Oklahoma
Oklahoma legislators, officials shocked Gov. Stitt vetoed bipartisan bill that extends state employees’ unused vacation time
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – State legislators and officers are saying they’re dismayed Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed a bipartisan invoice that was created to increase state staff’ unused trip time.
State Senator Frank Simpson, R-Springer, issued feedback by Oklahoma Senate Communications, saying he’s shocked and dissatisfied that Stitt vetoed Senate Invoice 176, which was unanimously accepted by each the Oklahoma Senate and the Oklahoma Home of Representatives.
SB 176 would have prolonged the deadline handed within the final legislative session, quickly rising state staff’ annual depart accumulation limits and permitting these employees to hold over their unused annual depart past the state-allowed cap as a result of COVID-19 pandemic till the top of Fiscal Yr 2022. The invoice would have prolonged the profit by the top of Fiscal Yr 2023.
“I’m past upset and confused by Governor Stitt vetoing this measure to guard the annual depart of 1000’s of state staff who have been unable to take off and use their legally earned time through the pandemic,” Simpson mentioned. “Whereas a lot of the state was shut down in 2020 and elements of 2021, our state staff labored even longer hours to supply essential state companies to the residents of Oklahoma. This invoice merely acknowledged the distinctive circumstances of the pandemic and would have given these public servants yet one more yr to make use of their trip time. That is the least the state of Oklahoma can do to precise our gratitude for the unbelievable dedication proven by these frontline professionals all through the COVID-19 disaster. Sadly, the work of our state staff has typically been missed by this ordeal, and Governor Stitt’s veto is the last word insult to them. This invoice is not going to negatively influence taxpayers or state companies until our state staff give up from the governor’s thoughtless veto and unfair therapy.”
Stitt mentioned in his veto message that the laws would have a detrimental influence on taxpayers and create a seamless fiscal burden on state companies. Simpson, nevertheless, mentioned Stitt’s argument is totally false and thoughtless of the state’s 33,000 hardworking state staff. He mentioned a fiscal evaluation of the invoice reveals little or no to no influence on taxpayers or state companies.
Present legislation permits state staff to accrue a set quantity of annual depart based mostly on their years of service. An worker has till December 31 to make use of any extra annual depart as soon as the cap is surpassed, or it’s misplaced.
The restrict is 240 hours for state staff with lower than 5 years of service, whereas staff with 5 or extra years of service can accrue as much as 480 hours.
“On account of working prolonged hours and weekends after which not with the ability to take off as a consequence of employees shortages, COVID-19 quarantines, and different points, many state staff will probably be compelled to lose tons of of hours of annual depart on June 30 when FY’22 ends. SB 176 would have supplied state staff yet one more yr to spend their extra annual depart,” a Senate information launch states.
Home Veterans Committee Chair Tommy Hardin, R-Madill, mentioned state staff serving Oklahoma veterans are amongst those that will lose depart time as a result of Stitt vetoed the invoice.
“I’m deeply dissatisfied within the Governor’s veto of SB 176. The state staff who labored throughout a really essential time in our historical past and weren’t in a position to take their earned depart are actually wrongly being punished for serving the individuals of Oklahoma,” Hardin mentioned. “Amongst these affected by this veto are medical professionals at our state veterans’ properties. In the course of the pandemic and the following variants of COVID-19, these devoted professionals labored lengthy hours to deal with our getting older heroes. This veto is disgraceful.”
Oklahoma Public Worker Affiliation (OPEA) Govt Director Sterling Zearley was additionally dissatisfied by Stitt’s veto.
“We’re dissatisfied that SB 176 was vetoed. Oklahoma state staff have been stretched thinner than ever earlier than because the begin of the pandemic in March 2020. Subsequently, many staff have been unable to make use of their earned depart as a result of essential staffing ranges paired with the pandemic response,” Zearley mentioned.
Oklahoma
Choctaw, Chickasaw unveil new statue at Southeastern Oklahoma
DURANT, Oklahoma (KXII) – There’s a new statue at Southeastern Oklahoma University that’s part of an old story.
The statue of the “Two Brothers” weighs 1700 pounds and symbolizes the bond between the Choctaw and the Chickasaw nations.
“We recognize and honor the historic connection between the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which started many years before the story of the two brothers, Chiksa’ and Chatah, even began,” SOSU Student Senator Alexander Robinson said.
Before the Choctaw and the Chickasaw, there was just one tribe, led by two brothers.
Eventually, the brothers parted peacefully, each taking a part of the tribe with them.
The sculpture captures that very moment.
“It has been long known that we needed to create something to commemorate the importance of these two huge tribes and how important they are to the students that come here,” artist Jane Umsted said.
To this day, though they are separate, the two tribes work hand in hand.
They chose the SOSU campus because leadership in both tribes strongly believe in education.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby said, when the youth excel, the whole tribe excels.
Before this ceremony, SOSU did not have any bronze art on campus. Now, the growing school is home to a piece of the past — and a model for the future.
“What we’re trying to do for our kids, for our grandkids, that’s so important to us, and the legacies we want to leave behind,” Choctaw Chief Gary Batton said. “A lot of times, I hope I’m just living out the vision our ancestors set for us many many years ago.”
Copyright 2024 KXII. All rights reserved.
Oklahoma
POSITIVELY OKLAHOMA: Shining a spotlight on local inclusive theater company
TULSA, Okla. — Holland Hall is known for being a community champion. The school is closely connected with many non-profits, including the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa, and is hosting its Buddy Walk on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. That partnership is thanks to a one-of-a-kind program born in the Theatre department called Company 21.
“Company 21 is an all-inclusive program. It’s an enrichment class for our upper school students and teens and adults in the Tulsa area community with Down Syndrome,” said Upper School Theatre Arts Director Leslie Long.
Long came up with this performing arts community connection eight years ago. “It literally bursts my heart because these are two of my favorite communities!” said Long.
“It’s fun to see friends, especially high school friends,” said Bekah Neely, a Company 21 castmate. Harper May, a Holland Hall Junior and Company 21 Co-President, said, “It just brings me pure joy for the rest of the day. If I have a Company 21 class, I’m having a good day.”
For an hour each Tuesday inside the Walter Arts Center, students and friends from the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa do everything from play with the parachute to put on shows.
Sarita Torres tells 2 News Anchor Julie Chin, “My favorite part was the singing and dancing!”
Long adds, “I try to focus a lot on the movement skills. Also, we do acting. They love to act, and they love to sing, so anytime we can incorporate self-expression and build confidence, not just in them but in my high school students, it’s a win-win.”
It’s time spent together filled with laughter and life lessons. “I’ve learned so much about inclusion,” said May.
Senior and Company 21 Co-President Kingsley Craft said, “I’ve learned to take a step back and realize the joy that every day brings.”
With fall, spring, and summer camp sessions, the castmates even put on musicals. And these connections go beyond the theater. Company 21 is preparing for the Buddy Walk on the Holland Hall campus—a partnership born from Company 21.
“98% of the volunteers at the event are Holland Hall students. We’ll probably have 1500 to 2000 people on campus. We’ll have vendors and snow cone machines, and we do the walk—it’s just one of our biggest events!” said Long.
And it’s just one of many campus and community connections born from a theatre teacher everyone calls a superstar.
“Ms. Long is really good to us, and she’s a great drama teacher,” said Neely. “I love Ms. Long. She’s such a sweet, kind person,” said Torres.
“Thank you so much for the best time ever!” said Haley, another Company 21 castmate.
The Company 21 program is free to the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa community. For more information, click here.
You can find out more information on the Buddy Walk here.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere —
Oklahoma
Game Preview: Kick Time, TV Info, Stats for Oklahoma State-West Virginia
The Cowboys need a win in the worst way, and they’ve had the Mountaineers’ number over the years.
Oklahoma State hosts West Virginia in Stillwater this weekend after the Cowboys’ 0-2 start to Big 12 play. The Cowboys are, though, 9-3 against WVU since the Mountaineers joined the conference. Here is a preview of Saturday’s game.
Viewing Info
Time: 3 p.m. Saturday
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium
Watch: ESPN2 (Mike Monaco, Kirk Morrison and Dawn Davenport)
Betting Info (via BetMGM)
Spread: OSU -3.5
Over/under: 65.5
Oklahoma State money line: -110
Team Stats
Oklahoma State | West Virginia | |
Record | 3-2 | 2-2 |
Points Per Game | 33.4 | 31.8 |
Points Allowed Per Game | 25 | 28.5 |
Total Offense | 422.8 | 410 |
Rushing Offense | 102.2 | 181.5 |
Passing Offense | 320.6 | 228.5 |
Total Defense | 480.6 | 410.3 |
Rushing Defense | 204.2 | 153.8 |
Passing Defense | 276.4 | 256.5 |
Statistical Leaders
Passing:
OSU — Alan Bowman — 117-for-195 (60%)/1,537 yards/11 touchdowns/6 interceptions
WVU — Garrett Greene — 63-for-111 (57%)/902 yards/7 touchdowns/4 interceptions
Rushing:
OSU — Ollie Gordon — 88 carries/334 yards/4 touchdowns
WVU — CJ Donaldson — 51 carries/284 yards/3 touchdown
Receiving:
OSU — De’Zhaun Stribling — 27 catches/502 yards/3 touchdowns
WVU — Hudson Clement — 14 catches/231 yards/1 touchdown
Tackling:
OSU — Trey Rucker — 63 total tackles
WVU — Anthony Wilson — 29 total tackles
Sacks:
OSU — Obi Ezeigbo and Kendal Daniels — 2 sacks each
WVU — T.J. Jackson — 3.5 sacks
Series History (OSU Leads 10-5)
Season | Winner | Score | Location |
2023 | Oklahoma State | 48-34 | Morgantown |
2022 | West Virginia | 24-19 | Stillwater |
2021 | Oklahoma State | 24-3 | Morgantown |
2020 | Oklahoma State | 27-13 | Stillwater |
2019 | Oklahoma State | 20-13 | Morgantown |
2018 | Oklahoma State | 45-41 | Stillwater |
2017 | Oklahoma State | 50-39 | Morgantown |
2016 | Oklahoma State | 37-20 | Stillwater |
2015 | Oklahoma State | 33-26 (OT) | Morgantown |
2014 | West Virginia | 34-10 | Stillwater |
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