SINE DI AS LAWMAKER CLOSE THE BOOKS ON THE REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

FOUR MONTHS IS, FEELS LIKE A LONG TIME.

>> WHAT IS CAUSING THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM TO PRIZE 417% SINCE 2000.

ONE IN 36 CHILDREN AND MORE BOISE.

>> FOUR SIBLING AND THEIR MOTHER GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE AND TWO OF THEM ARE TEENAGERS.

>> IT'S AN EXCITING MOMENT TO GRADUATE WITH MY SISTER AND BROTHER AND FOR MY MOM TO WORK AT THE UNIVERSITY AND BECOME A DOCTOR LIKE IT WAS JUST PHENOMENAL.

>> FRIENDS REMEMBER A WOMAN WHO DEDICATED HERSELF TRAINING SERVICE DOGS FOR VETERANS.

>> GENOUS BEYOND BELIEF, KIND COMPASSIONETATE AND LEARNING.

>> AND FOR THE FIRST TIME OKLAHOMA HOSTS A NATIONAL TRANSIT DRIVER COMPETITION.

>> FOR THEM TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW CASE THE SKILLS THAT THEY WORKED VERY HARD TO OBTAIN.

THAT'S SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF IT.

PLUS AN INDEPTH DISCUSSION ON THE HISTOR BEINGIC EDUCATION BUDGET, NEXT ON THE NEWS EIGHT.

HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO THE NEWS EIGHT.

I AM RICH LENZ.

WE ARE PLEASED TO BEGIN THE NEWSCAST BY LETTING YOU KNOW THAT THE OKLAHOMA HOUSE AND SENATE HAVE OVERRIDDEN A VET FERVO THAT WOULD HAVE ELIMINATED OETA AS A STATE AGENCY.

THAT MEANS THE PROGRAMMING THAT OKLAHOMANS HAVE ENJOYED SINCE 1956 WILL CONTINUE THROUGH 2026.

THURSDAY'S VOTE IN THE HOUSE WAS 73 TO TWAECHLT AND LATER THAT AFTERNOON, THE SENATE VOTED 38 TO 6 TO REAUTHORIZE OETA.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND YOU MEMBERS THAT BROADCASTERS ARE FIRST INFORMERS.

ALL WE DO IS DISSEMINATE LIFE SAVING INFORMATION AT NO CHARGE CAN NO SUBSCRIPTION.

THE OETA IS THE ONLY STATEWIDE NETWORK IN WHICH AN AMBER ALERT CAN BE SENT OUT STATEMENT WIDE.

THEY WERE CREATED BY BROADCASTERCE AND I AM PROUD TO SAY OKLAHOMA WAS THE FIRST IN THE COUNTRY TO HAVE A STATEWIDE AMBER ALERT BECAUSE OF OETA.

>> AS SOMEONE WHO GREW UP IN RURAL WESTERN OKLAHOMA WITHAN AN 10A CONNECTED TO OUR TELEVISION, I WAS PRACTICALLY RAISED EXPOSED TO THE WORLD THROUGH PBS AND OETA PUBLIC PROGRAMS.

IT WILL BE A $12.9 BILLION BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 BEGINNING ON JULY 1ST.

WE ARE JOINED BY JASON DOYLE, REPORTING FOR THE OETA STUDIO IN THE STATE CAPITAL, JASON?

>> RICH, AS THE FINAL DAYS OF THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF THE 59TH LEGISLATURE BEGAN TO WAYNE, EARNEST WORK GOT UNDERWAY WITH THE REPUBLICAN LEGISLATIVE LEADERS PRAISING THE COMPROMISE TO REACH THE HISTORIC BUDGET AGREEMENT.

>> FOUR MONTHS PEOPLES LIKE A LONG TIME.

>> ESPECIALLY WHEN CAUTION CAUTION EDUCATION BUDGET HELD UP THE PROCESS.

HOUSE SPEAKER CHARLES MCCALL CALLED IT A SUCCESS.

>> IT WAS A GOOD SESSION THOUGH.

I AM PROUD OF THE MEMBERS OF THE OKLAHOMA HOUSE WAS REPRESENTATIVE.

THEY REALLY WORKED EXTRA HARD.

WE PUT SOME REALLY BIG TOPICS ON THE TABLE TO TRY TO FIND SOLUTIONS FOR.

>> MCCALL'S COUNTERPART ACROSS THE ROTUNDA, SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM GREG TREAT HAS A SIMILAR OPINION OF THE YEAR'S SESSION.

>> I JUST THINK THIS SESSION HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL ALL IN.

OBVIOUSLY THERE WERE SOME CONTROVERSY AND SOME FRICTION, BUT THAT'S PART OF THE PROCESS.

EXCITED WHAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR.

>> STARTING ON TUESDAY, LEGISLATORS PUT THEIR SHOULDERS TO THE GRINDSTONE AND BEGIN THE COMMITTEE WORK NECESSARY TO GET THE FINAL APPROPRIATION BILLS TO THE CHAMBER FLOORS.

WHILE THE BUDGET IS RECORD BREAKING.

LAWMAKER STILL TOOK A CAUTIOUS ASHES PROACH TO SPENDING.

>> ALSO THE QUESTION OF HOW COME WE DIDN'T APPROPRIATE OUR FULL AUTHORITY AND THERE IS STILL MONEY LEFT OVER FOR THE APPROPRIATIONS.

THE AGENCIES WILL NOT HAVE TO TAKE CUTS.

SO WE ARE LOOKING AHEAD.

WE ARE TRYING TO PLAN AHEAD.

WE KNOW THERE WILL BE ANOTHER DOWN TURN IT WAS THE EDUCATION BUDGET PIECE THAT WAS LARGE E. >> IT IS FUNDING FOR THE TRANSPORTATION.

MENTAL HEALTH.

YOU NAME IT.

IT IS FOR OKLAHOMA.

LEGISLATIVE LEADERS SAY THE EDUCATION BUDGET IS THE CROWN JEWEL FOR THIS CISION.

>> LARGEST FUNDING PACKAGE IN THE STATE'S HISTORY, MOVES US TO A HIGHEST LEVEL IN STATE HISTORY OF FUNDING IN THE STATE.

OPENS UP OPTIONS FOR PARENTS THAT WANT TO PURSUE PRIVATE EDUCATION OR EDUCATION BY ALTERNATIVE MEANS.

WE HAVE TO STOP THE CONVERSATION.

IS IT IN A PRIVATE SETTING OR PUBLIC SETTING?

WHAT IS BEST FOR THE KID.

THIS YEAR WE INVESTED IN THE KID.

WE DID SO ON THE PUBLIC SIDE AND PRIVATE SIDE SO I AM PROUD OF OF THAT WORK.

>> TWO ISSUES WHICH WERE TALKED ABOUT LONG BEFORE THIS CISION BEGAN IN FEBRUARY ARE PERSONAL INCOME TAX CUT AND PHASING OUT OF THE GROSH SALES TAXES BY THE STATE.

IN FACT GOVERNOR STITT CALLED A SPECIAL SESSION FOR THAT VERY REASON LAST SUMMER.

THE TAX BREAKS DIDN'T MAKE IT OUT OF THE SESSION EITHER.

THERE ARE TAX REFORMS COMING.

>> WE TRIED TO LOOK AT BALANCING RECURING REVENUE AND THE TAX CUTS THAT WE COULD AFFORD THROUGH THE FRANCHISE AND MARRIAGE PENALTY.

WE WERE READY TO ACCEPT.

WE THOUGHT THEY WERE GOOD POLICY AND GOOD MEASURES FINANCIALLY.

IN THE AREA OF TAX REFORM.

WE ARE ELIMINATING THE FRANCHISE TAX THIS YEAR.

THAT'S COME LATE IN THE SESSION AND ALSO ELIMINATING THE MARRIAGE PENALTY.

THAT WILL HELP MARRIED COUPLES IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA WHEN THEY FILE THEIR STATE INCOME TAX.

>> BUT INCOME TAX AND GROCERY TAX CUTS ARE ATTRACTIVED WHYS FOR LAWMAKER.

>> JUST AS THE SESSION CLOSES OUT THE DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON THE INCOME TAX FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, FLAT TAX RATE IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, THOSE THINGS WE'RE STILL GONNA PRESS FOR VERY HARD.

>> DURING THE HOUSE FLOOR CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET BILLS, HOUSE MINOR ITY LEADER REPRESENTATIVE CYNDI MUNSON ASKED IF THE STATE EMPLOYEES MIGHT BE GETTING A RAISE.

>> I KNOW WE ARE GIVING A PAY RAISE TO TEACHERS AND ARE THERE PAY INCREASE FOR STATE EMPLOYEES IN THIS BUDGET?

>> THERE ARE SOME ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR OPERATIONS IN A FEW OF THE AGENCIES WHICH I DO BELIEVE PART OF THEM WILL PROBABLY BE USED FOR INCREASES IN CERTAIN AGENCY'S PAY.

YES, THERE WILL BE SOME STATE EMPLOYEES THAT GET PAY RAISE.

NOT EVERY STATE EMPLOYEE WILL GET A PAY RAISE.

>> WITHIN THE SPENDING PLAN THERE WERE EIOLA ENERGY.

WE'VE MADE MORE INVESTMENTES IN BRINGING JOBS AND INDUSTRY TO THE STATE.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT COMPANIES AND INDUSTRIES THAT MAKE MULTIBILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENTES FACILITIES THAT ARE MULTIBILLION AND EMPLOY OVER IN EXCESS OF A THIS HAPPENED PEOPLE.

>> AND THERE IS AN INVESTMENT OF PAST SOUGHINGS IN TO A SPECIAL FUND TO HELP STATE AGENCIES CATCH UP TO DEFERRED MAINTENANCE ON BUILDINGS.

>> SO FOR EXAMPLE, WE STARTED THE LEGACY CAP CAPITAL FUND THIS YEAR.

SOMETHING THAT WE VOTED ON IN COMMITTEE.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY HOPEFULLY NOT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OKLAHOMA TO BE SET UP FOR THE FUTURE NSHGS I HOPE THE GOVERNOR WILL BE ENTHUSIASTIC AS HE GETS IT.

>> BY CONVENING A SPECIAL SESSION.

LAWMAKER HAVE BEGIN THEMSELVES TIME TO COME BACK AND OVERRIDE THE VET FERVOS WHICH GOVERNOR STITT MAY USE ON THE SPENDING MEASURES.

>> THANK YOU, JASON.

AS USUAL PUBLICATIONICATION GETS THE BIGGEST PART OF THE PIE.

THEY WILL GET 625 MILLION NEW FUNDING.

WE'LL SEE IF THE PARTIES AGREE.

HERE IS A PREVIEW OF THE INDEPTH DISCUSSION WITH REESE WETZEL.

>> I WANT TO ADDRESS SCHOOL CHOICE AND WHAT DOES THAT REALLY MEAN?

SCHOOL CHOICE ALLOWS PARENTS TO CHOOSE THE BEST OPTION FOR THE KID, WHETHER PUBLIC SCHOOL, PRIVATE SCHOOL, CHARTER SCHOOL HOME SCHOOL OR VIRTUAL SCHOOL AND REMOVE THE FINANCIAL BARRIERS THAT PREVENT FAMILIES FROM PARTICIPATING IN THOSE OPTIONS >> I'M JUST PERSONALLY GLAD IT WAS TIED TO FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND A TEACHER PAY RAISE.

WE HAVE ARE IN A TEACHER SHORTAGE RIGHT NOW AND THAT RAPAY RAISE WILL BE HELPFUL.

>> WE'LL GET WHAT WE PAY FOR IN OUR STATE.

UNTIL WE INVEST BOTH IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE SUPPORTS FOR SCHOOLS AND REQUIRE ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE DISTRICTS, WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO GET WHAT WE GET ACADEMICALLY.

I THINK MAKING THE SHIFT IN THE POVERTY WEIGHT WAS A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE OF US WHO WORK IN HIGH NEEDS POPULATION.

ELL LEARNERS AND SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS.

>> AND THE REST OF THAT CONVERSATION COMING UP LATER ON IN THIS NEWSCAST.

>> CRIMINAL REFORM ADVOCATES SAW HOUSE BILL 1639, THE DOMESTIC ABUSE SURVIVORSHIP ACT WHICH PASSED IN THE CHAMBERS DOES LITTLE TO HELP PEOPLE, MOSTLY WOMEN WHO ARE SERVING TIME IN PRISON FOR CRIMES THEY SAY WERE COMMITTED AS A RESULT OF THEIR BEING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE.

THEY SAID THE LEGISLATION SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED A RO TROACTIVITY CLAUSE AND ALLOW THE JUDGES TO RECONSIDER HANDING DOWN SHORTER PRISON TERMS 3450I CO-COUNSEL LESLIE BRIGGS AND I REPRESENT APRIL WILKINS WHO SHOT AND KILLED AN ABUSER.

SHE OF THE HANDCUFFED AT THE TIME SHE SHOT HIM AND HE WAS ADVANCING ON HER AFTER HE HAD SEXUALLY ASSAULTED HER.

SHE HAS TRIED TO GET HER SENTENCE SHORTENED THROUGH THE COURTS AND PARDON AND PAROLE BOARD AND EVERY MEASURE SHE HAS TRIED HAS FAILED.

>> OKLAHOMA IS AT THE TOP OF THE RANKS FOR WOMEN WHO ARE KILLED BY MEN FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RATES WHILE AT THE SAME TIME HAVING SOME OF THE STRONGEST STAND YOUR GROUND LAWS IN THE COUNTRY.

FOR SOME REASON WE CAN'T SEEM TO GET TWO CONCEPTS TOGETHER.

WHEN YOU ARE DRUGGED TO THE BASEMENT AND FIGHTING FOR YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CHILDREN'S LIFE, YOU WOULD THINK THAT THE STATE THAT UPHOLDS THOSE LAWS COULD SAY.

YOU WILL NOT GO TO PRISON FOR THAT.

BUT IT'S JUST NOT TRUE.

>> THE OKLAHOMA SURVIVOR JUSTICE COALITION SAYS ROUGH 65% OF ALL INCARCERATED WOMEN IN OKLAHOMA WERE IN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS AT THE TIME OF THEIR ARREST.

NIT'S NOT UNUSUAL FOR PROUD PARENTS TO CELEBRATE THEIR COLLEGE GRAUPTS THIS TIME OF YEAR.

BUT WHEN ONE OF THE GRADUATES IS 15 AND THE OTHER 13, IT IS WORTHY OF CELEBRATION AND RECOGNITION.

EDUCATION REPORTER TAELYR JACKSON JOINS US WITH MORE.

FOUR SIBLING AND THEIR MOTHER GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE TOGETHER, ALL OF THEM DEBT FREE.

>> ELIJAH.

>> 13-YEAR-OLD ELIJAH GRADUATED FROM THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE WITH A ASSOCIATE'S DEGREES.

>> I REALLY WANT TO LEARN HOW IT WORKS SO THAT I COULD EVENTUALLY OWN MY BUSINESS OR INVENT.

>> AND HIS YOUNG AGE CAME AS A SURPRISE FOR CLASSMATES.

>> THEY THOUGHT I WAS PLAYING AROUND AND SO WHEN I WENT AND I WAS ACTUALLY, MOST PEOPLE WHILE IN CLASS, THEY DON'T SAY NOTHING.

BUT I WAS IN FRONT OF THE CLASS, ASKING QUESTIONS, AND THEN THEY WERE SURPRISED.

NO, HE'S REALLY IN THIS CLASS.

MUHAMMAD SENIOR SAID HE WANTED THREE SONS TO BE MORE THAN A STATISTIC AND GETTING A EDUCATION WAS IMPORTANT.

>> JUST TO KNOW THAT WE ARE BREAKING GENERATIONAL CURSES AND CHANGES THE NARRATIVE THAT'S WHAT WE ARE DOING.

>> OKLAHOMA HAS ONE OF THE LOWEST COLLEGEIGRATION RATES.

>> IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY, WE HIGHLIGHT HIGH SCHOOLIGRATIONS AND NOT MANY GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE.

ONE OF THE FEW WHO DID ACROSS THE COLLEGE STAGE FEELS PHENOMENAL.

>> THEY ARE FOLLOWING IN THE FOOT STEP OF SHANIA MUHAMMAD.

SHE WAS THE FIRST PERSON I KNOW THAT WENT TO COLLEGE EARLY.

SHE WOULD TALK TO ME ABOUT IT.

I KNOW YOU ARE SMART.

FIND SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN.

>> SHANIA WAS A DUAL ENROLLMENT IN THE UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

SHE GOT A ASSOCIATES IN DIVERSIFIED STUDIES AND ASSOCIATES IN GENERAL STUDIES FROM THE UNIVERSITY.

>> ALL OF MY STUFF WAS ON LINE DUE TO COVID.

THAT'S WHEN COVID WAS REALLY, REALLY BIG.

I REALLY DID HAVE A GREAT EXPERIENCE ESPECIALLY WITH THE PROFESSORS I MET AND THE CONNECTIONS I GOT TO HAVINE WITH CLASSMATES DIDN'T GET TO MEET EACH OTHER.

>> ONCE AGAIN, SHE WAS THE YOUNGEST GRADUATE OF THE UNIVERSITY.

SHE GRADUATED SUMMA CUM LAUDE WITH A BACHELOR IN COMMUNITY SCIENCE.

>> I WAS ON CAMPUS WHEN I WENT TO THE UNIVERSITY.

ALL OF THEM WERE IN PERSON AND IT WAS A SHOCKER FOR ME.

AT THE TIME, I KNEW I WAS 14 AND EVERYONE ELSE DIDN'T.

AND SO THEY ARE LIKE, GO OUT AND SAY YOU ARE 14.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU KNOW, YOU ARE NOT TREATED BIASSED.

>> ELIJAH MUHAMMAD SENIOR SAID ACADEMICS IS A PRIORITY FOR THE FAMILY.

>> EVEN THOUGH THEY ATTENDED PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WE DID THE HYBRID PROGRAM ON THE WEEKENDS AND AFTER SCHOOL AND DURING THE SUMMER.

I WANTED THEM TO MAINTAIN THAT EDGE.

JUST LIKE SPORTS, IF YOU CHECK OUT THE TOP ATHLETES, THEY DO PERSONAL TRAIN.

THEY ARE IN THE GYM MORE AND IT IS THE SAME CONCEPT.

>> I WENT TO PUBLIC SCHOOL PREK AND 7TH GRADE.

I KNEW I WAS SMART AND TALKING ABOUT MY CLASS AND PASSING ALL OF THE TEST WITH EASE AND >> THE PRIMARY TYPE OF TOXIN IS PESTICIDES.

OF COURSE, THERE ARE MANY OTHER TYPES OF TOXINS.

THERE IS FAR MOLD HIDE IN THE PRODUCTS AND PESTICIDES ARE PREVALENT IN OUR FOOD.

AND THEY CAN ACTUALLY CAUSE A LOT OF MISCHIEF IN THE GUT WHERE WE HAVE OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AS WELL AS IN THE BRAIN.

>> DOCTOR, ONE IN 36 AMERICAN CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM AND BOYS ARE APPEARING TO BE AFFECTED MORE THAN GIRLS.

>> IT IS ONE IN 23 BOYS IF YOU CAN IMAGINE.

I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LIVE TO HEAR THAT NUMBER.

WHEN I STARTED IN THE FIELD, IT WAS ONE IN 10000 CHILDREN.

IT HAS INCREASED TREMENDOUSLY.

>> IS EACH CHILD UNIQUE AND REQUIRES A SPECIFIC GAME PLAN OR TREATMENT PLAN?

>> THERE GENERALLY EVERY CHILD ON THE SPECTRUM IS DIFFERENT.

IT IS A VERY, VERY WIDE SPECTRUM.

SO YOU HAVE CHILDREN THAT ARE VERBAL AND HIGH FUNCTIONING.

CAN ACTUALLY WITH SUPPORT LIVE A NORMAL LIFE.

AND THEN YOU HAVE CHILDREN WHO ARE VERY SEVERELY AFFECTED AND NO WAY TO COMMUNICATE OR TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES.

TREATMENT IS INDIVIDUALIZED.

AND THEN, YOU WANT TO PROVIDE WHAT IS CALLED ABA, OR APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS.

THAT IS ONE TREATMENT THAT IS AUTHORIZED AND PAID FOR BY HEALTH INSURANCE IN OUR COUNTRY AND IT IS A TEACHING TECHNIQUE.

BASICALLY WITH ABA, CLINGZS WILL WORK WITH YOUR CHILD TO TEACH SKILLS THEY NEED TO SURVIVE AND A LOT OF CASES THRIVE.

>> IF YOU ARE DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM, WILL YOU HAVE IT FOR YOUR ENTIRE LIFE?

>> THERE IS A LOT OF DISCUSSION OF USING WORDS LIKE CURE OR RECOVERED.

I BELIEVE THERE ARE A LOT OF THE CHILDREN WHO HAVE OVERCOME THE SYMPTOMS THAT WOULD CAUSE YOU TO BE DIAGNOSED AND SO THEY WOULD NO LONGER QUALIFY FOR A DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM IF THEY HAD THE RIGHT INTERVENTIONS AND OTHERS STRUGGLE THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES.

>> YOU MENTIONED TOXICITY IS REV LANED.

DO YOU DISMISS VACCINES?

YES, THERE ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT VACCINES ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RISE IN AUTISM.

THE TRUTH IS, THERE ARE SO MANY TOXINS IN OUR ENVIRONMENT, THAT NO ONE COULD PINPOINT WHICH TOXIN PUT THE CHILD OVER THE LIMIT.

IT IS MORE IMPORTANT I THINK AT THIS POINT TO FOCUS ON IF YOU HAVE A CHILD WITH AUTISM, IT PFRPT TO GET THEM BETTER AND NOT LOOK BACK.

PARENTS BLAME THEMSELVES AND SAY WHAT DID I DO TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN?

REALLY, WE JUST DON'T KNOW ENOUGH YET.

>> DOCTOR, FROM LOS ANGELES, AUTISM EXPERT AND FOUNDER FOR THE CENTER OF AUTISM AND RELATED DISORDERS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND VALUABLE INFORMATION.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

IT WAS A PLEASURE BEING HERE.

>> THE SERVICE AND THERAPY DOG COMMUNITY IN OKLAHOMA LOST A TIRELESS ADVOCATE RECENTLY WHEN LINDA McMAHANPASSED AWAY UNEXPECTEDLY AT THE AGE OF 70.

STEVE SHAW REPORTS ON THE OKLAHOMA CITY AND POTTAWATTOMIE ON THE MANY LIVES BOTH HUMAN AND CANINE TOUCHED BY HER EFFORTS.

>> EVERY WEDNESDAY IN THE MENTAL HEALTH ACUTE CARE UNIT ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF THE OKLAHOMA CITY VA- HOSPITAL.

RAZZIN AND VAL MAKE ROUNDS TO CHEER UP IN PATIENT VETERANS, MANY WHO ARE GOING THROUGH A LOT.

>> THERE YOU GO.

>> GOOD GIRL.

>> THAT'S GOOD ENOUGH.

OH, MY GOODNESS.

[LAUGHTER] >> THAT'S OKAY, THAT'S A GOOD DOG.

>> MY GOODNESS.

>> AND AS LONG AS THERE IS PEANUT BUTTER HANDY, KIDS CAN PLAY A LITTLE PIANO, TOO.

THESE DOGS ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE BY A NATIONAL NONPROFIT CALLED CANINE COMPANIONS.

THEIR REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER IS IN DALLAS.

THEY ARE LINKED TO THE VAN IN OKLAHOMA CITY FOR THE LAST TWO DECADES WAS LINDA McMAHAN.

TWO FRIDAYS AGO, LINDA WAS IN DALLAS WHERE SHE DROPPED OFF THE LATEST PROJECT.

A DOG NAMED JAM SHE RAISED.

CANINE COMPANIONS WILL TRANSFORM JAN INTO A SERVICE DOG OR THERAPY DOG.

>> SHE DEDICATED MANY SLEEPLESS NIGHTS WITH PUPPIES FOR US.

SHE RAISED AND ON PUPPY NUMBER 12 FOR US.

SO YOU CAN IMAGINE, IF YOU GET A EIGHT WEEK DOG EIGHT WEEKS EELED AND THEY COME TO US AT 16 TO 18 MONTHS.

THAT IS SLEEPLESS NIGHTS GOING TO THE RESTROOM OR DOGGY NIGHTMARES.

SHE STUCK WITH THEM THROUGH THAT AND MADE THEM WELL BEHAVED AMAZING DOGS TO TRANSFORM TO SERVICE DOGS TO SERVE OUR CLIENTS.

>> IT WAS ON HER DIME?

>> YES, ABSOLUTELY.

SHE PAID FOR EVERYTHING REGARDLESS OF VET CARE OR FOOD CARE OR ANYTHING THAT THE DOGS WOULD NEED.

>> JUST THREE DAYS AFTER THESE PHOTOS WERE TAKEN ON THAT FRIDAY IN DALLAS TWO WEEKS AGO, 70-YEAR-OLD LINDA McMAHANPASSED AWAY IN HER SLEEP.

HER FUNERAL WAS TUESDAY IN HER HOMETOWN.

IT IS A CRUSHING BLOW.

EVERY WEDNESDAY THEY WOULD COME TO THE FOURTH FLOOR ACUTE CARE UNIT IN OKLAHOMA CITY'S VA. >> SHE WOULD COME AT 10:30 AND SIT IN FRONT OF THE MAIN ELEVATOR AND SHE AND CASER WOULD BE THERE FOR EVERYONE WALKING BY JUST TO SPEND TIME WITH.

WE NOT ONLY HAD VETERANS, BUT VISITORS AND CHILDREN AND EMPLOYEES THAT WOULD STOP AND SPEND TIME WITH HER AND CASER.

THEN SHE WOULD TAKE THE ELEVATOR UP AND SOMEBODY IN THE ELEVATOR ALWAYS WANTED TO TALK TO HER.

>> SHE GOT IT.

>> SHE DID.

SHE DID.

SHE'S AN EDUCATOR AT HEART AND WAS A SCHOOL TEACHER AND SO THAT CAME THROUGH IN HER CONVERSATIONS THAT SHE WANTED TO HELP THE VETERANS FINDS WAYS TO MEET THEIR NEED.

>> McMAMAN TAUGHT THE SCIENCE HERE FOR 29 YEARS AND COACHED GIRL'S BASKETBALL BEFORE SHE RETIRED IN 2011.

BRENT HOUSTON WORKED FOR THE SHAWNEE SCHOOL AS YOU TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATORS, AND HE WAS PRINCIPAL WHEN LINDA TAUGHT.

>> SHE WAS MORE THAN A SCIENCE TEACHER.

SHE WAS A PROVIDER OF COMFORT TO EVERYONE BECAUSE SHE BROUGHT THE DOGS TO SCHOOL.

IT WAS TRULY A GAME CHANGER FOR MAYBE HER, BUT CERTAINLY FOR A LOT OF KIDS HERE IN SHAWNEE MIDDLE SCHOOL.

>> HOW SO?

>> A DOG IS A CALMING, EFFECT.

SOME OF THE HARDEST KIDS, SOMETIMES, JUST WHEN THEY GOT AROUND THE DOG THAT LINDA BROUGHT TO SCHOOL, THEY JUST MIMENTED BASICALLY.

THEY GOT CALMER.

THEY JUST SEEMED TO BE MORE AT EASE WHEN THE DOG WAS THERE.

SHE KNEW THAT.

SHE NEVER PUSHED THE DOG ON ANYONE.

SHE WAS AN OLD SCHOOL TEACHER THAT EXPECTED AND HAD HIGH EXPECTATIONS FROM THE STUDENTS AND HAD HIGH EXPECTATIONS FROM HER COLLEAGUES AND HERSELF.

YOU COME TO WORK EVERY DAY AND PUT IN A FULL DAY'S WORK AND THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT IS.

>> IT IS OVER YOUR BELLY.

GOOD GIRL.

>> AND THE STAFF ON THE VA'S FOURTH FLOOR TELL ME VETERANS HAVE BEEN ASKING WHY LINDA AND HER DOG DIDN'T MAKE IT LAST WEEK OR THIS WEEK.

IT IS GOING TO BE A ROUGH SEVERAL WEEKS.

>> GENEROUS BEYOND BELIEF.

KIND AND COMPASSIONATE AND INTELLIGENT AND ALWAYS ASKING QUESTIONS, LEARNING.

>> STEVE SHAW, OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

>> IT IS BEING CALLED THE LARGEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN OKLAHOMA HISTORY.

A BILLION DOLLAR FACTORY CREATING A THOUSAND NEW PERMANENT JOBS.

IN THIS WEEK'S OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW, JASON DOYLE TELLS US MORE ABOUT THE BIG DEAL IN INOLA.

>> AT OVER 2 MILLION SQUARE FEET THE ENLE NORTH AMERICA SEOUL FERVO PANEL PROJECT.

THE CONSTRUCTION.

FACILITY IS EXPECTED TO CREATE 1800 CONSTRUCTION JOBS AND THE NUMBER OF FACTORY JOBS IS WILL CREATE IS AROUND 1000 BY 2025.

THE LEGISLATURE PASSED A $220 MILLION INCENTIVE PACKAGE CALLED THE PERFORM ACT.

IF ENEL REACHES CERTAIN IT COULD RESPECT 180 MILLION.

THEY ARE GETTING SOLAR ENERGY WITH A SECOND PHASE REACHING UP TO GIGAWATTS OF POWER.

THEY HAVE A OKLAHOMA PRESENCE WITH WIND ENERGY FARMS.

ONE GIGA WATT IS ENOUGH TO POWER 110 MILLION LED LIGHT BULBS.

THE OKLAHOMA CITY FOR ADVANCE WANT OF CITY.

PUTTING MONEY IN TO CORTAD FERVO VENTURES.

IT WILL HELP EARLY STAGE HIGH-TECH COMPANY FROM THE ENERGY, LOGISTIC AND LIFE SCIENCES THAT HAVE HAVE TIES TO OKLAHOMA.

THE FUND WILL FURTHER PROMOTE CORT AD FERVOS CULTIVATE OKLAHOMA PIPELINE WHICH HELPS OKLAHOMA FARMERS.

HOUSES WHICH HAVE BEEN ABANDONED BY OWNERS PREFORECLOSURE IS ON THE RISE IN OKLAHOMA.

REAL ESTATE DATA COMPANY ATOM SAW THAT OKLAHOMA SAW FORECLOSURES UP.

TEXAS HAD 47%.

OVERALL ZOMBIE FORECLOSURES ARE ON THE RISE ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

JASON DOYLE, THE OKLAHOMA BUSINESS REVIEW.

>> THANK YOU, JASON.

THE FIRST TIME EVER, THE 32ND ANNUAL COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION RODEO WAS HELD IN OKLAHOMA CITY THIS WEEK.

A FUN COMPETITION THAT SHINES A POSITIVE LIGHT ON OUR OFTEN OVERLOOKED BUS AND TRANSIT DRIVERS.

JOE HAS MORE.

>> RICH, THE VENT WAS ALL ABOUT SHOW CASING THE SAFETY SKIMS OF PUBLIC TRANSIT DRIVERS WHO ARE IN DEMAND HERE IN OKLAHOMA.

>> IT'S NOT JUST ANYONE WHO CAN DO THIS.

>> THE NATIONAL RODEO WELCOMED 67 DIFFERENT DRIVERS TO COMPETE IN ROUTE COURSE AND WRITTEN TESTS AND BHEEL CHAIR ACCESS DEMONSTRATION.

WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO TEST THEM ON IS ALL OF THE RIGHT SKILLS TO BE A DELIVER AND WORK WITH THE VULNERABLE PASSENGERS AND THAT SPECIALIZED DRIVERS WORK WITH.

>> AND THE COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION SCOTT BOREN SAID THESE DRIVERS KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR PASSENGERS.

>> ALL OF THESE DRIVERS ARE TESTED AND TRAINED THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREERS.

THEY ARE TRAINED ON PROPER PROCEDURES TO WORK WITH A PASSENGER IN A WHEELCHAIR.

HOW DEW SAFELY AND SENSITIVELY BOARD THAT PASSENGER?

THEY ARE GONA DO THAT HERE AND JUDGE BE JUDGED.

>> KENDRA MCGEADY IS A MEMBER OF THE CTAAN AND IDENTICAL OAK TRPGSZ ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

>> WHAT THIS IS, IS THE NATION'S TOP RULE AND PUBLIC TRIBAL PRALTORS ARE HERE COMPETING AND A VERY DEITATED CELT UP COURSE TO SEE THE TOP DRIVERS IN THE NATION.

EMBARK OK ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SUSAN WICKENKAMP SAID THEY ARE LOOKING FOR THE KIND OF DRIVERS COMPETING IN THE RODEO.

E78 BARK OAK IS STARTING RATE OF BUS OPERATORS IS $22 PER HOUR WITH BONUS.

>> IF THEY ARE FULLY LICENSED WITH THEIR CDL AND ENDORSE WANTED.

MENTES AND THEY GET 25 SIGN ON BONUS AND WE HAVE A 1500 SIGN ON BONUS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO COME WITH THEIR CDL.

THEY WORK TO MAKE DRIVERS MORE ATTRACTIVE.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE DID WAS WE HAD SOME INCENTIVE PROGRAMS TO HELP EMPLOYEES WITH, WITH JUST SHOWING UP TO WORK ON TIME AND CAN, AND, AND REALLY TRYING TO FOCUS ON ATTENDANCE.

>> SHE SAYS EMBARK OK HIRES EXPERIENCED AND NEW DRIVERS.

>> WE HAVE EXPERTS IN THE SAFETY AND TRAINING DEPARTMENT WITH DECADES OF EXPERIENCE.

THEY CAN TAKE SOMEBODY OFF OF THE STREET AND OVER A 90 DAY PERIOD TURN THEM IN TO A PRFLGZAL DRIVER.

>> SHE SAID IT IS IMPORTANT FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.

>> IF THEY HAVE CUSTOMER SERVICE ATTITUDE AND WE'LL FULLY PAY FOR THEIR TRAINING PROGRAM.

>> TWO OF EMBARK OK'S TRAINED PUBLIC TRANSIT DRIVERS COMPETED IN THE RODEO.

>> FOR THEM TO SHOW CASE THE SKILLS THEY WORKED HARD TO OBTAIN.

THAT IS SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF.

>> EMBARK WAS NOT THE ONLY ONES SHOWING OFF DRIVING SKILLS.

>> THERE IS A LOT OF GOOD DRIVERS HERE.

FIRST TIME COMPETOR IS FROM PAWNEE OKLAHOMA.

I PICK UP THE HANDICAPPED AND ASHES SIFT THEM AND TAKE THEM TO THE DESTINATION.

WHERE THEY NEED TO GO.

>> HE SAID THE EVENT IS HELPFUL AND INFORMATIVE.

>> IT HELPED ME TO BE A BETTER DRIVER AND THE SKILLS THAT THEY SHOWED US, EVERYTHING.

SO I LIKED IT.

>> EMBARK OK IS HELPING TO RAISE AWARENESS AROUND HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND DONATED THE ROLLING OKLAHOMA CLASSROOM BUS TO EDUCATE DRIVER AND LOCALS.

TIS TO BRING AWARENESS TO SEX TRAFFICKING.

>> PRESIDENT OF OKLAHOMA TRANSIT ASSOCIATION RYAN LANDERS SAID THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION GRANTED THEM FUNDS TO OPERATE THE ROCBUS.

>> WE TRAVELLED ALL AROUND OKLAHOMA AND THE FIRST FROM WHAT WE KNOW THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE THAT GOES AROUND THE STATE >> HE BELIEVES THAT TRANSIT DRIVERS NEED TO STAY VIGILANT.

>> YOU BE SURPRISED THE TRAFFICKING IN APPROXIMATELY TRANSIT.

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OPERATORS TRAIN TO INTERVENE IN DANGEROUS SETTINGS.

>> WE HAD A COUPLE OF OPERATORS TO HELP A YOUNG WOMEN OUT WHO WAS IN A HUMAN TRAFFICKING SITUATION AND GET HER TO SAFETY ALL BECAUSE THEY HAD THEIR EYES OPEN AND PAYING ATTENTION.

>> AND COMPETTIE HERNANDEZ TRAINS OTHER TRANSIT DRIVERS IN AUSTIN, TEXAS.

>> THEY ARE DEDICATED TO A SAFETY ENVIRONMENT.

WE PUT ALL OF OUR EFFORTS ON TRAINING GOOD DRIVERS AND MAKING THEM A SUCCESS ON THE STREETS WHICH IS IMPORTANT FOR US.

>> AS FOR THE NATIONAL RODEO, HERNANDEZ BELIEVES THERE IS MORE THAN JUST WINNING.

>> IT IS IMPORTANT TO SEE THEM COMPETING AGAINST EACH OTHER AND JUST WINNING.

THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

EVERYBODY IS A WINNER MAKING IT HERE.

>> PUBLIC TRANSIT DRIVERS ARE CRUCIAL FOR ANY TYPE OF COMMUNITY.

>> IT ALLOWS THOSE RESIDENTS TO HAVE FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE AND GET THE HEALTH CARE.

IMPORTANT TRIPS THAT THESE DRIVERS ARE MAKING IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

>> AND IT ALLOWS LOCALS TO INTERACT WITH THE DRIVERS.

>> AND THEY ARE OUT THERE AND AMONG US.

NO ONE PAYS ATTENTION TO WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

THE SMALLER BUSES.

THEY CAN SEE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND IT IS IMPORTANT.

>> THE BEST OVER ALL DRIVER OF THE 32ND NATIONAL RODEO WAS TED WARD FROM AUSTIN, TEXAS.

>> WE'LL GET THEM NEXT YEAR.

>> THE TOTAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION FOR PUBLICATIONICATION IN 2024 HAS BEEN SET AT NEARLY $4 BILLION.

WHO WILL BENEFIT THE MOST FROM THE ADDITIONAL $625 MILLION IN SPENDING?

THAT'S THE TOPIC OF INDEPTH DISCUSSION WITH MODERATOR REESE WETZEL AND HIS SPECIAL PANEL OF GUESTS.

JOINING US TO BREAK DOWN THE EDUCATION IS JENNIFER CARTER.

CHRIS BRUFTER.

DR. RICK COB, AND ANGELA CLARK LITTLE A PUBLIC SCHOOL PARENT.

WE HAVE A LOT TO GET THROUGH.

JENNIFER, HOW DOES THE TAX CREDIT HELP PRIVATE AND HOME SCHOOLS?

>> AND BEFORE WE TALK ABOUT THE TAX CREDIT.

IT IS SCHOOL CHOICE AND WHAT THAT MEANS.

THAT ALLOWS THE PARENTS TO CHOOSE THE BEST ONGZ.

PUBLIC SCHOOL, MRIEFT, CHARTER OR HOME OR VIRTUAL SCHOOL.

REMOVE THE FINANCIAL BARRIERS THAT PREVENT THE FAMILIES FROM PARTICIPATING IN THOSE OPTIONS.

WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE TAX CREDIT THAT THE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR PASSED IN THE SESSION THAT ALLOWS FAMILIES TO TAKE A TAX CREDIT TO THE SCHOOL OF THEIR CHOICE, PRIVATE SCHOOL PARTICULARLY.

IT REIMBURSES THEM FOR TUITUION OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN THE AMOUNT OF 507500.

A HOME SCHOOL CREDIT TO RE IMBURRS THEM FOR EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS.

>> I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT THE RED BUD.

WHAT DOES THAT DOO FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL AND CHARTER SCHOOLS, CHRIS?

>> I WILL START WITH AN OVERVIEW.

SO EVERY SCHOOL'S EVALUATION AD VALORIUM IS DIFFERENT.

EVERY SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

WE ARE THE SAME SIZE ROUGHLY AS MUSTANG AND THEY HAVE A HIGHER PROPERTY ECALLINGS.

THAT ISSINED OUT IN THE FUNDING FORMULA.

BUT BUILDING FUND AND THERE ARE DISPARITIES FROM SCHOOL DIRECT TO SCHOOL DISTRICT.

THE RED BUD FUND CATCHES THE DISTRICTS THAT ARE ON THE LOWER END ADVIDEO LOWERIUM COLLECTION AND THAT IS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

>> AND YEAH, I AM A HUGE ADVOCATE FOR FORMULA LIKE THE RED BUD FUND THAT SMOOTH INEWITTIES IN OUR STATE.

WE HAVE DISTRICTS THAT ARE LOW AD VALORIUM TAX BASES AND UNABLE TO APPLY WHAT AFFLUENT DISTRICTS CAN.

THAT IS UNFAIR TO OKLAHOMA TO NOT GIVE THEM THE SAME OPPORTUNITY IN SCHOOL.

I REALLY APPRECIATE THE LEGISLATURE INCREASING THE SCOPE OF THE RED BUD FUND.

I HAVE ISSUE WITH THE WAY IT'S FUNDED, BUT I AM GLAD THEY DID BACK STOP AND GUARANTEE SO THAT SCHOOLS CAN PLAN ON THE FUND AND FLATTEN THE INEWITTIES THAT CHARTER SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLS HAVE FOR A FUNDING AREA FOR FACILITIES.

>> ANGELA, NEXT TO YOU.

PUBLIC SCHOOL PARENT, WHAT IS YOUR TAX ON THE TAX CREDIT FOR PRIVATE AND HOME SCHOOL PARENTS?

>> I AM SERIOUSLY GLAD IT WAS TIED TO EXTRA FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL AND TEACHER PAY RAISE.

IF WE ARE GOING TO GIVE MONEY ONE WAY, WE HAVE TO GIVE MONEY THE OTHER WAY AS WELL AND WE ARE IN A TEACHER SHORTAGE RIGHT NOW.

THE PAY RAISE IS HELPFUL.

>> IS THAT HELPING WITH THE TEACHERS THAT ARE LEAVING THE MARKET.

>> I THINK IT IS GETTING THERE BUT THERE IS A BIGGER GAP TO FILL.

I THINK MORALE OF TEACHERS IS DOWN.

I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL CHANGE THAT.

THEY ARE FEELING UNDERVALUED AND APPRECIATED.

I THINK WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE A BIG SHIFT IN THE CULTURE TO GET TEACHERS TO ACTUALLY STAY IN OKLAHOMA.

>> JENNIFER, I WANT TO GO BACK TO YOU.

ARE PRIVATE SCHOOLS READY FOR THE INFLUX OF STUDENTS.

>> I THINK IT IS DEPENDING ON THE SCHOOL.

SOME CAN ADD STUDENTS AND SOME HAVE WAITING LISTS.

BUT I HAVE TALKED TO A NUMBER OF SCHOOL LEADERS AND THEY TALKED ABOUT ADDING CAPAC ITY AND IN FACT, ON FRIDAY, TULSA SCHOOL DISTRICT PURCHASED A BUILDING TO EXPAND AS WELL.

SO WE'LL SEE SCHOOLS MAKING SHIFTS AS THEY SEE DEMAND INCREASE AND PROVIDING MORE OPPORTUNITY FOR KIDS.

>> RICK, I WANT TO TURN TO YOU HERE.

WE TOUCHED ON THE TEACHER PAY RAISE.

THE SUPERINTENDENT OF A SUBURB AN DISTRICT, WHAT DO YOU SEE COMING OUT OF THE TEACHER PAY RAISE?

WILL IT MOTIVATE TEACHERS AND GET THEM IN THE CLASSROOM?

>> IT IS A GOOD START ON PAY RAISES.

FOR PEOPLE FUNDING STATE BY STATE AND THE REGIONAL AVERAGE.

THE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN THE FORMULA WILL HAVE US US LAST IN THE REGION.

BUT CLOSER TO CATCHING UP WITH THE OTHER STATES AROUND US AND IN TERMS OF THE WAY IT WAS SCALED WITH THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF RAISES AND DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE, THAT IS GOOD AND WELL RECEIVED BY OUR TEACHERS, THE FACTS THAT THE FUNDING GOES THROUGH THE FORMULA AND WHEN IT COMES THROUGH THE FORMULA, THERE IS ROOM IN THERE TO GET MUCH NEEDED SUPPORT RAISES AND THAT IS IMPORTANT, TOO.

THESE ARE IN MANY CASES LOWEST PAID EMPLOYEES AND IF YOU LOOK AT INFLATION, IT HIT THEM THE HARDEST AND JUST GIVING US A CHANCE TO KEEP ALL OF OUR EMPLOYEES KIND OF AT WHERE THEY WERE IN TERMS OF BUYING POWER OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS IS A BIG DEAL.

WHETHER IT REVERSES THE TEACHER SHORTAGE OR NOT I CAN'T SAY.

>> AND ALL RIGHT.

CHRIS, YOU WANT TO ADD ANYTHING TO THE TEACHER PAY RAISES?

>> I THINK WE WILL GET WHAT WE PAY FOR IN OUR STATE.

UNTIL THEN.

REQUIRE ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE DISTRICTS, WE'LL GET WHAT WE GET ACADEMICALLY.

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE MORE FUNDING IN THE FORMULA.

MAKING A SHIFT IN THE POVERTY WEIGHT WAS A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE.

YOU KNOW ELL LEARNERS ARE A CHALLENGING LEARNER SCHOOL AND WITH THE SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS, IT IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION OR MAYBE SEVERAL STEPS AND WE NEED TO EXPECT THIS NOT TO JUST DO ONE THING.

>> AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND STUDENTS WHO COME TO SCHOOL WITH ENGLISH AS THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE.

>> AND CHANGING THE TOPIC HERE.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SCHOOL SECURITY AND THERE WAS A MEASURE IN THE BILL TO BE ALLOCATED FOR TRAINING AND LOVES.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT?

DOES IT MAKE PARENTS FEEL MORE SECURE?

>> ANY MONEY TO THE DISTRICTS, FOR THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND SECURITY IS GOING TO BE HELPFUL BECAUSE THEY ARE RUNNING ON A BARE BONES BUDGET.

MOST PARENTS ARE FOCUSED ON KEEPING THE KIDS SAFE.

WE WANT TO KNOW THAT THEY GO TO SCHOOL AND THEY ARE IN A SECURE PLACE.

ABSOLUTELY.

ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDING WE CAN GET TO THE DISTRICTS TO HELP IS FANTASTIC.

>> JENNIFER, I WANT TO TURN TO YOU MORE ABOUT THE PARENTAL TAX CHOICE PROGRAM CAPPING AT 150 MILLION.

IT CAN MOVE UP TO 250 MILLION.

WILL THAT HELP MEET THE FUTURE NEEDS?

I THINK THAT REMAINS TO BE SEEN.

WE'LL HAVE A BETTER IDEA ONCE WE APPROACH 2026 WHETHER OR NOT THAT WILL MEET THE NEEDS OR NOT.

>> RICK, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT URBAN, SUBURB AN AND RURAL DISTRICTS, DID THEY GET TREATED EQUALLY IN THE BILL?

DID THEY MAKE SURE THEY WERE ALLOCATED FOR?

>> THE BULK OF THE FUNDING IN THE EDUCATION PACKAGE IS A GOOD THING.

I THINK SOMETIMES WE GET TOO HUNG UP ON URBAN AND SUBURBAN AND RURAL.

THERE ARE RURAL DISTRICTS THAT ARE HIGH AD VALORIUM.

SUBURB AN THAT ARE HIGH.

SOME OF EACH THAT ARE LOW.

BEING A WEALTHY DISTRICT DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE ALL OF THE STUDENTS NECESSARILY.

IT JUST MEANS YOU HAVE A SIGNIFICANT TAX BASE.

OR TAXABLE VALUATION IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

I THINK THAT WITH THE RED BUD FUNDING AND THE MONEY GOING THROUGH THE FORMULA, I THINK THAT THERE IS A LOT OF BALANCE IN THE PACKAGE THAT WAS PUT TOGETHER.

THE DRAFTS THAT CAME OUT AND EARLIER VERSIONS OF THE LEGISLATION AND THEY WERE LESS EQUITABLE.

THEY WERE ABLE TO SMOOTH THOSE OUT.

>> JENNIFER, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT FROM THE PRIVATE SCHOOL PERSPECTIVE?

>> I THINK ABOUT IT IN TERMS OF KIDS.

ARE WE HELPING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EVERY KID?

AND THEIR INTERESTS ARE INDIVIDUALIZED AND PROVIDING THE PARENTS THE OPTION TO MAKE SURE THEY MEET THOSE CHILDREN'S NEEDS AND THEY KNOW BETTER WHAT THE CHILDREN'S NEEDS ARE.

IT IS EXCITING.

IT IS EXCITING THAT THE LEGISLATURE UNDERSTOOD AND UNDERTOOK A MAJOR FUNDING PACKAGE THAT MAKES SURE THAT THEY MEET THE NEEDS OF EVERY CHILD IN OUR STATE.

>> CHRIS, LET'S TALK ABOUT JUST OVERALL.

WHAT WILL THIS DO FOR SANTA FE AND HOW DOES IT HELP IMPROVE?

>> LIKE A TRADITIONAL DISTRICT.

MORE FUNDS PUSHED TO THE LOCAL LEVEL AND WE SEE WHERE THEY GO AND PLACE THEM WITH LOCAL DECISION MAKING SORT OF THE FOCAL POINT.

IT IS A GOOD THING.

WHETHER YOU ARE IN URBAN OR RURAL, GETTING THE FUNDS IN THE HANDS OF THE BOARD MEMBERS AND THE LEADERS IN THE SCHOOL IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.

FOR US, WE ARE ABLE TO TARGET THOSE IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND HELPING KIDS TO ACQUIRE HIGHER LEVELS AND HELPS WITH THE ACADEMIC GOALS.

WE ARE EXPANDING TO OPEN THREE NEW SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH SIDE AND RAMP UP WITH MORE FINANCIAL ATTITUDE THAN WE HAVE HAD IN THE PAST AND OPEN DOORS ON SCHOOLS.

IT IS EXPENSIVE TO OPEN THE SCHOOLS.

>> ANGELA, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT LITERACY A LOT IN OKLAHOMA AND IMPROVING READING AND READING SCORES FOR CHILDREN.

SEEING WHAT WAS PUT IN THE BILL, DOES THAT REASSURE A FOCUS ON LITERACY TRAINING HERE?

>> I THINK THERE IS A LOCAL LEVEL.

I DON'T FEEL, I FEEL LIKE YOU KNOW, THAT IS, I AM GLAD IT IS THERE AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT IS DONE RIGHT NOW.

>> AND RICK, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ON THAT?

>> WE ARE FOCUSED ON LITERACY FOR YEARS.

THIS IS JUST AN EXTRA PUSH IN THE OVERALL SCOPE OF THIS PACKAGE IT IS A SMALL AMOUNT OF MONEY OVER THREE YEARS TO GIVE US MAYBE EXTRA SUPPORT IN THE STATE LEVEL.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT WILL LOOK LIKE.

IN THE PAST TWO, IT IS A FOCUS AS WELL AND CARRIED THROUGH.

WE HAVE TEACHERS GOING THROUGH LETTERS TRAINING THIS WEEK AND THAT IS A PUSH OF THE LAST TWO SUPERINTENDENTS.

I THINK THAT IT IS NOT A NEW EMPHASIS, BUT AN EXTRA SURGE IN THAT DIRECTION.

>> JENNIFER, WHAT SHOULD A PARENT CONSIDER NOW THAT THIS IS A OPTION FOR THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND WHAT IS THE DECISION THEY SHOULD WEIGH?

>> THE FIRST THING IS, WHAT IS IT THAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS?

WHAT IS HE EITHER NOT GETTING OR WANT YOUR CHILD TO HAVE?

AND THEN GO TOUR A SCHOOL AND GET IN THERE AND ASK QUESTIONS OF LEADERSHIP AND VISIT THE CLASSROOM OR SEVERAL.

DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT THAT SCHOOL IS GOING TO MEET YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS.

>> WE TALK ABOUT MAKING AN IMPORTANT CHOICE FOR A CHILD AND HOW IMPORTANT IS IT WHEN THEY WANT TO GO?

>> WHEN YOU ARE BUYING, EVERYONE AROUND THE TABLE AGREES WHEN YOU BUY IN, LEARNING JUST EXPLODES AND SO WHEN A PARENT AND A CHILD CHOOSES, SANTA FE.

THEY ARE EXCITED TO BE THERE AND THEY GET TO WORK, RIGHT.

THEY CHOSE TO BE THERE.

I THINK THAT CREATING THAT OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILIES PROVIDES THAT ADDITIONAL BUY IN FROM THE FAMILY THAT CAN LAUNCH LEARNING AS WELL.

>> CHRIS, HAVE YOU HEARD FROM MORE FAMILIES?

AND MAYBE THEY ARE INTERESTED OR ALREADY THERE AND REALLY EXCITED?

>> WE HAVE HAD A THOUSAND ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS AND THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING WILL ENABLE US TO HOPEFULLY BRING IN THOSE FAMILIES.

THEY ARE VERY EXCITED AND I GOT A PHONE CALL FROM A PARENT ABOUT TEN MINUTES AFTER OUR LOTTERY AND THEY WERE EXCITED THAT THEIR FOUR-YEAR-OLD WAS SELECTED AND THEY SAY HE'S SO READY FOR SCHOOL AND ABLE TO READ AND EXCITED.

IT WAS MY WIFE CALLING THAT OUR FOUR-YEAR-OLD WAS ACCEPTED IN ONE OF OUR PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS.

SO AS A PARENT I WAS THRILLED TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE LOTTERY.

>> ANGELA, TO YOU LAST.

WE ARE RUNNING SHORT ON TIME.

AS A PARENT, WHAT ELSE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE CLASSROOM.

>> A LOT OF ISSUES THAT WE ARE NOT ADDRESSING.

WE HAVE A SHORTAGE OF SPORT STAFF AND BUS DRIVER SHORTAGE AND THINGS THAT NEED TO BE TACKLED THAT ARE IGNORED BECAUSE WE ARE IN A CULTURE WAR.

I FEEL LIKE IF WE GET BACK TO FOCUSING ON THE ISSUES IN SCHOOL AND NOT THE DIVISIVENESS, THAT THINGS COULD GET EXTREMELY BETTER.

>> THANK YOU AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE.

JENNIFER CARTER.

SENIOR ADVISOR, AND CHRIS BRUFTER.

DR. RICK COB SUPERINTENDENT, AND ANGELA PUBLIC SCHOOL PARENT.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> AND WE THANK YOU FOR THAT CONVERSATION.

THE STATE CAPITAL'S GROUND FLOOR IS HOME TO ANOTHER PIECE OF NEW ARTWORK.

THE LABOR NOM ON VINIT OR WORK CORCONQUERS ALL MURAL WAS INSTALLED.

LABOR OMNI WEENKIT IS OKLAHOMA CITY OFFICIAL STATE MOTO.

>> THIS IS A TRADITIONAL PORTRAIT ARTIST.

HE CAPTURES THE PERSONAL ALITY.

WHAT HE'S DONE IS CAPTURED NUMEROUS OKLAHOMANS IN THIS PANEL THAT FEATURES SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA, THE STRONG AGRICULTURAL ROOTS AND THE PRODUCE, AND THE STRONG WORK ETHIC OF OUR PEOPLE.

>> THIS IS THE SECOND MURAL SERIES.

AGRICULTURAL THEME.

THE FIRST WAS TIMBER INDUSTRY AND WE'LL HAVE TWO MORE.

>> SIMMONS SAID IT TAKES HIM 6- 9 MONTHS TO COMPLETE PIECE.

THE OTHER MURALS WILL BE ADDED THROUGHOUT THE NEXT YEAR.

ON THE NEXT EDIGSZ OF THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

LOCATED IN WAG NORCOUNTY.

IT IS AROUND LONGER THAN 13 REMAINING HISTORIC BLACK TOWNS AND IT IS A HERITAGE AND HISTORY IS WELL WORTH CELL BLATING.

STEVE SHAW REPORTS NEXT FRIDAY AT 7:00.

WE'LL LEAVE YOU WITH A WALK THROUGH NATURE.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY THE OETA PRODUCTION TEAM.

YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE OETA.ONR O.E.T.A.TV.

LOOK AT OETA, ONR.

SEARCH THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT ON FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE.

IN AM RICH LENZ.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEEKEND.