Budget Briefing: Surge in Combat Sports Pummels Athletic Commission Budget

Growing Popularity of Combat Sports Strains Athletic Commission Resources – “His office has two full-time employees funded by revenue from fees, with a price schedule set by the state Legislature. His budget dropped when lawmakers in the last session eliminated access to nearly $250,000 in television revenues, so he can no longer afford to hire part-time inspectors. Miller said he will ask for more funding in the upcoming session.” Journal Record

Oklahoma Exports Rise 12 Percent in First Half of Year – “Oklahoma exports increased 12 percent in the first half of this year, outpacing the national growth rate of 7 percent, and the state’s overseas sales might be even higher, according to the head of the state Commerce Department’s export division.” NewsOK.com

Convention Center Boosts Woodward Economy – “And like many communities throughout western Oklahoma, Woodward has experienced boom and bust cycles before, so officials are hoping to use some of the money coming in today to invest in projects that can create long-term value for other sectors of the economy. The 29,000-square-foot, $7 million Woodward Convention Center that opened in March is a key step in that effort.” NewsOK.com