Agricultural News
AFR's Steve Thompson Watching the Hot-Button Issues as OK's Legislative Session Winds Down
Fri, 05 May 2017 16:27:35 CDT
Steve Thompson, director of government relations and ag programs manager for American Farmers & Ranchers, has been at the State Capitol working hard this legislative session to make sure the interest of his organization's members are protected. With just three weeks left of this session, Thompson has been paying close attention to the activities of our state leaders to ensure nothing squeaks by that could be detrimental to AFR's members. Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays invited Thompson in studio this week for a brief on latest happenings at the Capitol currently. The one dominating discussions though, he says, continues to revolve around solving the state budget crisis.
"There's been a lot of work go on up to this point, however, we haven't passed any significant revenue raising bills," he reported. "So, everyone is really tense within the Capitol building whether you're for revenue being raised or if it's your ox being gored - everyone is really concerned about how the budget will be balanced this year."
Thompson's biggest concern though is that bad legislation forged from desperation just to get something passed, could emerge and be voted on without ample time for proper debate and input from the constituent groups. While he watches for other red flags that could signal such a situation, he is currently fighting one regarding a proposed fuel tax.
"I think that is the single biggest revenue raising measure that has been published out there," Thompson said. "Farmers and ranchers put a lot of miles on vehicles. They burn a lot of fuel, so a six cent per gallon gas tax would cost them thousands of dollars per year."
There is still much discussion left to be had on this bill, though, at the moment, Thompson says this legislation has stalled. However, he says "word on the street" is that this proposal lacks the necessary votes to pass it.
Listen to Thompson's full conversation with Hays to find out more about what issues are being discussed at the State Capitol, by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below.
Thompson will join Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays for his weekly In the Field segment on KWTV News9 in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday morning at 6:40 a.m.
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