This past week, the Senate took another huge step to ensure all Oklahomans have access to the technology they need to succeed in business, education and overall communications. For the past year, both in my capacity as chair of Business, Commerce and Tourism and as co-chair of the state’s Rural Broadband Expansion Council, I’ve been working with all stakeholders in the telecommunications industry, with government entities, tribal representatives and others on improving rural broadband in our state.
On Thursday, the Senate gave final passage to a measure that will expand broadband in underserved and unserved areas statewide through a $42 million tax rebate for providers. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdown of schools and businesses simply underscored the disparity between the kinds of internet services available in our urban centers compared to our rural communities and towns. I am fighting for rural Oklahoma and the opportunity our communities need and deserve to attract new businesses, create jobs and take full advantage of the digital age. This legislation is a vital piece of a comprehensive approach to make sure rural Oklahoma has access to reliable, affordable broadband.
Another area that loomed particularly large this session has been our efforts to find ways to manage huge spikes in energy costs after last February’s historic winter storm. Last month, we gained final passage for measures creating a framework for securitization of the approximately $4.5 billion in increased energy costs from the winter storm, and those measures were quickly signed into law by the governor. This will enable cost increases to be paid out over a series of years, ensuring Oklahomans are not hit with a series of sky-high utility bills that could have been financially devastating to seniors, families, individuals, small businesses and Oklahoma’s economy. But our work on this issue is not done. As chair of the Senate Select Committee on Utilities and Energy, created specifically to address the aftermath of those arctic storms, we are now holding a series of hearings that will continue to dig down into exactly what happened and determine how we can prevent this from happening again. Last Friday’s hearing included representatives of the energy industry, midstream companies and processors, and more hearings are scheduled. In addition to find ways to prevent a repeat, we also will be working diligently to identify financial relief for ratepayers. That work will continue beyond the 2021 session.
I thank you for the privilege of being your voice at the State Capitol. If you have any questions or concerns about legislation or other issues at the state level, please feel free to contact my office by calling 405-521-5528, or email James.Leewright@oksenate.gov.