Blogs

From The State Chamber Lobby Team

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is considering a proposal to eliminate the current long distance system and provide statewide toll-free calling.  The proposal would levy a new fee of at least $3.19 on every landline and wireless phone number in the state to pay for this “free” service despite the fact that there are dozens of long distance phone plans available to those who want to make long distance calls.   

Because The State Chamber was concerned about the potential impact of the fee on Oklahoma businesses, we surveyed a sampling of our members last week on the issue.  We asked whether the proposal would have a negative or positive impact on their businesses and whether The State Chamber should support, oppose or remain neutral on it. 

Of the surveys returned, 93 percent indicated they would be negatively impacted, and 94 percent said we should oppose the proposal.  One of The State Chamber’s larger members indicated the proposal would cost them an additional $44,000 per month.  Therefore, The State Chamber has officially opposed the Corporation Commission’s proposal.  Please know that the Corporation Commission has delayed consideration of this proposal till January 2011.   

OEDC Members: Please let us know your thoughts or comments- how might this impact your business?

Taking Care of Business

A huge percentage of American businesses are in serious trouble and not just for the reasons you may think. Employees throughout the country are dissatisfied in their current work situation.

A January, 2010 USA Today article reported that close to 40% of the workforce is extremely dissatisfied with their existing employer. The Herman Group, a Greensboro, NC futurist think-tank organization points out that studies indicate that over 45% of employees do not feel engaged in their company and the workplace, costing employers millions of dollars in lost productivity.

Congratulations to all the members of OEDC who convened at the state Capital last Tuesday. The purpose of the meeting was to hear from House and Senate Leadership and to share their stories with individual members of the legislature.   MISSION ACCOMPLISHED keep it up!   President Janet Yowell and Legislative Day coordinator Lyle Roggow and your OEDC staff were well organized and focused on getting the job done.  Here are the initial results:

Senator Shulz announced that he was withdrawing SB 1797 which would have repealed five year ad valorem tax exemption for manufacturers.  Let him know you appreciate it.

OEDC’s request bill by Senator Justice  - SB 1966 – amends the Small Employer Quality Jobs Incentive Act to allow for 24 months, rather than 12 months, for qualifying businesses to employ a required number of employees was voted do pass in Senate Finance.  Let him know you appreciate it.

However:
Rep.’s Proctor’s clawback bill (The State Chamber opposes) states “Taxpayers that get an incentive payment or reduction in tax for job creation, and move outside the U.S. within ten years of the payment or reduction, will pay a 4.5 percent penalty of the amount granted.”  Voted Do Pass from Revenue and Tax Committee

More updates next week...

-Jim Mason, The State Chamber