The First Word 07.31.2024

Good afternoon members! It’s been a tumultuous political month despite it being summer both locally and nationally.

As I’m sure everyone is aware there was an assassination attempt on former President Trump’s life, followed by the Republican National Convention. Finally, President Biden announced he is not seeking the nomination. 

The Presidential race was getting out of reach for Democrats. Now, with a Harris-Trump matchup in November, the race is tightening as Democrats are energized.

In Oklahoma, following Senator Greg McCortney’s defeat on Primary Night, the Senate must select a new leader and President Pro-Tempore Designee. The State Senate selected Lonnie Paxton as their new leader.

Electorally, we have a runoff election in some portions of the state. While there are no statewide races, many house and senate seats will be determined by the Aug 27^th vote. You can check your voting location, view your sample ballot, update registration status or request an absentee ballot here. 

Finally, be on the lookout for Partnering Conference Registration. ODOT is finalizing their registration collection. As soon as they provide this link we will distribute this to you immediately!

I hope you are all having a great month and look forward to talking to you soon.

ACEC OKLAHOMA is proud to give Vander Ainsworth, Putnam City High School, Warr Acres OK our central Oklahoma college scholarship He plans to attend OSU and major in civil engineering!

Thank you to Brad Mirth, Joe Davis, Geoff Covalt, Jimmy Sparks, Paul Green and Kristi Bradley for serving on the central Oklahoma scholarship committee.

PAC Giving

Thank you for your generous support of our PAC's. Your contribution will be critical in electing legislators supportive of our agenda.

You can give securely and easily at the state level here.

You can donate at the federal level here.

If you have an interest in serving on the PAC Board please email me mike.thompson@acecok.org. We will have a position open in January.

Each raffle ticket is $50 and if you have previously donated to the state or federal PAC(s) in 2024 you will receive your tickets at the conference. If you have not donated give today!!

Donations for Raffle at Partnering Conference !!!

Please contact Rebecca Alverez, Paul Green or Kevin Bloss

Past Donations Include:

ACTION NEEDED: Senate Procedural Vote

On R&D Amortization

ACEC has learned that the Senate may hold a procedural vote this week on the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (H.R. 7024), a business and family tax package that would delay the R&D amortization requirement until 2026. ACEC member firm action is needed to build as much support for this vote as possible.

Some key Republican Senators have publicly expressed concerns about the child tax credit provisions in the package and we anticipate that other Republican Senators may defer to them. We will need support from several Republican Senators in order for the bill to move forward. 

It’s essential that your Senators hear from you that the engineering industry needs their support for H.R. 7024. Even if you already contacted y

our Senators earlier this year, 

please take action again

Partnering Conference Update

September 19th DBE Meeting and Opening Reception

September 20th Conference (all day)

Make sure your dues are paid and up to date for the discounted rate. We are examining ing the increasing cost.

Currently ODOT is finalizing the details and registration nd we will forward this as soon as possible!

Applications Open for OEF's Engineering Scholarships on

August 1st

The Oklahoma Engineering Foundation Scholarship Fund was established by OEF to support scholarships for engineering students at Oklahoma universities. To Learn More Oklahoma Engineering Scholarship | Oklahoma Engineering Foundation (oef.org)

Upcoming Events

ACEC OK Board and General Membership Meeting

AOGC

636 NE 41st St

OKC, OK 73105

August 20th

930 am Board Meeting - 12pm General Membership

Sign Up Here

ACEC OKLAHOMA Emerging Leaders Session One

Tulsa, OK

August 22-23

ODOT/ACEC Partnering Conference

Oklahoma City, OK

Sept. 19-20

Save the Date

ACEC OKLAHOMA Emerging Leaders Session Two

Oklahoma City, OK

Sep 12-13

Save the Date

ACEC OKLAHOMA Emerging Leaders Session Three

Stillwater, OK

Oct 3-4

Save the Date

ACEC Fall Conference

New Orleans, LA

October 20-23

Save the Date

Board and General Membership Meeting

November 6

3pm Board and 4pm General Membership

Tulsa OK

EEA Entries Due

December 5

2025 Board and General Membership Meeting / EEA Awards

Tulsa, OK

​​​​​​​Feb 6

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