OKLAHOMA CITY — Week 11 of the 2010 State legislative session is now in the books. The House of Representatives is in a two week deadline period to hear approximately 200 Senate bills which remain alive at this point.

The Quality Jobs Act is good program that was designed to create incentives for creations of jobs for working Oklahomans – primarily in manufacturing.  Over time, the Act has been extended to include various other professions.  The program works by paying a cash rebate to the employer which is 4-5 percent of qualifying jobs. In our local community, Gatorade was paid approximately $941,000 in Quality Jobs Payments.

Two years ago I represented your interests by fighting against extending the Act to professional basketball franchises. I just didn’t think it seemed right that your tax dollars should be sent to wealthy businesspeople for a team in Oklahoma City when most my constituents would never see a game from courtside or a luxury box, much less a seat in the nosebleed

section.

The franchise’s army of lobbyist argued that in Oklahoma’s small revenue market it would be difficult to make the franchise go here in Oklahoma. And your tax dollars were needed.

Fast forward to today. I’m proud of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their business plan has worked and the team has been managed well. The Ford Center has been sold out 24 out of 37 home games this season. But most important, the Thunder just won their 50th game and are in the NBA playoffs to face the L.A. Lakers. Its clowns, balloons, and rainbows. But I can’t help but think it wouldn’t be so rosy if the Thunder had lost 50 games this season instead.

You don’t get credit as being an owner, but I’ve heard your tax dollars will pay the Thunder owners nearly $6 million this year. Gee, that amount of money would have saved nutrition programs for senior citizens across our state this year.

As your representative I know we won’t always agree on every issue, but I will do my best to be vigilant to protect your hard earned money that is entrusted to the State of Oklahoma.

I can be reached on this, or any other issue, at bensherrer@okhouse.gov or 800-522-8502. 

Until next week, God bless you.