The Research Institute for Economic Development (RIED), a non-partisan organization and producer of the annual RIED Report, a grading system of Oklahoma legislators’ votes on key economic development and business issues, announced today that seven members of the state Senate and 12 members of the House of Representatives scored a perfect 100 on the 2015 RIED Report. The scores were awarded to lawmakers who served during the first session of the 55th Oklahoma Legislature that began February 2nd and adjourned May 22nd.
Senate members receiving perfect scores are Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Bingman (SD 12), Eddie Fields (SD 10), John Ford (SD 29), Ron Justice (SD 23), Frank Simpson (SD 14), Rob Standridge (SD 15) and Gary Stanislawski (SD 35).
House members receiving perfect scores are House Speaker Jeff Hickman (HD 58), Kevin Calvey (HD 82), Jeff Coody (HD 63), James Leewright (HD 29), Mark Lepak (HD 9), Scott Martin (HD 46), Mark McCullough (HD 30), Glen Mulready (HD 68), Tom Newell (HD 28), Pam Peterson (HD 67), Steve Vaughan (HD 37) and Harold Wright (HD 57).
Under the RIED evaluation system, legislators earn positive points when they support job creation and economic development issues. Points are deducted when they introduce or vote for legislation that negatively impacts Oklahoma’s business climate. A score of 70 and above represents a passing grade while 69 and below represents a failing grade.
“Economic development, business and job creation continue to be a focal point of the majority of the Oklahoma legislature,” said Susan Winchester, RIED president. “No matter what area of the state they represent or their political affiliation, legislators proved this session that Oklahoma’s business environment is a top priority.”
During the 2015 session, 120 of the 149 legislative members received passing scores of 70 or higher including 42 Senate members (90%) and 78 House members (77%). Overall, 82% of the total legislative membership scored 70 or higher.
“The legislative scores this session represent by far the best overall support for business during my tenure with RIED, and it is imperative that this positive attitude toward business continue next session and in sessions beyond,” said Greg Love, RIED board chairman. “Oklahoma is on the move, yet we still have so much untapped potential with regards to economic development opportunities for our citizens. I am excited for our future.”
The 2015 RIED Report is available at www.riedreport.com.
As soon as I saw the rhino’s with top scores and read what they were graded on, I knew these legislature support BBB/big business over the taxpayers who elected them. This is flawed index.
Jane, unlike many other political entities, RIED stated up front how they based the grades. Just because you dislike the pols receiving the top grades does not make the ‘index’ flawed.
However, your use of another trite political label definitely qualifies you to be a member of the state GOP dog-fight crowd.