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 that 13 members of the state Senate and 13 members of the House of Representatives scored a perfect 100 on the 2016 RIED Report.
The scores were awarded to lawmakers who served during the second session of the 55th Oklahoma Legislature that began February 1st and adjourned May 27th.
Senate members receiving perfect scores are Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Bingman (SD 12), Stephanie Bice (SD 22), Kim David (SD 18), Eddie Fields (SD 10), John Ford (SD 29), Ron Justice (SD 23), Bryce Marlatt (SD 27), Mike Schulz (SD 38), Ron Sharp (SD 17), Wayne Shaw (SD 3), Rob Standridge, (SD 15), Roger Thompson (SD 8) and Ervin Yen (SD 40).
House members receiving perfect scores are House Speaker Jeff Hickman (HD 58), Ann Coody (HD 64), Dennis Johnson (HD 50), Mark Lepak (HD 9), Scott Martin (HD 46), Glen Mulready (HD 68), Jadine Nollan (HD 66), Pat Ownbey (HD 48), Scooter Park (HD 65), Mike Sanders (HD 59), Todd Thomsen (HD 25), Steve Vaughan (HD 37) and Weldon Watson (HD 79).
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, the majority of legislators proved this session that Oklahoma’s business environment is a top priority.”
During the 2016 session, 115 of the 149 legislative members received passing scores of 70 or higher including 39 Senate members (90%) and 76 House members (76%). Overall, 81% of the total legislative membership scored 70 or higher.
“The legislative scores this session once again represent support for business statewide, and it is imperative 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.”
The 2016 RIED Report is available at riedreport.com.
The Research Institute for Economic Development was founded in 1997 and promotes economic growth through the evaluation of business, job and economic growth issues considered by the Oklahoma Legislature. RIED is non-partisan and does not lobby issues, endorse candidates or campaigns.
