Budget Briefing: Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers ‘Unsure’ of Federal Farm Bill

Farmers, Ranchers Unsure of House Farm Bill – “Wheat farmers and cattle ranchers in Oklahoma and rice growers in Arkansas say they’re generally unsure about a proposed farm bill passed by the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.” Shawnee News-Star

Low Natural Gas Prices Create Challenges, Opportunities – “Despite a slow, steady increase in the price of natural gas over the past four months, the fuel is still selling well below levels comfortable for both larger companies and state coffers. But for smaller operators with little overhead and even less debt, today’s natural gas price environment presents great opportunities.” NewsOK.com

Health Authority Discusses ObamaCare – “CEO Mike Fogarty said the Oklahoma Health Care Authority is getting lots of requests for information regarding the recent Supreme Court decision and its ramifications  specifically, what the optional group looks like, who they are, how many there are and what are the costs. “Until the Supreme Court decision, of course, I will tell you, none of us, I think it’s fair to say, thought that that would be the result of the court decision.” Lawton Constitution

Oklahoma City Sales Tax Receipts Could Reflect Transformative Growth – “Oklahoma City’s sales and use tax revenue keeps coming in well above projections. The growth has been strong enough, and sustained for long enough, that it could be evidence of the start of a transformative era of growth in the city, a leading local economist said.” NewsOK.com