>> THE PANDEMIC RESULTED IN HISTORIC LEARNING LOSS IN AMERICA.

ARE WE SEEING THE SAME TREND IN OKLAHOMA.

>> WE ARE SEEING A IMPROVEMENT.

>> AND HUNDREDS MUCH OF OKLAHOMA MAYORS DISCUSS THE CHALLENGES FOR THEIR COMMUNITY.

>> WE HAVE PROVIDED THAT FOR OVER A HUNDRED YEARS AND TO SIT DOWN AND TALK ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

>> HARD WORK OF HARVESTING MELONS IS UNDERWAY.

>> AND IT IS A DIE BREED.

I TELL EVERYONE.

WE ARE A DYING BREED.

>> WE'LL SHOW YOU WHY.

>> IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT OUR BABIES ARE DYING AT A HIGHER RATE.

>> THE LEGISLATURE GETTING READY TO GO BACK INTO SESSION.

>> THEY WILL REMAIN BUSYINE THOUGH IT IS AN ELECTION YEAR.

>> AND HELPING EXPECTANT MOTHERS, NEXT ON THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

>> HELLO, EVERYONE.

WELCOME TO THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

I AM RICH LENWHERE.

>> EDUCATORS WERE ALARMED.

REMOTE LEARNING OF THE COVID 19 PANHANDLE WAS BLAMED.

HOW DID OKLAHOMA STUDENT FARE?

>> THOSE RESULTS YOU MENTIONED COME FROM THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND OF NINE-YEAR-OLDS NATIONWIDE.

IN OKLAHOMA, THE PANDEMIC DID IMPACT LEARNING AND SCHOOLS ARE WORKING IN VARIOUS WAYS TO MAKE UP FOR THE LOSS SAYS AND THERE IS AN INDICATION IT IS WORKING.

>> WHAT DOES THE TOP SENTENCE SAY?

>> OKLAHOMA EDUCATORS EXPECTED TO SEE A LEARNING LOSS IN THE HEIGHT OF THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC.

IT SEEMS PROGRAMS PUT IN PLACE ARE HELPING STUDENTS SHOW SIGN WAS IMPROVEMENT.

>> WE EXPECTED THE SCORES TO GO DOWN IN '21.

BUT IN '22, WE ARE SEEING MODEST IMPROVEMENTS.

ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, ACADEMIC PERFORMANCES, STUDENTS IMPROVED 3% IN PATH AND 2% IN LANGUAGE ARTS AND 1% IN SCIENCE.

WITH FINAL PERFORMING OF SPRING ASSESSMENTES IN THE WEEKS AHEAD.

DISTRICTS WILL LEARN WHAT CHALLENGES STUDENTS ARE FACING.

>> WE'LL WORK TO INTERROGATE AND IMPACT AND UNDERSTAND WHAT IS WORKING AND WHAT WE CAN IMPROVE ON AND WHERE WE GO FROM HERE.

BECAUSE PARTICIPATION IN ASSESSMENTES AND OTHER LEARNING WAS LIMITED IN THE PANDEMIC, PROGRESS IS HARD TO MEASURE.

BUT THEY HELPED THE DISTRICT FIND OUT WHAT THEY FOUND OUT FROM THE DATA THEY HAD ON HAND.

>> IT CAME DOWN TO THE LOCAL LEVEL TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND WHAT OTHER DATAS THEY HAVE TO HELP CONCEPTUALIZE THE STUDENT'S EXPERIENCE.

ONE OF THE PROGRAMS IS INCREASING THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL COUNSELLORS.

>> WE INVESTED 35 MILLION IN THAT PARTICULAR PROGRAM.

THAT INFUSED ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL IN OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS.

>> AND HAVING ADDITIONAL COUNSELLORS HELPS, BUT THERE IS DIVIDENDS FOR ACHIEVEMENT.

THEY CAN FOCUS ON HELPING STUDENTS ACHIEVE IN ACADEMICS.

>> AND THAT'S WHAT THEY HELP STUDENTS IDENTIFY THEIR NEEDS AND INSURE THEY HAVE ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS THAT THEY MIGHT NEED ACADEMICALLY AND WORK CLOSELY WITH THE CLASSROOM TEACHERS TO IDENTIFY AND INFUSE THAT AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL.

>> THEY TEAMED UP TO HELP TEACHERS LOOK AT THE PROJECTS AND THE STATE PUT IN 6 MILLION TOWARD THE EFFORT.

>> 7500 OKLAHOMA AND 4262 SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT RECEIVED THE FUNDING AND IT PROVIDED THINGS LIKE COST OF MATERIALS OR PERHAPS OTHER RESOURCES THAT TEACHERS MIGHT NEED TO PROVIDE ACADEMIC SUPPORT TO TEACHERS.

>> THANKS TO 5 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING, STUDENTS ARE OFFERED TUTORING AS WELL.

>> STUDENTS FELT MORE CONFIDENT WITH MATHEMATICS.

FAMILIES SHARED WITH US THAT 84% OF THE FAMILIES THAT THE STUDENT'S UNDERSTANDING OF MATHEMATICS INCREASED.

>> AND PARENTS DO HAVE THE OPTION OF PRIVATE TUTORS AND OTHER AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS.

>> THEY WANT TO GO OUT AND FIND A TUTOR, WHAT SHOULD THEY DO AND LOOK FOR?

>> AND SO THE NUMBER ONE THING THAT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE IS THAT THERE IS NO MAGIC WAND AND NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL FOR ANYONE.

I THINK MY FOLLOW-UP QUESTION WOULD BE, YOU KNOW, HOW OLD IS THE KID?

WHAT TOPICS ARE THEY STRUGGLING WITH.

>> AND THEY SPECIALIZE IN AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS THAT BREAK OFF FROM THE NORMAL INSTRUCTION FOR EXAMPLE A STEM PROGRAM MIGHT BE MORE HANDS ON THAN WHAT A TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM MIGHT BE.

>> EVEN THOUGH KIDS ARE HAVING FUN AND THEY ARE DOING EXPERIMENTS, THAT HAS A DIRECT CORRELATION WITH THE UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE AND MATH AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE LEARNING MIGHT LOOK DIFFERENT.

>> AND ANOTHER STATE PROGRAM THAT GIVES ELEMENTARY TEACHERS THE WHAT THEY NEED.

>> THE PROGRAM PROVIDES 10000 ELEMENTARY TEACHERS TO GO THROUGH TWO YEAR WAS INTENSIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND WHAT CHALLENGES THAT STUDENTS HAVE TO LEARN TO KID.

>> SOME TEACHERS ARE GOING INTO THE SECOND YEAR AND OTHERS ARE BEGINNING, THEY ARE ABLE TO APPLY WHAT THEY ARE LEARN NOTHING THEIR CLASSROOMS AND THEY ARE PAYING OFF.

MANY OKLAHOMA STUDENTS KEPT THE PERFORMANCE UP TO THE ACADEMIC STANDARDS.

>> WE SAW 75% OF THE KIDS MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE LEVEL.

WE ARE ENCOURAGED THEY DIDN'T ONLY GO TO EFFICIENT LEVEL, BUT IMPROVEMENTES TO MAINTAIN THE PERFORMANCE LEVEL.

>> WE'LL GET ANOTHER SNAPSHOT OF HOW OKLAHOMA STUDENTS ARE PERFORMING WHEN THEY WILL ISSUE THE STATE BREAK DOWN FROM READING AND MATH, RICH?

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

HELPING EVERY LIFE AND PARENT TASK FORCE THIS WEEK.

THERE IS A RECOMMENDATION TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN FROM HAVING AN ABORTION AND HAVING THE CHILD IN OKLAHOMA.

THEY RECOMMENDED EXTENDED MORE HEALTH CARE TO WOMEN AND NEW MOMS.

>> AND THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY THAT I WOULD LIKE TO BRING IS RAISING THE INCOME THRESHOLD TO WHO 45% OF THE POVERTY LEVEL.

BY DOING THAT WE'LL ADD 2500 ADDITIONAL PREGNANT WOMEN TO HAVE ACCESS TO BENEFITS.

THAT OPPORTUNITY TO PROPOSE THE INCREASE OF THE POST PARTUM CARE FROM 60 DAYS TO 12 MONTHS.

>> BOTH HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNOR, BUT IT MUST BE APPROVED BY THE FEDERAL REGULATORS.

COMING UP IN THE NEWSCAST.

WHAT THE HEALTH COMMITTEE HOPES TO ACCOMPLISH.

AND IF IT IS A RIGHT PRESCRIPTION FOR THE MOTHERS WITH THE NEW ABORTION LAWS IN EFFECT.

>> WE HAVE TAKEN, SHOTS, YOU ARE MANIPULATING WOMEN AND THAT IS UNTRUE.

WOMEN ARE THE DECISION MAKERS.

A LOT OF TIMES, THE DECISION MAKE ARES IN THEIR HOMES.

WHAT ABOUT RAPE AND INCEST, I STATED YESTERDAY, WE ARE NOT GOING TO ADDRESS THE CRIMINAL ACTS.

>> PART OF OUR WORK IS LOOK AT WHAT IS EXISTING AND UNLOCK FUNDS THAT ARE ALREADY THERE AND CAN BE USED TO ADDRESS SOME OF THESE PROBLEMS.

YOU KNOW, WE'LL HAVE NEW RECOMMENDATIONS AND WORK TO MAKE SURE THE PUBLIC KNOWS THE RESOURCES OUT THERE AND USING THE RESOURCES RIGHT NOW IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE.

>> OUR PANEL FACES MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE.

WE INVITED ADVOCATES TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION BUT THEY DECLINED.

>> THERE IS PROMISING NEWS IN OKLAHOMA.

ACCORDING TO THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH INFANT MORTALITY RATE DROPPED 15% IN THE LAST YEARS.

TAYLOR WILL EXPLAIN WHY.

>> RICH, A BIG PART IS GETTING THE WORD OUT THERE FOR PREPARING FOR LIFETIME.

IT'S EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY THAT HELPS EDUCATE WOMEN ON WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY TO INSURE A HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW BORN.

SINCE 2007, OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WORKED TO REDUCE THE DEATHS OF OKLAHOMA INFANTS.

>> WE ARE EXCITED THE RATE FROM 8.2 TO 6.6.

JOYCE MARSHAL IS THE DIRECTOR OF MATERNAL AND CHILD SERVICES.

THIS MEANS 75 MORE BABIES A YEAR LIVE TO SEE THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY.

>> IT IS UNACCEPTABLE THAT OUR BABIES WERE DYING AT A HIGHER RATE THAN IN THE NATION.

PARTNERSHIPS CAME TOGETHER AND INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILY AND WE WORKED TOGETHER ON A CAMPAIGN CALLED PREPARING FOR A LIFETIME.

>> THE INFANT MORTALITY PROGRAM FOCUSES ON FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO DEATH.

>> PRECONCEPTION AND PREMATURITY AND TOBACCO AND SMOKING.

INTERNAL DISORDERS.

>> THE COMPLICATIONS FROM BIRTH.

>> AND COMPLICATION RATES ARE HIGHER IN BOTH EXTREMES.

BOTH IN VERY EARLY PREGNANCIES AND URBAN MOMS ARE YOUNG AND THE MOMS ARE OLDER.

>> AND PREMATURE AND PRETERM BIRTHS HAPPEN BEFORE THE 37TH WEEK OF PREGNANCY WAS COMPLETED.

WHEN I WENT IN THE HOSPITAL, THEY TOLD ME TO HAVE AN EMERGENCY C- SECTION.

HE CAME NINE WEEKS EARLY.

HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BORN ON APRIL TWELTH AND HE FEBRUARY 28TH.

HE SPENT TWO WEEKS IN THE NIQ U.

HAD BREATHING PROBLEM AND TWO HOLES ON HIS HEART.

THEY HAD PUT IV'S IN HIS HEAD AND IT WAS A BUNCH OF STUFF.

THEY HAD TO DO TWO BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS.

>> JADEN CLARK SAID IT WAS HARD TO WATCH HER CHILD GO THROUGH SO MUCH AT AN EARLY AGE.

>> I WAS 15 WHEN I HAD HIM AND IT WAS SCARY.

YOU KNOW, YOU DON'T WANT TO WALK IN AND SEE, LIKE IV'S IN YOUR BABY'S HEAD.

I HAD TO EXPERIENCE THAT.

>> AND WHILE PRETERM BABIES HAVE LIFE TERM CONDITION AND DIE, SOME GROW UP AND ARE STRONG.

CLARK'S SON IS THREE YEARS OLD AND HE'S IMPROVED.

>> THEY SAY HE IS HEALTHY.

THE HOLES IN HIS HEART CLOSED UP.

>> PEOPLE OF COLOR HAVE A HIGHER RATE OF INFANT MORTALITY.

>> WE ARE WORKING TO REDUCE THAT.

BUT THERE ARE DISPARITIES AND THEY K HAVE COME DOWN BUT THEY ARE THERE.

>> THE PEDIATRICIAN SAID A HEALTHY MOTHER IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT IN PRODUCING A HEALTHY BABY.

>> SO ME TALKING ABOUT INFANT MORTALITY CAN JUMP TO JUST THE BABY, BUT REMEMBER, IT A MOM BASICALLY CARRYING THE BABY ALL THE WAY TO TERM.

AND SO THE HEALTH OF THE MOTHER IS EQUALLY NOT MORE IMPORTANT IN PREVENTING OR REDUCING INFANT MORTALITY.

>> HE ENCOURAGES THOSE FOR SEEKING HEALTH CARE FOR DURING AND AFTER THE PREGNANCY.

>> AND IT IS NOT ONLY PHYSICAL HEALTH BUT MENTAL HEALTH.

POST PARTUM AND SEEKING CARE FOR DEPRESSION IS AN IMPORTANT MATTER.

>> BE HEALTHY AND PLAN YOUR PREGNANCY AND WORK WITH YOUR PROVIDER AND SO YOU HAVE HEALTH CONDITIONS UNDER CONTROL.

STOP ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE OR SMOKING.

>> SMOKING AND DRINKING WHILE PREGNANT CAUSES PREMATURE DELIVERY AND SIDS AND BIRTH DETECTS.

SMOKE WHILE YOU ARE NOT PREGNANT AND GO AWAY FROM THE CHILD.

>> AND TAKE NOT ONLY IN THE VEHICLE BUT ALSO IN THE HOUSE.

SMOKING IN ANOTHER ROOM OF THE HOUSE IS NOT OKAY AND YOU HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE AND REMEMBER TO WASH YOUR HANDS AND CHANGE YOUR CLOTHES ONCE YOU COME INSIDE.

>> ELIMINATING STRESSORS CAN PREVENT COMPLICATIONS AS WELL.

>> ANYONE CAN HELP PROVIDE A LESS STRESSFUL ENVIRONMENT AND ANOTHER THING STRESS CAN CAUSE IS PREMATURITY.

WE CAN HELP OUR MOTHERS TO HAVE LESS STRESS IN THEIR LIVE AND RELAX THE SELF CARE.

>> THEY EXPECT THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE ON HOW THEY REDUCE THE RISK OF INFANT DEATH.

>> TAYLOR, THANKS.

THE GOVERNOR SIGNED A REPORT RELATED TO ALL 77 COUNTIES FOR DROUGHT RELIEF.

IT WILL BE OVERSEEN BY THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE.

THE COMMISSIONER WILL HAVE FINAL SAY FOR EMERGENCY DROUGHT RELIEF FUNNELEDS.

THE GOVERNOR SAID IT MUST BE USED TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF DROUGHT NOW AND THE FUTURE.

MELONS, HAVE THEY BEEN IMPACTED BY THE LONG HOT DRY SUMMER?

OUR REPORTER STEVE SHAH WENT OUT TO FIND OUTMENT TRIPLE S FARM SYSTEM SEVEN MILES NORTH OF HYDRO AND HAS BEEN IN VIRGIL'S FAMILY SINCE GRANDFATHER JOHN BOUGHT IT A CENTURY AGO.

25 YEARS AGO, VIRGIL AND HIS BROTHER DENNIS DECIDED TO MAKE WATERMELONS ON THE FARM A PRIORITY.

TRIPLE S QUICKLY BECAME A GO TO SPOT IN OKLAHOMA FOR WATERMELON AND IN RECENT YEARS PUMPKINS AS WELL.

TRIPLE S SUPPLIES THE BIG BOYS LIKE ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERIERS AND WALMART AND CREST AND SPROUT AND OKLAHOMA FOODS.

MELONS ARE A SUMMER TRADITION IN THE SOONER STATE.

>> VIRGIL, WHY DO PEOPLE LOVE WATERMELONS SO MUCH?

>> THEY TASTE GOOD.

IT IS GOOD TO SEE A KID WITH JUICE RUNNING DOWN AND SHOVELLING THE MELONS IN.

>> IT IS GOOD FOR YOU.

>> IT IS.

>> AND VIRGIL'S CREW PLANTED MORE THAN 360 ACRES OF WATERMELON THIS YEAR.

THEY DON'T PLANT THE SEEDS, THEY REPLANT THOUSANDS OF SMALL PLANTS THEY GET FROM McALLEN, TEXAS.

IF IT GOES RIGHT, THE HARVEST STARTS IN THE LAST WEEK OF JULY.

BUT EVERYTHING RARELY GOES RIGHT.

>> THIS YEAR'S HARVEST IS LATE BECAUSE OF HEAVY RAINS IN MAY DELAYED PLANTING AND THEN THE MIND NUMBING HEAT AND SUMMER DROUGHT THAT KNOCKED OUT 30% OF THE-YEAR-OLD.

LAST WEEK'S NETTED 2 MILLION FOR LESS.

THAT DROVE UP THE PRICE MAYBE $2 PER MELON.

>> AND ONE THING WITH WATERMELON YOU CAN'T USE CHEMICALS ON WEEDS.

THEY HAVE A WEED ZAPPER AND IT KILLS THE WEEDS.

GAB IS TRIPLE S FARMS WATER MELLION MANAGER.

THERE IS NOT A LOT OF CHEMICALS.

IF IT WASN'T FOR THE WEEDS, WE WOULDN'T HAVE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE HOKING THE FIELDS AND GETTING RID OF THE WEEDS.

A WEED ZAPPER IS THE MUST AND YOU CAN'T GET WORKERS TO HE THE WEEDS IN THE FIELDS ANYMORE.

>> NO ONE WANTS TO DO THE HARD LEVEL ANYMORE.

IT IS A DYING BREED.

AN DEGREES MARTINEZ HAS BEEN HARVESTING WATERMELON SINCE HE WAS GROWING UP NEAR THE MEXICAN BORDER.

HE'S PART OF THE HARVESTING CREW THAT IS HARD AT IT HERE SINCE THE FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST.

>> AND THEY TAKE A POLL AND AFTER A WHILE.

I TELL EVERYBODY.

IT IS A GOOD WORK OUT.

YOU GET A NICE TAN.

BUT IN THE END OF THE WEEK, YOU HAVE BEEN PAID BUT IT IS HARD LABOR.

>> YOU HAVE TO PACE YOURSELF.

>> HE SAID GOOD HELP IS NOT THAT YOU ARE JUST WILLING TO WORK, BUT ALSO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

>> WE HAVE TO DO IS BY HAND AND FIGURE OUT WHICH ARE THE RIGHT AND GREEN ONES.

SO THAT IS THE IMAGINE OF IT AND TRYING TO SEE WHICH ONE IS READY AND 11 IS NOTE.

>> SLAYINGLE SAID TRIPLE S MELONS ARE SHIPPED ALL OVER AMERICA AND FAR OFF PLACES IN MASSACHUSETTS, CANADA AND EVEN THE BIG APPLE.

>> IT IS KIND OF COOL.

AND I LIKE THIS BIN RIGHT HERE.

IT IS GOING TO PROBABLY GO TO TO THE MARKET IN NEW YORK CITY.

THE WATERMELON HARVEST WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE END OF SEPTEMBER AND THE PUMPKIN HARVEST STARTED A WEEK AGO AND WILL FINISH IN OCTOBER.

>> CONSUMERS DEMAND A SHOP WITH THEIR EYES AND SO THINGS HAVE TO LOOK PRETTY.

>> AND VIRGIL SAID HIS GRANDFATHER WOULD GET A CHUCKLE KNOWING THAT THE FARM HE STARTED 100 YEARS AGO IS NOW KNOWN ALL OVER THE U.S. FOR THE MELON AND GOURDS.

I THINK HE WOULD BE VERY SURPRISED.

THE WATERMELON IS THE ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FRUIT.

THE LEGISLATURE CONTINUES TO HOST OF STUDIES WITH THE MORE ON THAT.

I SPOKE WITH SEAN ASHLEY IN THE STATE CAPITAL.

>> AND SEAN, REMIND US, WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF INTERIM STUDIES AND WHAT BENEFIT DO THEY PROVIDE?

>> THEY WILL ALLOW THE LAW MAKERS TO DIVE IN SPECIFIC ISSUES.

THEY CAN LOOK AT VARIOUS INFORMATION INVOLVED AND LOOK AT HOW THE PARTICULAR LAWS ARE IMPACTING THEIR LIVES.

>> WHAT CAUGHT YOUR EYE THUS FAR.

>> FIRST PUBLIC SAFETY.

WE KNOW ABOUT EFFORTS TO ABOUT CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.

BUT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE CHANGES IN THE OKLAHOMA DUI LAWS AS IT RELATES TO DIFFERENT OFFENDERS.

AND WE HEARD ABOUT THE SHERIFF DEPUTY SALARIES THAT ARE SET ESSENTIALLY AND THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT INCREASED.

WE CAN SEE WACOMMUNITIES CAN DO TO BRING BUSINESSES IN TO TOWN AND THE CHALLENGES THAT BUSINESSES ARE FACE NOTHING RECRUITING INDIVIDUALS.

PERHAPS MORE INTERESTING IS WHERE A ENGINEERING FIRM WAS LOOKING TO HIRE AN INDIVIDUAL IN TULSA AND COMPETING WITH AN AUSTIN COMPANY.

THEY LOST THAT INDIVIDUAL, BUT THAT ENGINEER WILL REMAIN IN TULSA AND WORK REMOTELY.

>> WHAT ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH?

DOES THE GOVERNOR GET INVOLVED IN WHAT STUDIES ARE CHOSEN?

>> WE HAVE SEEN WHERE VARIOUS GUBERNATORIAL ORGANIZATIONS HAVE HAD STUDIES.

UNDER THE GOVERNOR'S ADMINISTRATION WE HAVE NOT SEEN THAT.

BUT IF YOU LOOK AT THE STATE OF THE STATE, HE OFFERS TO THE FINDINGS AND TO SOME OF THOSE INTERIM STUDIES.

>> LAW MAKERS ARE WORKING TO RESUME THE SECOND SPECIAL SESSION AND APPEARS THAT ALLOCATING THE FUNDS ARE A PRIORITY.

THAT IS 1.8 BILLION THAT OKLAHOMA RECEIVED IS BEING DISCUSSED IN THE MEETINGS.

THEY MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AND THEY WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.

AND THAT IS BILLS THAT LAW MAKERS WILL FOR THE SECOND SPECIAL SESSION.

WE DON'T KNOW WHEN THE SENATE WILL RETURN.

BUT THEY WILL HAVE TO WORK OUT THE LOGISTICSMENT DO THEY DISCUSS WITH THE POLITICIANS?

>> IT MAY NOT IMPACT WHAT THEY TALK ABOUT.

BUT IT DOES IMPACT THE NUMBER OF INTERIM STUDIES AND HOW MANY ARE HEARD.

WE NORMALLY SEE TWO TIMES AS MANY REQUEST AS WE SAW THIS YEAR.

THAT WAS OVER 100 BETWEEN THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE.

AND THERE IS A LARGE NUMBER HURT SO FAR.

THEY HAD UNTIL THE MONTH OF OCTOBER TO GET HEARD.

IT SEEMS LIKE THEY WILL REMAININE THOUGH IT IS A ELECTION YEAR.

>> WHEN DOES IT BEGIN?

>> IT IS UNDERWAY IN JANUARY WITH ORGANIZATIONAL DAY WITH VARIOUS LEADERSHIP POSITIONS ARE, LENGTHED AND WE'LL HEAR FROM THE GOVERNOR WITH THE STATE OF THE STATE SPEECH AND BE BACK AT IT LEGISLATING EVERY DAY.

THEY AWARDED 820,000 IN GRANTS TO OKLAHOMA RECIPIENTS.

THE THEY WERE CHOSEN TO RECEIVE THE FUND.

EPA SAID THE GRANTS WILL BE USED TO REDUCE POLLUTION AND REDUCING BUSINESS AND LIABILITY COST.

THE OKLAHOMA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE, THIS YEAR'S CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN TULSA.

PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE CONCERNS AND VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE.

KENNEDY JOINS US NOW.

>> RICH, THE MOST BENEFICIAL OF THE CONFERENCE WAS NETWORKING WITH OTHER STUDY LEADER AND VENDORS AT A ONE- STOP SHOP FOR MUNICIPAL NEEDS.

HERE'S THE THING.

IT IS NEVER A TOP TEN STATE UNTIL WE HAVE THRIVING MUNICIPALITIES.

THEY ARE ATTENDING THE OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE.

>> WE PROVIDED AS THAT OPPORTUNITY FOR MAYORS TO SIT DOWN AND TALK ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN THEIR COMMUNITY AND WE FACILITY THOSE CONVERSATIONS.

TALKING ABOUT THEM.

AND IT IS JUST AMAZING AND I REALLY DOEFRNT KNOW IF I CAN MAKE IT.

I CAN PICK UP THE PHONE AND SHOOTOUT A TEXT AND SAW THIS IS WHAT IS GOING ON.

MOST OF THE TIME IT IS ANSWERED WITH ADVICE FROM OTHER MAYORS.

MOST PLACES HAVE THE SIMILARITIES.

HE SAID, KIM, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM IN OKLAHOMA CITY THAT YOU HAVEN'T GOT.

WE ALL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.

BUT HE SAID, IT'S A DIFFERENT ESCAPE.

>> MOST ISSUES INVOLVE PUBLIC SAFETY AND UTILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE.

AND THAT IS THE STREET AND SO IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE REMAIN NONPARTISAN SO WE CAN WORK TOGETHER.

THE STREET IS NOT REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT.

WE HAVE THE LARGEST STREET REPAIR PROJECT IN HISTORY.

AND THAT IS ROAD REPAIR AND PROJECT AND FIX 200 STREETS AND LOOK TO ANOTHER 900 STREETS OVER THE NEXT 4 OR 5 YEARS.

THERE ARE UNIQUE SITUATIONS WITH TOWNS WITH COLLEGES AND MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS AND THOSE WHO FIT ON THE STATE BORDER.

>> AND TALK ABOUT GAME DAY AND THE ENERGY AND HOW EXCITING IT IS TO SEE THAT AND CHALLENGES THAT ARE UNIQUE TO OUR TOWN.

>> AND THOSE ARE INVOLVED BETWEEN 62 TO 80000 TOWN FOR GAME DAY.

>> AND THEY MUST WORK WITH THE RESPECTED UNIVERSITY.

SOME CITIES HAVE TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH MANAGEMENT INSTALLATION.

WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THE FACT THAT WE SUPPORT OUR MISSION.

& THAT IS THE OTHER DAY, WE LOST $12 MILLION ANNUALLY IN RESTAURANT AVENUE.

GOING TO FORT SMITH AND VERSUS STAYING IN OKLAHOMA.

AND THAT IS TOUGH.

>> THIS SITUATION MAKES ECONOMIC GROWTH TOUGH.

AND WE SURVIVE ON SALES TAX GENERATED IN OUR COMMUNITY AND FIND THE -- AND SO THE POP AND CANDY BAR AND THE TANK OF GAS IS ALL YOU GET.

SO, THE PEOPLE HAVE TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND AND REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO SPEND MONEY IN YOUR LOCAL TOWN VERSUS GOING SOMEWHERE ELSE AND IT IS ONLY HURTING YOU AT HOME.

>> THEY ARE WORKING TO BRING MORE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES.

>> IT WILL PROPEL US TO THE FUTURE.

IT HAS A BIG FEATURE TO INVEST IN JOB CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT.

THAT IS THE BASE OF ANY GROWING ECONOMIC MODEL.

>> WE HAVE 4.3 BILLION IN INVESTMENT.

WE HAVEN'T SEEN THAT TYPE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ONE TIME IN MUSCOGEE EVER.

>> AND NOW RESTAURANTS ARE MAKING THEIR WAY TO STILLWATER.

>> WE HAVE A BIG WAVE OF RESTAURANTS AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS COMING IN AND GETTING A WHATABURGER.

>> AND CONVERTING OUR POWER PLANT IN BREWERY AND RESTAURANT AND MIXED USE LIVING SPACES AND CONDOS ON THE LAKE.

>> THE MAYORS AGREE ON THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT.

>> IT IS IMPORTANT FOR RESIDENT TO NOT JUST BE GUILTY AND THEY GO ON LINE AND BASH EVERYTHING GOING.

HAVE COFFEE WITH THE ELECTED OFFICIAL AND SIT DOWN AND HAVE A CONVERSATION.

YOU CAN BE IN TUNE WITH WHAT THEIR NEEDS ARE.

>> ANOTHER MAJOR INITIATIVE THAT THEY TALKED ABOUT IS BROADBAND ACCESS.

HIGH SPEED INTERNET IS IMPORTANT AS CITIES TRY TO ATTRACT NEW RESIDENTS THAT WANT TO WORK WITH FROM HIM.

>> AND WE HEAR THE TERM CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS A LOT THESE DAYS.

THAT IS A QUESTION THAT THE WEEK WILL TRY TO ANSWER.

THE COLLEGE IS HOLDING A FULL WEEK OF EVENT AND CELEBRATING THE CONSTITUTION ON MONDAY.

HE IS THE AUTHOR OF CONSTITUTION OF KNOWLEDGE AND DEFENSE OF TRUTH AND BOOK THAT OFFERS INSIGHT ON THE POLITICAL DIVIDE IN OUR COUNTRY.

>> THE FACT THAT WE HAVE SPLINTERING REALITIES CAN'T SEEM TO AGREE ON WHO WON THE ELECTION AND PEOPLE ARE WORRIED ABOUT TELLING THE TRUTH AND DISPUTING THE VIEW POINTS AND LOSING THEIR JOB.

WE THOUGHT IT HAD REACHED A CRISIS SITUATION.

OUR SYSTEM SETS RULES OUT FOR HOW WE'LL FIGURE OUT AS A SOCIETY WHAT IS TRUE AND NOT.

THAT IS SCIENCE AND ACADEMIA AND JOURNALISM AND LAW, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MORE.

THE LAW APPLIES WITH TWO?

>> AND THEY WILL BE FEATURED IN A QAN AND GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO WIN THE SCHOLARSHIP BASED ON THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONSTITUTION.

AND THEY HAVE A STATUE ON THE STILLWATER CAMPUS.

IT WAS UNVEILED LAST YEAR.

HE OVERSAW THE BUILDING OF TWO AND HALF MILLION SQUARE FEET OF NEW FACILITIES FOR ACADEMIC.

HE HELPED TO BRING IN 2 BILLION IN DONATIONS.

AND A HISTORICAL MARKER WAS UNVAIRLEDMENT >> AND THIS HONORS WITH THE LEGACY OF THE TULSA RACE MASSACRE.

TIME TO RECAP THIS WEEK'S ECONOMIC REVIEW.

AND THERE IS UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS.

IF DURING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 23RDRD.

THE FOUR WEEK AVERAGE INCREASED TO AN AVERAGE OF 2, 49.

THAT WILL MAKE IT 2, 166.

THE FOUR WEEK AVERAGE DECLINED TO AVERAGE 10, 273.

CRUDE DROPPED 3.38 TO 85.10 A BARREL AFTER WTI HIT $90 A BARREL THE DAY BEFORE.

THE AND INTEREST RATE HIKES IS EXPECTED AND DOWN TURN IN THE DEMAND FOR OIL DOES PART OF THE REASONS WHY OIL PRICES DIPPED ON THURSDAY.

AND THEY EXPECT TO POINT BOARD MEMBER AT THE NEXT CHAIR FOR THE FLORIDA DIRECTORS.

THEY ARE PLANNING TO RETIRE IN JANUARY.

THEY ARE A MEMBER OF THE FORD SINCE 2014.

THE OIL FIELD SERVICE SYSTEM CONTRACTING WITH OKLAHOMA TO FLOOD THE ABANDONED WELL AND AN AVERAGE PAYMENT OF 20000.

THE COMPANY SECURED SIMILAR CONTRACTS IN TEXAS AND HOME STATE OUT OF NEW MEXICO.

>> THANK YOU, JASON.

THE 2022 OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR IS UNDERWAY IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

IN ADDITION ON THE EXOTIC PRIDE FOOD THERE IS NEW ATTRACTIONS.

THEY FEATURED A COMPETITION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND A FAINTING GOAT AND RETURNING OF GAS CAR AND MULTIPLE ANIMAL SPECIE'S RACE.

>> AND PLEASE NOTE, WE INVITED SEVERAL PRO-CHOICE ADVOCATES TO DO SO AND THEY DECLINED TO DO SO.

THEY ADDRESSED THE CRITICISM AS THEY MOVE FORWARD.

THE NAUM OF THE TASK FORCES HELPING EVERY LIFE AND PARENT.

WE'LL HAVE JULIE MERCY WHO IS THE CHAIR OF THE TASK FORCE AND CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF THE COTTAGE OF PREGNANCY CENTER AND RESIDENTIAL HOME.

WE HAVE LAURIE CARTER WHO IS THE FIRST ASHES ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL.

DISNEY ON THE TASK FORCE.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US.

>> JULIE, WE'LL START WITH YOU.

EXPLAIN TO OUR VIEWERS ABOUT THE TASK FORCE.

>> I WOULD BE.

COMMITTED TO SIGNING EVERY PIECE OF PRO-LIFE AND WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

>> AND WE ARE EXCITED WHEN HE DID THAT.

ROE V WADE FELL.

HE PULLED THE TASK FORCE TOGETHER AND ONE OF THE BEST THOUGHT LEADERS IN THE STATE.

AND THEY WORKED AND BEEN IN RELATIONSHIP.

AND THEN NEW FACES TOGETHER.

HOO KNEW THERE WOULD BE RECOMMENDATIONS TO SUPPORT THE WOMEN OF OKLAHOMA.

HE CAME DOWN WITH THE TASK FORCE.

AND NAMED GREAT NAMES.

THAT IS THE FIRST MEETING.

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO THAT BODY.

>> AND WE PROUDLY SUPPORTED AND DEFENDED.

AND THE GOVERNOR CIPED AS PRO-LIFE.

WE HAVE A UNIQUE POSITION IN ORDER TO HELP THE TASK FORCE MEMBERS NAVIGATE THE BARRIERS FOR ADOPTION LAWS AND ANYTHING IN THE LEGAL SPHERE TO SERVE AS A BARRIER FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN.

AND THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

ARE YOU OPENLY ADDRESSING THE CRITICISM.

>> MOST OF US ON THE TASK FORCE ARE AWARE OF THE CRITICISMS.

IT IS NOTHING NEW TO US.

WE WORK WITH MOMS IN CIRCUMSTANCES THAT ARE UNFATHOMAL FOR DECADES.

ANYTHING WE SEE AS THEM BEING A BARRIER OR ADOPTIVE SITUATION.

WE ARE THERE AND WE HAVE BEEN THERE TOGETHER.

AND WE DON'T CARE ABOUT THE MOMS?

AND ANOTHER ONE AND I.

JUMPED RIGHT IN ON YESTERDAY.

WHAT ABOUT ABORTION AND HEALTH CARE.

I SAID PUBLICLY.

MY STANCE ON THAT AND I THINK THAT ABORTION IS NOT HEALTH CARE WHEN IT TAKES THE LIFE OF ANOTHER HUMAN BEING.

WE HAVE REPRESENTATIVES THAT WERE ON AND FIRMLY THINK THAT THEY THINK ABORTION IS HEALTH CARE.

THAT IS A CRITICISM WE HAVE TAKEN.

WE HEARD SHOTS OF MANIPULATING WEP.

THAT IS UNTRUE.

OUR GOAL IS TO EMPOWER THE DECISION MAKE ARE AND WHAT THEY CHOOSE AND MOSTLY, A LOT OF TIMES, THE DECISION MAKE ARES IN THEIR HOMES.

WHAT ABOUT RAPE AND INCEST?

WE ARE NOT GOING TO ADDRESS CRIMINAL ACTS IN OKLAHOMA.

WE'LL NOT ADDRESS THOSE FROM THE TASK FORCE PERSPECTIVE.

WE STAND BEHIND THAT IS A CRIMINAL ACT AND THERE IS A JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND AMAZING ORGANIZATIONS IN OKLAHOMA THAT WORK WITH WOMEN, CHILDREN AND MEN WHO ARE IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ABUSE SITUATIONS AND DO THE SAME THING TO EMPOWER THE VICTIMS AND BRING THEM THROUGH HARD CIRCUMSTANCES AND GIVE THEM COUNSELING AND SUPPORT AND RESILIENT ON THE OTHER SIDE.

THOSE ARE THE BIG ONES THAT PEOPLE CAME OUT OF THE GATE AGAIN YESTERDAY AND WE'RE ALWAYS TACKLE THOSE.

>> AND HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT?

WE GET NERVOUS.

STEPPING IN THE TASK FORCE?

>> NOT AT ALL.

I AM EXCITED TO BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION TO THE WOMEN WHO ARE FACING CRISIS.

THAT'S WHAT WE ALSO NEED TO BE INVOLVED IN.

AND THAT IS WHAT SOLUTIONS THAT YOU HEARD.

AND YOU GET THAT AS FAR AS LOOKING AS SOLUTIONS.

>> AND THAT WAS THE IDEA OF RAISING HEALTH BEN VITS FOR WOMEN AND THEIR BABIES AND EXTENDING THE MEDICAID TO WOMEN BEYOND 60 DAYS AFTER BIRTH AS WELL AS RAISING THE FEDERAL INCOME LIMITS OR FEDERAL POVERTY LINE PERCENTAGE AND SO THAT MORE WOMEN WOULD BE COVERED AND TAKING CARE OF MOMS BEFORE PREGNANCY AND DURING BIRTH AND FOR A WHOLE YEAR AFTER THAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MOM AND CHILDREN IN OUR STATE.

SO MUCH GOES INTO RAISING THE CHILDREN BEFORE THE SCHOOL YEAR.

IT IS A FULL- TIME JOB.

HOW MUCH HELP DOES THE TASK FORCE THINK THAT THE STATE COULD GIVE MOTHERS?

>> THE STATE GIVES WOMEN A LOT OF HELP.

AND IF YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT CHILD CARE AND KWFGDZS FOR CHILD CARE IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, WE PROVIDE THAT FOR WOMEN AND WE WANT WOMEN WHO NEED THAT TO HAVE ACCESS AND AVAILABILITY TO THAT AND SO THEY CAN GO TO THEIR JOBS AND BE WORKING AND WOMEN WHO CONTRIBUTE TO THE HOUSEHOLDS AND SUPPORT THE ENTIRE HOUSE HOLD HAVE TO BE WORKING AND THERE IS A LOT OF THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND WE TALKED ABOUT PROGRAMS THAT ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN OKLAHOMA.

TWO WERE LISTED YESTERDAY AND SO OUR NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING WE'LL HEAR ABOUT THE PROGRAMS THAT ARE AVAILABLE AND SO WE CAN UNDERSTAND AND MAKE THE RECOMMENDATION OF MORE EDUCATION NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THIS.

AND THE EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL.

AND THAT IS TEMPORARILY AND MAINTAINING AND RAISING THEIR HOUSEHOLD WITHOUT HAVING ASSISTANCE.

AND WHAT YOU CONTRACT TO THE FAMILY ARE HUGE FOR THE WOMEN OF OKLAHOMA.

AND THEY NEED TO RECEIVE HELP FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.

AND THAT IS A CATCH 22.

AND THAT IS NOT AN INCENTIVE TO MAKE MORE MONEY.

WOULD THAT BE THE CASE IN THE PROGRAM.

WE WANT MOMS TO HAVE BETTER JOB AND ABILITY TO WORK.

THIS IS THEIR SAFETY NET THOUGH.

THAT IS BY RAISING THE FEDERAL POVERTY LIMIT.

AND BUMPING THAT UP WE ARE GETTING CLOSER TO WHAT THE SURROUNDING STATES ARE GETTING AT 205% OF THE POVERTY LEVEL.

AND THAT WILL BE A GREAT USE OF FUNDS.

AND THAT WAS A 2021 REPORT AND TALKS ABOUT WHY THEY ARE SEEKING ABORTIONS.

AND THEY CAN'T LEAVE A JOB TO CARE FOR THEIR BABY.

AND THERE ARE BARRIERS THAT I HOPE WE'LL ADDRESS, TOO AND HOW WE CAN MAKE THAT BETTER.

AND SO THEY DON'T FEEL PRESSURED BY THAT.

AND WE WANT TO MAKE IT BETTER FOR THE MOMS AND CHILD AND THAT WILL MAKE OUR STATE BETTER AND FIXING THE FAMILY ONE AT A TIME AND THAT HAS A RIPPLE ACT IN OKLAHOMA.

I SAT SIDE BY SIDE WITH 800 WOMEN AND I AM A PROMOWSAL OF EDUCATION OVER OCCUPATION.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A TEMPORARY STATEMENT.

COMPLETE THE EDUCATION.

WE GET THEM EDUCATED.

AND THAT IS ONE WAY TO BE BREAKING THE POVERTY CYCLE.

AND WE SEE THAT.

IT IS COMMON.

SO FOR A WOMAN WHO IS WILLING TO WORK HARD AND HAVE GRIT.

AND THEY ARE RADICALLY SUCCESSFUL.

AND THAT IS A GOAL IF THEY MAKE MORE MONEY.

>> AND THAT IS LISTED IN ADOPTION.

AND YOU KNOW, WHAT IS THE PROCESS AND NEEDS TO BE DONE TO MAKE THAT AS A SMOOTHER EXPERIENCE N. >> JUST FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCEMENT AND THAT IS LIMIT VERY WEALTHY.

AND THEY HAVE A LEGAL BARRIER THAT MAKE ITS MORE DIFFICULT AS WELL AND THE HIGH COAST THAT LIMITS IT.

SO IT IS HIGH COST ON THE END OF THE PARENTS LOOKING TO ADOPT NOT ONLY THE EXPECTANT MOTHERS.

>> AND THAT IS 50 THIS HAPPENED FOR A ADOPTING COUPLES TO ADOPT AND THAT IS FINANCIALLY EXCLUSIVE.

>> AND MANY NEED SUPPORTMENT AND THAT MAKE ITS BETTER FOR THE CHILD AND NOT THEMSELVES.

THAT IS MENTAL HEALTH ACCOUNTABILITY FOR YOUNG MOTHER AND NEW MOTHER AND POST PARTUM HELP HOW IS IT THAT COME TOGETHER.

AND EXPANDING THE SERVICES TO WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO ADDRESS A LOT OF THOSE THINGS.

AND SO DRUGS AND ALCOHOL REHAPPEN.

BEING ABLE TO SEE THEIR DOCTOR.

THEY ARE CONTINUING TO BE MONITORED.

IT IS HERE TO ADDRESS ALL OF THE ISSUES THAT YOU BROUGHT UP.

AND TODAY IS THE DAY.

AND WE'LL ADDRESS THOSE IN TERMS OF HEALTH.

AND THAT IS ALSO HEALTHY MOM AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND EQUIPPING THE MOM TO RECOGNIZE THE MILESTONE AND WE HAVE CHILDREN'S FIRST THAT CAN IDENTIFY THINGS EARLY ON.

THEN, YOU KNOW, DO THEY HAVE FOOD.

?

AND RIGHT HOUSING AND SHELTER.

WE'LL TAKE A PRETTY COMPREHENSIVE LOOK AT THAT.

WE KNOW WE WILL PARTNER WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE.

>> AND JUST IN RESPONSE TO THAT, I MIGHT JUMP IN AND SAY PART OF OUR WORK IS LOOK AT WHAT IS EXISTING AND UNLOCK THE FUNDS THAT ARE ALL RIGHT THERE.

WE'LL WORK HARD TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PUBLIC KNOWS WHAT RESOURCES ARE OUT THERE ALREADY.

AND MAKE SURE WE'LL USE THOSE IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE.

AND UNLOCK THOSE WHO ARE OUT THERE AND USED RIGHT NOW.

AND LET US KNOW.

AND DEADLINE WHEN THE TASK FORCE WILL PRESENT THE FINDINGS.

IT IS FOR HIM AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE AND THAT GIVES US SIX WEEK AND YOU'VE HEARD THE PROBLEM AND THEY ARE MULTIFACETTED AND NOT EASY OPPORTUNITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WILL COME FORWARD AND WE'LL HAVE TO MOVE QUICKLY.

WE'LL BE THERE ON THE 25TH AND THAT IS THE THIRD MEETING ALTOGETHER AND WE'LL HAVE BIG REPORTING AND RECOMMENDING AS TO HAND DOWN.

WE THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TIME AND INSIGHT WITH US.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> YES, AND WE GET AN ASHES SIFT IN SUN UP TV.

WE HEARD REPORTS ON LIFE LESSONS PROGRAMS AND THAT IS TEACHING THEM ABOUT FINANCE AND CAREER CHOICES.

AND WHERE THEY JUST KIND OF GIVE KIDS A STATION IN LIFE WITH A SALARY AND STUFF AND THEY HAVE TO GO AROUND AND MAKE BUDGETS.

>> RON COX IS A OSU MARRIAGE SPECIALIST AND THESE WORK SHOPS ARE DESIGNED TO HELP STUDENTS TO UNDERSTAND THE REALITIES OF THE ADULT HOOD.

THEY ARE LIKE INSURANCE OR HOUSING OR CARS OR YOU KNOW, ENTERTAINMENT AND YOU HIT THE BONUS OR LOTTERY AND DIFFERENT THINGS TO HELP KIDS UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF A THERE.

AND HOW TO MAKE A BUDGET AND ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF EDCAUTION.

THIS IS A PIECE OF A BROADER OUTREACH PROGRAMS THAT AIMS TO INCREASE REQUIREMENT IN SCHOOL AND REENFORCE THE BEHAVIORS.

>> IT IS CALLED UNITED WE CAN OR [SPEAKING SPANISH].

YOU CAN'T TELL A KID WHO TO BE FRIENDS WITH.

BUT THEY ARE TOGETHER.

THEY ARE ALL GOING IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION.

THEY ARE HAVING A GREAT TIME AND AT THE SAME TIME THAT THEY ARE LEARNING ABOUT FINANCES, THEY ARE FORMING RELATIONSHIPS WITH EACH OTHER, RIGHT IN AND THOSE RELATIONSHIPS HELP TO PROMOTE THE POSITIVE KIND OF BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES THAT WILL LEAD THEM TO SUCCESS.

>> BEFORE THE WORK SHOP, STUDENTS GOT A CHANCE TO TOUR THE OSU CAMPUS.

THAT CHANCE MADE PARTICIPANT'S DAY.

>> WE'LL LEARN ABOUT NEW JOBS.

LIKE, NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND PROBABLY YOU NEVER THOUGHT OF AND IT IS FUN MOST OF THE TIME.

WE GOT TO GO TO DIFFERENT PLACES, AND WE GOT TO RELAX LIKE HERE IN THE YOGA SESSIONS.

>> EACH STUDENT IS BEGIN A WORK SHEET AND DETAILING THEIR OCCUPATION.

WEATHER THEY ARE A SINGLE CONSTRUCTION WORKER MAKING 30 GRAND A YEAR OR SOIL INCOME PROVIDER.

EVERY SCENARIO IS ON THE TABLE.

FOR RUBY, THE EXERCISE WAS FRUSTRATING.

>> SO, IT IS WHAT WE ARE LOOKING LIKE LIVING AS AN ADULT.

MY HUSBAND DOESN'T DO ANYTHING.

I HAVE -- WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING AND HAVE A SECOND INCOME.

IT IS A TWO INCOME FAMILY.

>> CHALLENGES OF BEING A ADULT.

>> WHY WOULD I MARRY A DEAD BEAT?

>> AND I GO THROUGH THAT, I HAVE A UNDERSTANDING WHAT MY PARENTS HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH DAY AFTER DAY, WEEK AFTER WEEK, MONTH AFTER MONTH TAKING CARE OF ME AND THERE IS A NEW PERSPECTIVE OF HOW TO APPRECIATE MY FAMILY AND IMPACTS THE FAMILY COHESION.

>> LEARN MY PRIORITIES AND DON'T BE A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER.

DO THE RIGHT THING AND DOEVENT HAVE KIDS.

MY FRIEND IS A SINGLE MOTHER AND BROKE.

I AM KURTS A, SUN UP TV.

AND ON THE NEXTDITION CHINA P BUYING AMERICAN FARM LAND.

IT IS NOW A NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUE THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED.

WE'LL SAY SO LONG UNTIL NEXT WEEK WITH A TOUR OF DOWNTOWN OKLAHOMA CITY.

AND IF YOU ENJOYED THE NEWSCAST.

ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS TO WATCH.

FOR ALL OF US HERE IN THE OKLAHOMA NEWS RICH.

IN AM RICH LANZ.

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