Bankruptcy filings in August increased 18% Y-O-Y; filings in Oklahoma in first 8 months up nearly 21%

OKLAHOMA CITY – There were 634 commercial Chapter 11 filings registered across the nation in August 2023, an increase of 54% from filings registered in August 2022, according to data provided by Epiq Bankruptcy, the provider of U.S. bankruptcy filing data.

House bill would repeal sales tax on motor vehicle purchases

OKLAHOMA CITY – A measure that would repeal the 1.25% sales tax on motor vehicle purchases was filed in the state Legislature last week. The legislation would leave intact the 3.25% excise tax paid on vehicle purchases.

Cartmell appointed OJA director

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Jeffrey Cartmell to be executive director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. Cartmell succeeds Rachel Holt, who last month was named executive director of the United Way of Central Oklahoma.

Unemployment low, fuel prices high

OKLAHOMA CITY — Despite repeated hikes in interest rates over the past 18 months, joblessness in Oklahoma remains low and the state’s unemployment rate in August was a full percentage point below the national rate. For the filing week that ended Sept.

State ‘blacklist’ could be costly for pension systems

OKLAHOMA CITY — The law that requires the State Treasurer to blacklist financial institutions that are perceived to be “boycotting” the energy industry could cost state retirement systems $10 million or more.

Martinez resigns office after plea bargain

OKLAHOMA CITY — A Republican state representative resigned from office last week, after issues arose about the representative’s plea agreement for a DUI arrest. Rep.

Bingman to file for state Corporation Commission

OKLAHOMA CITY — Secretary of State Brian Bingman intends to resign his posts as Secretary of State and Native American Affairs to seek election to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

Grants awarded to repair sewage treatment systems

OKLAHOMA CITY — Two southwest Oklahoma communities have received grants to pay for improvements to their wastewater treatment facilities.

BlackRock still on state’s list of banned institutions

OKLAHOMA CITY — The number of financial institutions forbidden from doing business with Oklahoma state investments and funds because of their environmental, social and governance policies has been slashed, but BlackRock Inc. still leads the list.