Sen. Corn Receives Defender of Free Enterprise Award

State Senator Kenneth Corn on Thursday was honored by the State Chamber of Commerce with the group’s “Defender of Free Enterprise Award” for his leadership in advancing legislation that would significantly impact economic development in Oklahoma.

Ron Cupp, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the State Chamber, said that in addition to securing the funding needed to keep Oklahoma’s eight-year transportation improvement plan on schedule, Corn’s legislation to remove the revenue growth trigger and extend the overall funding cap for the ROADS Fund were key elements for success.

“Sen. Corn played a critical role in making roads and bridges a priority throughout this year’s legislative session,” he said. “His efforts resulted in the passage of the bond program that will accomplish all the major priorities in transportation policy. This award is our way of thanking him for his exemplary leadership.”

In the last week of the 2008 legislative session, the Legislature approved a $475 million bond package to infuse resources into Oklahoma eight-year highway and bridge program, with a total of $300 million from that package going to improve and modernize the state’s transportation infrastructure. Additionally, the Legislature approved Corn’s measure to remove language requiring the State Board of Equalization to certify three percent growth in the General Revenue Fund before appropriating $50 million to the Rebuilding Oklahoma Access and Driver Safety (ROADS) Fund.

Corn said he was honored to be chosen for the award, and would continue his efforts to improve Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure and make the state an attractive destination for business and industry.

“The quality and safety of Oklahoma’s roads and bridges will always be among my greatest priorities as a legislator,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “I’m honored to have been chosen for this distinction and pleased with the progress we were able to make, particularly with the limited funding options we faced this year. For Oklahoma to become more attractive to business and industry, the Legislature must remain committed to providing the funding needed for significant improvements to our roads and bridges.”