Edmond Life & Leisure • August 13, 2020 • Page 9
Virus relief tops $250M Gov Kevin Stitt announced the State will be allocating approximately $250 million in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to Oklahoma cities and counties based on their population. This change allows for city and county governments to access CRF dollars more quickly and with maximum efficiency. “For the past two months, the State has closely followed guidance from the federal government in how to distribute critical Coronavirus Relief Funds to state agencies, cities and counties. After working with and observing the fiscal impact of COVID-19 on local governments, I di-
rected our team to streamline its reimbursement process and to deliver more flexibility for getting these critical funds out the door,” said Gov. Stitt. “The new CRF allocation model will ensure city and county governments have equitable access and more foresight as they plan for the remainder 2020.” The State’s new CRF allocation model designates a portion of the $250 million to each city and county based on a formula of $77 per capita. The model calculates city and county populations using the latest 2019 Census estimates, and county populations solely reflect unincorporated areas.
Ashlyn Johnson joins Full Sail Capital ing the firm.” Full Sail Capital has added Johnson is a University of client services specialist AshCentral Oklahoma graduate, lyn Johnson to its growing who is pursuing a master’s deteam of financial professiongree in counseling psychology als. from MidAmerica Christian “We are thrilled to have University. Pryor to joining Ashlyn on board,” said David Full Sail, Johnson spent four Stanley, chief executive offiyears with LifeSquire, providcer of Oklahoma City-based Johnson ing personal and executive asFull Sail Capital. “Her energy sistant services to a diverse and passion for serving othrange of clients. ers make her a perfect fit for our orShe also served as the company’s ganization.” volunteerism coordinator, organizing Johnson is joining a team dediwork projects benefiting nonprofit orcated to administrative and other ganizations such as the Regional client-support services. Food Bank of Oklahoma, Homeless “Meeting people and developing Alliance and Focus on Home. meaningful connections with others Johnson grew up in Edmond and comes naturally for me,” Johnson lives in Midwest City, where she ensaid. “Full Sail puts people first, and joys running, hiking and gardening. that’s why I’m so excited about join-
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Some of the merchandise offered at the new Expressions Gift Boutique at 1712 S. Kelly Ave.
Expressions Gift Boutique
New retail shop open According to the Edmond Economic Development Authority, Expressions Gift Boutique, a new locally-owned and operated gift boutique, recently opened in Edmond at 1712 S. Kelly Ave. The store offers a variety of items including lingerie, makeup and fashion jewelry as well as gift bags and greeting cards. Products from boutique publisher Studio Oh! are available, including notebooks and other paper products. Customers can also
shop for que brand collapsible water bottles in a variety of colors. Visitors to the store can enter to win the monthly gift basket drawing. Expressions is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The store is closed Sunday and Monday. Expressions is offering curbside product pickup as well as in-store shopping. Sanitizer, masks and gloves are available for customers shopping in the store.
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State Rep. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, (second from right) attends a ceremonial bill signing for House Bill 3350, which grants cost-of-living adjustments to state retirees, at the state Capitol.
Affects former state workers
Bill signed granting hikes in retirees’ pension plans State Rep. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, last week attended the ceremonial bill signing for House Bill 3350, which granted cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirees in Oklahoma pension plans, including teachers, firefighters, police, public employees and justices and judges. The bill was formally signed into law in May and took effect July 1. Ceremonial bill signings allow lawmakers and some of their constituents most affected by legislation to attend. HB 3350 bases COLAs on the number of years individuals have received retirement benefits from the state. Those retired for five years or more as of July 1 received a 4% increase in monthly pension payments. Those retired at least two years but not five got a 2% increase.
Frix, the principal author of the bill said he’s fought for COLA legislation since being elected in 2016. “After talking to so many state retirees who have waited so long for an increase in their benefit,” Frix said, “it was gratifying today to see pen put to paper to symbolize the relief this legislation brings for these dedicated public servants.” Frix pointed out that it has been 12 years since these former state employees received a COLA, even as they’ve seen the cost of health insurance premiums and other living expenses rise. The measure passed unanimously in the House with vote of 99-0 and in the Senate by a vote of 41-5. Frix said the COLA represents a fiscally responsible agreement that keeps the state’s pension plans on healthy financial footing.
