.

DAY CARE EXPENSES OR CHILD CARE, THE AMOUNT OF THAT CHILD TAX CREDIT IN '21 WAS HUGE BECAUSE OF MORE EXPENSES QUALIFIED.

THE CREDIT WAS LARGER AND PART OF IT WAS REFUNDABLE.

IN '22 NORMAL TAX CREDIT 3000 OF EXPENSES FOR EACH CHIMED.

THEN, EVERYBODY COULD DEDUCT CHARITABLE UP TO $600 FOR A MARRIED FILING JOINTLY IN '21 AND THAT WENT AWAY.

THAT IS WHAT YOU DID EVEN IF YOU DIDN'T ITEMIZED.

IT REDUCES DOLLAR FOR THERE.

AND THAT WILL BE THE BIGGEST IMPACT IN 2022 COMPAREED TO '21.

OKLAHOMANS CAN EXPECT LESS THAN PANDEMIC YEARS?

>> CORRECT.

IT IS NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE COMMISSION.

BUT IRS CHANGES.

>> AMANDA, THAT IS AN IMPORTANT THING.

OKLAHOMANS ARE FILING THE TAXES AND WHAT IS THE PAPER WORK TO HAVE READY AND PREPARED.

>> >> SURE, SURE, HAVE YOUR W2, 1099'S AND ALSO ANYTHING THAT YOU UTILLIZE THAT HAS YOUR INCOME.

SO MAYBE YOUR CHECK REGISTERS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT TO HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATIONNA YOU NEED ON THE FILING.

>> FOR EXAMPLE, THE PAY STUB READY TO GO.

UTILITY BILLS NEEDED?

>> I KNOW THINGS ARE NEEDED?

>> AND SOMETIMES, I MEAN, DURING THE TAX YEAR, YOU HAD A DIFFERENT ADDRESS POTENTIALLY AND NOT NORMALLY.

ANYTHING THAT SHOWS YOUR INCOME AND WAGES AND TAX YOU WITH HELD.

>> AND JJ, THE ECONOMY IS EVERYWHERE THIS YEAR.

P AND YOU KNOW, THAT IS WHAT THE IRS IS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT.

HOW ARE THEY DEALING WITH INFLATION WHEN PEOPLE ARE FILING THE TAXES?

>> THE GOOD NEWS, ALL OF THE DEDUCTIONS THAT THE IRS HAS BASICALLY BUILT IN FOR AN INFLATION ADJUSTMENT WENT UP TREMENDOUSLY.

THE DEDUCTION FOR WHETHER YOU ARE SINGLE OR HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD AND MARRIED AND FILING JOINTLY THAT STANDARD DEDUCTION WENT UP CONSIDERABLY AND THOSE WHO PASS AWAY, BUT THE ESTATE LIFETIME EXCLUSION IS UP TO ALMOST 13 MILLION AND ALSO FOR DEPRECIATION.

MORE IS ALLOWED RELATED TO THAT.

BUT IF YOU LOOK AT NORMAL KIND OF STANDARD DEDUCTIONS LIKE MILEAGE AND TRAVEL THAT THE IRS WILL INCREASE EVERY YEAR.

WE SAW INCREASES.

AND SO THAT DEFINITELY LEADS TO LESS TAXES FOR PRETTY MUCH EVERYBODY BECAUSE OF THE INFLATION ADJUSTMENTS.

>> THEY ARE TRYING TO MAKE IT EASIER AND RELIEVE THE STRESS.

WE ARE IN AN UNCERTAIN ECONOMIC FUTURE.

>> AMANDA, THAT MAKES ME WANT TO BRING UP THE NEXT.

SINGLE TAXPAYERS OR MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY.

THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN CHANGES TO THE TAX BRACKET.

ARE YOU AWARE OF THOSE CHANGES?

>> SO JJ, CAN ADD TO THAT.

THE CHANGE FOR TAX YEAR 2022, TAX RATE DROPPED A QUARTER.

INSTEAD OF FIVE, IT IS 4.75 PERCENT WHICH IS A HUGE CHANGE.

>> THAT'S AN INTERESTING POINT.

WHY DID THAT HAPPEN?

BECAUSE OF PANDEMIC STUFF OR IS IT UNRELATED?

>> I AM SURE THAT HAD SOME KIND OF BACKGROUND BEHIND IT.

BUT THE OKLAHOMA TAX COMMISSION IS PROACTIVE IN TRYING TO MAKE OKLAHOMA ATTRACTIVE COMPARED TO OTHER STATES.

DOWN IN TEXAS, THEY DON'T HAVE A INCOME TAX.

BUT WHAT WAS HUGE, THEY LOWERED THE CORPORATE TAX RATE AS WELL.

WE SEE LESS IN THAT REGARD.

AS IT RELATES TO THE SINGLE FILER AND MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY.

SIMILAR TO THE IRS.

ALL VERY POSITIVE.

BUT THERE IS MORE INCOME TO EARN BEFORE IT GETS UP IN THE HIGHER BRACKETS.

THAT IS BUILT IN AS WELL.

OVER ALL EVEN THOUGH WE TALKED ABOUT THE FEDERAL CHANGES, LOOKING AT OKLAHOMA LEVEL.

OVER ALL FOR THE STANDARD OR AVERAGE OKLAHOMANS, TAXES WOULD BE LESS IN '22.

>> THAT IS GOOD NEWS, TOO.

>> AND BRING A LITTLE RELIEF.

>> AND WE ARE IN A TIME, WHERE EVERYBODY IS PREPARING THE MONEY AND SAVING IT ACCORDINGLY.

JJ.

TALK ABOUT OKLAHOMANS WHO MIGHT HAVE SMALL SIDE BUSINESSES AND THEY CREATE AND SELL ONLINE OR THEY ARE A FREELANCER OR CONTRACTOR.

HOW DOES THAT WORK FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS?

>> WHAT I TELL PEOPLE, AND ALL OF MY CLIENTS DOING THIS 30 YEARS.

NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL YOUR COMPANY IS.

GO TO THE OKLAHOMA SECRETARY OF STATE AND SET UP A COMPANY THERE.

A RECOMMEND A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

THAT WILL NOT DICTATE HOW YOU ARE TAXED.

YOU ELECT THAT WITH THE IRS.

BUT THE LLS IS TAXED AS A SOLE PROPRIETIORSHIP AND S- COR.

YOU ARE GIVING YOURSELF THE OPTIONS.

LLC IS GOING TO GIVE YOU AS IT SAYS, LIABILITY PROTECTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

AND THEN, AFTER THAT GETTING REGISTERED WITH THE IRS WITH AN EIN.

AND REGISTERED WITH THE OKLAHOMA TAX COMMISSION AND REALLY, WHAT IS NICE ABOUT OKLAHOMA, AND THE TAX COMMISSION, MOST SMALL BUSINESSES FOLLOW THE FEDERAL LAW.

TRACKING YOUR INCOME AND EXPENSES.

REALLY, YOU ASKED EARLIER IF THEY KEEP UTILITY BILL.

REALLY MOST WOULD NOT NEED THAT.

BUT SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WITH A HOME OFFICE THAT IS THE REASON TO KEEP THAT.

OVER ALL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS GET WITH AN ADVISOR AND THAT IS GREAT ADVICE.

>> GET THE LLC.

THAT IS IMPORTANT.

GREAT, WELL AMANDA, HOW DOES THE STATE'S EARNED INCOME TAX LOOK.

THE LEGISLATURE HAD CHANGES IN THE SPECIAL SESSION.

BUT WHAT IS IT LOOKING LIKE RIGHT NOW?

>> SO ONE OF THE CHANGES NOW, IT IS REFUNDABLE.

I THINK GOING BACK TO WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT A MINUTE AGO.

LOOKING FOR RELIEF YOU KNOW FOR TAXPAYERS AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

ALL OF THAT INFORMATION AND WE HAVE THE FORMS AVAILABLE AND WALK YOU RIGHT THROUGH ANYTHING YOU NEED ON THE WEBSITE.

>> AND I WILL SAY WITH YOU HERE, A LOT OF PEOPLE FILE THROUGH PAPER.

BUT THE OKLAHOMA TAX COMMISSION PUSHING FOR THE ELECTRONIC FILE?

IT IS EASIER?

>> IT IS EASIER AND MORE SECURE.

THAT IS THE BIGGEST PIECE.

OBVIOUSLY WANT TO MAKE IT EASIER IN TODAY'S WORLD WE MAKE IT MORE SECURE.

IT GETS DIRECTLY TO US AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT IT GOING THROUGH THE POSTAL SERVICE.

IT IS UPLOADED AND EVERYTHING IS SECURE RIGHT TO OUR DIVISION.

>> JJ, GO TO THE COLLEGE DEMOGRAPHICS THE.

THERE IS A LOT OF FORMS THAT WE NEED TO BE FILING.

I WAS A COLLEGE STUDENT RECENTLY AND I LOVED IT AND IT WAS MONEY IN MY POCKET.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO STIERNTS IN OKLAHOMA.

>> THE GREAT THING THERE, IT IS GOING TO BE A TAX CREDIT.

THIS IS TWO TYPES, THE AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT AND THAT IS UP TO 2500 AND A THOUSAND IS REFUNDABLE.

THEN WE HAVE THE LIFETIME LEARNING CREDIT UP TO DO $2,000.

THEN IT IS A SCHOLARSHIP AND GET THAT NET.

BUT ANY OTHER COLLEGE EXPENSES THAT YOU HAVE EVEN NOT ON THE 1098, SUCH AS BOOKS AND COMPUTERS, THAT IS KRET CREDITED AND THAT REDUCES THE TAXES AND THAT IS BETTER THAN A DEDUCTION.

IT IS AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST FOUR YEARS AND AFTER THAT LIFETIME LEARNING CREDIT COMES IN TO PLAY.

ROOM AND BOARD IS NOT IB -- INCLUDED.

OKLAHOMA TAX COMMISSION HERE IN OKLAHOMA ALLOWS FOR INDIVIDUALS TO GET A DEDUCTION PUTTING MONEY ASIDE IN AN EDUCATIONAL ACCOUNT.

529 ACT.

>> IT IS NOT FEDERAL, BUT IT DOES IN OKLAHOMA.

UP TO $10,000 PER INDIVIDUAL CAN BE DEDUCTED AND NOW 20000 OVER ALL.

IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE INDIVIDUALS THAT YOU ARE PUTTING THE MONEY.

IT IS TAX FREE AND USED FOR QUALIFIED EXPENSES.

>> YEAH, YOU HAVE TO MAKE AN EDUCATION ACCOUNT.

YOU DO THAT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OR TAX COMMISSION.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT?

>> WHAT IS AWESOME IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, THERE IS A DEDICATED DEPARTMENT AND A WEBSITE.

529.

SO, IF YOU GOOGLE OKLAHOMA 529 GO THERE.

YOU CAN GO THROUGH YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR.

THEY ARE GOING TO GO TO THAT SAME POSITION.

SO WITH THAT.

IT IS CONSERVATIVE AND STATE.

THAT IS WHAT IT IS MEANT TO BE TO HAVE GROWTH OVER TIME AND HAVE DOLLARS AVAILABLE WHEN IT IS TIME TO PULL THEM OUT.

IN OKLAHOMA, YOU CAN USE IT K- 12 AS WELL AS FOR COLLEGE.

YOU NEED TO KEEP THE MONEY IN THERE 30 DAYS TO HAVE IT ACCOUNT FOR A DEDUCTION IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA.

>> PARENTS, MAKE SURE YOU ARE DOING THAT.

MANDATE, WE ARE RUNNING SHORT ON TIME.

TALK ABOUT THE DEADLINES AND EXTENSIONS.

OKLAHOMANS MIGHT NOT HAVE THE PAPER WORK.

APRIL 15TH, OR 18TH.

IT IS GETTING HERE QUICK.

IF THEY WERE WANTING TO FILE AN EXTENSION.

HOW LONG ARE THEY?

>> AND SO, I THINK DEPENDS ON THE EXTENSION YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.

I KEEP GOING TO THE WEBSITE.

THAT IS THE BEST PLACE.

THAT WILL GIVE YOU ALL OF THE RESOURCES TO WHAT IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR SCENARIO.

APRIL 18TH.

WE RECOMMEND DOING IT NOW IF YOU CAN.

ONLINE, YOU CAN WALK IN AS WELL AND SCHEDULE A APPOINTMENT.

>> MAKE SURE YOU ARE TAKING CARE OF ALL OF YOUR OPTIONS AND RESOURCES.

THAT IS ALL OF TIME WE HAVE TODAY.

THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR INSIGHT AND BEING ON THE PANEL.

MAYBE WHEN TAX SEASON ENDS, WE'LL GET YOU BACK HERE TO TALK ABOUT EVERYTHING.

IF THERE IS ANY LAST WORDS TO ADD.

>> OKLAHOMA MAKE ITS SIMPLE.

IF YOU DON'T OWE TAX.

THEY WILL ACCEPT THE FEDERAL EXTENSION AND GOING ONLINE.

WHAT AMANDA SAID.

OTC HAS FABULOUS WEBSITE.

YOU CAN GET THE QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

>> YOU KNOW THAT OFF THE TOP OF YOUR HEAD?

>> YES, SO TAX.OK.GOV.

>> TYPE IT IN.

>> AND WE'LL HAVE A LINK AND MAKE SURE OKLAHOMANS ARE DIRECTED.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HAVE A GREAT WEEK.

>> THANK YOU.

>> OKLAHOMA IS HOME TO 13 FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES, THE STATE OF LOUISIANA IS HOST TO FOUR TRIBES.

IN THIS WEEK'S NATIONAL VIEW, WE JOIN OUR FRIENDS AT LOUISIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTER WITH A STORY ON HOW A TRIBAL HEALER IS HONORED.

>> CAMERON PARISH AND ST. CHARLES IS DUBED CAJUN COUNTRY.

KNOWN FOR FOOD AND MUSIC AND UNIQUE TAKE ON LIFE.

OF COURSE, EVERY STORY HAS A BEGINNING, MIDDLE AND END.

TO THOSE WHO LIVE HERE, THE BEGINNING IS NEGLECTED.

♪ [SINGING] ♪ >> THIS CONGREGATION IN OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION CHURCH IS RIGHTING THAT WRONG.

>> CATHERINE WAS A FREE WOMAN OF COLOR LIVING IN CIVILAR ERA IN ACADDIA.

SHE WAS PART OF THE TRIBE.

IT WAS A NA THEATIVE AMERICAN TRIBE WHO CALLED THE AREA HOME BEFORE SHIPS HIT THE VIRGINIA COAST.

>> HISTORY IS IMPORTANT.

TOM- TOM.

WE HAVE HISTORY OF WHO SHE WAS.

THAT IS OUR REALITY AS AFRICAN PEOPLE.

IT IS HARD TO FIND THE LINEAGE.

>> MARY FLOWERS IS A DESCENDANT.

THEY HAVE BITS AND PIECES OF THE LEDGE SXEND WHEN ISSERS OF A NATIVE ANCESTOR WHOSE IMPACT ON LOUISIANA WENT UNNOTICED UNTIL FLOWERS AND THE FAMILY STARTED TO DIG.

>> SHE WAS A HEALER.

SHE WAS BORN IN 1801.

AND SO AGAIN, THAT WAS PRIOR TO THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE.

SLAVERY WAS ALIVE AND WELL HERE.

AGAIN, INDIGENOUS PEOPLE BEING PUSHED OFF OF THEIR LAND BY THE COLONIZATION OF THE FRENCH, AND BRITISH AND SPANISH.

SO BASICALLY, WE WERE CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE.

THOSE OPPRESSED WERE IN THE MIDDLE.

>> SHE WAS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE AND SHE USED HER SKILLS TO HEAL AND TEND TO WOUNDED SOLDIERS.

AS A RESULT THEY GRANTED HER A HOSPITAL.

THAT IS ON L.A. HIGHWAY 52.

>> WE ARE HONORING OUR ANCESTORS AND FOR THIS GENERATION TO KNOW WHEN THEY GOT HERE.

ENJOY.

[CHEERING] >> A LAND MARK ON THE BRIDGE SO EVERYONE WHO PASSES UNDERSTANDS THE HISTORY.

>> THERE ARE MARKERS IN ACADDIA, THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE CAJUN CULTURE.

I AM NOT KNOCKING THE CULTURE.

THEY HAVE A UNIQUE AND COMPELLING STORY.

BUT THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE WERE HERE FIRST.

IF YOU LOOK AT OLD MAPS BEFORE THE EUROPEANS, FROM SOUTHEAST TEXAS TO SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA THAT WAS ALL THE NATIVE AMERICAN COUNTRY.

SO I WANTED TO HONOR MAYAN CESTORS AND HONOR HER FOR BEING A MEDICINE WOMAN AND HEALER.

SHE SERVED HER COMMUNITY.

THEY SAY IT IS CAJUN COUNTRY AND WE ARE OKAY WITH THAT.

BUT THEY SPRINKLED THAT OVER EVERYTHING.

SO THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT THE AFRICAN-AMERICANS GAVE AND NATIVE AMERICANS IS DIMINISHED.

>> AND THE LAND WAS USED BY A CATHOLIC NUN WHO TURNED THE HOSPITAL IN A SCHOOL FOR NATIVE AND BLACK CHILDREN.

>> SHE WAS OW BUSY.

YESTERDAY, >> THE CONTRIBUTION IS LABELLED ON THE BACK OF THE MARKER.

>> WITHOUT CATHERINE'S WORK, I AM NOT SURE WHERE WE WOULD BE IN TERMS OF EICATION.

SHE HAD A HUGE IMPACT ON OUR FAMILY AND CHURCH COMMUNITY.

THAT IS AT CATHERINE DREIXOLL COMMUNITY.

WE ARE PROUD OF THEM.

>> THE STORY TOOK A LOT OF RESEARCH TO UNCOVER AND DOCUMENT FOR EVERYONE TO SEE.

BUT IT ALSO TOOK AN EMOTIONAL TOIL ON THE STEPPEDANTS WHO HAD TO ACCEPT IT WITHOUT SHAME.

>> THE HOLY SPIRIT AND YOUR GREAT SPIRIT.

YOU CAN'T LET OUTSIDERS TELL YOU WHO YOU ARE.

I AM NATIVE AND AFRICAN AND I AM PROUD.

MY ANCESTORS AND THE WOMEN WERE WARRIORS.

ON THE AFRICAN SIDE AND INDIGENOUS SIDE.

>> I DON'T THINK ANYONE CAN REALLY APPRECIATE HOW EMBOLDENED, EMPOWERING THAT ENLIGHTENMENT IS FOR ME.

>> SO YES, THE STRETCH OF LAND IS CAJUN COUNTRY, BUT THAT IS ONLY A PART OF THE TRUTH.

IT IS NATIVE AND HISTORICAL AND PART OF LOUISIANA CULTURAL FABRIC.

A PART THAT DESERVES TO BE REMEMBERED AND HONORED.

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

NEXT WEEKS A CRUCIAL DEADLINE WEEK FOR LAWMAKERS.

WE'LL BRING YOU FULL COVERAGE OF THE BIMS THAT WILL SEE ANOTHER DAY IN THE SESSION.

WE'LL WRAP UP THINGS WITH THE LOOK AT OKC KOOR DRIFTING SHOT AND EDITED BY THE EOTA PRODUCTION TEAM.

IF YOU ENJOY OUR NEWSCAST, PLEASE INVITE FRIENDS TO WATCH.

FOR ALL OF US HERE ON OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

I AM TAELYR JACKSON.

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK.

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪