>> GOVERNOR STITT AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS REACH A CONSENSUS ON A $12.6 BILLION BUDGET.

>> IT'S NOT A GOVERNOR'S BUDGET, IT'S NOT A HOUSE BUDGET, IT'S NOT A SENATE BUDGET, BUT IT IS THE BEST BUDGET THAT WE PUT TOGETHER.

>> TREATY DAY 2025 AT THE STATE CAPITOL.

>> THERE ARE 39 TRIBES, WE ALL HAD SEPARATE TREATIES, WE ALL WERE UH WE ALL WERE GIVEN THOSE TREATIES, AND NOW TODAY WE JUST WANT THEM HONORED.

>> STICKER SHOCK.

REPAIRING OKLAHOMA CITY'S POTHOLES IS GOING TO BE EXPENSIVE.

>> 621 SQUARE MILES AND 9,000 LANE MILES.

VERY DIFFICULT FOR US TO MANAGE AND TAKE CARE OF THROUGHOUT THE CITY >> OKLAHOMA PRIESTS REACT TO ONE OF THEIR OWN ASCENDING TO THE PAPACY.

>> YOU'RE ALWAYS WELCOME IN TULSA AND WE WOULD WELCOME HIM ANYTIME THAT HE WOULD WANT TO COME AND VISIT THIS GREAT DIOCESE.

>> RELAX.

IT'S ONLY A DISASTER DRILL AT THE TULSA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

>> WE'RE TRYING TO FIND GAPS IN HOW CAN WE IMPROVE OUR RESPONSE TIME COORDINATION WITH THOSE AGENCIES.

'CAUSE THERE'S 19 PARTNERS TODAY.

PLUS, OKLAHOMA MIDDLE SCHOOLERS ACE THEIR CIVICS TEST, NEXT.

ON THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

HELLO, EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

I'M RICH LENZ.

BY TYPICAL STANDARDS, THE OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE HAS PRODUCED A STATE BUDGET WITH LIGHTENING SPEED.

AGREEING IN PRINCIPLE ON A $12.6 BILLION BUDGET WITH TWO WEEKS LEFT IN THE SESSION, THAT INCREASES EDUCATION SPENDING WHILE KEEPING MOST STATE AGENCY BUDGETS FLAT.

AND, MUCH TO THE GOVERNOR'S LIKING, IT INCLUDES A STATE INCOME TAX REDUCTION OF A QUARTER POINT, DOWN TO 4.5%, AND REDUCES THE NUMBER OF TAX BRACKETS FROM SIX TO JUST THREE.

>> WE'VE NEGOTIATED IN, IN GOOD FAITH AND CAME UP WITH A, WITH A, WITH A GOOD SOLUTION.

RONALD REAGAN USED TO TALK ABOUT NEVER GETTING EVERYTHING HE WANTED.

AND IF YOU COULD GET 80% WHAT YOU WANT, THEN IT'S A GOOD DEAL.

AND SO THIS ISN'T A, AND THEN IT'S NOT A GOVERNOR'S BUDGET, IT'S NOT A HOUSE BUDGET, IT'S NOT A SENATE BUDGET, BUT IT IS THE BEST BUDGET THAT WE PUT TOGETHER >> I'M SO HAPPY TO GET TO WORK WITH SPEAKER HILBERT, THE GOVERNOR, THE TEAMS, THE STAFF, EVERYBODY WHO'S BEEN INVOLVED IN THIS FROM CAUCUS MEMBERS.

YOU KNOW, IT HAS BEEN A, A GREAT PROCESS TO WORK WITH, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF, A LOT OF WORKING TOGETHER.

I THINK THAT'S ONE THING WHEN WE FIRST CAME IN HERE, I THINK WE DEALT WITH, YOU KNOW, THE, THE FACT THAT, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN SEEING THE CHAMBERS WORK TOGETHER AND GET ALONG AND TRY TO TRY TO COME TO GOOD SOLUTIONS.

>> RICH: FOLLOWING THURSDAY'S ANNOUNCEMENT, THE DEMOCRATS QUICKLY RESPONDED.

SENATE MINORITY LEADER JULIA KIRT SAID IN PART, SENATE DEMOCRATS HAVE CONSISTENTLY PRIORITIZED A BIPARTISAN BUDGET THAT SOLVES REAL PROBLEMS FOR OKLAHOMANS - ONE THAT FOCUSES ON WORKING FAMILIES, NOT BIG COMPANIES AND WELL-CONNECTED PEOPLE.

WE'VE ADVOCATED FOR A BUDGET THAT PROVIDES A GREAT EDUCATION FOR EVERY STUDENT, NOT $50 MILLION FOR VOUCHERS WITH LITTLE TO NO OVERSIGHT OR ACCOUNTABILITY.

WITH MORE SPECIFICS ON WHAT'S IN THE 2026 FISCAL BUDGET.

WE'RE JOINED NOW BY QUORUM CALL PUBLISHER, SHAWN ASHLEY.

FROM OUR O.E.T.A.

STUDIO IN THE STATE CAPITOL.

SHAWN, LET'S BEGIN WITH THE INCOME TAX CUT.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST AND HOW MUCH WILL THE AVERAGE OKLAHOMA FAMILY SAVE EACH YEAR?

>> THAT QUARTER POINT RATE REDUCTION IS EXPECTED TO SAVE APPROXIMATELY $120 MILLION.

FOR OKLAHOMA TAXPAYERS.

THE BRACKET REDUCTION WILL REDUCE STATE REVENUES BY ANOTHER $40 MILLION FOR A TOTAL OF $160 MILLION IN FISCAL YEAR 2026.

FOR AVERAGE OKLAHOMAN, THEY WILL SAFER APPROXIMATELY $160 PER YEAR.

THE GOVERNOR SAID.

>> RICH: HOW MUCH IS EDUCATION SPENDING GOING TO INCREASE IN 2026?

>> ACCORDING TO THE PRELIMINARY NUMBERS WE'VE SEEN BY $122 MILLION KEEP IN MIND, MUCH OF THAT IS STATUTORILY REQUIRED INCREASES FOR THINGS LIKE TEACHERS INSURANCE AND BENEFITS PAYMENTS.

THERE ARE OTHER ADDITIONS INTO THE BUDGET.

SUCH AS $5 MILLION FOR HIGH DOSAGE TUTORING AND SOME OTHER PROGRAMS DIRECTED BETHE LEGISLATURE NOT SO MUCH REQUESTED BY SECRETARY OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION RYAN WALTERS.

>> RICH: THERE'S MONEY IN THE BUDGET TO BUILD A HOSPITAL AND BUY A PRISON.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THAT?

>> THERE'S $200 MILLION SET ASIDE TO EXPAND THE OU HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER PEDIATRIC HEART HOSPITAL.

WHICH PROVIDES HEART CARE FOR CHILDREN ACROSS THE STATE AND FROM NEIGHBORING STATES.

THERE'S $312 MILLION BEING SET ASIDE TO PURCHASE THE LAWTOP CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.

MORE UP TO DATE SPACE NEEDED.

>> RICH: A DECISION WAS ALSO MADE TO FUND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE THROUGH THIS FISCAL YEAR?

WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE?

>> CURRENTLY, THAT WILL BE APPROXIMATELY $27.4 MILLION TO GET TO THE END OF THIS FISCAL YEAR.

THAT NUMBER WILL BE CARRIED OVER INTO THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET WITH A COUPLE OF ITEMS INCREASED IN THAT BUDGET TO MEET ONGOING NEEDS BUT IN THE INTERIM, LAWMAKERS HOPE TO GET DOWN TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM WITH AGENCIES FINANCIAL ISSUES AND ADDRESS THEM WHEN THEY COME BACK IN 2026.

>> RICH: WE HEARD EARLIER FROM DEMOCRAT SENATOR JULIA KIRT THAT THIS BUDGET DOESN'T PRIORITIZE PEOPLE.

WHAT ELSE ARE DEMOCRATS SAYING ABOUT THE BUDGET?

>> ONE THING THEY POINT OUT IS THAT STATE AGENCIES REQUESTED MORE THAN A BILLION DOLLARS IN NEW SPENDING FOR THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR.

OBVIOUSLY, THOSE NEEDS ARE NOT BEING MET.

THEIR QUESTION IS, WHAT ARE THESE INSTITUTIONS GOING TO DO WITHOUT THE ADDITIONAL FUND WHICH THEY SEE NEEDED TO PROVIDE THEIR SERVICES IN THE COMING FISCAL YEAR.

>> RICH; FINALLY, THIS BUDGET HAS BEEN AGREED TO AND WHAT POINT WILL IT BE FINALIZED?

>> IT WON'T BE FINAL UNTIL GOVERNOR STITT PUTS IT IN TO IMPLEMENT THE BUDGET.

SOMETIMES THINGS CAN GO WRONG.

WE'VE SEEN BUDGET AGREEMENTS FALL APART IN THE PAST.

WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THAT GOVERNOR SIGNATURE.

>> Rich: THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR TIME.

GOVERNOR VOTE 30 BILLS.

SOME OF THEM ARE CONTROVERSIAL.

WERE WITH MORE ON THAT AND POSSIBILITY OF LAWMAKERS OVERRIDE THEM JOINED ABOUT BY JOHNSON & JOHNSON.

>> -- BY TAELYR JACKSON.

I SPOKE TO A LOT AND SURPRISED BY GOVERNOR ACTION.

IT WAS NO PROBLEM.

IN 2022, I HAD THE CITY WHO REACHED OUT IF THEY FIND SOMETHING ON THAT, THEY ORDER YOUR DOCTOR THAT NEXT MORE PRECISE AND MOST OFTEN MORE EXPENSIVE TEST.

YOUR INSURANCE MAY OR MAY NOT COVER IT.

Jim: HER THE CITY WAS GOING TO BE $1200 OUT OF POCKET.

>> SHE'S LIKE I HAD TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE.

I HAVE TO MAKE A CHOICE.

>> SUSAN G. KOMAN REGIONAL MANAGER, LAUREN MARQUETTE SAYS SOME INSURANCE COMPANIES DON'T COVER ADDITIONAL TESTING.

>> IT'S A HUGE FACTOR.

THE DIFFERENCE OF THIS BILL IS THAT A LOT OF INSURANCE COMPANIES COFFER THIS.

WE WANT THIS AT NO COST.

IF YOU HAVE A $10,000 DEDUCTIBLE, A $1200 TEST IS OUT OF REACH.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE CATCH IT EARLY.

THE OTHER IMPORTANT THING, IF YOU PAYING SO MUCH OUT OF POCKET FOR THESE TESTS AND THEN YOU GET DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER, BREAST CANCER IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE CANCER TO TREAT.

>> THE GOVERNOR'S WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING.

CANCELED.

HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR DID POST A VIDEO ON FACEBOOK GIVING HIS EXPLANATION FOR THE VETO.

>> I VETOED HOUSE BILL 1389.

IT WOULD RAISE PREMIUMS ON OKLAHOMA FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES.

>> I THINK NUMBER ONE, INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE DOING FINE.

RATES SHOULD NOT INCREASE FOR ADDING MACHINES TO A COVERED CHARGE.

I WOULD ALSO ARGUE THAT PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE AND EARLY DETECTION FOR LESS EXPENSIVE AT STAGE 0 OUR STAGE 1 AND FINDING OUT YOU HAVE CANCER AT STAGE 4 BECAUSE YOU COULDN'T GET THIS TEST.

>> THE REPRESENTATIVE SAYS AN OVERRIDE COULD BE ON THE TABLE.

>> I DID MAKE THE REQUEST THE SPEAKER AND HE SEEMED OPEN TO IT.

SENATOR STANLEY IS SPEAKING WITH THE PRO TEM IN THE SENATE.

THERE'S AN INTEREST JUST STATEWIDE.

THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN BREATHTAKING.

>> REPRESENTATIVE RONALD STEWART IS HOPING FOR OVERRIDE FOR HB1389 AND HOUSE BILL 1137.

>> WE'RE GOING TO EXPLORE EVERY OPTION THAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE TO US.

THE FIRST ONE BEING GOVERNOR'S VETOOVER RIDE.

>> IT ALLOWS STATE FUNDING FOR OFFICE OF MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE.

>> WHEN WE WROTE THE LEGISLATION THIS YEAR, IT WAS MORE ABOUT CLEANUP LANGUAGE.

IN ANTICIPATION OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS BECOMING AVAILABLE.

THAT LANGUAGE WAS PLACED IN THE ORIGINAL BILL.

WHAT WE'VE LEARNED OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THAT WAS NOT NECESSARY.

THAT ACTUALLY IF IT COULD BE POSSIBLY MISINTERPRETED TO WHERE THE OFFICE OF MIP WILL BE TIED TO FEDERAL FUNDING.

THAT'S A SITUATION WE DID NOT WANT.

>> THE GOVERNOR ADDRESSED OKLAHOMAN'S CONCERN ABOUT THE VETO BILL VIA SOCIAL MEDIA.

>> OKLAHOMA STATE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION RUN BY GREG MASHBURN HAS AN OFFICE THAT FOCUSES ON PROSECUTING ALL KINDS OF CRIMES INCLUDING ANYONE THAT IS MURDERED IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA REGARDLESS OF RACE.

THIS OFFICE IS SET UP.

WE FUND THAT.

THIS WOULD BE A SERVICE.

>> THE PRESIDENT WAS AT THE CAPITAL FOR NATIONAL MISSES MURDERED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE DAY WHEN HB1137 WAS VETOED >> OUR BIGGEST STRUGGLE NOW WE RELY ON LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO INVESTIGATE CASES TO LOOK FOR THE MISSING.

THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO USE OCS BUT THEY DON'T.

>> TWO THIRDS VOTE IS REQUIRE IN BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE TO OVERRIDE A VETO.

STEWART IS CONFIDENT IN THE LEGISLATION'S ABILITY TO PASS.

>> THE LEGISLATURE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY IN THE HOUSE FROM THOSE LEGISLATORS ABLE TO VOTE.

IT ONLY RECEIVED ONE NO VOTE IN THE SENATE.

>> SENATE BILL 128 A BIPARTISAN BILL OFFERED BY SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER AND REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE WAS AMONG THE 30 VOTES BILLED.

THE BILL SOUGHT TO EXPAND THE WAIT TIME IN THE EVICTION PROCEEDING.

>> S THAT ONLY HOUSING RELATED BILL MOVING.

WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO AND ADDRESSING OUR CHALLENGES AROUND THE HOUSING MARK AND HOW BROKEN IT IS.

>> SENATE PRO TEM SAID VETO DISCUSSIONS WILL START SOON DURING HIS AVAILABILITY LAST WEEK.

>> SENATE BILL IS VETOED.

YOU CAN IMAGINE I KNOW ABOUT THEM VERY WELL.

SENATOR WEAVER AND WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THOSE.

THOSE ARE DEFINITELY SOMETHING WE'LL TEST.

>> AFTER LEGISLATORS VOTE ON THE BUDGET NEXT WEEK, OVERRIDES WILL FOLLOW SOON.

LAWMAKERS HAVE UNTIL MAY 30th.

ON MONDAY, GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTED FORMER U.S. ATTORNEY ROBERT MCCAMPBELL TO CONDUCT A FULL INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

AND AS THAT INQUIRY BEGINS, LAWMAKERS HAVE ALLOCATED ABOUT $27 MILLION DOLLARS TO ALLOW THE EMBATTLED AGENCY TO PAY IT'S BILLS THROUGH THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR.

THIS WEEK, THE LEGISLATIVE SELECT COMMITTEE HEARD FROM GOVERNOR STITT'S INVESTIGATOR, DAVID GREENWELL, AND THE STATE CFO, AARON MORRIS, WHO HAVE BE PORING OVER THE AGENCY'S BOOKS TO DETERMINE A PATH FORWARD FOR THE REMAINDER 2025 AND THE 2026 STATE BUDGET.

>> IT APPEARS THERE WILL BE ADDITIONAL NEED.

THERE'S NOTHING JUST WAS INDEPENDENTLY YOUR SEPARATELY JUST UNBELIEVABLE >> ER STATE BUDGET IS UNIQUE.

IT'S HOW WE DELIVER TO THE LEGISLATURE.

THEN TURN OUR FOCUS ON TO 26 AND HOW CAN WE SUPPORT THE AGENCY TO DO THAT.

I THINK THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN OUR FINDINGS HAVE BEEN INTERNAL FINANCE FUNCTION.

I DO THINK THAT COMES AFTER.

>> Rich: THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH IS REQUESTING $400 MILLION.

ALSO TAKING PLACE AT THE CAPITOL THIS WEEK, TREATY DAY 2025, WHICH HIGHLITES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MANY TREATIES AND COMPACTS THAT HAVE BEEN SIGNED OVER THE YEARS THAT IMPACT NOT ONLY TRIBAL CITIZENS, BUT ALL OKLAHOMANS, IT WAS AN ALL-DAY EVENT ON TUESDAY AND NOAH MACK WAS ON HAND TO WITNESS IT.

NOAH?

>> RICH.

THIS IS THE SECOND YEAR THE CAPITOL HOSTED TREATY DAY.

AND THE GENERAL THEME WAS, INDIGENOUS TRIBES HAVE COME A LONG WAY FROM INJUSTICES OF THEIR PAST, BUT THERE'S MORE WORK TO BE DONE TO BUILD UPON THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS THEY HAVE IN MODERN AMERICA.

[ INDISCERNIBLE ] >> I WAS YOUNGER.

I GREW UP IN A HOME WHERE WE THOUGHT IT'S NOT -- [ INDISCERNIBLE ] WE COME HERE TODAY BASED ON NEW RELATIONSHIPS WITH LEADERS HERE.

>> HE WELCOME THE TREATY DAY GROUP TO THE CAPITAL.

>> IT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO HONOR THE HISTORIC AND CONTINUING IMPORTANCE OF THESE AGREEMENTS, ACKNOWLEDGE THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES THEY ENSHRINE.

>> ATTENDS PILE IN THE ROOM WITH A SLATE OF TRIBAL SPEAKERS.

ALL HONORING HISTORY OF NATIVE AMERICAN TREATIES AND STRESSING THEIR RELEVANCE TODAY.

>> TREATY IS A REMINDER TO STATE OFFICIALS AND TRIBAL NATIONS THAT OUR TREATIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE.

THEY ARE CONSIDERED SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND.

>> ONE OF THE INFLUENTIAL TREATIES OF OKLAHOMA.

THE ADULT THAT LED TO THE TRAIL OF TEARS.

SIGNED BY A MINORITY SECT OF CHEROKEE LEADERS, THE TREATY RELINQUISHED WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT.

>> IT TOOK YEARS TO GET BACK.

[ INDISCERNIBLE ] >> DESPITE THE HARDSHIPS, THEY STILL PRESERVE RIGHTS.

THE TRIBAL LEADERS EXPECT TO BE UPHELD TODAY.

>> I'M A SYMBOL OF TREATY RIGHT.

MY POSITION IS DELEGATE OF THE UNITED STATES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THAT'S THE FULFILLMENT OF A TREATY RIGHT.

>> THE TREATY AND OTHER TREATIES TOLD THE STORIES HOW TRIBAL NATIONS GOT TO WHERE THEY ARE TODAY.

PROVIDE A FOUNDATION FOR HOW TRIBES MOVE FORWARD WITH STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

>> WE ALWAYS PRAY THAT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE EVOLUTION OF THE TRIBES THROUGH TREATIES.

WHERE WE ARE TODAY.

CURRENTLY AS WE IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS.

WE ALL HAVE SEPARATE TREATY.

TODAY, WE WANT THEM HONORED.

>> TRIBAL LAWYER SPOKE ABOUT ONGOING LEGAL FIGHT TO REAFFIRM THE OSAGE NATION RESERVATION.

[ INDISCERNIBLE ] IN 2020 THE U.S. SUPREME COURT ASSERTING THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE MUSKOGEE RESERVATION.

THEY ARE SEEKING SIMILAR LEGAL AFFIRMATION.

WITH TREATY DAY, ONE OF THE BIGGEST REMINDERS IS THAT ART HERE AT THE CAPITOL LIKE THIS PAINTING OF THE OSAGE TREATY OF 1825, OSAGE RELOCATED FURTHER NORTH.

DELEGATES MAKING ART A HUGE PORTION OF HER SPEECH.

[ INDISCERNIBLE ] DEMOCRATIC SENATOR SAID SHE USED TO TAKE CHILDREN INTO SENATE ROOM 535 TO UNDERSTAND THE DICHOTOMY OF THOSE TWO OIL PAINTINGS.

[ INDISCERNIBLE ] >> YOU IMMEDIATELY ARE IMMERSED IN HISTORY OF THIS STATE AND INDIAN NATION.

THE LAND THAT WE ARE ON AT THE STATE CAPITAL IS FORMALLY INDIAN LAND.

>> HE IS ELECTED TO STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1910 AND WENT ON TO SERVE IN THE WILSON ADMINISTRATION.

[ INDISCERNIBLE ] TREATY DAY WILL CONTINUE ON FOR YEARS TO COME TO MAY NOT FOR DETAIL IN THAT BROADER PICTURE.

MEMBERS FROM THIS YEAR TELLING ME THEY EXPECT ATTENDANCE TO ONLY GROW FROM HERE ON OUT.

RICH.

>> RICH: OKLAHOMA CITY IS CURRENTLY BUILDING A NEW $42 MILLION DOLLAR ANIMAL SHELTER THAT IS EXPECTED TO OPEN NEXT YEAR, TULSA IS DOING THE SAME THING, AND THEY'RE DESPERATELY NEEDED.

RIGHT NOW, SHELTERS IN MANY OF OUR COMMUNITIES ARE OVER-CROWDED AND TOO MANY DOGS, CATS AND OTHER ANIMALS ARE BEING EUTHANIZED TO MAKE ROOM.

THAT'S THE FOCUS OF THIS WEEK'S INDEPTH CONVERSATION WITH MODERATOR CASSIDY MUDD.

HERE'S A PREVIEW, >> EUTHANASIA RATES IS A HUGE PROBLEM, MUCH BIGGER THAN MOST PEOPLE IN OKLAHOMA WOULD EXPECT.

WE HAVE AMAZING RESCUES AND SHELTERS ACROSS OKLAHOMA WHO ARE JUST MAXED OUT BECAUSE THERE'S SO MANY STRAY DOGS AND CATS GOING AROUND.

AND SO TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, NOT ONLY IN URBAN AREAS BUT ACROSS THE STATE, I WANTED TO CREATE A COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM.

>> WE SPAYED AND NEUTERED OVER 16,000 ANIMALS LAST YEAR, BUT THERE WERE ABOUT OVER 20,000 INTAKES INTO THE OKLAHOMA CITY ANIMAL SHELTER.

SO IT'S ONE OF THOSE THINGS LIKE WHERE WE'RE CATCHING UP, BUT IT SOMETIMES FEELS LIKE WE'RE REALLY FIGHTING AN UPHILL BATTLE.

'CAUSE WE KNOW WE DID, YOU KNOW, SAVE A LOT OF UNHOUSED LITTERS FROM BEING BORN WITH THOSE 16,000 SURGERIES.

BUT IT'S ONE OF THOSE THINGS WHERE YOU KNOW, THE INTAKES DON'T STOP.

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

STREET MAINTENANCE IS AN EXPENSIVE PROPOSITION FOR ANY CITY, ESPECIALLY ONE AS GEOGRAPHICALLY-LARGE AS OKLAHOMA CITY.

NOW, THE MAYOR, IS ASKING CITIZENS TO STEP UP AND HELP.

ADAM KEMP JOINS US NOW WITH MORE ON HOW.

ADAM?

>> OKLAHOMA CITY HAS SEEN HUGE INVESTMENT IN ITS STREETS SINCE 2017 WHEN VOTERS PASSED A BOND PACKAGE THAT INCLUDED MORE THAN $800 MILLION DEDICATED TO JUST STREET REPAIR.

BUT AFTER RECENT HEAVY RAINS AND NOW RISING TEMPERATURES, RESIDENTS WE TALKED WITH HAVE SEEN SOME CRACKS START TO SHOW.

WHEN SHE LEAVES HER WORK EACH DAYS SHOW KNOWS WHAT'S WAITING OUTSIDE HER APARTMENT.

>> IT'S RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

IT'S BEEN THERE SINCE LATE JANUARY.

>> FOR MONTHS IT MADE HER SIMPLE DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK FEEL LIKE A DAILY MAZE.

>> EVERYONE PARKS HERE TO GO.

THERE'S BEEN TIMES PEOPLE WILL PARK ON THE SIDE OF IT.

YOU CAN'T DRIVE DOWN THE STREET.

I CAN'T GET IN MY PARKING LOT.

I HAVE TO GO AROUND AND YOU'RE SQUEEZING BY WHAT SHOULD BE TWO-WAY STREET.

IT'S A PAIN.

>> OKLAHOMA CITY IS HOME TO NEARLY 9000 LANE MILES OF ROAD.

AN AREA SO LARGE, IT'S ONE OF THE BIGGEST CITIES IN THE COUNTRY BY SIZE.

THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY SAYS IT MEASURE STREET CONDITION THROUGH PAVEMENT CONDITION INDEX.

>> IT'S A SCALE FROM 0 TO 100.

100 BEING PERFECT, BRAND NEW STREET.

YOU HOPE IT'S 100.

ZERO IS FAILING AND TYPICALLY WHAT WE LOOK AT LIKE A GRAVEL ROAD.

>> SINCE 2010, OKLAHOMA CITY STREETS >> FEDERAL AGENCIES COME TOGETHER TO MAKE THAT EXERCISE POSSIBLE.

IF YOU WONDERING THERE IS A -- [ INDISCERNIBLE ] >> SAYS THE TEST IS TO HELP HOW IT COMMUNICATE.

>> WE TRYING TO FIND GAPS IN HOW CAN WE IMPROVE OUR RESPONSE TIME.

COORDINATION WITH THOSE AGENCIES.

THERE'S 19 PARTNERS TODAY.

YOU CAN IMAGINE THE LEVEL OF COMMUNICATION AND DETAIL.

ESPECIALLY TO GIVE FIRST RESPONDERS ACCESS ON SOMETHING THAT SECURES IN AIRFIELD.

>> WE ALWAYS WORK TOGETHER ON SCENES.

IT'S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT WE GET EVERYTHING RIGHT.

THESE KIND OF EXERCISES HELP US WITH OUR COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION AND SO, IT KIND OF HELPS US WORK OUT THE KINKS.

ESPECIALLY WHEN STRESS AND CHAOS ARE INVOLVED, THINGS CAN GET HAYWIRE.

>> MEANING EMERGENCY RESPONDERS NEED TO BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER CLEARLY.

>> MAYBE A FIRE DEPARTMENT IS STARTING ONE DAY AND HE GET ON SCENE LATER.

WE DON'T KNOW WHO'S IN CHARGE.

WE DON'T THOUGH WHAT'S GOING ON.

A LOT OF TIMES THAT KIND OF BECOMES THAT LANGUAGE BARRIER.

>> THEY HAVE TO TRIAGE THE VICTIMS TO FIGURE OUT WHICH PATIENTS NEED PRIORITY TREATMENT AND WHICH ONES MIGHT BE TREATED AT THE SCENE.

AT THE SAME TIME, FIREFIGHTERS WERE USING WATER CANNON TRUCKS TO KEEP THE FLAMES FROM GETTING OUT OF CONTROL WHILE FIREFIGHTERS AND OTHER RESCUE WORKERS WERE VICTIMS.

>> THEY'LL GIVE US FEEDBACK ON THIS.

IT'S NOT ANYTHING THAT I WOULD IMAGINE PUNISHED FOR.

IT'S A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR OUR TEAM AND LOCAL PARTNERS.

>> EVEN KEELER IS BEING TESTED WHICH CRAFT THE MESSAGES GOING OUT TO THE PUBLIC AND AIRLINES AND VENDORS AT THE AIRPORT.

>> I'M GOING TO BE DRAFTING COMMUNICATION FOR THE PUBLIC.

EVERYTHING AS FAR AS WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE SCHEDULED TO FLY OUT.

HOW TO BE REUNITED WITH A FAMILY MEMBER TO FIND OUT IF YOUR FAMILY MEMBER IS OKAY IF THEY WERE ON THIS FLIGHT.

EVERY SINGLE DEPARTMENT IS STRESS TESTING WHAT THEY WOULD DO IN THIS EMERGENCY.

>> SHE ADDS THAT MESSAGING WILL CHANGE AS RESPONDERS FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CRASH AND ITS VICTIMS.

>> WE DON'T GET ALL THE INFORMATION AT ONCE AS YOU WOULDN'T IN THE EVENT.

WE'RE GOING TO BE GETTING INFORMATION DETAIL THROUGHOUT THE MORNING.

WE WILL RESPOND ACCORDINGLY.

>> JOINT COMMUNICATION CENTER IN THE AIRPORT TERMINAL WILL BE OPEN FOR COMMUNICATION OFFICERS FROM THE VARIOUS RESPONDING AGENCIES TO GATHER AND HELP GET THE MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC.

>> AT THAT POINT IS WHEN WE WOULD LOOP IN ALL OF OUR PIOs FROM THE ORGANIZATION.

IT WAS AN OMNI AIRCRAFT.

>> GETTING THE WORD OUT THAT A MAJOR INCIDENT OCCURRED AT THE AIRPORT.

TULSA INTERNATIONAL HAS FIVE MAJOR AIRLINES THAT SERVED MORE THAN THREE MILLION FLIERS.

>> IMMEDIATELY ONCE THE GROUND STOP WAS ISSUED, WHO'S IN THE TERMINAL HELPING THE AIRLINES AND THE AIRLINE MANAGERS TO CONTRIBUTE THAT INFORMATION TO.

>> THE TEAMS WILL GO BACK TO ASSESS HOW THEY PERFORMED.

THIS KIND OF DRILL IS ONLY DONE ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS, OFFICIALS WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP PLANS FOR ALL KINDS OF EMERGENCIES OUR DISRUPTIONS.

>> WE'RE CONSTANTLY HAVING CONVERSATIONS WHAT WE'LL BE DOING IN A CRISIS.

NOT JUST -- I KNOW AIRPORTS, PEOPLE THINK OF AS AIRCRAFT INCIDENTS.

WE HAVE DRILLS AS FAR AS CYBERSECURITY ATTACKS, ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAININGS AND SO FORTH.

OBSERVERS WERE ON HAND AT TUESDAY'S DRILL WHO WILL WORK WITH THE KEY PLAYERS AND LEADERS TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK ON WHAT NEEDS IMPROVING DURING AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE, SO THEY CAN BE READY IF THE WORST DOES HAPPEN.

RICH.

>> RICH: BOTH OKLAHOMA CITY AND TULSA ARE CURRENTLY BUILDING NEW ANIMALS SHELTERS THAT ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 2026.

THE NEW FACILITIES WILL GREATLY EXPAND THE NUMBER OF ANIMALS THAT CAN BE HOUSED AND THAT'S A GOOD THING BECAUSE THE CURRENT SHELTERS IN BOTH CITIES ARE OVER-CROWDED.

WITH MORE ON THAT, HERE'S MODERATOR CASSIDY MUDD WITH THIS WEEK'S INDEPTH CONVERSATION.

>> PERFECTLY HEALTH DOGS AND CATS BEING EUTHANIZED EVERYDAY.

THERE'S NO ROOM LEFT.

CITIES LIKE OKLAHOMA CITY AND TULSA ARE BUILDING NEW SHELTERS.

THE TRUTH IS WE CANNOT BUILD OUR WAY OUT OF THIS.

ONLY WAY IS PREVENTION.

THAT STARTS WITH SPADE AND NEUTERED.

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED WE HAVE VERY CUTE KITTENS HERE WITH US ON THE SET.

THEY ARE NOT JUST HERE FOR CUDDLES.

THEY REPRESENT THOUSANDS OF ANIMALS LIKE THEM.

I WANT TO THANK YOU BOTH FOR JOINING US HERE FOR THIS DISCUSSION.

WE TALK ABOUT SPADE AND NEUTER, WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT POLICY.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT LIFE AND DEATH.

TELL US WHY YOU FELT THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION WAS SO IMPORTANT.

>> THE EUTHANASIA RATE IS A HUGE PROBLEM.

MUCH BIGGER THAN MOST PEOPLE IN OKLAHOMA WOULD EXPECT.

WE HAVE SHELTERS ACROSS OKLAHOMA WHO ARE MAXED OUT BECAUSE THERE'S SO MANY STRAY DOGS AND CATS GOING AROUND.

TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, NOT ONLY IN URBAN AREAS BUT ACROSS THE STATE, I WANTED TO CREATE A COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM TO HELP MUNICIPALITIES WORK WITH LOCAL VETERINARIES TO OFFER FREE OR HIGHLY REDUCED SPADE AND NEUTER SURGERIES TO CUT DOWN ON THE EUTHANASIA RATES TO CUT DOWN ON PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES AND ULTIMATELY, SAVE MUNICIPALITIES A LOT OF MONEY.

THEY ARE STRETCHED TO THE LIMIT WHEN IT COMES TO FINANCIAL BUDGETS.

>> WHERE WE AT IN THE PROCESS?

YOU SAID THE COMMITTEE SHOT IT DOWN >> UNFORTUNATELY, HOUSE BILL 1046 DIDN'T MAKE IT OUT OF COMMITTEE.

DESPITE BRINGING IT UP.

FOR EVERY ONE DOLLAR YOU SPEND, YOU WILL SAVE THREE TO FOUR DOLLARS.

UNFORTUNATELY, MY COLLEAGUES DIDN'T SEE THE VALUE IN IT.

THEY VOTED IT DOWN.

>> MICHELLE, TO START, TELL US ABOUT OUR FURRY FRIEND HERE.

>> OF COURSE.

THESE THREE ARE PART OF A GROUP OF 13 KITTENS THAT WERE FROM A FERAL COLONY IN NORTHWEST OKLAHOMA CITY.

THEY WERE ALL CO-PARENTING THESE 13 KITTENS.

ALL PAWS TOOK THEM IN.

HAS BEEN GETTING THEM READY FOR A NEW HOME.

>> TALKING ABOUT THE ISSUES THAT WE'RE SEEING WITH OVER POPULATION.

YOU'RE SEEING THESE ISSUES ON A DAILY BASIS.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE SOMEONE WERE TO -- WHAT WOULD THEY SEE AND HEAR AND SMELL.

>> IT'S ONE OF THOSE THINGS BECAUSE A LOT OF THE SHELTERS ARE DEALING WITH OVER POPULATION ON A COST END BASIS, IT'S A LOT OF NOISE.

IT'S A LOT OF BARKING.

IT'S A LOT OF STRESS.

IT'S REALLY SAD BECAUSE THERE'S A LOT OF ADOPTABLE ANIMALS THAT ARE NOT BEING PRESENTED IN THE BEST MANNER.

ESPECIALLY THREE TO FOUR TO A CAGE.

IT'S ONE OF THOSE THINGS WHERE THEY ARE NOT BEING SEEN IN THE BEST LIGHT.

>> WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THESE NEW SHELTERS BEING BUILT IN TULSA AND OKLAHOMA CITY IS THAT GOING TO HELP?

>> DEFINITELY HELP.

IT'S A BAND-AID ON BIG WOUND.

ONLY WAY TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM IS FOR PEOPLE TO GET THEIR ANIMALS FIXED.

WE CAN'T GET IT FREE.

WE SHOULD OFFER A HIGHLY REDUCED AMOUNT.

THAT'S WHAT MY COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM WOULD HAVE DONE.

I'M GOING TO REINTRODUCE THAT BILL.

THEY ARE SPENDING THEIR OWN MONEY.

THEY'RE SPEND THEIR OWN TIME.

GOING ACROSS STATE LINES TO GET RESCUES.

THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING BILLS I WORKED ON.

MY HEART GOES HOW TO ALL OF THE PET ADVOCATES ACROSS OKLAHOMA WHO ARE DOING THEIR OWN WORK AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

THERE'S SO MUCH MORE THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN BE DOING TO STEP UP TO HELP OUT.

ESPECIALLY IN THE MUNICIPALITIES.

THIS WOULD HAVE HELPED WITH MOBILE VET CLINICS TO GET OUT TO LESS REPRESENTATIVE PARTS OF THE STATE TO OFFER THESE SPADE AND NEUTER SURGERIES THAT WOULD HAVE GONE SO FAR.

WHEN YOU HAVE A BUNCH OF STRAY DOGS IN RURAL OKLAHOMA BECOMES AN ISSUE AROUND CATTLE.

OFTENTIMES THEY GET SHOT.

OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHAMPION SPADE AND NEUTER AND HUMANE CONDITIONS.

THEY ARE SOME OF THE MOST PASSIONATE AND GOOD HEARTED PEOPLE THAT I EVER HAD THE PLEASURE WORKING WITH IN THE CAPITAL.

UNFORTUNATELY, THE BILL DID NOT MAKE IT OUT OF THE COMMITTEE.

THAT DOESN'T MEAN WE CAN'T RUN IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

I DO BETTER JOB EDUCATING MY COLLEAGUES TO SEE THE BENEFITS IN THIS.

NOT -- YOUR COLLEAGUES, WHY DID THEY TURN IT DOWN?

>> I DON'T THINK IT WAS A PRIORITY FOR THEM, UNFORTUNATELY.

THIS WOULD HAVE REQUIRED MONEY FROM OUR BUDGET TO GO TO THESE MUNICIPALITIES.

COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM.

EVEN WITH $9 BILLION RAINY DAY FUND, THEY DID NOT SEE IT.

THIS IS A PRIORITY NOT TO ALLOCATE THAT FUNDING INTO A SPADE AND NEUTERED PROGRAM.

>> MICHELLE, WHAT DOES A TAKE FOR THE PEOPLE OF OKLAHOMA TO SEE AND UNDERSTAND THE DEVASTATING IMPACTS OF EUTHANASIA.

HOW CAN WE UNDERSTAND?

>> IT'S REALLY DIFFICULT.

LOOKING AT THE NUMBERS.

ONE OF THOSE THING WHERE THE OKLAHOMA HUMANE SOCIETY, WE SPADE AND NEUTERED 16,000 ANIMALS LAST YEAR.

THERE ARE ABOUT OVER 20,000 INTAKES AND INTO THE OKLAHOMA CITY ANIMAL SHELTER.

IT'S ONE OF THOSE THINGS WE'RE CATCHING UP.

IT FEELS LIKE WE'RE FIGHTING A UPHILL BATTLE.

WE DID SAVE A LOT OF UNHOUSED LITTERS FROM BEING BORN FROM 16,000 SURGERIES.

>> THERE ARE SOME OKLAHOMANS WHO BELIEVE THAT LETTING THEIR DOGS HAVE ONE LITTER ISN'T HARMLESS.

WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO BRING IN A LITTER OF KITTENS AND PUPPIES?

>> THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS I WANT TO SIT DOWN WITH THOSE PEOPLE AND REALLY SEE THEIR POINT OF VIEW AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

THE HUMAN AND ANIMAL BOND IS STRONG.

THEY ARE COMING FROM A PLACE OF LOVE.

IT'S ONE OF THOSE THINGS WHERE A PET ISN'T GOING TO BE UPSET ABOUT NOT DEALING WITH MOTHERHOOD.

IT'S INSTINCTUAL.

IT'S ONE OF THOSE QUESTIONS WHERE PEOPLE REALLY NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT IT'S STRESSFUL ON THEIR BANK ACCOUNT.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT I EXTEND THE OLIVE BRANCH AND MAKE SURE THEY FEEL SUPPORTED AND GETTING NEW HOMES FOR THE PUPPIES AND KITTEN AND GETTING THE PETS, THE PET PARENTS SPADE AND NEUTERED.

>> YOU TALKED ABOUT HOW YOU'D EDUCATING YOUR COLLEAGUES, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

>> I THINK BRING THESE GUYS TO THE CASTLE.

BRING SOME KITTENS TO THE COMMITTEE MEETING.

IT DEPENDS ON -- EACH LEGISLATURE HAS A DIFFERENT POINT THAT RESONATES WITH THEM.

SOME IT MAYBE THEIR RETURN ON INVESTMENT AND OTHERS OPEN PATHETIC TOWARDS THOUSANDS UNNECESSARY EUTHANASIAS THAT ARE HAPPENING.

I THINK THAT FOR -- THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO ARE FOSTERING AND THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

PEOPLE WHO ARE DONATING THEIR OWN TIME AND MONEY TO HELPING WITH SPADE AND NEUTER EFFORTS.

CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY, THEY WILL FIX CATS THAT ARE CONSIDERED FERAL.

COLLECTIVELY, PENAL OF OKLAHOMA ARE DOING A LOT.

THERE'S SO MUCH MORE THE STATE COULD BE DOING.

GETTING THAT ACROSS WILL BE KEY.

>> THAT IS A REALLY UPSETTING QUESTION, HOW EITHER OF YOU BEEN IN THE ROOM WHEN THESE ANIMALS ARE EUTHANIZED?

>> NOT BEYOND JUST MY OWN.

WHEN A DOG GETS REALLY OLD AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE IS DOWN.

THE HUMANE OPTION IS TO HAVE DEATH WITH DIGNITY.

JUST THE OTHER NIGHT, I LIVE IN SOUTH OKLAHOMA CITY, WE HAD QUITE A FEW DOGS RUNNING AROUND.

NOT LEASHED OR ANYTHING.

I WAS OUTSIDE.

WE HEARD A REALLY LOUD LIMPER, REALLY TERRIFYING.

MY DOG STARTED BARKING.

I PEEKED OVER, I SAW THIS DOG RUNNING ONLY ON HIS FIRST TWO LEGS ACROSS THE VOTE.

-- STREET.

I HAD BEEN HIT BY THE CAR.

I HELD THIS DOG WITH SEVERAL OTHER NEIGHBORS WHO HEARD IT, DOG WAS DYING WITHIN THIS NEIGHBOR'S ARMS.

REALLY EMPHASIZES THE FACT THAT NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE A BUNCH OF FERAL STRAY DOGS, THERE ARE A LOT THAT ARE UNCHIPPED.

THERE'S NO WAY TO FIND THE OWNER.

A GOOD SAMARITAN CAMERAMAN FROM A ANOTHER LOCAL NEWS CHANNEL, TOOK THE DOG TO A VET.

WE ALL PITCHED IN.

THE INJURIES WERE SO SEVERE, THEY HAD TO EUTHANIZE IT.

IT WAS RUNNING AROUND UNTETHERED, UNCOLLARRED.

AMONGST ONE OF THE BUSIEST STREETS IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

IT GOES TO SPEAK TO THE PET POPULATION HAS GROWN SO MUCH.

>> SO SORRY YOU HAD TO EXPERIENCE THAT.

ONE OF THE VERY SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THIS IS THOSE ANIMALS RUNNING AROUND.

THEY CAN HURT YOU, KIDS OR LIFE STOCK.

I SPOKE HAD A LADY WHO'S TOO SCARED TO WALK OUT THE DOOR, BECAUSE OF THE DOGS IN HER NEIGHBORHOOD.

SHE'S REALLY WORRIED BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE.

HOW WILL YOUR BILL PEOPLE IN RURAL OKLAHOMA?

>> THERE'S A LACK OF VETERINARY ACCESS.

HAVING A MOBILE CLINIC TO OFFER FREE A SPADE AND NEUTERED WOULD DROP THE STRAY POPULATION.

THAT WOULD ALSO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF LIVESTOCK THAT ARE KILLED.

THE AMOUNT OF BITES AND PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES THAT PEOPLE EXPERIENCE IN RURAL OKLAHOMA.

IT REALLY COMES DOWN TO PRIORITIZING THESE INVESTMENTS IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND THE MUNICIPALITIES CAN'T DO IT ALL.

THERE ARE SO MANY.

YOU CAN CONTINUE BUILDING NICER SHELTERS.

IT WILL COME TO POINT WHERE YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE'S -- PETS ARE FIXED AND THERE'S NO MORE UNNECESSARY BURSTS.

THAT WAY WE DON'T HAVE TO PUT DOWN SO MANY THOUSANDS EACH YEAR.

>> WHAT IS THE AMPLE COST OF -- AVERAGE COST?

>> OK HUMANE $99 FOR DOGS AND $75 FOR CATS.

WE DO -- WE ARE ABLE TO OFFER A LOWER PRICE FOR OUR COMMUNITY CAT.

WE ARE ABLE TO OFFER $40 FOR THE COMMUNITY CAT.

THAT COMES WITH RABIES SOLIDARITY PEOPLE CAN SEE FROM FAR AWAY THEY HAVE BEEN HANDLED AND THE STERILIZATION.

>> WHAT'S A COMMUNITY CAT?

>> COMMUNITY CAT IS A FERAL CAT.

UNHOUSED CAT MAYBE DOESN'T WANT TO HAVE ANY DESIRE TO BE IN THE HOME.

>> A BARN KITTY.

OKAY.

MICHELLE WITHOUT SPADE NEUTER ENFORCEMENT ONE DOG CAN HAVE 67 DOGS IN SIX YEARS.

CAN YOU HELP US UNDERSTAND THAT IMPACT.

67,000.

>> THE CAT IS EVEN MORE.

I BELIEVE I WAS LOOKING, IT'S OVER 10,000 WITHIN FOUR YEARS.

IT'S A HUGE PROBLEM.

IT'S ONE OF THOSE THINGS WHERE EVERY SURGERY MATTERS.

>> WE'RE JUST ABOUT OUT OF TIME.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU BOTH WOULD SAY TO THE VIEWERS OF OKLAHOMA ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHETHER IT'S SPADE AND NEUTER, ADOPT OR SHOP.

HOW CAN WE FIX THIS ISSUE?

>> THAT'S A GREAT ONE.

ADOPT DON'T SHOP.

GET YOUR PET FIXED.

WHEN IT COMES TO VOICING YOUR OPINION ON PARTICULAR PIECES OF LEGISLATION.

WHENEVER I POST THIS BILL NEXT YEAR TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

IT REALLY HELPS THAT THEY HEAR FROM PEOPLE BEYOND JUST THE AUTHOR OF THE BILL.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE LIVED EXPERIENCE REACHING OUT TO COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO TELL THEM WHY ARE THE BILL IS IMPORTANT.

WHY WE NEED TO HELP THESE MUNICIPALITIES AND MOBILE CLINICS TO HELP >> MICHELLE, FINAL THOUGHTS.

>> IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS LIKE WE HAVE OUR STATEWIDE PROGRAM THAT GOES TO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS WITHIN OKLAHOMA.

WHICH WE'RE SO PROUD OF.

IT'S REALLY ABOUT EDUCATING THE PUBLIC.

PETS ARE FAMILY MEMBERS.

IT'S ONE OF THOSE THINGS WHERE PETS REALLY SHOULD FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE AND NOT JUST A LOOK.

IT'S ADOPT DON'T SHOP.

IT'S DEFINITELY SUPPORTING THE ANIMALS LIKE YOU YOURSELF WILL WANT TO BE SUPPORTED.

>> I WANT TO THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR TIME.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOU DO FOR OKLAHOMA.

>> THANK YOU.

[ LAUGHTER ] >> ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST MANUFACTURERS OF AMMUNITION IS MAKING A MAJOR INVESTMENT IN OKLAHOMA.

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

>> AMMUNITION MANUFACTURER CBC PLANS TO BUILD A 300 MILLION DOLLAR MANUFACTURING PLANT AT THE MID-AMERICA INDUSTRIAL PARK NEAR PRYOR.

THE FACILITY WILL BE BRANDED AS CBC USA AND WILL CREATE 350 NEW JOBS.

THE CBC PLANT WILL MAKE SEVERAL CALIBERS OF FIREARM CARTRIDGE IF CBC MEETS REQUIRED BENCHMARKS ON THE PROJECT, THE COMPANY COULD RECIEVE UP TO 10-MILION DOLLARS IN INCENTIVES FROM THE GOVERNOR'S QUICK ACTION CLOSING FUND.

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT AND HIS STAFF FINALIZED THE DEAL AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE'S SELECT USA INVESTMENT SUMMIT.

THE COST OF LIVING IN OKLAHOMA HAS LED THE STATE TO HAVE ONE OF THE LOWEST COMMON HOUSEHOLD BILL TOTALS IN THE COUNTRY.

DOXO'S 2025 COST OF BILLS INDEX REPORT FOUND THAT OUR STATE'S HOUSEHOLD COSTS ARE 25% BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE PUTTING OKLAHOMA IN THE TOP FIVE LEAST EXPENSIVE STATES.

DOXO USES 13 COMMON HOUSE HOLD BILLS, LIKE MORTGAGE, RENT, AND UTILITIES, TO GENERATE THE REPORT.

SPEAKING OF AFFORDABILITY OKLAHOMA CITY CONTINUES TO HAVE SOME OF THE LEAST EXPENSIVE RENTAL HOMES AND APARTMENTS IN THE NATION.

ZILLOW PERFORMED AN ANALYSIS WHICH FINDS THE AVERAGE OKLAHOMA CITY RESIDENT NEEDS TO MAKE AT LEAST $55,634 A YEAR TO AFFORD THE AVERAGE RENTAL PRICE WHICH AVERAGED $1,391 IN APRIL.

WHILE IT IS ONE OF THE MORE AFFORDABLE RENTAL CITIES ACCORDING TO THE ANALYSIS, RENTAL RATES HAVE STEADILY INCREASED IN OKLAHOMA CITY SINCE 2020.

OAK ENTREPRENEURS ARE FOLLOWING A NATIONAL TREND OF INCREASED START UP BUSINESSES IN THE MONTH OF MARCH.

REGISTERED AGENTS' MARCH BUSINESS FORMATION REPORT SHOWS THAT NEW BUSINESS STARTS INCREASED BY 31% IN MARCH WHEN COMPARED TO FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR.

WHEN COMPARED TO MARCH OF 2024 THAT INCREASE TOTALS 41%.

THE REPORT ALSO SHOWS BUSINESS STARTS INCREASED IN 45 STATES IN MARCH.

JASON DOYLE THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>> RICH: THANKS JASON.

WE WANT TO CONGRATULATE THE WINNERS OF THE NATIONAL CIVICS BEE COMPETITION HELD IN OKLAHOMA CITY ON MONDAY.

>> THE ISSUE OF WATER POLLUTION HAS RECENTLY COME TO MY ATTENTION FOR A SECOND TIME VIA NEWS ARTICLES AS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR THE CITY OF MUSTANG.

>> RICH: 9 FINALISTS PARTICIPATED IN A QUIZ AND PRESENTATION EVENT SPONSERED BY THE STATE CHAMBER OF OKLAHOMA, AND MUSTANG MIDDLE SCHOOLER, ALANA HAIKIN WAS THE 1ST PLACE WINNER.

SHE NOW ADVANCES TO THE NATIONAL COMPETITION IN WASHINGTON D.C.

IN NOVEMBER.

>> IT'S A GREAT EXPERIENCE.

IT COSTS NOTHING.

YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO LEARN ABOUT CIVICS, POTENTIAL TO LEARN ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT AND TO WIN THE CASH PRIZES, AND GO TO AMAZING PLACES.

>> THE INCREDIBLE KNOWLEDGE THAT THESE MIDDLE SCHOOLERS HAVE IS ON DISPLAY AND ABUNDANT.

THEY ARE VERY, VERY SMART.

THEY'RE LEARNING HOW GOVERNMENT WORKS BECAUSE NOT ENOUGH AMERICAN ADULTS KNOW HOW GOVERNMENT WORKS AND YOU NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB OF EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION SO THAT THEY CAN TAKE PART IN GOVERNMENT AND MAKE SURE THAT OUR COUNTRY FLOURISHES FOR YEARS TO COME.

>> RICH: ALANA WILL BE VYING FOR UP TO $$100,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS.

WE ALSO EXTEND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2ND AND 3RD PLACE FINISHERS FROM STILLWATER AND LAWTON.

ON THE NEXT OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

WE'LL SAY SO LONG THIS WEEK WITH A LOOK AT SPRINGTIME IN SCISSORTAIL PARK, SHOT AND EDITED BY OUR DIRECTOR, BRANDON DOWNEY.

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.