Higher Ed Council Honors Coffee, Morgan

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan and Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee have been named recipients of the Lifetime Achievement award by the Higher Education Alumni Council of Oklahoma (HEACO).

The leaders and other members of the Senate will be formally honored next week during HEACO’s annual meeting. The ceremony will be held at noon on Thursday, July 24, at the Nigh University Center of the University of Central Oklahoma.

Morgan, who is leaving office this year due to term limits, said, “When I first came to the State Senate 12 years ago, I recognized how crucial it was to support higher education and help more students gain access to our colleges and universities.”

Coffee said he too was honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement award, and would continue to make higher education a top priority during his final two years in the Senate.

“Creating more Oklahoma college graduates and more economic opportunities to keep them in Oklahoma are keys to greater personal prosperity and a better quality of life for all our citizens,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “I’m proud that we’ve created a permanent funding source for OHLAP, that we’ve continued to dedicate resources for endowed chairs at our state’s colleges and universities, and that we’ve provided hundreds of millions of dollars in new funds for higher education in recent years. Our investments in higher education are an investment in the future of Oklahoma.”

Senate Appropriations Co-Chairs Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, and Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore, will be recognized with the HEACO Distinguished Service award, while Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, has been selected for the Courage of Convictions honor.

Freshman State Sen. Sean Burrage, D-Claremore, will be honored with the Legislative Newcomer award, given for his resolve and commitment to higher education’s needs during his first two years in the Senate.

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Halligan Files For Stillwater Senate Seat

Former Oklahoma State University President James Halligan has filed for the
Senate seat being vacated by Senate Pro Tem Mike Morgan.

Morgan, D-Stillwater, is leaving the District 21 seat because of term limits.

Halligan was recruited by Republicans who are seeking to gain control of the evenly divided Senate, which has 24 Republicans and 24 Democrats.

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Jones Renews Challenge To Democrats

With the recent declaration by Senator Mike Morgan, a Democratic National Convention superdelegate, that he's supporting Barack Obama as his party's presidential nominee, Republican State Chairman Gary Jones renewed his challenge to other Democratic Party senators to declare if they support Obama or Hillary Clinton.

Said Jones: “Morgan has come clean, along with the governor, in showing their true liberal, big spending, big-government stripes. Now it’s time to hear where Nancy Riley, Charlie Laster, Richard Lerblance, Earl Garrison and the Lawton boys – Keith Erwin and Rick Wolfe – stand on the presidential race.

“I see where Senator Morgan believes Obama ‘will be a plus for legislative candidates across the country as the Democratic nominee,’ according to the Associated Press.

“Does that mean Senator Morgan will have Barack Obama come to Oklahoma to campaign on behalf of Nancy Riley, Richard Lerblance, Keith Erwin, Rick Wolfe and the rest of the Senate Democrat team?” Jones asked.

Jones then repeated his challenge to Democrat candidates to make public their presidential preference.

“If these Democrats want the voters in their districts to return or to send them to the Oklahoma Capitol, the voters deserve to know where they stand on the big issues like the presidency of our great nation” he said.

“Do they agree with Barack Obama on issues such as the right to bear arms?

“Do they stand with him on threatening the lives of unborn children?

“Do they share his many positions which undermine the American family?

“Would they raise taxes as much as Obama would?

“Do they aspire to be named the Most Liberal Senator in Oklahoma – as Obama is in the United States Senate?

“Do they think we should cut and run in the Middle East, and leave the sacrifices our brave young men and women have offered for naught?

“Would they accept the endorsement of Michael Moore, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, the ACLU and the Sierra Club?

“It’s time for Democrat candidates to shoot straight with their employers – the Oklahoma voters,” Jones concluded.

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Official English 'Obstruction' Cited By GOP

Supporters of the bill to make English the official language said today they are disappointed that Senate Democrats utilized a rarely-used procedural maneuver to block an up-or-down vote on the bill by sending it to a conference committee.

The bill’s author, Senate Republican Floor Leader Owen Laughlin, said the Democrats’ obstruction likely kills Senate Bill 163 for the 2008 session.

“Making English the official language of our state is an issue whose time has come in Oklahoma. I am very disappointed that Senate Democrats voted in lock-step to block an up-or-down vote on this important issue,” stated Laughlin, R-Woodward. “Senator Morgan sent a pretty strong signal on the floor that the Democrat leadership plans to kill this bill in conference.”

Other supporters of SB 163 also expressed their concerns about the Senate Democrats’ action.

“Republicans have made the Official English proposal a priority for many years. We believe the people overwhelmingly agree that English should be our official language. I am sorry that the Senate Democrats have continued to block the people’s right to vote on this important issue,” stated Sen. James A. Williamson, R-Tulsa.

“I’m disappointed but not surprised by the Senate Democrats’ actions. Instead of allowing the people of Oklahoma to vote on this critical issue, they maneuvered it into a conference committee where they can gut and kill the Official English bill,” said Sen. Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso.

“The Senate Democrats’ substitute language is just a piece of paper that does not change the status quo. It still requires the state to expend funds to provide unnecessary translations for government services. Our version would have stopped the silly lawsuits that seek to force our state to provide services in any number of foreign languages,” said Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore.

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Entire Senate Named To GCCA Panel

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan and Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee announced Wednesday that 46 of the Senate’s 48 members have been assigned to the General Conference Committee on Appropriations.

The joint Senate-House conference committee, which will consider legislation dealing with budgetary matters, will include every senator other than the two Senate leaders.

“Crafting the state budget is the single most important job our members are asked to do each legislative session” said Morgan, D-Stillwater. “Naming GCCA members today is a good indication that budget work is going smoothly and ensures we are poised to complete our work on time.”

“A lot of work remains to be done on budget issues this session, but the naming of GCCA members today shows that the State Senate is on track to bring the 2007 legislative session to an orderly and timely adjournment. We’re headed down the homestretch,” said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

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Coffee Says OSBI May Join Stolen File Probe

From www.okinsider.com ~ A Senate investigation into the matter (of a file stolen from the Capitol office of Senator Harry Coates) is currently under way, and the matter has been reported to the Attorney General's Office. Coates said that they are reviewing surveillance footage to see if anything turns up.

In a separate press conference on the same day, Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, said that Coates had "asked that we make some internal investigations to find out what's going on, and I believe he has also spoken with the attorney general."

"I absolutely am concerned if we have security issues within members' offices," Coffee said. "That's not something that we take lightly, and we will certainly address aggressively."

Coffee stated that, for the moment, he and President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater, are just trying to figure out what has happened internally, though he suggested that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation might get involved.

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Coffee, Morgan Issue Rare Joint Statement

The Oklahoma State Senate passed a resolution today protesting any federal cuts to the budgets of Oklahoma's District Attorneys and in a rare joint statement, Democrat and Republican leaders spoke in favor of the resolution.

The resolution was authored by Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee (R-Oklahoma City) and President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan (D-Stillwater).

Action on Senate Resolution 57 follows last week's press conference where district attorneys around Oklahoma joined Coffee and Morgan to raise awareness of proposed federal budget cuts they said would have a devastating effect on the operations of district attorney offices throughout Oklahoma and create gaping holes in programs aimed at making Oklahoma one of the safest places to live, work and raise a family.

"Public safety should be the number one priority of government and we are committed to seeing it funded. District attorneys are critical to keeping the public safe from crime," Coffee said. "We have authored this resolution asking Congress to restore the public safety budget cuts. The federal government should not try to balance their budget on the backs of public safety."

Morgan echoed his support to strongly oppose Congress from cutting the budgets of key public safety personnel not only in Oklahoma, but around the country.

"Government's greatest moral obligation is to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens," Morgan said. "In the state senate we have in the past, and will continue to make public safety a top priority when writing the state budget. Even in a tight budget year, we have to keep all options on the table to ensure the public safety needs of this state are adequately met."

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Legislative Leaders Ponder SuperSonics Tax Package

From The Associated Press ~ While the Legislature in Washington has put off until next year a proposal to fund renovations to the Seattle SuperSonics' arena, lawmakers in Oklahoma are working on a tax incentive package to lure the NBA franchise.

Senate Co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, said he has agreed to be the author of a bill that would provide incentives only if the SuperSonics relocated.

"I don't have the language yet, but we're working on it," Coffee said. "In general, there are some costs to relocating the Sonics to Oklahoma City."

Coffee said the incentive would likely resemble the state's Quality Jobs Act, which gives rebates to companies for creating jobs, and the cost would be recovered when the SuperSonics and their opponents pay income taxes for games played in Oklahoma.

Democratic Senate leader Mike Morgan of Stillwater and House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, have also been involved in discussions with Coffee. The lawmakers said the SuperSonics approached them about enacting the tax breaks.

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Surprise: Oklahoma Democrats Have An Extra Superdelegate

From www.tulsaworld.com ~ Oklahoma has one more "superdelegate" to this year's Democratic National Convention than anyone realized.

State Party Chairman Ivan Holmes confirmed Thursday that state Senate Co-President Pro Tem Mike Morgan qualifies as an unpledged delegate at large, a superdelegate, by virtue of his position in the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.

That gives Oklahoma 10 superdelegates, eight of whom are uncommitted.

Morgan, a three-term state senator from Stillwater, is vice chairman of the DLCC, a party organization devoted to electing Democrats to legislatures.

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Senate Democrats Unveil 'Vision For Oklahoma'

Senate Democratic leaders today unveiled their “Vision for Oklahoma” focusing on policies that they say will increase opportunities and foster responsibility for all Oklahomans.

The title is remarkably similiar to the one used last year by Senate Republicans with their "Vision for a Better Oklahoma."

“Oklahomans want a government that works for them—a government that works across party lines to bring greater opportunities and promotes responsibility,” President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan (pictured) said. “This legislative session, the Senate Democratic caucus will fight every day to bring about effective policies that make a real difference in the lives of our people.”

Democratic Floor Leader and President Pro Tempore Designate Charlie Laster (D-Shawnee) pointed to policies that will help grow Oklahoma as top priority for the Senate Democratic Caucus including the following priorities: Corporate Responsibility, Greater Opportunities for Higher Education, Greater Healthcare Opportunities and Insurance Reform, Responsible Tax Cuts, and Responsible Investments for Oklahoma’s Future.

“Focusing on these important priorities in the upcoming session, Senate Democrats hope to give all Oklahomans the tools they need to achieve a brighter future,” Laster said. “We have a responsibility to those who elected us to be their voice in the Senate to fight for policies that matter to them, rather than focus on policies that help the powerful special interests that roam these capitol halls.”
Laster said in a year when budgeting will be tight it will be more important than ever to prioritize investments that will help grow Oklahoma’s economy.

“Facing a sluggish national economy, Oklahoma needs to be pro-active in creating policies that will continue the growth we have seen in recent years,” Laster said. “That includes ensuring we are investing wisely in education to grow our workforce, creating policies that increase access to affordable healthcare to lower the number of uninsured in our state and investing in infrastructure improvements across our state.”

State Senator Kenneth Corn, Co-Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Public Safety and Judiciary and a Democrat from Poteau said keeping Oklahomans safe is one of governments greatest responsibilities.

“It is no secret that in previous years Oklahoma’s corrections system has faced tough times with prison overcrowding and staff shortages,” he said. “We intend to use the recently released independent audit as a road map to ensure we are making necessary changes and wise investments to help keep all our citizens safe.”

State Senator Debbe Leftwich said in this election year, the Senate Democratic Caucus wants to rise above the political posturing to help move Oklahoma forward. “We cannot allow an election year to stop us from doing what is right for the people of this state,” the Democrat from South Oklahoma City said. “Our vision for Oklahoma includes making certain that government is responsible to the people, that insurance companies are responsible to their policy holders and that Oklahomans are displaying personal responsibility to help themselves move into greatness.”

Morgan (D-Stillwater) said he will continue to ensure Oklahoma’s historic power-sharing agreement remains intact and that the people’s business is conducted in a manner that will make all Oklahomans proud. “As we begin the first session of Oklahoma’s second 100 years, we have the opportunity to make tremendous progress in this state,” he said. “We are committed to making the tough decisions required to bring Oklahoma a government that works for them.”

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Morgan, Rice Seek College Presidency?

Democratic Party insider and blogger Calvin Rees posts today on his Democrats of Oklahoma Community Forum (http://www.demookie.com/) that Senate President Co-Pro Tem Mike Morgan (pictured) of Stillwater and former State Rep. Larry Rice seek to become the next president of "a university." The president of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Larry Williams, has announced he is stepping down effective June 30th, and there is a vacancy at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa as well. A well-informed source tells TMRO that Morgan's application is on file with officials at Northern Oklahoma College, where President Joe Kinzer, local media has reported, will leave at the end of the school year. Kinzer has been the school's president since 1990.

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Halligan Makes It Official

As expected, former Oklahoma State University President Jim Halligan on Thursday announced he would run as a Republican next year for the seat being vacated by Senate Co-President Pro Tem Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater, who is term-limited.

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Halligan Expected To Announce This Week

Former Oklahoma State University President James Halligan is expected to announce this week that he'll seek the Republican nomination for the State Senate in Stillwater, the seat now held by term-limited Senate Co-President Pro Tem Mike Morgan.

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Former OSU President Eyes Morgan Senate Seat

Former OSU President James Halligan says "a lot of people" have talked to him about running for the state Senate seat being vacated in 2008 by Senate Co-President Pro Tem Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater.

Morgan is prevented by term limits from seeking another term.

"I have changed my registration to Republican," Halligan said. "We have had a lot of people talk to us, and no decision has been made."

Halligan said he had been registered as an independent to encourage both sides of the political spectrum to donate to the university. He registered as a Republican this summer, he said.

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Robin Maxey Resigns Senate Communications Post

Robin Maxey, communications director for the Oklahoma Senate Democratic Leadership, has resigned to become communications director for Peter Courtney, president of the Oregon Senate.

Maxey is a longtime Oklahoma City-area journalist and State Capitol reporter. He was editor of The Midwest City Sun from May 1985 until January 2002 when he took over the CNHI Capitol Bureau. He joined the staff of then-Senate President Pro Tem Cal Hobson in March 2003.

Maxey's resignation has not yet been officially announced; no word on a possible replacement in Co-President Pro Tem Mike Morgan's office.

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Senate Leaders Give Interim Studies Green Light

The leaders of the Oklahoma State Senate announced their approval today of 35 interim legislative studies on issues ranging from Oklahoma’s graduation dropout rates to accountability measures at the Department of Human Services.

The study requests were approved by Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, and Co-President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater, who share the responsibility of running the evenly-divided Senate.

The leaders said each study will be assigned to the Senate committee with jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in the request

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Coffee Makes History Next Week

History will be made Sunday in the Oklahoma Senate when Republican Senator Glenn Coffee officially becomes the first Republican to hold the office of Senate President Pro Tempore.

"This is a historic day for the Oklahoma Senate. It is the first time in state history that a Republican senator has held the office of Senate President Pro Tem," stated Senate Republican Floor Leader Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward.

Democrats had controlled the Senate since statehood until the 2006 elections, when Republican gains created a 24-24 tie. As part of a power-sharing agreement adopted in January, Senator Mike Morgan (D-Stillwater) and Coffee (R-Oklahoma City) were elected by senators to jointly run the Legislature's upper chamber. For most of the two-year agreement, Morgan serves as President Pro Tempore with Coffee as Co-President Pro Tempore. However, during the month of July, 2007, Coffee assumes the office of President Pro Tem and Morgan will be Co-President Pro Tem.

"Serving with the first Republican pro tem was very important for those of us who are term-limited next year. It is symbolic of the equality of the two parties in the Senate, and represents the gains Republicans have made with our message of economic freedom, traditional values, and government accountability," Laughlin said.

Coffee said for Republicans, gains in the Senate have helped them advance a conservative legislative agenda: "For Republicans, this is not about power or control. It is about giving good policies such as lawsuit reform, tax relief, education reform, and pro-life a chance to be heard," Coffee said. "Under Democrat control, these issues went nowhere in the Senate; but, with a tie, we have been able to vote on and pass many of these bills," he said.

Coffee said the Senate's power-sharing agreement has worked well. "I want to thank Senator Morgan and every senator for working so hard to make the power-sharing agreement work so well. The tie could have resulted in gridlock, but instead the Senate had a very successful legislative session for the people of Oklahoma," Coffee said.

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Jones: Henry Should Name A Special Prosecutor

Republican State Chairman Gary Jones today called on Governor Brad Henry to name a special prosecutor to investigate allegations of illegal campaign donations. Jones said Henry should name a special prosecutor because the state's usual prosecutor, Attorney General Drew Edmondson, has himself been connected to suspect donations.

In a prepared statement, Jones said: "This Wednesday Steve Phipps is scheduled to plead guilty as part of a plea agreement with the United States Government in connection with an FBI investigation of political corruption in Southeast Oklahoma. His estranged business partner, former Democratic State Senator Gene Stipe, will be back in court Thursday for a probation revocation hearing. Stipe, who is in the midst of a 5 year-probation sentence for illegal campaign activities, appears to be facing the judge in connection to similar charges of illegally funneling contributions to Congressman Dan Boren’s 2004 congressional campaign.

"The federal investigation into the corrupt political shenanigans of Gene Stipe has sparked a grassfire of additional illegal activities and has grown to include a number of high level Democrats. While the federal government is doing its job, the same can not be said of the State of Oklahoma. While federal prosecutors are handing out indictments for federal crimes, justice will not be served without a state investigation and charges sought at that level. The feds have filed charges in connection with donations to Boren, but what about more than a hundred thousand dollars in contributions to State Auditor Jeff McMahan, Attorney General Drew Edmondson and Governor Brad Henry?

"To add insult to injury it appears that it was our own state tax dollars that were illegally funneled into these campaigns. The Oklahoma officials normally responsible for investigating and prosecuting state related crimes have been implicated and may very well be involved themselves. It is imperative that Governor Brad Henry name a special prosecutor to pursue charges in this corruption ring. Attorney General Drew Edmondson has made comments that state charges may be pursued. However, he himself has been caught up in the straw donor scam along with the state auditor, not to mention the Democrat Leader of the Oklahoma Senate, Mike Morgan.

"It's time for an independent state investigation. It’s time for Governor Henry to show leadership and name a special prosecutor. We need someone to investigate these crimes and stop those who are abusing our state and our citizens. Sadly, political corruption has been a part of our past hundred years. It need not be tolerated in our future."

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FBI Probes College Housing Project Financing; Morgan Got Thousands, Oklahoman Reports

The Federal Bureau of Investigation wants to know why some Oklahoma colleges used non-traditional private financing to build housing projects and why Senate Co-President Pro Tem Mike Morgan (pictured) was paid $230,000 as a result, The Oklahoman reports.

The newspaper's exhaustive study of records shows that Morgan, a Stillwater attorney, was paid huge sums as the attorney on some of the projects. Reporters Tony Thornton and Randy Ellis also report that huge sums were paid to a title company co-owned by former State Senator Gene Stipe, target of an exisiting FBI probe into alleged corruption in southeastern Oklahoma. Stipe's partners in the title company are businessman Larry Witt and Steve Phipps, both mentioned prominently in the FBI investigation into straw donations made to political campaigns. The three have been partners in an abstract company empire that includes title and abstract companies.

The Oklahoman's stories can be accessed at www.newsok.com (registration required) or by purchsing a copy of the Sunday edition.

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Budget Agreement Details Listed

One day after the enactment of a bipartisan tax relief package, legislative leaders and the governor on Tuesday announced the outlines of a $7.1 billion state budget agreement that speeds up tax cuts for working Oklahomans, boosts teacher pay and includes important funds for critical state services such as public safety and state prisons.

“This budget agreement is the result of hard work and bipartisan cooperation, Governor Brad Henry said, "and I thank legislative leaders of both parties for finding consensus on important issues. It hasn’t always been an easy process, but lawmakers ultimately came together to do significant things for Oklahoma, such as strengthening higher education, establishing a state bioenergy center and increasing teacher pay. This bipartisan budget addresses a number of other priorities, as well as ensuring tax relief. In all, it marks a win-win for Oklahoma."

“We said very early on that the hallmark of this legislative session would be fiscal restraint and restored accountability from government. This is the first time ever in the history of our state that a Legislature cut government spending when there was the opportunity to spend more,” said Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. “We delivered a responsible state budget that makes record investments in core services while putting in place reforms that make clear we expect in return quality performance and results. At the same time, we have achieved real tax relief for Oklahoma’s working families, the very people whose productivity has helped fuel our economic growth. Important reforms include taking a first step toward a merit-based pay system for Oklahoma teachers and motivating our OHLAP scholars to earn better grades while in college. And for the first time, we will take a major step toward fixing our state’s prison problem by conducting a top-to-bottom review of the Department of Corrections.”

“This budget agreement focuses on protecting middle class families and provides a fiscally-responsible framework for Oklahoma’s future by opening the door to educational opportunities for the next generation. It includes important funding to keep tuition increases to a minimum at our colleges and universities and establishes a permanent funding source to ensure the long-term stability of the Oklahoma’s Promise Scholarship Program,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater.

“This fiscally-responsible agreement builds on the bipartisan budget and tax relief plan passed by the Legislature earlier this session, and represents a common sense compromise that Oklahomans can all be proud of, especially the tax cuts for working families and the long-term fix for the Teacher Retirement System,” stated Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “The Senate’s power-sharing agreement has resulted in a spirit of cooperation in the Legislature’s upper chamber, and this bipartisanship is evident in today’s agreement. The stage is now set for an orderly and on-time adjournment of the 2007 legislative session.”

“Great things happen when different sides work out different priorities,” said House Minority Leader Danny Morgan, D- Prague. “Our constituents sent us to the Capitol to adequately fund state agencies that meet the needs of all Oklahomans. This inclusive bi-partisan budget is truly a victory for this state.”

Highlights of the agreement include: A four-point tax relief package to speed reduction of the state’s top marginal income tax rate, provide a childcare credit for stay-at-home parents, offer a back-to-school sales tax holiday and eliminate the franchise tax on most small businesses; An average $1,000 per-teacher pay increase, weighted toward veteran teachers and those with advanced degrees. Funds in this area also include an incentive-based program to encourage the hiring of specially-qualified teachers; $5 million to fund per diem increases at private prisons and halfway houses to ease state prison overcrowding; $1 million to the Department of Public Safety to replace obsolete vehicles; $3 million for drug courts and the “Smart on Crime Initiative"; A permanent funding source for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) with new college GPA requirements for OHLAP scholarship students; A tuition-lock program that allows incoming in-state Oklahoma college and university students to opt in to a guaranteed tuition rate for four years; A $33 million increase for the State Regents for Higher Education to cover operational expenses; An increase of the authorization for endowed chairs at Oklahoma colleges and universities from the current $50 million to $100 million; A deposit of $10 million into the Oklahoma Teacher Retirement System as an initial down payment on a long-term historic reform to fund Oklahoma’s broken teacher retirement system that will pump more than $200 million into the system over the next five years; $15 million for the Oklahoma Centennial Commission, as that entity completes celebrations, plans and projects for the 2007 State Centennial; $10 million for a state Bioenergy Fund, using $4 million in existing appropriations from Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).
$5 million in funds for Educare centers to match private funds from the George Kaiser Family Foundation; $16.5 million for capital projects at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and regional universities, including the state’s Cancer Center; $2.5 million for rural fire department equipment costs and $1.4 million for firefighter training; $6.5 million for the Conservation Commission to address critical needs for flood control structures across the state – leveraging state funds for 2-to-1 matching federal dollars; $10 million for State Emergency Fund and costs from devastating ice storms earlier this year.

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