OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma lobbyists have formed a lobby, but that lobby isn’t hiring a lobbyist. At the same time Republican Governor Kevin Stitt issued a second executive order last week prohibiting state agencies from entering into any new contract or renewing an existing contract with a lobbyist, a group of state lobbyists have created a new organization to promote governmental advocacy as a profession and raise awareness of what lobbyist do.
Founded by Edmond lobbyist Jim Dunlap, the Oklahoma Society of Professional Advocates is about a week old and actively seeking members. “Our mission is simple,” Dunlap wrote in an email to prospective members, “to promote government affairs advocacy as a profession, support open, transparent practices at the capitol while working with the Ethics Commission and the Oklahoma Legislature to improve understanding and compliance with the laws governing lobbying in Oklahoma while raising the public perception of our industry while also providing an administrative support system for our network of businesses.”
CONCERNS ABOUT STITT’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS
Dunlap said the goal of the group is to raise awareness of what lobbyist do and the services they provide. He said he has concerns about the governor’s executive order but respects the process. “The governor was elected by the people of Oklahoma and he can make decisions as he sees fit,” Dunlap said. “We understand that.”
The organizational effort comes as Stitt has issued a flurry of executive orders that clamp down on lobbyists with state contracts and restrict travel and membership in professional organizations. Since January, Stitt has issued three executive orders tightening restrictions on lobbyists and memberships in professional organizations.