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Blackwell Announces Re-Election Bid Oklahoma State Representative Gus Blackwell (R-Goodwell) announced his decision to run for re-election this week. He has already served four years in the state legislature for District 61. The past two years he served on the leadership team as Majority Whip and was also Chairman of the Corrections and Criminal Justice Committee. “I feel that my experience and position on the Speaker's leadership team greatly increases my ability to serve the people in this area,” Rep. Blackwell said. “These last two years especially, I feel that I have been able to pass legislation that benefits my constituents specifically and the people of Oklahoma in general.” Last year he was co-author of the Higher Education bond issue that brought 6.5 million to OPSU for a new science and agriculture building. He was also able to secure another $750,000 from the State Regents to pay off a debt on the existing Noble Activity Center . “I am committed to excellence in both common and higher education,” related Rep Blackwell. This year Rep. Blackwell points to the passage of HB 2755 as an example of getting things done at the local level. This bill will allow for the full reimbursement of ad valorem taxes to the county for school lease land. “I know that many people have worked years trying to get this accomplished,” said Rep. Blackwell. “I am extremely grateful to have been able to get this bill passed by the House and Senate this year.” Rep. Blackwell also points to the accomplishment of last year's tax cut. It was the largest in state history and has helped all the people of Oklahoma . “This tax cut allowed everyone in Oklahoma to be able to get a pay raise,” he said. “It also provided the impetus to have for the first time in history a full Rainy Day account and money that exceeded projections.” This year Oklahoma had a billion dollars of surplus funds and growth revenue for the fiscal year. Rep Blackwell serves the largest House district in the state and has the longest drive to the State Capitol. Yet he is well known for being available to his constituents and participating in events throughout his district and at the Capitol. “It has been a tremendous privilege to be able to represent the great people of District 61 these past four years,” Rep Blackwell continued. “I would be proud to be able to continue to serve the people of this area to the best of my ability in the State House of Representatives.” Boise City News |