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Powerful Living Thank you.


The Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives thanks Senator Jim Inhofe for his bipartisan co-sponsorship of S. 1302: The Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act of 2013.


Empowerment & Involvement


From the Editor E


“Many cooperative associations rely on Cooperative and Small Employer and Charitable (CSEC) plans to provide their employees with retirement benefi ts. These pension plans let small employers join


together to act as one large unit in order to function on par with large employers. CSEC plans pose little risk, and by subjecting them to the rules that now govern most pension plans, we


jeopardize the ability of the employers to provide this vital benefi t. S. 1302 implements pension


funding rules appropriate for the unique structure of CSEC plans, similar to what they are currently subject to, but with modifi cations to make them even more effi cient and stable.”


- Senator Jim Inhofe


very month when our team is wrap- ping up the magazine’s production, I’m reminded of our purpose in prepar- ing Oklahoma Living magazine for you, the member-owner of an electric cooperative. Powering the needs of new generations is a mission Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives strive to accom- plish every day in the local communities they serve. As the voice of these cooperatives, our goal is to make you feel inspired and empowered with each edition. This February edition has a special meaning to our staff. You


Anna Politano Managing Editor, Oklahoma Living


see, one of the core purposes of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives (Oklahoma Living’s publisher) is “to obtain the fairest possible treatment from state and federal governments by acquainting Legislators, Congressmen and other offi cials with the electric cooperative program.” Traditionally—and because February marks the beginning of a


new legislative session in Oklahoma—each February edition of Oklahoma Living has a legislative focus. This February 3rd Oklahoma will convene the second session of the 54th Legislature; this session, 101 House members and 48 Senators—whom we have elected to represent us—will travel from all parts of the state and come together at the Capitol to work on behalf of Oklahomans. Because cooperatives are engaged community part- ners, and not just another utility provider, we carry out the co- operative message legislatively with pride while encouraging our member-owners to be educated and involved citizens. On Page 6 of this edition, you will read an informative feature entitled the “The People’s Government.” It is our hope this article will shed light on how the Oklahoma Legislature works and will inspire you to become involved. This month, on Page 14, we also bring to you a special feature


on Oklahoma’s first Secretary of Energy and Environment, Michael Teague. This is the fi rst time in Oklahoma’s history that such a position has been combined. Good management of Oklahoma’s energy and environment is not only critical to our state’s future, but it is a topic of signifi cance for Oklahoma’s electric cooperatives as they seek to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity to you—the member-owner. Gov. Mary Fallin certainly chose a man of value to fi ll this important role. As you will fi nd, Teague had values ingrained in him as a child, watching his father with great admiration. His father was a dedi- cated and devoted Army engineer. From a young age, Secretary Teague hoped to follow in his dad’s footsteps—with this hope, he has carried out his dreams. With today’s technology and many outlets of communication, we have all the means to be informed about our local and state government. Oklahoma Living is one vehicle for communication at your fi ngertips. It is our hope that you will become—or con- tinue to be—involved in making Oklahoma a great place to call home. Rest assured your local electric cooperative is right there with you.


FEBRUARY 2014 5


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