Budget Briefing: Drought Drying Up Plains States’ Economies

Survey: Drought Dragging Down Midwest Economy – “The drought affecting Midwest and Plains states has put a further drag on the regional economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the drought has already harmed ethanol and food processors in the region.” Associated Press

Insuring Oklahomans – The Affordable Care Act requires states to create their own health care exchanges or be forced to enroll in a federal program. “Many Oklahoma leaders have pointed to Insure Oklahoma, a plan the state already has in place for small businesses, as the means to create a statewide exchange, but no one has put forth any plan to show what it would look like or who would even manage it.” KOSU Radio

OSU Fundraising Tops $900 Million – “The university received donations of $157.3 million from July 1, 2011 to June 30, pushing its campaign total to $906.1 million. The goal is $1 billion. Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis said the campaign has attracted support from longtime donors as well as new ones.” Stillwater NewsPress