You can build a first class facility without blowing a mountain of money. In any reputable private company there is always someone or a group who examines each expense before the check is even cut.

In my company we just bought three new pickups we looked at several different options. We looked at alternative fuel vehicles. We looked at full size trucks with moderate options. In the end we chose three Toyota Tacomas because of the price, equipment included and the reliability of our current 07 Toyota Tacoma. We have to show are accounting department why we need the vehicles, why we need to purchase a particular type of vehicle, and why the one we are requesting is best compared to other models available. We can't just willy nilly say we need 4x4 trucks with all the trimmings. We have to do our homework. I think that is where most people have the problem. In most people's private sector jobs and home budgets there has to be a reason why money was spent and has to be done wisely. After all other expenses are going to come later down the road and if you blow the cash on pretty things, there is no cash for the nuts and bolts items.

I blame the State of Oklahoma for not having an accountablity process in place. There should be one at all levels of government. If tax payer / public funds are used you should have to justify each expense and keep the project at or below budget. It can easily be done. It just like walking into the grocery store with $200 in your pocket. Your not going to walkout with $400 dollars worth of groceries unless you are into extreme couponing or you plan leaving in the back of a police car. Your going to pay attention to the items you buy and stop shopping when the total of the items in your basket start reaching $200.

Face it, this state does things on the cheap. It is cheap when it comes to education. It is cheap when it comes to culture. It is cheap when it comes to infrastructure. Consequently, it has lots of low paying, low skill jobs.....and the cycle is repeated. We are blessed with lots of natural resources (oil and gas), so some people think the business it generates is due to good decisions our legislators and governors make. LOL. Until this state has an appetite for progress, it will keep attracting the backwoods kind of populace who don't value or see the relevance in things like art, culture, education and history.

Face it, this state does things on the cheap. It is cheap when it comes to education. It is cheap when it comes to culture. It is cheap when it comes to infrastructure. Consequently, it has lots of low paying, low skill jobs.....and the cycle is repeated. We are blessed with lots of natural resources (oil and gas), so some people think the business it generates is due to good decisions our legislators and governors make. LOL. Until this state has an appetite for progress, it will keep attracting the backwoods kind of populace who don't value or see the relevance in things like art, culture, education and history.

You aren't really engaging anyone in a discussion here, and you seem to be using this thread as an opportunity to deliver politically-motivated monologues about how much you loathe your fellow citizens. Some posters here are actually trying to have a discussion about the particular challenges facing this project, and your decision to use this thread as an outlet for your anger isn't very helpful.

Face it, this state does things on the cheap. It is cheap when it comes to education. It is cheap when it comes to culture. It is cheap when it comes to infrastructure. Consequently, it has lots of low paying, low skill jobs.....and the cycle is repeated. We are blessed with lots of natural resources (oil and gas), so some people think the business it generates is due to good decisions our legislators and governors make. LOL. Until this state has an appetite for progress, it will keep attracting the backwoods kind of populace who don't value or see the relevance in things like art, culture, education and history.

When there actually is money pumped in, a project is badly mismanaged like P180. Thus lack of faith to in spending more money.

Face it, this state does things on the cheap. It is cheap when it comes to education. It is cheap when it comes to culture. It is cheap when it comes to infrastructure. Consequently, it has lots of low paying, low skill jobs.....and the cycle is repeated. We are blessed with lots of natural resources (oil and gas), so some people think the business it generates is due to good decisions our legislators and governors make. LOL. Until this state has an appetite for progress, it will keep attracting the backwoods kind of populace who don't value or see the relevance in things like art, culture, education and history.

Yep. Heaven forbid a small vocal group of people try to introduce a different way of doing things. It seems there is opposition at every corner. It can get very frustrating.

When there actually is money pumped in, a project is badly mismanaged like P180. Thus lack of faith to in spending more money.

Yes, and when you cut staff to handle things, and hire based on low wages vs. qualifications, then that is what happens. It becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. This is like people who don't go to church because sinners are there....kind of twisted logic looking for a reason not to believe.

Face it, this state does things on the cheap. It is cheap when it comes to education. It is cheap when it comes to culture. It is cheap when it comes to infrastructure. Consequently, it has lots of low paying, low skill jobs.....and the cycle is repeated. We are blessed with lots of natural resources (oil and gas), so some people think the business it generates is due to good decisions our legislators and governors make. LOL. Until this state has an appetite for progress, it will keep attracting the backwoods kind of populace who don't value or see the relevance in things like art, culture, education and history.

This state also does its business within a balanced budget.......which has it's own cause and effect.

Face it, this state does things on the cheap. It is cheap when it comes to education. It is cheap when it comes to culture. It is cheap when it comes to infrastructure. Consequently, it has lots of low paying, low skill jobs.....and the cycle is repeated. We are blessed with lots of natural resources (oil and gas), so some people think the business it generates is due to good decisions our legislators and governors make. LOL. Until this state has an appetite for progress, it will keep attracting the backwoods kind of populace who don't value or see the relevance in things like art, culture, education and history.

As much as it pains me to say it, I think this is spot on.

This state also does its business within a balanced budget.......which has it's own cause and effect.

There are lots of legal and wise financial tools the state can use. This is a poor excuse for unimaginative investment. A cop out for ignorant legislators.

You aren't really engaging anyone in a discussion here, and you seem to be using this thread as an opportunity to deliver politically-motivated monologues about how much you loathe your fellow citizens. Some posters here are actually trying to have a discussion about the particular challenges facing this project, and your decision to use this thread as an outlet for your anger isn't very helpful. I have to disagree. As you know talk is cheap and having particular discussions about the challenges is all fine and dandy, however the saying "Action speaks louder than Words" plays a big focus too! Oklahoma, (my home state), has it's share of backwater, antiquated people who are so content on "staying the same" that it just is quite nauseating. Oklahoma has always been a cheap state. Just look at the nasty roads, antiquated liquor laws, baffons for State Legislature's that seem like they fell of the turnip trucks. Until Oklahoma "truly" addresses it's shortcomings it will continue to spin it's wheels. Pretty sad:(

Exactly. We've investigated these people. No negligence found. So why do people continue to complain about the "leadership"?

Because they kept approving plans to spend money they didn't have.

I have to disagree. As you know talk is cheap and having particular discussions about the challenges is all fine and dandy, however the saying "Action speaks louder than Words" plays a big focus too! Oklahoma, (my home state), has it's share of backwater, antiquated people who are so content on "staying the same" that it just is quite nauseating. Oklahoma has always been a cheap state. Just look at the nasty roads, antiquated liquor laws, baffons for State Legislature's that seem like they fell of the turnip trucks. Until Oklahoma "truly" addresses it's shortcomings it will continue to spin it's wheels. Pretty sad:(

I don’tthink that “cheap” has anything to do with it. Our roads are a direct result of our size versus population. (taxpayer to project ratio). Our liquor laws are not easy to change. Liquor laws: The issue of wine and high alcohol beer in grocery stores is not a legislative issue. It will take a vote of the people to change the state constitution sixteen different times. As far as State Legislators are concerned, anybody that is better just needs to step up and run for office.

Because they kept approving plans to spend money they didn't have.

So they should wait until they have money in hand before thinking about how to spend it?

So they should wait until they have money in hand before thinking about how to spend it?
You can think about winning the lottery but until you have cashed in the winning ticket and have the money safely in your account, yes, that would be the prudent thing to do.

You can think about winning the lottery but until you have cashed in the winning ticket and have the money safely in your account, yes, that would be the prudent thing to do.

So, don't buy a house until you can pay cash? Eliminate mortgages. Hmmmmm.

So, don't buy a house until you can pay cash? Eliminate mortgages. Hmmmmm.

Knowing Larry, he lives in a teepee and uses a mono cycle to get around town.

Knowing Larry, he lives in a teepee and uses a mono cycle to get around town.
Nope, I learned the hard way to live within my means. Don't spend money you don't have. Don't spend the Christmas bonus, the slot machine jackpot or the Lottery winnings until you have them. No mortgage and the truck is paid for. No credit cards etc.


So, don't buy a house until you can pay cash? Eliminate mortgages. Hmmmmm.
Now you get it, if you have the ability to have the money in hand, absolutely!

You can think about winning the lottery but until you have cashed in the winning ticket and have the money safely in your account, yes, that would be the prudent thing to do.

Sorry, but thinking about how to spend money has nothing to do with not being prudent. It's much wiser to have plans already in place if the money comes to be.

There is a great parable in the bible where the servant who buried the cash, took no risk, made no investment and therefore had no return was chastised and given no further responsibility. All risk is not bad. All leverage is not bad. All investment is not bad. That is something our uber conservative tea party legislators who love to quote the bible (many times out of context) have yet to understand. Platitudes are not the same as reasoned argument.

There is a great parable in the bible where the servant who buried the cash, took no risk, made no investment and therefore had no return was chastised and given no further responsibility. All risk is not bad. All leverage is not bad. All investment is not bad. That is something our uber conservative tea party legislators who love to quote the bible (many times out of context) have yet to understand. Platitudes are not the same as reasoned argument.

Ding ding ding ding ding!!!

If someone offered me a billion dollar loan, with 1% interest, I would take it today. I could never repay a billion dollar loan with my salary, but I don't have to. I invest that billion dollars in something that makes more than 1% interest. And I make a big profit. It's about managing your risk wisely. I don't take that billion dollars to a casino.

From the Journal Record (via Canton Lake Association):


OKLAHOMA CITY – The fate of Oklahoma City’s unfinished $80 million American Indian Cultural Center and Museum may depend not on private funds so much as rural water.
While officials from the cultural center continue to push hard for state funding for the struggling project, a behind-the-scenes effort at the Legislature to secure a $20 million appropriation for the center this year is facing mounting opposition from some rural lawmakers who are frustrated with what they call Oklahoma City’s heavy-handed approach to water policy.
The center has sat unfinished after legislation that would have authorized $40 million in state bond funds failed by a single vote in May 2012. Since then new members have been named to the center’s governing board and new fundraisers are being sought.
However, even with those efforts, lawmakers in rural Oklahoma said the attitude toward Oklahoma City has turned negative because of Oklahoma City’s approach to water policy – specifically in southeastern and western Oklahoma.
With the margin of support for the cultural center razor-thin, the loss of even a few votes could stop the proposal cold.
“I’ve heard several rural legislators say: ‘Why should we help Oklahoma City with their economic development efforts when they aren’t willing to help us with ours?’”, said state Sen. Kyle Loveless, R-Oklahoma City. “That’s the problem we’re trying hard to address.”

Canton Lake Association (http://cantonlakeassn.blogspot.com/)

Don't the rural know that they wouldn't exist if it weren't for OKC and its economic engine? Im not saying I agree with OKC's water policy but I find it ridiculous that the rural would try to hold-up or prevent OKC's development expansion efforts. I mean, if OKC loses then the rural REALLY lose since there is less in the pot for them to 'fight over'. .. I think it might be time to revise state law to give more representation to the population centers or at-least try to even the score. It shouldn't be where the rural have more power than the urban and hold them hostage. Again, without the urban metro area there wouldn't be anything for the rural to even bicker about.

No weirder than some of the other battles, including the urban v. urban tiffs 'tween okc and t-town over the years.

Don't the rural know that they wouldn't exist if it weren't for OKC and its economic engine? Im not saying I agree with OKC's water policy but I find it ridiculous that the rural would try to hold-up or prevent OKC's development expansion efforts. I mean, if OKC loses then the rural REALLY lose since there is less in the pot for them to 'fight over'. .. I think it might be time to revise state law to give more representation to the population centers or at-least try to even the score. It shouldn't be where the rural have more power than the urban and hold them hostage. Again, without the urban metro area there wouldn't be anything for the rural to even bicker about.

How much time have you spent in rural Oklahoma? Outside of the counties surrounding Oklahoma and Tulsa? True or not, the people who live in rural Oklahoma (and the rest of America for that matter) really see no benefit in the taxes they pay to the State, especially when they see State tax revenues paying for things like the OKC Thunder or the Native American Cultural Center.

Arguably, SE Oklahoma is a larger pure tourism draw than OKC (out of state dollars), but if you ask any of the locals what they get from 23rd and Lincoln, they'll just laugh at you.

I'm not being argumentative, but what do the good folks of Texas or McCurtain county get from us urban dwellers?

There are not two tax rates, OKC and rural. The 1.5 million people in the OKC area pay a huge portion of the state's taxes as well. OKC represents 40 % of the state's population.

There are not two tax rates, OKC and rural. The 1.5 million people in the OKC area pay a huge portion of the state's taxes as well. OKC represents 40 % of the state's population.

How much do we spend in urban versus rural?

How much time have you spent in rural Oklahoma? Outside of the counties surrounding Oklahoma and Tulsa? True or not, the people who live in rural Oklahoma (and the rest of America for that matter) really see no benefit in the taxes they pay to the State, especially when they see State tax revenues paying for things like the OKC Thunder or the Native American Cultural Center.


You made the claim, you supply the evidence. I call no way.

it is Ludacris for you to ever suggest that rural taxes have a greater impact on the state or that rural tourism beats that of OKC. I am certain that the rural is by far a beneficiary of the urban and I am certain that the rural is not subsidizing the OKC Thunder. ... Please take head out of the sand for a minute and wake up to reality.

Hot Rod and Hoya - sorry guys, didn't mean to imply anything, just trying to share the opinions of many/most in far rural areas. My question on the spend rate for urban vs rural, was just that, a question. I don't know the answer, which is why I asked.

I'm an OKC metro guy, and have been for 30 plus years, but I do travel quite a lot to rural OK, and have the opportunity to speak to many constituents and legislators from rural districts.

Rural voters don't care what the "collective" effect of rural versus urban is, they care that the income tax on their $50k is the same amount as your $50k, and because one representative covers three counties, they don't feel they have any say as to what gets passed in the capitol.

As for tourism, I said "Arguably, SE Oklahoma is a larger pure tourism draw than OKC (out of state dollars)" the following report may or may not show that, but it does not split up between in and out of state dollars. The vast majority of SE Oklahoma tourism dollars come from Texas. I just don't know that is true for OKC.

http://www.travelok.com/files/2009_2010_Economic_Impact_Report.pdf

And all taxpayers have helped fund the Thunder (well worth it in my opinion) -
Since 2010, the Thunder has received $11.3 million. Under its contract with the state, the team can receive up to $96.7 million over 15 years. http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-17635-moneyball.html.

Again, not throwing stones, and for the record, I am FOR spending whatever it takes to get the Cultural Center open for business, so that we can draw more tourism dollars from outside the State (as well as the large international contingent that Native American culture draws).

no worries. But it should be clear that I and you have chosen to live in the urban center where amenities and infrastructure is available and cost effective. Therefore, we get more for our $50K salary (well, mine is higher) than the rural person who is far removed. That IS the cost of living in rural and it will be nice when those who CHOSE to live far away recognize that you can't have your cake and eat it too (as in, you can't live away from folks yet think you're interests trump the majority or that you shouldn't have to pay more because you pay the same (or less) in tax). Again, if you CHOSE to live in the rural - fine, but that shouldn't make a person more special or important to those who live in denser, urban, populated areas where infrastructure exists and is cheaper to expand.

Sorry, but thinking about how to spend money has nothing to do with not being prudent. It's much wiser to have plans already in place if the money comes to be.

No argument there...but the key to that is "IF the money comes to be"...on the other hand, it is also prudent to have a plan B if the money doesn't.

no worries. But it should be clear that I and you have chosen to live in the urban center where amenities and infrastructure is available and cost effective. Therefore, we get more for our $50K salary (well, mine is higher) than the rural person who is far removed. That IS the cost of living in rural and it will be nice when those who CHOSE to live far away recognize that you can't have your cake and eat it too (as in, you can't live away from folks yet think you're interests trump the majority or that you shouldn't have to pay more because you pay the same (or less) in tax). Again, if you CHOSE to live in the rural - fine, but that shouldn't make a person more special or important to those who live in denser, urban, populated areas where infrastructure exists and is cheaper to expand.

I never insinuated that those folks felt they were more important, but surely you understand that we need folks to live and work in rural areas to provide what folks in the urban sphere cannot. (Everything you eat.). As such, the feel slighted when they don't see money coming back to their communities. While it s great for OKC to gain an NBA team or Native American Cultural Center with state tax assistance, rural folks neither see nor feel the gain.

Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! not Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us!

That's what this always comes down to. Tulsa vs. OKC. Rural vs. Urban. Urban vs. suburban. Let's not think about helping each other and how it helps us all.:Smiley099

Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! not Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us!

That's what this always comes down to. Tulsa vs. OKC. Rural vs. Urban. Urban vs. suburban. Let's not think about helping each other and how it helps us all.:Smiley099

Kinda what I was trying to do. As a metro guy, I'm trying to look at and understand the rural point of view. I know a bit how they feel from talking to them, and was trying to share that. I guess I didn't realize how contentious it actually was on this thread.

Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! Me! not Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us! Us!

That's what this always comes down to. Tulsa vs. OKC. Rural vs. Urban. Urban vs. suburban. Let's not think about helping each other and how it helps us all.:Smiley099

You forgot one.

Refurbish the State Capitol building or finish the Native American Cultural Center? I say only one gets state funding soon. So which one gets it?

:tongue:

Kinda what I was trying to do. As a metro guy, I'm trying to look at and understand the rural point of view. I know a bit how they feel from talking to them, and was trying to share that. I guess I didn't realize how contentious it actually was on this thread.

Well, it seemed like you were legitimizing their narrow perspective. This is a project celebrating our STATE history. Not OKCs. But throwing a temper tantrum and threatening to withhold funds because it is in OKC and trying to use it as ransom for other things is not the way to do it. It would and should alienate almost half the citizens of the state.

Don't the rural know that they wouldn't exist if it weren't for OKC and its economic engine? Im not saying I agree with OKC's water policy but I find it ridiculous that the rural would try to hold-up or prevent OKC's development expansion efforts. I mean, if OKC loses then the rural REALLY lose since there is less in the pot for them to 'fight over'. .. I think it might be time to revise state law to give more representation to the population centers or at-least try to even the score. It shouldn't be where the rural have more power than the urban and hold them hostage. Again, without the urban metro area there wouldn't be anything for the rural to even bicker about.

Not pointing fingers at you, HOT ROD, because you are only the most recent person to say this, but ... let's not get myopic over Oklahoma's (non-governmental) cash cows Oil and Farming (and they don't need the urban centers that we enjoy). To turn the lead sentence around, don't those city folk know they couldn't eat with out the rural folk? Many have said it -- let's not get divided here, and turn on ourselves. There's no need to revive the whole Canton Lake thread or start another thread where we start demonizing the suburbs saying that we just can't afford them. As JTF and Sid have demonstrated, there are several transects and they all serve a purpose.


no worries. But it should be clear that I and you have chosen to live in the urban center where amenities and infrastructure is available and cost effective. Therefore, we get more for our $50K salary (well, mine is higher) than the rural person who is far removed. That IS the cost of living in rural and it will be nice when those who CHOSE to live far away recognize that you can't have your cake and eat it too (as in, you can't live away from folks yet think you're interests trump the majority or that you shouldn't have to pay more because you pay the same (or less) in tax). Again, if you CHOSE to live in the rural - fine, but that shouldn't make a person more special or important to those who live in denser, urban, populated areas where infrastructure exists and is cheaper to expand.

The rural folk could live just fine without the urban and they aren't draining resources to support their (non-)infrastructure, either. Let's all just chill out (to include those who think bargaining with water rights is smart. I suspect all sides of the water rights battle (I'd say there are three of 'em) would do well to take a deep breath, think happy and charitable thoughts, and then revisit that battle.).

Hooray!

Senate committee passes funding for OKPOP, Indian center | Tulsa World (http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Senate_committee_passes_funding_for_OKPOP_Indian_c enter/20130516_13_0_OLHMIY217875?subj=298)

http://newsok.com/new-funding-proposals-unveiled-for-2-oklahoma-museums/article/3818294

Hooray!

Senate committee passes funding for OKPOP, Indian center | Tulsa World (http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Senate_committee_passes_funding_for_OKPOP_Indian_c enter/20130516_13_0_OLHMIY217875?subj=298)

New funding proposals unveiled for 2 Oklahoma museums | News OK (http://newsok.com/new-funding-proposals-unveiled-for-2-oklahoma-museums/article/3818294)

I really hope it can make it through the House. I expect Fallin would definitely support it if it makes it through both chambers.

Excellent, this will be wonderful for Tulsa as well!

The funding for this project would be $40 million.

I wonder if they still have the matching funds from the private sources?

Anyone remember how much they estimated they need to finish the first phase?

The funding for this project would be $40 million.

I wonder if they still have the matching funds from the private sources?

Anyone remember how much they estimated they need to finish the first phase?

They are cutting it close on matching funds.

American Indian museum funding plan proposed (http://www.cherokeephoenix.org/Article/Index/6944)


Donors have pledged $40 million to match state funding to complete the project, but that money will disappear in May if lawmakers don’t approve the state’s portion of the needed money, Wade said.

Down side is this is a vote to start funding a year from now, and piece meal it out over a few years. Not certain that can keep the pledges intact, but one can hope.


...
Under the measure, $15 million from use taxes would be diverted from gross revenue in fiscal year 2015, followed by $15 million in fiscal year 2016. A final apportionment of $10 million would be made in fiscal year 2017. Use taxes are paid on out-of-state purchases and online purchases in lieu of sales taxes....


Similar multi-year approach to the POP museum in Tulsa.

Hooray!

Senate committee passes funding for OKPOP, Indian center | Tulsa World (http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Senate_committee_passes_funding_for_OKPOP_Indian_c enter/20130516_13_0_OLHMIY217875?subj=298)

New funding proposals unveiled for 2 Oklahoma museums | News OK (http://newsok.com/new-funding-proposals-unveiled-for-2-oklahoma-museums/article/3818294)
I don't think that I understand exactly what passed the Senate committee (not the full Senate, if I'm reading this stuff correctly). The Oklahoman article says,


A Senate committee pitched a new funding plan Thursday for two Oklahoma museum projects.

The Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget voted 16-10 to use tax revenue from Internet and out-of-state purchases {my edit: "use taxes"} to provide $40 million to help complete the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in downtown Oklahoma City.

The panel also voted 13-12 to divert $40 million in state sales tax collections to provide initial funding for the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, commonly called OK Pop, planned for the Brady District in Tulsa.
A related article at the Oklahoman (http://newsok.com/at-a-glance-oklahoma-sales-tax-versus-use-tax/article/3818340) says,


Sales tax

A 4.5 percent state sales tax must be charged and collected on all purchases, transfers of title or possession of tangible personal property. ¶ The sales tax is also levied on certain services provided in Oklahoma. ¶ Counties and municipalities also levy sales taxes. ¶ Oklahoma state sales tax revenue in fiscal year 2012: $2.2 billion.

Use tax

A use tax must be paid on items bought outside the state and brought into Oklahoma. ¶ Some counties and municipalities also levy use taxes. ¶ Those making online or mail order purchases from companies not collecting Oklahoma sales tax are required to pay a use tax on those items. ¶ Retailers making sales from a business outside Oklahoma for use in the state are responsible for collecting state and local use taxes. ¶ Oklahoma state use tax revenue in fiscal year 2012: $223.6 million.
Tulsa's project is being funded from ordinary sales taxes, but Okc's is from use taxes, e.g., you buy goods from Amazon you, as an individual, are expected to declare your purchases and pay the use tax money into the coffers that are supposed to get them ... such as the City of Oklahoma City and/or the State of Oklahoma. At least, that is my understanding of how the use tax is supposed to work, at present.

Assuming that the House concurs, sales tax revenues would be all but assured ... from a 2012 revenue pool of $2.2 billion, Tulsa's project funding appears to be on a solid foundation. Use tax revenues are far smaller if not less certain ... in 2012, the revenue was only $223.6 million.

And that causes me to wonder: Will the Okc project's share of the state's relatively small use tax pot come off the top? If not, from where?

Perhaps these are silly pointless thoughts, and I'm hoping that others who are better informed than I can clarify these things.

Seems that by not doing a bond issue and more of a pay-as-you-go approach, it might have a better chance of getting passed. But time is running out for this session. besides, aren't thee deadlines in which bills hae to be introduced/passed out of the house of origin/heard & passed by the other house etc etc. This seems to be the 1st anyone has heard of this bill so did they violate the rules or exempt themselves from the rules???

I agree with Doug, by not treating both projects the same as to funding sources, that might be a problem. Time will tell I guess.

there are deadlines, and then there are deadlines. Little stands in the way of a piece of legislation that someone wants to see happen. Things are not quite as odd and loose as things were in the early 90's and before, but plenty of time left on the clock to make this happen ... if the will is truly there to do so.

I did think that was interesting that OKC's funding is using the Use Tax and not the Sales Tax. Could this be to smooth over the legislators who otherwise have issue with funding an Indian based museum or is it just more preferential treatment for Tulsa? No offense to them but I honestly do not understand why the state would fund a 'pop' museum or any museum that wasn't in the state capital for that matter (seems like a pop museum would be privately funded). It almost seems like a pork barrel project in order for OKC to get funding for its cultural museum.

$40M for Indian museum OK'd by Oklahoma panel

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A plan to divert $40 million in use taxes over three years to help complete construction of an American Indian Cultural Center and Museum along the banks of the Oklahoma River has cleared a House committee.

A House budget panel on Monday voted 13-10 for the measure, which would divert the tax revenue beginning in fiscal year 2015. Use taxes are those paid on Internet purchases and tangible personal property purchased out of state and brought into Oklahoma. The taxes are expected to generate about $244 million next year.

Museum supporters say they've secured $40 million in pledges from private donors and only need one final $40 million appropriation from the Legislature to complete the project.

A separate $40 million for a museum in Tulsa will be considered Monday afternoon.

http://newsok.com/40m-for-indian-museum-okd-by-oklahoma-panel/article/3827939

its off, then on, then off, then on, then off again...

Oklahoma tornadoes: Backers of Oklahoma museum projects withdraw funding requests | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-tornadoes-backers-of-oklahoma-museum-projects-withdraw-funding-requests/article/3828419)


Backers of two Oklahoma museum projects hustling to get state funding in the last days of the session withdrew their requests Tuesday because of deadly tornadoes that struck the state this week.
“Due to the unfolding tragedy facing our friends and neighbors in the Moore and Shawnee communities, we agree this is the best course of action,” Mike Neal, president and chief executive officer of the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, a supporter of the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, commonly called OK Pop. “We applaud Gov. (Mary) Fallin, the Legislature and other state leaders for their diligent attention to ensuring any and all state resources are focused on assisting the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Blake Wade, executive director of the Native American Education Authority, which is trying to complete the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, agreed that legislators should put their attention on the needs of those suffering from Sunday's tornado in Shawnee and Monday's tornado that caused extensive damage and multiple deaths in Moore. ....

Possibly, but because they withdrew the request shouldn't mean it won't be considered anyway. It was certainly a good PR move even if it was well intentioned.

ljbab728: Too late now, they adjourned the session a week early...have to wait until next year

ljbab728: Too late now, they adjourned the session a week early...have to wait until next year

So, does that mean it WON'T be funded (with $40MM) and therefore lose the matching funds (that expire in 2 days)?

Dubya61: I think the matching funds are safe at this point...but if the funding bill passes when the Leg comes back next year is still up in the air...


“We need to be thinking first of our fellow Oklahomans who have suffered from this devastating disaster,” said Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, which would manage OK Pop. “I have talked to board members, private donors and supporters who have pledged matching resources for the museum, and they are in total agreement. This is the time to grieve and rally around those who need our help.”

''Proposed Indian Museum In Oklahoma Faces Opposition

Posted: Aug 24, 2013 4:55 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 24, 2013 4:55 PM CDT
By Associated Press


OKLAHOMA CITY - Two decades after it was proposed and seven years after the start of construction, the $170 million American Indian Cultural Center and Museum is still an unfinished dream.
The sprawling museum in Oklahoma's capital city was proposed to pay homage to the state's 39 federally recognized tribes. But it's only half finished and far short of the money needed for completion.

A total of $40 million in private donations has been raised to complete the project, but the state Legislature has balked at passing a bill to provide $40 million in matching funds.

When finished, the cultural center and museum will feature material from each Oklahoma tribe recognized by the federal government and items from the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington and other tribal museums''

From News9: Proposed Indian Museum In Oklahoma Faces Opposition - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/23247596/proposed-indian-museum-in-oklahoma-faces-opposition)

Just finish the damn thing already! The state will get its money back tenfold within a couple of years!

''Proposed Indian Museum In Oklahoma Faces Opposition

Posted: Aug 24, 2013 4:55 PM CDT
Updated: Aug 24, 2013 4:55 PM CDT
By Associated Press


OKLAHOMA CITY - Two decades after it was proposed and seven years after the start of construction, the $170 million American Indian Cultural Center and Museum is still an unfinished dream.
The sprawling museum in Oklahoma's capital city was proposed to pay homage to the state's 39 federally recognized tribes. But it's only half finished and far short of the money needed for completion.

A total of $40 million in private donations has been raised to complete the project, but the state Legislature has balked at passing a bill to provide $40 million in matching funds.

When finished, the cultural center and museum will feature material from each Oklahoma tribe recognized by the federal government and items from the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington and other tribal museums''

From News9: Proposed Indian Museum In Oklahoma Faces Opposition - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/23247596/proposed-indian-museum-in-oklahoma-faces-opposition)

Pretty weak story, I though there migt be something new. I wish we coud get this finished. It's a shame to allow it to remain unfinished and sit there empty.

Yeah, the state needs to put aside political ideologies and vote to fund this thing. As a poster above said, it will make its money back in just a few years. OKC and Oklahoma needs a world class attraction such as this.

Pretty weak story, I though there migt be something new. I wish we coud get this finished. It's a shame to allow it to remain unfinished and sit there empty.

Not to mention this is very poorly written article that leaves out the VERY big fact that funding was withdrawn after the tornado. Its likely this gets funded during the next session.

Pretty weak story, I though there migt be something new. I wish we coud get this finished. It's a shame to allow it to remain unfinished and sit there empty.I agree. . .I agree and I agree even more. It was something, so I posted haha :p

Just finish the damn thing already! The state will get its money back tenfold within a couple of years!It's sad how blind people are to realize that. I couldn't agree more though. There is truly nothing really left to say about it than to just finish the damn thing. Really gets me going when I think about it. :/