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Lincoln to Local: An update on Farm Bureau legislative events
Mark Yates, Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s director of public policy field operations, shares about county Farm Bureau legislative events around the state, along with efforts to engage with urban citizens.
TOP HEADLINES
Pruitt expected to clear Senate vote:
Donald Trump’s embattled nominee to run the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to get final approval from the Senate on Friday after withstanding a prolonged assault from environmentalists who warn he is a menace to clean air and water [Los Angeles Times].
Opposition, challenges grow for governor’s tax plan:
Hours after Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb resigned his post in the governor’s Cabinet over the issue, legislative leaders in both parties cast doubts that Fallin’s plan to raise $934 million by broadening sales taxes would pass [Oklahoma Watch].
STATE
Rep. Leslie Osborn on GRDA: Should we be in the electric utility business?:
State Representative Leslie Osborn, House Appropriations and Budget Committee chair is pushing legislation to increase mining fees, and to explore the sale of the Grand River Dam Authority [StateImpact Oklahoma].
Fallin sets special election in wake of Rep. Dan Kirby’s resignation:
The filing period is Feb. 27, 28 and March 1. The special primary election is set for May 9. The general election is set for July 11 [Tulsa World].
Over objections, state House OKs federally compliant ID:
By giving residents the option of getting an identification card or driver’s license that meets Real ID standards, the state would ensure residents’ ability to visit military bases and U.S. government buildings [The Oklahoman].
WASHINGTON
Sweets in SNAP discussed at House Ag:
Should SNAP recipients be allowed to use their benefits to buy soda or other food items usually considered to be unhealthy? That was the question considered by the House Agriculture Committee at a hearing today, but there was no definitive answer [Agri-Pulse].
Trump taps law school dean to replace Puzder as Labor nominee:
Agriculture interests were interested to see Puzder’s nomination as secretary, primarily due to his previously stated support for comprehensive immigration reform. The Department of Labor has jurisdiction over many labor programs important to agriculture, including the H-2A visa program for agricultural workers [Agri-Pulse].
