Another week down with only two remaining to our constitutional deadline on May 26. As of Thursday, there had been no movement on the education stalemate and, therefore, no developments on the state budget. We’ll see what the new week brings but I’m looking forward to running bills.

Several committees met throughout the week to hear from the governor’s executive nominees. These are Oklahomans who voluntarily serve on our state’s nearly 200 boards, commissions, and other agency oversight bodies. The Senate is constitutionally responsible for reviewing and voting on the nominations, first in committee and then on the floor. We have around 180 to get through before the end of session.

On Tuesday, I carried three executive nominations before the Senate Education Committee, including Jason Grace, of Newkirk; Rick Scott, of Ponca City; and Molly Kyler, of Ponca City, to the Board of Trustees of the University Center at Ponca City. For those who may not be familiar, the center is an off-site learning facility offering courses for Northern Oklahoma College and Northwestern State University. All of these outstanding individuals were approved and will next be considered by the full Senate. On Monday, I’ll be presenting the nomination of Rodney Owens, of Sand Springs, to the Commission on Consumer Credit before the Senate Business and Commerce Committee.

This week, our Select Committee on Business Retention and Economic Development met with State Chamber president and CEO Chad Warmington and Ben Lepak, the executive director of the State Chamber Research Foundation. They presented an alternative economic development model to help Oklahoma better support the business community and be more attractive to future commerce expansion. They shared analysis of our current business environment, and that Oklahoma is ranked 39th nationally for economic competitiveness – an area we must improve. They want us to look at moving to a hybrid economic development model that would involve more public-private partnerships rather than just being ran by a state agency. Look forward to learning more about this proposal. I greatly appreciate our public and private partners, like the State Chamber, who are just as dedicated as we are to diversifying and growing our economy.

This is a very special time of year as our high school seniors, and college and CareerTech students attend their graduation ceremonies. This is the time for students to spread their wings and embrace life with all of the knowledge and talent they’ve obtained over the years. I want to congratulate all of our graduates and wish them the best of luck in their chosen endeavors. The choices they make will have an impact not only on their own lives, but also on the lives of their fellow Oklahomans.

We’re blessed to have great schools, teachers, parents, and students in Senate District 10. I commend you all for being such outstanding scholars and citizens, and please know that you have made your local communities very proud.

I plan to attend as many graduation ceremonies as possible. Please keep me informed about any special events or ceremonies you may be holding this month.

You can contact me by calling (405) 521-5581 or emailing Bill.Coleman@oksenate.gov.