Magna Carta News

2008-11-17T11:41:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Mark McCullough
Capitol: (405) 557-7414

McCullough Renews Push for Workers' Comp Reform

OKLAHOMA CITY (November 17, 2008) - Laying the groundwork for the coming legislative session, state Rep. Mark McCullough recently presented his workers reform proposal to business leaders, saying it could drive down costs while improving worker benefits.

"My plan would dismantle our lawsuit-based Workers' Compensation Court and replace it with an administrative system modeled after the successful Arkansas system," said McCullough, R-Sapulpa. "Oklahoma's current workers comp system fails both injured workers and employers. My plan would reduce costs to the employer while creating an easier path back to work for injured employees. While there are obvious reasons for business leaders to support this plan, injured workers would get the most benefit thanks to streamlining access to medical care and focusing on vocational rehabilitation."

This year's House Bill 2605, by McCullough, would have created a three-member Workers' Compensation Commission to replace the current Workers' Compensation Court.
McCullough plans to file the legislation again in the 2009 session, which begins in February.
The legislation is the result of months of work, including an in-depth legislative study that identified the major failings of Oklahoma's workers' compensation system.

That study demonstrated the rate of permanent partial disability payments (PPDs) in Oklahoma is almost twice the regional average and the average lost-time claim frequency is much higher - 60 percent higher than the national average.

According to figures in the 2006 Workers' Compensation Court report and the 2006 National Council on Compensation Insurance report, there were 14,919 total claims that year, including 10,700 joint petitions with an average payout of $17,692 per claim and another 3,413 Court ordered PPDs with an average payout of $22,299 per claim.

That same year, Oklahoma's workers' compensation system ordered vocational rehabilitation for only 4 percent of all cases.

That's why House Bill 2605 will reform the system to emphasize treatment and rehabilitation for injured workers, McCullough said.

"Our lawsuit-driven system provides little benefit to injured workers and devours financial resources that would otherwise be used to grow our economy and create new jobs," McCullough said. "Since most attorneys are paid by getting a cut of a worker's monetary award, they don't have any incentive to pursue rehabilitation programs for clients. I believe it's better to help an injured worker regain his or her health instead of giving them a one-time minor payment that ultimately goes to their lawyer."

McCullough noted that attorney involvement is 50 percent higher in Oklahoma's workers comp system than the national average, which helps explain why Oklahoma experience the highest payout for claims in 18 years in 2006 - $270 million, a 69 percent increase since 2000.

To reverse those trends while helping injured employees return to health and work, House Bill 2605 would move all workers' compensation claims, issues, and hearings to an administrative process.

The new Workers' Compensation Commission would have authority to hold hearings to settle proceedings related to all compensation claims made by employees. The responsibilities and authority of the commission members, who would all be gubernatorial appointees, would include appointing administrative law judges to preside over claims hearings.

The bill also establishes a Vocational Rehabilitation program to help return employees to their prior working capabilities.

McCullough said he was "pleasantly surprised" by business leader's enthusiastic response when presented with his plan at a recent forum.

"It's obvious to all that our system is broken," McCullough said. "We can't solve this problem by tinkering with the system. We need to reform it to include every best practice and efficiency. I hope 2009 is the year we finally fix the system."

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Rep. Duncan announces landfill legislation

2008-09-19T10:09:00.002-05:00

*Oklahoma** House of Representatives*

*Media Division*

September 19, 2008

/_FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:_/

Contact: State Rep. Rex Duncan

Capitol: (405) 557-7344

*/Duncan/**/ Announces Landfill Legislation/*

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, said he will
introduce legislation during the 2009 session to regulate large
landfills and the contents they are permitted to bury.

Currently, Duncan said the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ) cannot take adverse action against landfills in response to
complaints regarding odor emitted by large "trash mountain" sites.

Duncan said landfills that are authorized to bury solid waste and other
questionable materials can be just as objectionable as the Concentrated
Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) found in Western Oklahoma. The obvious
difference, Duncan noted, is that the landfills haul the "smell" to the
site.

Duncan is also concerned that the DEQ has allowed the height of some of
these "trash mountains" to increase to the point some have become the
key terrain feature on the horizon.

"At some point in time the DEQ should require the closing of these
mountains and I intend to author restrictions on the size and content –
apparently there are no meaningful limits in the statutes," said Duncan.

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Lawmaker Calls On Attorney General to Investigate Google-Yahoo

2008-09-17T12:56:00.002-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Mike Thompson
Capitol: (405) 557-7403

Lawmaker Calls On Attorney General to Investigate Google-Yahoo

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 17, 2008) -
State Rep. Mike Thompson has sent a letter to Attorney General Drew Edmondson asking him to investigate the proposed Google-Yahoo! deal that would give Google control of over 90 percent of the search advertising market.

Thompson said Oklahoma should add its name to the growing number of organizations and states that are investigating the deal. The transaction is currently being investigated by the Department of Justice and has been the subject of hearings in both the United States Senate and House. States as diverse as California, New York, Florida, and Connecticut are currently looking at the deal because of its monopolistic implications and impact on privacy.

Last week the Association of National Advertisers, a major trade group that represents companies like Procter & Gamble and General Motors, sent a letter to the DOJ opposing the Google-Yahoo! deal.

"This deal is in direct contradiction to the competition and innovation that drive the Internet and our economy," said Thompson, R-Oklahoma City. "Google is a major corporation. Like any other major corporation, Google believes its profits are paramount. That's fine until it comes at the expense of average citizens and consumers."

Google has also been criticized for its policies regarding online consumer privacy across its many applications including Google Search, YouTube, Google StreetView and its recently released web browser "Chrome." This summer, Google lawyers presented legal arguments stating that "... complete privacy does not exist" as part of a consumer lawsuit against Google over trespassing related to its StreetView application.

"Attorney General Edmondson and the U.S. Department of Justice need to thoroughly investigate the implications of the Google-Yahoo! deal, especially its impact to online consumer privacy.

With 90 percent of the search engine market and access to all that data on online consumer behavior, Google's privacy policies would effectively become national standards. Policymakers are obligated to carefully review this deal," Thompson said.

Thompson represents Oklahoma's State House District 100, which includes portions of Oklahoma City, Bethany and Warr Acres.

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Oklahoma Missing Angels Act

2008-08-25T17:03:00.001-05:00

0FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Dennis Johnson
Capitol: (405) 557-7327

Governor Signs Birth Certificate Law in Special Ceremony

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 25, 2008) - Legislation allowing the state to issue birth certificates to the parents of a stillborn child has received the governor's signature in a special ceremony.
House Bill 2995, by state Rep. Dennis Johnson, would allow the certificates to be issued in cases of stillbirth for any child 20 weeks or more into a pregnancy. The newly created document would be a "Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth," or COBRS.

"In the past, the parents of a stillborn baby simply received a death certificate, which did little to acknowledge the parents' real loss," said Johnson, R-Duncan. "These families have decorated a nursery, their extended family and friends are excited about the new baby coming, and a birth occurs. The birth certainly doesn't have the outcome the parents expect and then they realize that this short life has already come and gone. I experienced that grief as a grandparent last year and wanted to change the way our state treats parents facing this tragedy. The new certificates focus on the fact that the parents did give birth to a child and help them cope with their loss."

Under the legislation, the parents of a stillborn child can request the birth certificate. This new law is also retroactive so parents can get a COBRS for children lost in past years.
The new law is titled the "MISSing Angels Act" and "Christopher and Kendall's Law" in honor of two children lost to stillbirth. Christopher was born to Pat Flynn in 1978 and Johnson's granddaughter Kendall was born last year.

Flynn approached Johnson about carrying the birth certificate legislation before the 2008 session.

"This document is a simple thing, but it can help provide closure," Johnson said. "It acknowledges that your child was born, was a person and is recognized as a citizen of Oklahoma."

More than 26,000 children are stillborn nationally each year.
The First Breath Foundation helped developed House Bill 2995 and is seeking passage of similar measures across the country. Oklahoma is the 24th state to adopt this law.

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2008-08-13T12:09:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Randy McDaniel
Capitol: (405) 557-7409

McDaniel Calls for Better Rating System for Care Facilities

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 13, 2008) - One of the most important decisions families face is selecting a care facility for a loved one in need. Whether a family is choosing a day care center for a child or a nursing home for an elderly parent, information on quality of care is crucial.
State Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City, believes the state can do more to help those families.
In response to tragic events involving abuse and neglect, he noted that efforts have been made at the state level to better inform the public about the performance of day care centers, assisted living centers and nursing home facilities.

"While I applaud efforts to improve the information made publicly available so all Oklahomans can make an informed decision, I believe the system needs to be improved," McDaniel said.
He noted that the most common method for evaluation of a facility is the "star method." Under that system, the best facilities, in theory, receive five stars and the worst receive one or no star.
"Unfortunately, the criteria for making evaluations are flawed," McDaniel said. "One major problem is that there is only a limited distinction made between centers of excellence and centers barely meeting the criteria to retain their license under the current system for day care operations. They are all grouped closely together with nearly the same star rating."
He said another problem is the fact that private and faith-based facilities were not taken into consideration. In order to achieve the highest rating, facilities must belong to a national assembly. However, many day care centers that do not receive state or federal money do not join those groups because they require a membership fee costing thousands of dollars.
They do not join because the perceived benefits are limited and they already enjoy a large demand for their services. Because those facilities do not join national assemblies, they are able to keep overhead and prices lower, but they are also unable to receive a top rating from the state.
"As a consequence, some of the best facilities in Oklahoma are given a lower star rating than poorer-performing facilities that use state dollars to obtain membership in a state-selected national organization," McDaniel said. "There are similar problems in the rating systems used for assisted living centers and nursing homes.
"Quality of care should matter more than whether or not a facility receives state funding."
McDaniel plans to address this problem during the next legislative session.
"Oklahomans have a right to expect a rating system that is fair and impartial," McDaniel said. "When ratings are given by state agencies charged with monitoring all facilities, the ratings have an implied level of credibility and authority that many will use in their decision-making process. Until the rating system is improved, one should use caution and seek additional sources of information before making the critical decision about where to place a loved one."

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Google's units of knowledge called knols

2008-07-24T17:37:00.002-05:00

Google has been developing a new program that it calls "knols" which they define as a knowledge base much like Wikipedia which has been around for a long time. We were alerted to today's grand opening of the Google knowledge base site by one of our news sources so we went to check it out.

We found that the front page was dominated by knols most of which were probably written by Google employees or their friends. We feel reasonably safe in making that assumption because the vast majority of knols were all about the same general topic which was medicine, illnesses and diseases.

When something new is first opened by such giants as Google it is usually only one key person at the helm who chooses who is going to get all the publicity and what they will do or write about to get that publicity and it isn't as though they had actually opened the new facility to the public and pick articles actually written by the public at large as advertised. That's pretty normal because if it is brand new and almost no body has heard of it yet except a few geeks then nobody will be certain to contribute to the knowledge base who can or will write good copy.

A company must present what it deems to be an acceptable front page that will not offend anyone because of possible controversial material. So they have them write about some benign subject or subjects certain not to offend.

The first knol in the knowledge base is an article on backpacking in the mountains and then from there a slew of articles about various diseases and disabilities that constantly plague portions of humanity.

We did find some contrast to the mundane articles in the form of several articles written by Oklahoma City author Bill Bauer of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Bill is a true internet pioneer in that he can be counted on to be at the forefront of most new things that pop up on the internet. For instance he was one of the first to start blogging when blogging first appeared on the internet back in 1998. His first blog was quickly followed by many more and most of them are still in existance today.

We quickly found that his current list of new knols starts with this one.
which for some strange reason he left untitled

For his second entry into the knol empire Bill answered a question on where he is one of the top notch experts on collections law which is his forte.

For his next article Bill answered a question about oldsters and garnishment of their pension checks. It seems that some inhumane debt collector has been hounding a pair of oldsters who were shuffled over to a doctor who doesn't do SSI and who now wants his money for essentially doing nothing.

Bill's next article discusses unfair debt collection practices which are more than abundant in the collection industry. Such unfair debt collection practices are becoming much more plentiful as debt collectors scramble to survive in the now failing economy.

Bill and his students have been extremely successful in bringing both debt collectors and their lawyers to their knees for a long time now.

creditwrench
knol
knols

Wesselhöft Statement on Efforts to Fire Regier

2008-07-18T07:25:00.001-05:00

Oklahoma House of Representatives

Media Division

July 17, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: State Rep. Paul Wesselhöft
Capitol: (405) 557-7343

Wesselhöft Statement on Efforts to Fire Regier

OKLAHOMA CITY – Note: State Rep. Paul Wesselhöft, R-Moore, issued the following statement today in response to calls for the firing of Jerry Regier, interim director of the Oklahoma Construction Industry.

“It has been appalling to read the recent attacks on one of Oklahoma’s most honorable sons, Jerry Regier. State Senators Debbe Leftwich (D) Oklahoma City, and Harry Coates (R) Seminole have called into question the merits of the Oklahoma Construction Industry Board’s (CIB) hiring of Regier as its interim director.

“Jerry Regier has an impressive history of success and accomplishment guiding and resurrecting countless programs and agencies. Amongst his accomplishments, Mr. Regier was the founding President and driving force behind the Family Research Council; an early Washington, DC watchdog organization. In Oklahoma, he took the reigns of the Department of Health and Human Services at a time of crisis, righted the ship, and uncovered numerous ghost employees. He appointed me to head Oklahoma’s new abstinence initiative, in which we successfully lowered the teen and out of wedlock birth rates.

“For the State of Florida, he restructured the Department of Children and Families, successfully reducing a backlog of 30,000 social services cases and increasing adoptions by some 150 percent. He put in place a new foster care system which had literally lost children in the past.

“One must wonder why Senators Leftwich and Coates would call for the ouster of the man who in 2001 was named Administrator of the Year in Oklahoma by the American Society of Public Administration (Oklahoma Chapter). They had not said one word about the CIB for the past 8 months since Boyd West had been fired as the Administrator…so why now? Clearly it seems to be politically motivated.

“As the Chairman of the Industry and Labor Committee, in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, I understand the critical need for quality leadership within our construction industry at this point in time. Jerry Regier is the right man, at the right time for this post. He has been a problem solver in a wide range of administrative posts, from local government up to multiple Federal posts under three different Presidents. Many of these agencies were in states of crisis, and Jerry succeeded in bringing each situation encountered to a positive and productive resolution. There should be no doubt that a similar result will occur for the CIB should Mr. Regier be allowed to continue in his capacity as Interim Director. The Board should not allow these Senators to now become Administrators of an Executive branch agency, but should do what is right for the good of the CIB.”

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OEA Renews Push for Forced Rural School Consolidation

2008-07-17T13:01:00.001-05:00

Oklahoma House of Representatives

Media Division

July 17, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: State Rep. Jeff Hickman

Capitol: (405) 557-7339

OEA Renews Push for Forced Rural School Consolidation

OKLAHOMA CITY – A state teacher’s union is renewing its push for “back-door consolidation” of rural schools, a state legislative leader warned today.

State Rep. Jeff Hickman noted this is the second time in three years the Oklahoma Education Association has tried to force rural consolidation.

“The OEA keeps using the same old bait-and-switch: They say they want to help education but pursue strategies guaranteed to force the closing of rural schools,” said Hickman, R-Dacoma

This year’s state appropriation for public schools was $2.53 billion – an increase and record amount in a session when most state agencies received no extra funding at all. Oklahoma schools are expected to also receive another $628.2 million in federal funds and around $1 billion more in local funding.

In spite of that record support, the OEA plans to promote a proposed constitutional amendment mandating an increase in “per-pupil” funding they say would require an additional $850 million appropriation, according to the July 17 edition of The Oklahoman.

That plan would almost certainly force the closure of dozens of rural schools in an effort to reach the OEA’s arbitrary goal, Hickman noted. Many of those smaller, rural districts are at or near the top in the state in academic performance. “The OEA’s plan would force the elimination of schools across the state to reduce overhead and boost per-pupil funding,” Hickman said. “Their plan would not provide any true benefit to students and would actually create serious hardships for families throughout Oklahoma. The OEA bosses in Oklahoma City may not think it’s a big deal for rural parents to have to drive children an hour or more to school, but I think most parents would disagree, especially in a time of $4 gas.”

This is the OEA’s second attempt to force school consolidation. In late 2005, the union filed a lawsuit on behalf of the super-wealthy Jenks and Western Heights school districts claiming they were underfunded.

The OEA lawsuit was modeled after an Arkansas plan that forced the closure of 57 school districts in that state. If the OEA had been successful at forcing the Arkansas model on Oklahoma, up to 250 Oklahoma school districts could have faced closure thanks to the OEA’s back-door consolidation plan.

“You don’t improve education by closing schools – particularly some of our best-performing districts,” Hickman said, “It’s too bad the OEA doesn’t understand that.”

UMB Bank ripoff report

2008-04-15T08:43:00.003-05:00

UMB Bank ripoff report

It seems that someone is very upset with UMB Bank because of it's policy of charging $8.00 a day for each day that his account balance is negative. That would not normally be seen as something to make headline news but in this case it well may be since a bank error led to the overdraft in the first place. The customer did nothing to generate a negative balance. He wrote no checks and did not use his bank debit card during the month yet ended up owing the bank a huge amount of money in overdraft and negative balance fees.

The customer is so outraged that he has created a video which is now featured in Google Videos, Youtube, It seems to be getting a great deal of attention as Yahoo videos reports it was viewed about 2500 times,

Over 100 websites have this video

UMB Bank among the listings on the most wanted criminals.com

UMB

ripoff

youtube

Smoke-a-nazis hard at it in Oklahoma again

2008-01-24T06:38:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Ken Luttrell
Capitol: (405) 557-7355

Legislation to Protect Children from Smoking Hazards

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 22, 2008) - Hoping to protect children from the
harmful effects of smoking, legislation filed by state Rep. Ken Luttrell
would make it illegal to smoke in a car carrying minors.
"I feel we have an obligation to protect our children," said
Luttrell, D-Ponca City. "You wouldn't drink and then drive a car with
children in it, so why would you want to expose your children to
concentrated smoke? Who will protect children if their parents won't?"
House Bill 2589, by Luttrell, would make it illegal to smoke
while driving if minors are present in a vehicle. Violations would
result in a fine of up to $100.
The bill would also make it illegal to seat minors in a smoking
room at a restaurant or other facility.
Luttrell noted that a recent test conducted in California showed
how quickly chemicals accumulate in a car when someone smokes inside it.
The test showed that air quality became toxic - up to 30 times the
hazardous level set by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The
test found that cracking a window while smoking made little difference.
This research shows because children's bodies are still
developing, they are more susceptible to the effects of second-hand
smoke. Children exposed to cigarette smoke can develop asthma,
bronchitis and ear infections.
Luttrell's legislation is based on laws approved in Arkansas,
California and Louisiana. Up to 16 states are expected to consider
similar legislation this year, he said.
The bill was also requested by the Northern Oklahoma Association
of Mayors.
"Frankly, I hope the state never has to write a single
citation," Luttrell said. "If we can educate the public about the risks
created for children travelling with a smoker, I believe most Oklahomans
will do the responsible thing."

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Shelton Seeks Insurance Help for Smokers

2008-01-23T07:36:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Mike Shelton
Capitol: (405) 557-7367

Shelton Seeks Insurance Help for Smokers

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 22, 2008) - In Oklahoma, smokers often have to
have cancer before an insurance company will pay for treatment. That's
why state Rep. Mike Shelton has filed legislation to require insurance
companies to provide coverage for smoking cessation programs.
"Our insurance companies are being penny wise and pound
foolish," said Shelton, D-Oklahoma City. "It's ridiculous to refuse
coverage for treatments that can prevent cancer in the long run and save
lives at the same time."
House Bill 2868 would require insurance companies to provide
coverage for "supplies, medication, and related services used as an aide
in the cessation of smoking when recommended or prescribed by a
physician or other licensed health care provider."
Shelton became aware of the problem when a friend was trying to
quit smoking but could not afford the cessation treatments on her income
and her insurance would not provide coverage.
"Asking someone to simply stop smoking without help is absurd,"
Shelton said. "It's not that easy. Nicotine is a very addictive drug and
many people cannot quit relying on willpower alone."
In 2004, Oklahoma had the third-highest rate of smoking
prevalence among the 50 states (26.1 percent of the adult population),
according to federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If the state is every going to improve that number, officials
must aggressively support smoking cessation efforts, Shelton said.
"The Legislature needs to be more proactive when it comes to
improving the health of Oklahoma citizens," Shelton said. "There's a
reason Oklahoma ranks so horribly in almost every health category - the
Legislature, under both Democratic and Republican control, has failed to
act. As a result of those years of neglect, we're now forced to make up
time. This issue is literally a life-and-death situation for many
Oklahomans. We can't afford to risk the lives of our citizens based on
the opinion of a claims adjuster or even insurance company. Our citizen
and families are too important."
Shelton noted that the state smoking cessation hotline has
received roughly 17,000 calls in the last year, indicating a growing
demand for smoking cessation aid.
"House Bill 2868 makes great financial sense," he said. "We can
pay now to help someone stop smoking or pay later for expensive
radiation and chemotherapy treatments."

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2008-01-22T11:00:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Rebecca Hamilton
Capitol: (405) 557-7397

Bill to Target Companies Creating Illegal Immigration Problem

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 22, 2008) - Legislation filed this week by state
Rep. Rebecca Hamilton would target the root cause of illegal
immigration.
"There has been too much invective, blaming and name-calling
where this issue is concerned. That kind of behavior damages our
community and encourages legislators to vote for bad laws that don't
help anyone. I hope that this bill will begin a conversation focused on
finding positive solutions that build our state and that avoid
abrogating the human rights of any of our residents.
"The influx of illegal immigrants into Oklahoma is a symptom of larger
problems. If we don't address the causes of illegal immigration, we will
never be able to deal effectively with it. Illegal immigration is in
large part a direct result of the failure of United States corporations
operating south of the border to be good corporate citizens in those
countries. Legislation that tries only to punish people and pit one
group of low-income workers against another doesn't help the problem. In
fact, it makes it worse." said Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City.
House Bill 3067, by Hamilton, would repeal portions of an
infamous law approved last session to address illegal immigration
problems (House Bill 1804) - a law many critics argue has simply been
anti-Hispanic.
Hamilton said her bill would instead target the primary cause of
illegal immigration - the exploitation of immigrant workers by large
corporations - instead of targeting poor people whose lives are already
a financial struggle.
"Every country has the right to defend its own borders, but
Oklahoma's current immigration law doesn't do that," Hamilton said. "We
need to go after those who profit off illegal immigration both here and
in other countries."
House Bill 3067 would make it illegal for the state of Oklahoma
to contract with any company that has closed American facilities and
opened new factories outside the country unless they operate those
factories in compliance with United States wage, safety and human rights
guarantees.
Companies that operate in other countries and do not maintain workplace,
labor and minimum-wage standards comparable to U.S. law would also be
barred from receiving state contracts under the legislation.
Citing United States Department of Labor statistics, the
legislation notes that wages in both Mexico and the United States have
fallen since the ratification of the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA).
In addition, Hamilton noted most labor unions in Mexico are either owned
outright by the employer or controlled by the Mexican government,
meaning workers have no leverage to protect their basic rights in
American-owned facilities in Mexico.
Hamilton said American-owned plants in Mexico pay substandard wages and
deduct fees from their Mexican worker's wages, which "makes it
impossible for people to live on what they are paid by these
corporations."
The low wages and poor working conditions available in Mexico lead many
natives to illegally enter the United States where they can earn more
even when working for less money than most Americans and taking jobs
that are relatively hazardous.
"You can't solve a problem unless you address the root causes,"
Hamilton said. "Right now, the state of Oklahoma is basically targeting
Hispanic people and other immigrants when we should be targeting the
companies that take advantage of lax border enforcement to exploit
lower-wage workers in both countries."
Hamilton, who was one of only nine lawmakers to consistently
opposed House Bill 1804 in the Legislature, noted those who claim House
Bill 1804 is forcing illegal immigrants to leave Oklahoma cannot base
those arguments on hard data. And anecdotal evidence clearly contradicts
those claims, she said.
For example, although Census Bureau figures indicate more
illegal immigrants live in Hamilton's south Oklahoma City district than
any other district in Oklahoma, there has been no noticeable population
shift since House Bill 1804 took effect.
"I can say without equivocation that the people in my district
are still here," Hamilton said. "If large numbers of people living
illegally in Oklahoma are leaving the state, I would have noticed it."

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December Ice Storm in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

2007-12-15T09:57:00.000-06:00

Ice Storm Photos by Magna Carta News Service

2007-06-08T15:42:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma House of Representatives

Media Division

May 1, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: State Rep. Rex Duncan

Capitol: (405) 557-7344

Media Advisory:

State Officials to Urge Support of “War on Terrorism” License Plate

WHO: State Rep. Rex Duncan and representatives of 45th Infantry Division

WHAT: Press conference to unveil the new “War on Terrorism” license plate

WHERE: The 45th Infantry Division Museum, 2145 N.E. 36th Street in Oklahoma City.

THE STORY AT A GLANCE: Time is running out for Oklahomans to order a “Global War on Terrorism” license plate.

Although the specialty plate was authorized nearly one year ago, logistical problems slowed the creation of the plate and state officials must now obtain at least 100 orders by May 31 or the program will be discontinued.

Officials representing the 45th Infantry Division will join state Rep. Rex Duncan (R-Sand Springs and author of the legislation creating the tag) to unveil the new license plate and call on Oklahomans to support the program.

The cost for the plate is $37 with $20 generated by each license plate designated for support of the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City.

The 45th Infantry Division Museum, which is free to the public, is currently funded through minor state appropriations and private donations.

To order a plate, Oklahomans should download Form 708-E from the Oklahoma Tax Commission website at www.tax.ok.gov. Applications and payments can be mailed back to the Tax Commission at the address on the form. Any Oklahoma tag agent office may also accept the applications and payments.

The plate’s design may be viewed at www.tax.ok.gov/sp145.html.

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Disabled Oklahomans May Get New Name for Agency

2007-06-07T23:53:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Paul Wesselhöft
Capitol: (405) 557-7343
Moore: (405) 517-7148

Disabled Oklahomans May Get New Name for Agency

OKLAHOMA CITY -In an attempt to cast Oklahoma's disabled community in a more positive light, legislation to change a state agency's name now heads to the governor's desk.

House Bill 1084, by state Rep. Wesselhöft, will rename the Oklahoma Office of Handicapped Concerns as the Office of Disability Concerns.

Wesselhöft said his bill has the support of the Office of Handicapped Concerns

"It is important that we be sensitive to the disabled community to make sure they are viewed as people with disabilities and not 'handicapped,'" said Wesselhöft. "We need to do whatever we can to show our support."

The word handicap comes from the expression "cap in hand," a reference to beggars that many people with disabilities think is inappropriate and belittles their ability to function as everyday citizens.

House Bill 1084 has passed both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature, receiving unanimous approval from the House of Representatives on Monday.

Wesselhoft encouraged Gov. Brad Henry to sign the bill.

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Disabled Oklahomans May Get New Name for Agency

2007-06-07T23:53:00.000-05:00

Derby Legislation Eliminates Unnecessary Police Expense

2007-02-15T10:20:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. David Derby
Capitol: (405) 557-7377

Derby Legislation Eliminates Unnecessary Police Expense

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 14, 2007) - Because of a quirk in state laws on
drug testing, law enforcement officials have been required to determine
if seized drugs included products that haven't been on the market for
decades.
State lawmakers voted Wednesday to eliminate that waste of
manpower hours and taxpayer dollars.
House Bill 1297, by state Rep. David Derby, updates statutes
dealing with law enforcement lab tests for opiates. The bill deletes
Dextropropoxyphene from the list of drugs that law enforcement officials
must look for in lab tests and adds Propoxyphene and Oxycodone to the
list.
"Our crime labs are going to save two hours of analytical time
per tablet because of that little word change," said Derby, an Owasso
Republican who previously worked as a forensic chemist. "Some of the
drugs on the current list haven't been produced in over 20 years, but we
still have to test for them. That's a complete waste of money and time."
House Bill 1297 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on
a 101-0 vote on Wednesday. It now proceeds to the state Senate.

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Legislation to Target MySpace Predators Passes House

2007-02-14T19:49:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Sasha Bradley, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7422

Contact: State Rep. Paul Wesselhoft
Capitol: (405) 557-7343
Moore: (405) 517-7148

Legislation to Target MySpace Predators Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY - Sexual predators are targeting Oklahoma's innocent
children through harmless entertainment outlets, such as the web.

What may seem like a safe and innocent way for children to communicate
with friends and relatives via Internet is also a way for sex offenders
to prey on the young and innocent, state Rep. Paul Wesselhoft warned
House members today - and that's why he wants to make it difficult for
sex offenders to have 'MySpace' accounts.

House Bill 1714, by Wesselhoft, allows the court to prohibit sex
offenders from accessing certain communication web sites and allows the
court to require sex offenders to list any current email addresses they
are using.

MySpace, the leading social networking and lifestyle portal, allows
individuals worldwide to create their own personal webpage giving
visitors a personal profile containing a wide range of information,
including pictures, interests, relationship status, occupation,
hometown, education background, body type and even sexual orientation.

"It's scary but true: Your child may be communicating with molesters and
rapists right under your nose," said Wesselhoft, R-Moore. "Online social
networking sites such as MySpace provide an open invitation for child
predators to communicate with children, giving these predators pictures
to look at, the physical location of the child, and the child's favorite
interests."

According to a report done by KWTV News Channel 9, there are over 40
registered sex offenders living in Oklahoma and Cleveland counties who
matched up with MySpace account users based on name, age and location.

Currently, MySpace has around 80 million worldwide visitors daily. A
report by ComScore Media Metrix, an audience measurement research
service, showed that 85 percent of MySpace account users are older than
18. Based on MySpace's account numbers and ComScore's percentage, there
are around 12 million account holders who are minors.

Wesselhoft said those 12 million children are easy prey for sexual
predators with MySpace accounts.

House Bill 1714 passed the full House today on a 99-0 vote.

"Something needs to be done to protect our children from these sick
individuals. I am glad my fellow House members agree," said Wesselhoft.
"Hopefully, this law will help protect our children from these sick
individuals."

MySpace.com recently announced that they would be teaming up with
Sentinel Tech Holding Corp., the leading online identity and
background-verification company, in a joint effort to build Sentinel
Safe, a technology that will allow the company to block convicted sex
offenders from accessing the popular website. Through this landmark
partnership, MySpace said they will be able to search existing state and
federal databases to identify and delete the profiles of registered sex
offenders.

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Bill to Penalize Lawmakers for Special Sessions Denied Vote

2007-02-14T15:11:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Sally Kern
Capitol: (405) 557-7348

Bill to Penalize Lawmakers for Special Sessions Denied Vote

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 14, 2007) - In the private sector, employees who
don't do their job face financial consequences and may be fired.
State Rep. Sally Kern hoped to apply that principle to the Oklahoma
Legislature by cutting lawmakers' pay if a special session is convened
to complete the state budget, but she has been informed that legislation
will not receive a hearing this year.
"My legislation would make lawmakers accountable to the citizens
who elect us," said Kern, R-Oklahoma City. "For most Oklahomans, if they
don't do their job, there are consequences, but that's not the case at
the Legislature. Our main job is to write the state budget, but when we
didn't get it done on time last year no one paid a price. That's not
right."
House Joint Resolution 1001, by Kern, would allow a vote of the
people to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to include penalties for
lawmakers should a special session be required to complete the state
budget.
The amendment would require a special budget session to begin
the first Monday after adjournment of the regular session and limits the
session to just two weeks. Lawmakers could not recess the special
session for more than two days under the proposal.
Perhaps most importantly, legislative leaders (the Senate
President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House, and the minority leaders of
both chambers) would forfeit one-third of their salary for the month of
the special session. All other members would lose 25 percent of their
income that month if a special session occurs for budget reasons.
Kern said she is disappointed the bill will not be scheduled for
a vote and believes that most Oklahomans agree.
"The legislation may need some improvements, but the concept is
good," Kern said. "When I talk about this bill at public events, it gets
enthusiastic support. The people like this bill and I think it's a
crying shame the legislation won't get a vote."
Kern said she hoped to amend her legislation to ensure no
participant in the budget process is exempted.
"Right now, House Joint Resolution 1001 penalizes only members
of the Legislature, but I think the governor also needs to be included,"
Kern said. "He is one-third of the budget process and bears some
responsibility anytime the process doesn't work."
Because Senate Democratic leaders fought tax cuts for working
families, lawmakers did not finish the state budget by the end of the
2006 regular session, which adjourned in late May, and did not reconvene
in a special session until the end of June. Had lawmakers not completed
the budget by July 1, a government shutdown loomed.

Kiesel Bill Would Boost Medical Care for Elderly

2007-02-05T10:14:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Ryan Kiesel
Capitol: (405) 557-7372
Seminole: (405) 382-4737

Kiesel Bill Would Boost Medical Care for Elderly

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 5, 2007) - Legislation authored by State Rep.
Ryan Kiesel could increase the number of doctors specializing in
geriatric care in rural Oklahoma.
House Bill 1830, by Kiesel (D-Seminole), creates the Oklahoma
Geriatric Medical Loan Repayment Program. The program would provide
educational loan repayment assistance for up to five Oklahoma licensed
physicians each year who have completed a fellowship training program in
geriatrics, including geropsychiatry. Each loan recipient would be
eligible for $25,000 in annual assistance for up to five years.
In exchange, the doctors receiving financial assistance from the
state would agree to provide medical care in high-need areas of
Oklahoma.
"The demand for access to affordable and quality health care is
rising at an exponential rate and it makes perfect sense for Oklahoma to
provide an incentive for medical students to specialize in fields where
the demand will continue to increase and then, when they graduate, to
give them a further incentive to serve patients in high-need areas
including rural Oklahoma. The quality of healthcare an Oklahoman
receives should not depend on what part of the state they live in," said
Kiesel.
A recent report by the Oklahoma State University Center for
Rural Health highlights the need for more doctors in rural Oklahoma. The
report indicated residents of rural counties in Oklahoma experience
greater mortality and poor medical conditions.
Kiesel noted that the average age of someone living in rural
Oklahoma is also much older than the average age in urban areas,
creating a strong demand for geriatric care.
According to the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural
Health report, 15 percent of the population in rural areas is age 65 or
older, compared to just 11 percent in urban areas.
At the same time, there is just one primary care physician for
every 1,535 people in rural counties, compared to one doctor for every
740 people in an urban area.
"Oklahoma's aging population will result in a greater demand for
geriatric medicine and it is imperative that we have doctors with this
specialty practicing in all areas of the state," said Kiesel.
If House Bill 1830 becomes law, Kiesel predicted the state could
begin improving its ranking in health reports.
"One of the primary factors driving the costs of health care is the
overall health of our population. A healthier Oklahoma is an important
part of any plan to control the costs of health insurance and provide
all Oklahomans options for affordable health care," said Kiesel.
House Bill 1830 has been assigned to the House Public Health
Committee where it now awaits a hearing.

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Key Files Bill to Equip Rural Emergency Responders with Better Communications Equipment

2007-02-02T09:56:00.000-06:00

Contact: State Rep. Charles Key
Capitol: (405) 557-7354

Key Files Bill to Equip Rural Emergency Responders with Better Communications Equipment: Says Would Help Responders Better Prevent, Respond to and Recover from Mutli-Jurisdictional Emergencies

OKLAHOMA CITY-(February 1, 2007)- Tragedies such as the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing and the recent grassfires that have plagued rural Oklahoma are exactly why the state needs an interoperable radio communications system for emergency responders, said State Rep. Charles Key.

Key has filed House Bill 2060, which would create the Small County Emergency Responders Grant to provide funds for counties with populations of less than 30,000 to purchase equipment capable of communicating with emergency responders across several jurisdictions and to take actions necessary to bring County Emergency Management Programs into National Incident Management System Compliance.

"Combining every state emergency responder on one system would make our state response to disasters and multi-jurisdiction emergencies much more effective," said Key, R-Oklahoma City. "Right now, emergency responders cannot communicate when responding to multi-jurisdictional emergencies. Not only is it dangerous, but it also prevents our state from receiving federal funding necessary to protect our citizens."

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has provided nearly $30 million to Oklahoma in federal funds to set up an 800-megahertz system along the Interstate 44 corridor that would cover the state's most populous areas.

Key's measure would appropriate $20 million for the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to distribute to the qualified counties to purchase equipment that would work on both the current VHF system and any future statewide 800-megahertz system.

To qualify for the funding, the county must have populations of less than 30,000 and submit, for OEM's approval, a plan for the county to purchase the equipment and implement the interoperable communications system. Upon approval, each county would receive approximately $450,000 to make the upgrades.

Each county would also be required to submit a plan to bring the county into NIMS compliance.

In 2004, the Department of Homeland Security developed the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to develop compliance regulations to ensure that states and local governments can effectively work together to prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters. Federal funding is withheld from states that are not in compliance with NIMS regulations.

-30-

Kern Files Pro-Life Measures to Strengthen State Laws

2007-01-24T14:03:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Jason Sutton, Media Specialist
House Media Division
Capitol: (405) 962-7623

Contact: State Rep. Sally Kern
Capitol: (405) 557-7348
Oklahoma City: (405) 942-3504

Kern Files Pro-Life Measures to Strengthen State Laws

OKLAHOMA CITY- (January 24, 2007) -Doctors who are not allowed to practice at a nearby hospital would be prevented from performing abortions if a bill by state Rep. Sally Kern clears the legislative process.

Kern also filed a measure that would strengthen last year's parental notification law.

"Like most Oklahomans, I believe life begins at conception and am deeply disturbed that there is more red tape required to pierce someone's ear than there is to end an unborn baby's life," said Kern, R-Oklahoma City. "My bills will ensure abortionists who are more interested in fast cash than patient care can't evade Oklahoma's informed-consent and patient-safety laws."

House Bill 1004 would require doctors who perform abortions to have clinical privileges to render patient care at a local hospital that offers obstetrics and gynecological services. The hospital must be within 30 miles of where the abortionist practices.

House Bill 2047 would build on the Parental Notification Act by requiring women who seek abortions to provide proof of age or emancipation, and parents who consent to a minor's abortion would have to provide a copy of their identification along with a signed, dated and notarized letter of consent.

The bill would also require doctors who perform emergency abortions on minors to notify the child's parents within 24 hours after the procedure, and keep the parent's notarized consent form and proof of identification in the child's medical file for at least seven years.

In 2005, the Legislature passed legislation that requires parental notification for minors seeking an abortion; a state version of the federal Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which criminalizes acts of violence that result in death or harm to an unborn child; and an informed consent law requiring doctors to fully inform women of the risks involved prior to performing an abortion.

Last year, the Legislature passed another law that requires an abortionist to obtain the written informed consent of one parent before performing an abortion on a minor; to give the mother the option to view her unborn baby by ultrasound prior to the abortion; and to inform the mother that her unborn baby, if 20 weeks or older, may feel pain during an abortion and that anesthesia can be administered to the baby to relieve that pain.

The measure also contained language that expanded the recognition of an unborn child as a separate victim if a crime is committed against the mother, and that allows funding to be directed to organizations that help pregnant women with pro-life counseling and support-services.

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House Completes Bill-Filing Process

2007-01-22T13:10:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

House Completes Bill-Filing Process

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 19, 2006) - By the close of the House bill-filing
process on Jan. 18, lawmakers in the Oklahoma House of Representatives
had filed 1,195 bills, 45 joint resolution and 11 concurrent
resolutions.
"Once again, our dedicated House staff have pulled through and
completed the grueling bill-filing process in a swift and orderly
manner," said House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. "I appreciate their
hard work.
"In the weeks ahead, the House Republican caucus will unveil
details about our agenda."
Lawmakers will begin working their way through the mountain of bills
that await votes on Feb. 5 when the regular session convenes. The
session is scheduled to end in just four months by the May 25
adjournment date.
Normally, only a small percentage of bills become law, and many
of those measures deal with the state budget.
Last year, members of the Housed filed 1,654 bills and joint
resolutions, according to the "Session Highlights 2006" publication of
the House Committee Staff Division.
During 2006, only 336 of those measures became law. However, the
state budget was not completed during the regular 2006 legislative
session, and that work spilled over into a special legislative session.
During the 2006 special session, House members filed another 253 bills
and joint resolutions and 47 became law.

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Hamilton Seeks Penalties for Corporations Exploiting Third-World

2007-01-22T13:07:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Rebecca Hamilton
Capitol: (405) 557-7397

Hamilton Seeks Penalties for Corporations Exploiting Third-World
Employees

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 22, 2007) - Companies that operate in other
countries and do not maintain workplace and minimum-wage standards
comparable to U.S. law would be barred from receiving state contracts
under legislation filed by state Rep. Rebecca Hamilton.
"There are too many companies eliminating American jobs and
mistreating their workers in other countries," said Hamilton, D-Oklahoma
City. "There is absolutely no reason the state of Oklahoma should
subsidize that behavior."
House Bill 1906, by Hamilton, targets companies that do not pay
workers at least the U.S. minimum wage, regardless of the employee's
country of residence. The bill also requires companies receiving state
contracts to maintain labor standards comparable to U.S. law in all
facilities in all countries.
Hamilton said her bill would target the root cause of illegal
immigration.
"Too many companies are closing plants in the United States,
putting Americans out of work, and taking jobs overseas," Hamilton said.
"Once they are out of the U.S., these corporations pay people such low
wages and mistreat them so badly those workers are forced to immigrate
to the United States if they want a better future, and they're often
willing to risk their lives in the process. The only people who are
winning in this scenario are big corporations."
Hamilton said her bill is a better method of dealing with
illegal immigration than other proposed solutions - such as proposals to
deny education and health benefits to children of illegal immigrants or
laws to penalize local businesses that hire immigrants.
"Instead of going after little children and saying they can't go
to school, or depriving people of medical care, or destroying our small
businesses, we need to go after those who benefit from and cause illegal
immigration - big corporations," Hamilton said. "It makes no sense to
penalize five-year old children or send Oklahoma's small businessmen to
jail when they didn't cause the problem. Everyone is losing here except
the big companies and it's time they pay a price."

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Morrissette Seeks Health Care Savings for Working Families

2007-01-22T13:04:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Richard Morrissette
Capitol: (405) 557-7404
Oklahoma City: (405) 634-7166

Morrissette Seeks Health Care Savings for Working Families

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 22, 2007) - In a move that could dramatically
improve health care coverage in Oklahoma, state Rep. Richard Morrissette
has filed legislation, House Bill 1888, to provide working families
similar tax benefits enjoyed by large corporations.
"In the spirit of President Bush's State of the Union address
tomorrow evening, I have filed a bill that will make the Oklahoma tax
code fairer for working men and women and their families by providing a
tax break for health care expenses such as in-patient hospital care,
prescription drugs, rehabilitative care and nursing home care," said
Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City. "These tax breaks are similar to those
already given large corporations and big businesses, who are now allowed
to deduct all types of expenses and have been allowed that right for
many years. Any tax code benefits should be applied broadly and fairly,
which House Bill 1888 does."
Under current law, businesses are allowed a tax break to offset
the cost of employee insurance. President George Bush is expected to
call for extending that break to individuals who buy their own insurance
during his State of the Union speech on Tuesday.
Morrissette said his bill would complement Bush's policy at the
state level.
House Bill 1888, by Morrissette, would allow Oklahomans to
deduct unreimbursed health care expenses from their taxes, including the
cost of hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs,
rehabilitation treatment, nursing home care and home health care.
The deductions for all items except hospital visits and doctor
appointments would be capped at $20,000 per year, per item. The
deduction for hospital stays would be capped at $50,000 per year while
the deduction for prescription drugs would be capped at $2,000 per year.
"This bill will help the almost 600,000 people in Oklahoma that
presently do not have health insurance," Morrissette said. "I hope those
of us in the Legislature can act collectively, regardless of political
party, to help those families that need help the most. House Bill 1888
will go a long way in providing the health protection working families
desperately need."
-30-

Reynolds Files "Trigger" Bill to Outlaw Abortion if Court Acts

2007-01-03T14:27:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Mike Reynolds
Capitol: (405) 557-7337
Oklahoma City: (405) 691-1650

Reynolds Files "Trigger" Bill to Outlaw Abortion if Court Acts

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 3, 2007) - Legislation filed by state Rep. Mike
Reynolds would make most abortions illegal in Oklahoma if the U.S.
Supreme Court should overturn its decision declaring abortion a
constitutional right.
"Too many babies are dying every day and if we can save any of
them, we should," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "Given recent changes
at the Supreme Court and expected retirements, there is a real chance
the court could revisit and reverse the Roe v. Wade decision. My
legislation will ensure that Oklahoma acts immediately to protect the
lives of the unborn."
House Bill 1014, by Reynolds, establishes a "trigger" in state
law to reactivate Oklahoma's laws against abortion in the event the U.S.
Supreme Court overturns its 1973 decision to make abortion a
constitutional right.
Prior to the 1973 court decision, abortion was regulated at the
state and local level.
Although Oklahoma's pre-1973 abortion laws are still on the
books, it is not certain that those laws would be enforced by the courts
after lying dormant for decades without passage of "trigger"
legislation, Reynolds said.
"This legislation will ensure the state of Oklahoma acts
immediately to save the lives of the unborn if we are given the chance,"
Reynolds said. "This bill gives the members of the Oklahoma Legislature
the chance to go on the record and say we want to save the lives of
unborn children."

-30-

Bill Filed to Help College Students Save on Housing

2007-01-02T18:06:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Mike Reynolds
Capitol: (405) 557-7337
Oklahoma City: (405) 691-1650

Bill Filed to Help College Students Save on Housing

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 2, 2007) - Because the cost of college is
skyrocketing and many families struggle to pay the bills, state Rep.
Mike Reynolds has filed legislation to help reduce housing expenses.
Under a bill re-filed by Reynolds this year (House Bill 1012),
no student at an Oklahoma college will be required to live on campus
when they can commute from home.
"Given the outrageous tuition increases imposed in recent years
and the enormous amount of state funding provided our colleges, there's
no reason schools should force students to pay extra housing expenses
when a student can simply live at home and commute," said Reynolds,
R-Oklahoma City. "The colleges will do fine making do with 'just' $1.7
billion dollars they now get from the state, tuition and fees.
"Unfortunately, the committee did not act on this bill last
year, so I intend to try again."
Some state colleges and universities require students to live on
campus. For example, the University of Oklahoma requires freshman
students younger than 20 to live on campus.
In the past, local families were often able to obtain exemptions so a
student could live at home, but colleges have slashed back on exemptions
in an effort to milk more money out of working families, Reynolds noted.
"College already costs too much for many families to send their
children," Reynolds said. "There's no reason to force them to pay for
overpriced on-campus housing when affordable alternatives are
available."

-30-

Reynolds Calls for Overhaul of Pharmacy Board

2006-12-28T14:40:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Mike Reynolds
Capitol: (405) 557-7337
Oklahoma City: (405) 691-1650

Reynolds Calls for Overhaul of Pharmacy Board

OKLAHOMA CITY (December 28, 2006) - Because the Oklahoma Board of
Pharmacy is "playing games with the lives of Oklahoma's elderly," state
Rep. Mike Reynolds today announced he will seek an overhaul of the
board's membership during the 2007 session.
Reynolds said the board's recent efforts to kill programs at
Wal-Mart and Target that provide $4 generic prescription drugs prove the
group needs reform.
"The Pharmacy Board is running a big bluff against the citizens
of Oklahoma," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "They claim it is illegal
to sell affordable drugs to elderly Oklahomans, but they haven't asked
district attorneys to prosecute anyone. This is nothing but a
protectionist scheme to protect Wal-Mart's competitors."
Board officials have claimed the $4 program violates a state law
requiring companies to impose a minimum 6-percent markup on goods.
Wal-Mart officials have said they are complying with the law.
Board officials claim they will request an opinion from the
Office of the Attorney General, but Reynolds said that move is just a
diversionary tactic.
"The board's request is comparable to asking the attorney
general whether or not it is illegal to drive 80 miles per hour when the
speed limit is 65," Reynolds said. "The law is pretty clear. If the
board had proof Wal-Mart was violating state law, they would contact a
district attorney and prosecute the store for the heinous 'crime' of
selling affordable drugs to needy Oklahomans. It appears they haven't
done that."
Reynolds filed legislation last year that would have reformed
the Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy by changing its membership. He plans to
revive that measure in the coming legislative session.
The Oklahoma City lawmaker also plans to request that an
investigation of the Oklahoma Board of Pharmacy be conducted by members
of the House Government Modernization, Agency Review & Administrative
Rules Subcommittee.

-30-

Judicial Reform in Oklahoma

2006-10-16T21:29:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Rob Johnson
Capitol: (405) 557-7407
Kingfisher: (405) 375-6992

Legislative Scrutiny May Lead to Greater Judicial Discipline

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 13, 2006) - A legislative interim study led by
state Rep. Rob Johnson this week found that the Oklahoma Supreme Court
is developing new rules allowing a greater range of disciplinary
measures to be imposed on judges.
However, Johnson said he plans to introduce new judicial
sanctions into state law if the Supreme Court fails to adequately boost
judicial penalties.
"If the court can address this problem through new rules, that's
great," said Johnson, R-Kingfisher. "But if the court doesn't get the
job done, I plan to introduce legislation next year that will ensure
judges are held accountable for their actions."
Currently, the Court on the Judiciary can take only two disciplinary
actions against a judge who commits any offense. The court can either
remove the judge from office or force the judge to retire.
However, because those two punishments are so severe, many
judges go unpunished for lesser offenses. Johnson has argued that
intermediate sanctions are needed to ensure renegade judges do not run
wild.
He and members of the House Judiciary Committee discussed the
issue during a legislative study this week.
"Oklahoma is the only state that doesn't allow for intermediate
disciplinary actions against a judge," Johnson said. "Every offense
should result in some form of punishment, but not every offense merits
removal from office. Oklahoma needs a system including reprimands or
suspensions for lesser offenses."
During the 2006 legislative session, Johnson authored House
Joint Resolution 1064, which would have placed a state question on the
November ballot to amend the Oklahoma Constitution and expand the
authority of the Court on the Judiciary to take disciplinary actions
against judges.
HJR 1064 passed in the House by a vote of 93-1 but never
received a hearing in the Senate.
The measure would have increased the types of actions the court
could take, including provisions allowing the court to publicly censure
a judge or issue private reprimands. The resolution would also have
allowed the court to suspend a judge from office, but retain the
authority of removal or forced retirement if necessary.
In response to the legislative discussions, the Oklahoma Supreme
Court is considering new rules that would allow judges to face
intermediate sanctions. The proposed rules are due in December.
"I'm glad the courts are taking this issue seriously," Johnson
said. "If judges are not held accountable, the public will lose faith in
both our legal system and the concept of equal treatment under the law.
That's something we cannot allow to happen."

-30-

Shelton Calls for Increased Gang Prevention Funding

2006-10-03T12:19:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Mike Shelton
Capitol: (405) 557-7367
District: (405) 424-4141

Shelton Calls for Increased Gang Prevention Funding

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 3, 2006) - State Rep. Mike Shelton today
announced that he will seek a significant increase in state and local
funding for anti-gang programs.
"Over the last several years, the Legislature has provided only
$1 million for gang-intervention programs and they've even tried to cut
that funding," said Shelton, D-Oklahoma City. "But we have a gang
problem bigger than that $1 million. It's not just Oklahoma City and
Tulsa having gang problems today. It's spreading beyond the borders of
urban areas and into rural Oklahoma. We've got to stop cutting gang
programs and invest early to steer kids away from bad decisions."
Shelton said he plans to seek a significant increase in program
funding during the 2007 legislative session, which convenes next
February. Several community leaders appeared with Shelton on Tuesday to
voice their support.
"If the Legislature and Oklahoma City council were graded on
early intervention programs the way children are graded on academics in
school, both would get an F," Shelton said. "The Legislature and
Oklahoma City council need to do more."

-30-

Oklahoma City's Use of Eminent Domain Sets Dangerous Precedent

2006-10-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Mike Reynolds
Capitol: (405) 557-7337
Oklahoma City: (405) 691-1650

Oklahoma City's Use of Eminent Domain Sets Dangerous Precedent

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 2, 2006) - Oklahoma City's plan to use eminent
domain to clear the way for liquor sales opens the door for dramatic
erosion of private property rights, state Rep. Mike Reynolds warned
today.
"If Oklahoma City is allowed to condemn property solely because
it is now off-limits to alcoholic beverages, that will open the door for
cities to run roughshod over homeowners and churches," said Reynolds,
R-Oklahoma City.
Local developers want to build new retail and residential
facilities on a triangular piece of property in the Flatiron District
near downtown Oklahoma City, but a deed restriction has complicated
their plans.
In 1892, the original owner - Daniel Stiles, a military officer
- placed a restriction on the deed saying no intoxicating liquor or beer
could ever be produced, distributed or disbursed on the property or
ownership of the land would automatically revert to Stiles' heirs,
according to a recent news report.
The current owner of the property, the Oklahoma City Urban
Renewal Authority, now claims that restriction is "onerous" and reason
to declare the property "blighted" under eminent domain law. Once the
property has been condemned and seized through eminent domain, the city
can clean the title and eliminate the restriction.
Essentially, the city is going to condemn its own property to
avoid fulfilling its legal obligations, Reynolds noted.
"Oklahoma City obtained this property knowing that it could not
be used for liquor sales, but now they want to ignore that commitment
and negate state law governing property transactions," Reynolds said.
"The city should instead keep its word and honor its commitments."
If the city is allowed to use eminent domain in this case, he
said any Oklahoman with an attractive piece of property could be
targeted by developers with political connections.
"What's to stop Oklahoma City from declaring a church 'blighted'
because the church doesn't allow liquor on the site?" Reynolds said.
"Oklahoma City's plans could have repercussions across the state and the
rights of private citizens will be diminished as a result."
He noted the case could also discourage landowners from donating
property to any governmental entity in the future.
"Why would anyone donate property if the government is free to
use the land any way they see fit - including uses that violate a
landowner's personal convictions?" Reynolds said. "Someone who donates
land for a children's playground today might see it turned into a strip
mall tomorrow. This is bad public policy."

-30-

Oklahoma drug courts are working well.

2006-09-28T18:38:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Thad Balkman
Capitol: (405) 557-7386
Norman: (405) 447-4988

Drug Courts Driving Down Prison Population

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 28, 2006) - Oklahoma's drug court program,
which requires non-violent drug offenders to receive treatment instead
of automatic prison sentences, has successfully reduced the state's
prison population, state Rep. Thad Balkman said today.
"There is no doubt that drugs courts are saving the state money
while helping individuals beat the disease of addiction and start a new
life as employed, law-abiding citizens," said Balkman, a Norman
Republican who chairs the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee
on Health and Social Services. "This has been one of the most effective
anti-crime reforms approved in Oklahoma in years."
Balkman released information on the success of drug courts in
response to inaccurate information produced by the Criminal Justice
Resource Center.
For example, the use of drug courts has slowed the growth of the
state's prison population by more than 2,000 individuals, according to
figures compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Services.
Had the use of drug courts not been expanded last year, the
state's prison population would have increased from 23,948 (as of July
1, 2005) to 26,682 people a year later. Instead, the prison population
on July 1, 2006 totaled 24, 377.
That represents significant savings for taxpayers, since it
costs approximately $5,000 to pay for one person to go through the drug
court process compared to an annual expense of $16,800 for
incarceration.
At the same time, recidivism appears on the decline thanks to
the use of drug courts, which often help those struggling with addiction
to solve their problems and avoid the criminal activity associated with
their disease, Balkman said.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Services, drug and alcohol receptions in the Oklahoma prison
system actually fell almost 7 percent this year - which is only the
second decline experienced since 1990.
Balkman said that decline is likely thanks to the lower
recidivism rates of individuals who successfully complete a drug court
program.
Records show that 82 percent of people who complete a drug court
program are soon employed. Drug court graduates are also about two times
less likely to recidivate than standard probationers, and four times
less likely to recidivate than an offender released upon completion of a
standard sentence.
"The numbers make it clear drug courts are working," Balkman
said. "We're saving taxpayer money while making the streets safer for
citizens. It would be a huge mistake to turn back the clock."
-30-

Okie Blogger Roundup 2006 #11

2006-09-25T09:08:00.000-05:00

Okie Blogger Roundup 2006 #11, originally uploaded by magnacartanews.

This is the panel of experts who put on the "roundtable" discussion in the afternoon session of the Okie Blogger Roundup 2006

Once again we see Sean Gleeson and seated to his left is Kevin Latham, another prominent Okie Blogger.

Several topics were covered during the afternoon session among which was the topic of RSS or "Really Simple Syndication".
The topic was not covered in depth as many of the attendees had obviously hoped that it would be. One of the attendees asked how can RSS be produced by the blogger. Since that topic was not covered in detail we will attempt to improve on that topic in a future editorial.

Staff Photo by Magna Carta News Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Click the images below to hear the actual Okie Roundup 2006 Audio.

3 hours of audio MP3 files split up into half hour sections for easy downloading.

Okie Blogger Roundup

Okie Blogger Roundup 2006

2006-09-24T07:04:00.000-05:00

OKIE BLOGGER ROUNDUP 2006

Oklahoma City
Sept 23, 2006

The first ever Okie Blogger Roundup was held at the Bricktown Plaza Hotel yesterday. A good crowd was in attendance despite the possible conflict with the Oklahoma State Fair.

Here is the Magna Carta Photo stream for the event

Click the images below to hear the actual Okie Roundup 2006 Audio.

3 hours of audio MP3 files split up into half hour sections for easy downloading.

Okie Blogger Roundup

sheriff's deputies handcuffed a women to a motorized gate

2006-05-08T14:30:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Thad Balkman Contact: State
Sen. Tom Adelson
Capitol: (405) 557-7386 Capitol: (405)
521-5551
Norman: (405) 229-9822

Health and Human Services Subcommittee Chairmen Appalled at OFC
Handcuffing Situation

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 8, 2006) - A recent situation in which Ottawa County
sheriff's deputies handcuffed a women to a motorized gate outside the
Oklahoma Forensic Center is "inexcusable," said the respective chairmen
of the legislative Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.
"It is beyond comprehension that something of this nature could
occur in this day and age," said Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa. "There was
blatant disregard for the individual's rights, safety and well-being. It
was cruel and inhumane, and there is no justification for this type of
action."
Rep. Thad Balkman, R-Norman, said he was appalled at the action
reportedly taken by the Ottawa County sheriff's office, and that all
steps necessary must be taken to ensure that nothing like this ever
happens again.
Mental health officials said that, on May 2, the Ottawa County
Sheriff's Department transported a woman to the Oklahoma Forensic Center
(OFC) in Vinita for admission for competency treatment.
Sheriff's deputies were informed that OFC did not have a court
order committing her to the facility and would not have a bed available
until the next morning. OFC cannot legally take custody of an individual
without a court order of commitment. The Deputies then left the
facility, but returned after hours and handcuffed the individual to a
chain-linked fence's movable gate outside the maximum security unit at
the facility, and then left the facility, said officials.
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is
referring the matter to the Department of Justice and appropriate state
and federal authorities to investigate possible civil rights and
consumer abuse violations as a result of the deputies' actions.
Balkman said the incident, fortunately, "appears to be an
isolated incident and is not indicative of Oklahoma law enforcement in
general."
However, that the situation even occurred is troubling.
"Other law enforcement agencies understand the requirements for
transferring custody to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Services," he noted.
Typically, there is an excellent relationship between the
state's mental health services and law enforcement, said Adelson.
"ODMHSAS works closely with law enforcement to provide specialized
training related to understanding mental illness and with law
enforcement and the court system concerning transfer and commitment
procedures.
"This, however, was an act predicated by prejudice and
ignorance," he added. "Apparently, deputies deemed this person unworthy
of respect because of the fact she might have a mental illness."

# # #

First Bill in House GOP Faith-Based Initiative Passes Committee

2006-03-17T08:31:00.000-06:00

NOTE: For audio of Rep. Cargill on the House GOP Faith-Based Initiative go to: http://www.okhouse.gov//OkhouseMedia/audio.aspx

CONTACT:
Damon Gardenhire, press secretary
Speaker Todd Hiett
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

First Bill in House GOP Faith-Based Initiative Passes Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 14, 2006) – The first measure in the House Republican faith-based initiative passed its first legislative test today.

Authored by Rep. Lance Cargill, House Bill 3037, the Restorative Justice Act of 2006, will establish new incentives for expanded partnerships between prison officials and faith-based & community groups. The bill passed the Corrections and Criminal Justice Committee today, and now goes to the full House for a vote.

“Our state government must reach out to churches and faith communities, enlisting their help,” said Rep. Cargill, Majority Floor Leader, who conducted an interim study and held hearings to develop the HB 3037 plan.
“These groups are in the trenches every day. They know how to help people and change hearts.”

HB 3037 is a key element in a three-part faith-based initiative announced by House GOP leaders last week. Other measures include a charitable tax credit (House Bill 3122, authored by Speaker Todd Hiett and co-authored by Rep. Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa) and an effort to help compulsive gamblers (House Bill 2048, authored by Rep. Thad Balkman, R-Norman)

“Oklahoma’s faith-based programs act as one of our greatest resources in confronting social problems and reaching out to those in need,” said Speaker Hiett (R-Kellyville). “These groups play a vital role in our communities, offering help that government simply can’t provide.”

Cargill said the incentives in HB 3037 would seek to lower repeat offender rates by preparing inmates for life beyond prison walls before they are released. The HB 3037 plan has four main elements:

• Tying recidivism rates to the evaluation of Oklahoma’s prison system.

• Ensuring that corrections facilities recruit and welcome volunteers and establish partnerships with faith-based and community groups to provide services.

• Coordinating re-entry programs to help inmates find jobs, housing, substance abuse treatment, medical care and mental health services.

• Establishing collaboration among private and public sectors to connect inmates to employment opportunities and ser-vices before release.

HB 3037 would also create two seed funds:

* The Reintegration of Inmates Revolving Fund, would provide seed money to volunteer organizations that provide health, vocational and educational training.

* The Restorative Justice Revolving Fund would offer bonuses to corrections officials who demonstrate improvement in recidivism rates for inmates previously under custody of DOC.

Proposed Law Would Penalize Parents Who Allow Teenage Drug Parties

2006-03-17T08:29:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Fred Perry
Capitol: (405) 557-7331
Tulsa: (918) 557-3733

Proposed Law Would Penalize Parents Who Allow Teenage Drug Parties

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 14) - Hoping to prevent additional tragedies
after a Tulsa youth died of a drug overdose at a party, lawmakers may
vote Tuesday to boost the penalties for irresponsible adults.
House Bill 2762, by State Rep. Fred Perry, will make it a felony
for adults to sponsor drug/alcohol parties that include teenage
attendees to face felony charges that can result in up to five years in
prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
"Adults who allow children to use drugs in their home are just
as guilty as any drug dealer," said Perry, R-Tulsa. "Turning a blind eye
when teenagers are provided an illegal substance is not acceptable,
especially when you invited the children into your home in the first
place."
The bill would allow the parents of any child who dies as the
result of a drug overdose at a party to sue the adults who supervised
the event.
Mark and Sareva Greenhaw, whose son died of a drug overdose
while attending a party at a friend's house, requested House Bill 2762.
House Bill 2762 goes before the House Corrections and Criminal
Justice Committee on Tuesday.

-30-

Keeping Oklahoma Kids Safe initiative

2006-03-17T06:56:00.000-06:00

NOTE: For audio of Rep. Winchester on the need of a crack down on sex
offenders in the state go to:
http://www.okhouse.gov//OkhouseMedia/audio.aspx

CONTACT:
Damon Gardenhire, press secretary
Speaker Todd Hiett
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

--Measure to Crack Down on Sex Offenders Clears Committee--
2nd Plank of Republican Keeping Oklahoma Kids Safe Initiative

Heads to Full House

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 14, 2006) - House Republican leaders moved forward
with their Keeping Oklahoma Kids Safe initiative today by passing a
measure to increase penalties and restrictions for sex offenders.

"This is a major step toward keeping Oklahoma children safe from the
sickest elements of our society," said Speaker Todd Hiett
(R-Kellyville). "The Keeping Oklahoma Kids Safe initiative has
tremendous momentum, and I'm encouraged by the support it has received."

"Oklahoma must do more than just monitor a sex predator's location. We
should give our courts more options, and our children greater
protection," said Rep. Winchester (R-Chickasha), House Speaker Pro
Tempore. "I've worked hard throughout my legislative tenure to protect
children. With newspapers filled daily with these horrific crimes, we
must do more to put these demented criminals behind bars and keep them
there as long as possible."

House Bill 2839, authored by Rep. Winchester, focuses on three areas of
reform to crack down on sex offenders. The bill passed the Corrections
and Criminal Justice Committee today. It now goes to the full House for
consideration.

Rep. Winchester's HB 2839 would prohibit registered sex offenders from
living within 2,000 feet of parks and playgrounds (extending the 2,000
prohibition that already exists for schools). It would strengthen
punishments against sex offenders for crimes that involve the physical
molestation of a child 12 or younger, requiring a mandatory minimum
sentence of 15 years without parole.

In addition, the measure increases the minimum and maximum penalties for
sex offender cases involving children under 16, as well as narrowing the
range of penalties so some offenders cannot receive unjustly lenient
sentences. And it would expand the current "two strikes" provision,
which sentences repeat sex offenders to life without parole.

Hiett said passing three-part Keeping Oklahoma Kids Safe plan is a key
goal of the House Republican caucus for the 2006 legislative session. He
has asked Steele and Winchester to spearhead the three-part initiative.

The other two planks of the initiative are House Bill 2841, which
tighten bail restrictions against dangerous suspects, and House Bill
2840, which increases punishments for those found guilty of child abuse
and neglect.

HB 2841 passed through committee last week, and is scheduled for a vote
on the House floor tomorrow, Wednesday, February 15:

-A Law for Caitlin Wooten-

House Bill 2841 would tighten bail restrictions in order to keep
particularly dangerous suspects from being able to post bond. It passed
a vote of the House Corrections and Criminal Justice Committee last
week. Authored by state Rep. Kris Steele (R-Shawnee) and Rep.
Winchester, HB 2841 is named for Caitlin Wooten, a sixteen-year-old from
Ada who was kidnapped and murdered by her mother's ex-boyfriend after he
had cleared bail.

In September, Ada high school student Caitlin Wooten was killed by her
mother's ex-boyfriend, Jerry Don Savage. Only weeks before, Savage was
able to quickly post bail after being arrested for attempting to kidnap
Caitlin's mother. Restricted by current Oklahoma law, the judge in the
Savage case was forced to set bond at $250,000 - an amount Savage could
afford - because Savage had merely been accused of kidnapping. Only if
Savage had been accused of first-degree murder could the judge have set
the bail higher.

Under HB 2841, judges could consider a number of different factors when
determining where to set bond for a potentially dangerous suspect. These
factors would include the nature of and circumstances surrounding the
alleged offense, as well as the personal history and character of the
suspect, including their mental condition, financial situation, criminal
record, and any history of drug or alcohol abuse.

-Working to Prevent Child Abuse-

HB 2840, which brings strong reforms to protect against child abuse, is
named the Kelsey Briggs Child Protection Act, in honor of the Meeker
two-year-old who died last year from blunt force trauma.

The measure would give the state Department of Human Services and the
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation more authority to work in a
child's best interest. It would also make judges more accountable for
their rulings, give parents more information about their child's case,
ensure that case workers and Court Appointed Special Advocates are
properly trained, and do more to help troubled parents properly care for
their children.

HB 2840 will likely be heard before the House Health and Human Services
Committee next week.

-30-

Lawmakers Vote to Outlaw Exploitation of Military Dead Lawmakers Vote to Outlaw Exploitation of Military Dead

2006-03-17T06:55:00.000-06:00

Note: For audio of State Rep. Mike Brown discussing this legislation, go
to
http://www.okhouse.gov//OkhouseMedia/audio.aspx and click on the "Rep.
Mike Brown" file or go directly to
http://www.okhouse.gov//OkhouseMedia/MediaSite/Audio/mb4exploitation.mp3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Mike Brown
Capitol: (405) 557-7408
Tahlequah: (918) 456-1959

Lawmakers Vote to Outlaw Exploitation of Military Dead

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 14, 2006) - State lawmakers voted Tuesday to
outlaw marketing that uses images of soldiers without the consent of the
person pictured or that individual's family.
House Bill 2643, by State Rep. Mike Brown, makes it illegal for
a business to use the "name, portrait, or picture of any soldier" in ads
without prior consent.
Brown filed the bill after a constituent complained that items
were being sold on e-bay that included pictures of her son, a soldier
killed in the line of duty in Iraq.
"I don't care if these businesses are saying good things about
the war in Iraq or bad things. It doesn't matter - they're making a
profit from the death of our soldiers," said Brown, D-Tahlequah. "This
is worse than rubbing salt in a bad wound."
The soldier's mother wrote to complain that her son's face "has
been carved onto a piece of toast and is being sold on e-bay." In
addition, an Arizona vendor was using their son's name on T-shirts and
car magnets without the family's permission.
If House Bill 2643 becomes law, it will apply to those who seek
to profiteer by exploiting the death of both active duty members and
former members of the Armed Forces of the United States.
Violations of the law would be punishable by up to one year in
jail and a $1,000 fine.
"No one should be able to make a profit off someone's death,"
Brown said. "Whatever your views of the war in Iraq, we need to stand
behind our soldiers and their parents."
House Bill 2643 passed out of the House Corrections Committee on
Tuesday. It will next receive a vote from the entire Oklahoma House of
Representatives.

-30-

State Maintenance Task Force Seeks to Improve Public Buildings

2006-03-16T07:24:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Dale DePue
Capitol: (405) 557-7350
Guthrie: (405) 341-8503

State Maintenance Task Force Seeks to Improve Public Buildings

OKLAHOMA CITY- (September 16, 2005)- The House Deferred Maintenance and Construction Needs Task Force met Thursday with an eye on developing viable solutions to maintenance problems affecting many of Oklahoma's public buildings.

"Many of our state buildings are old and in need of repair," said State Rep. Dale DePue, R-Guthrie. "Currently, we are trying to determine what funds are available to bring these buildings up to safety and efficiency standards."

The task force was created to study the state's current deferred capital maintenance and infrastructure needs. The group will submit a report to the governor that prioritizes state maintenance and construction needs and recommends ways to gain additional funding for maintenance and construction.

Currently, the State Department of Central Services is responsible for providing maintenance and construction needs at state-owned properties. However, DePue said, the department has historically been underfunded, leaving many of the state's buildings with safety concerns and outdated infrastructure.

"We are trying to provide the public with safe and aesthetically pleasing buildings while recognizing the need to spend taxpayer dollars wisely," said DePue, chairman of the task force. "We have to have a plan in place so that the Legislature will take this matter seriously and appropriate the necessary dollars."

The task force will also recommend a capital budget specifically for public building maintenance-and-construction needs that would be submitted to the Legislature every year for review and funding.

The task force will meet again on September 29. Their report must be submitted by December 1.

-30-

Jason Sutton
Media Specialist
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Ph: (405) 962-7623
Fax: (405) 557-7498

House Bill 2810 Strengthens State's Refinery Capacity

2006-03-16T07:23:00.000-06:00

CONTACT:
Damon Gardenhire, press secretary
Speaker Todd Hiett
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

House Sends More REDI Measures to Senate:
House Bill 2810 Strengthens State's Refinery Capacity

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 15, 2006) - The full House of Representatives has
approved another set of measures to revitalize rural Oklahoma -
including a plan to open up the state to more oil refineries.

"Rural Oklahomans are hardworking and family oriented, but they need
government to get out of the way, cut the red tape and let them be
successful," said House Speaker Todd Hiett. "These bills not only do
that, but also give rural Oklahomans tools to help them grow their
communities and provide a future for the next generation."

House Bill 2810, by state Rep. Lee Denney, would streamline the
permitting process that prospective oil refineries must undergo before
they can be built. The bill, which mirrors legislation currently being
considered at the federal level, passed the House yesterday by a vote of
96 to 0. It now advances to the state Senate for consideration.

HB 2810 is one of more than 20 measures that are part of the Rural
Economic Development Initiative (REDI), an action plan for development
in rural Oklahoma introduced by Speaker Hiett (R-Kellyville) last year.

"We need to have a business environment in Oklahoma that has less red
tape and more encouragement to create new jobs and strengthen our
communities," said Denney (R-Cushing). "Oklahoma has a rich history in
the oil and gas industry. It's an industry that excites people, and new
oil refineries would be very profitable here in Oklahoma."

Denney said the permitting process to build a refinery in Oklahoma
currently takes about 10 years. The same is true at the federal level. A
bill currently being considered in Congress would shorten that time to
about five years. Denney's bill would have the same effect at the state
level.

Also, Denney said Oklahoma could see from 200 to 500 new jobs created
for every new refinery that opens up in the state as a result of HB
2810.

She said the bill could have a major economic impact on the Cushing
area. Known as the "Pipeline Crossroads of the World," due to the
massive amount of oil that flows through a series of pipelines located
in Cushing and the surrounding area, Cushing presents an ideal location
for new refineries, Denney said.

Two other REDI bills passed the House today:

* House Bill 2690, by Rep. Purcy Walker (D-Elk City), would direct
more money to rural areas to be used for regional economic development.
* House Bill 2955, by Rep. Jeff Hickman (R-Dacoma), would direct
the state Department of Agriculture to create a non-profit organization
to help encourage agricultural tourism in rural parts of the state.

An additional REDI bill, House Bill 2646 by Rep. Dale DeWitt (R-Braman),
enacts the CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) Rural Economic
Development Initiative Act. It passed the House yesterday by a vote of
96 to 0.

On Monday, House members approved a series of REDI measures, headlined
by House Bill 3126, which offers a five-year income tax exemption to
out-of-state residents choosing to move to rural areas of the state that
have lost population.

As part of the REDI legislative package, each REDI bill is the product
of a bipartisan task force created by Speaker Hiett in August. The task
force visited a dozen communities across the state in the fall, holding
hearings and listening to business and community leaders about rural
needs. Reps. DeWitt, Denney, Hickman and Walker are all members of the
REDI task force.

The REDI agenda includes measures boosting targeted investments in
programs that benefit rural areas, as well as measures seeking to remove
regulatory barriers to growth.

-30-

FEC rules that a blog is 'the press'

2005-11-20T06:37:00.000-06:00

FEC rules that a blog is 'the press'
The Federal Election Commission today unanimously approved Advisory Opinion 2005-16 finding that the Fired Up! network of blogs qualifies for the so-called press exception to federal campaign finance law.

That exception says that political contributions and expenditures do not include "any cost incurred in covering or carrying a news story, commentary, or editorial by any broadcasting station ... , newspaper, magazine, or other periodical publication ... unless the facility is owned or controlled by any political party, political committee, or candidate."

In explaining its opinion, the FEC said:

"An examination of Fired Up’s websites reveals that a primary function of the websites is to provide news and information to readers through Fired Up’s commentary on, quotes from, summaries of, and hyperlinks to news articles appearing on other entities’ websites and through Fired Up’s original reporting. Fired Up retains editorial control over the content displayed on its websites, much as newspaper or magazine editors determine which news stories, commentaries, and editorials appear in their own publications. Roy Temple, acting on behalf of Fired Up, not only produces much of the content but also exercises day-to-day control over which stories are featured. Reader comments appearing on Fired Up’s websites are similar to letters to the editor and do not alter the basic function of Fired Up."

Helping Oklahoma's retired and poor familes

2005-10-15T10:34:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Damon Gardenhire, press secretary
Speaker Todd Hiett
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

House Task Force to Examine LIHEAP

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 14) - House Speaker Todd Hiett said Friday he is appointing a special task force to ensure Oklahoma's poor aren't left out in the cold this winter.

The task force, led by House Appropriation and Budget Chairman Chris Benge (R-Tulsa), will examine funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which assists poor families with heating bills.

"With heating prices predicted to soar this winter, we need to make sure that any aid maximizes the benefit to working families," said Hiett, R-Kellyville. "We'll examine the probable level of federal funding in order to understand the situation we face."

Hiett said the task force's work will go hand-in-hand with an interim study requested by State Rep. Ron Peters, R-Tulsa, which will consider a new, permanent funding mechanism for LIHEAP. Peters has suggested the state should dedicate a portion of increased natural gross
production taxes to LIHEAP, which would ensure working Oklahomans are protected against sudden price increases.

According to some forecasts, heating bills could increase by 50 percent this winter compared to last year's prices.

"As every wildcatter in Oklahoma knows, energy price forecasts are notoriously unreliable," Hiett said. "And every farmer knows that long-range weather forecasts are just as bad. There are indications we could see high fuel prices this winter if we have a serious cold snap.

This task force will prepare a sensible plan based on the facts and ensure Oklahoma's neediest citizens stay warm this winter and that the taxpayers' hard-earned money is used wisely."

-30-

2005-10-14T12:20:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Ryan Kiesel
Capitol: (405) 557-7372
Seminole: (405) 382-4737

Rep. Kiesel Seeks Relief from Escalating Energy Costs for Oklahoma's
Elderly and Working Families

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 14) - State Representative Ryan Kiesel (D-Seminole)
is seeking immediate relief for Oklahoma's elderly and working families
who will face unprecedented utility costs to heat their homes in the
coming winter.
Gas and oil prices have escalated, in part, because of the
disastrous effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the Gulf Coast.
The energy supply has diminished in an already tight market, causing
heating costs to soar in Oklahoma and across the nation. "Energy costs
will force Oklahomans to make tough decisions," Kiesel said. "Many
families will have to sacrifice basic necessities such as food and
medicine to pay their utility bills."
Representative Kiesel wants to focus the state's attention and
resources on LIHEAP, the Low Income Heating Assistance Program.
Representative Kiesel says the program's name is a misnomer. "This
program assists not only low income Oklahomans but also elderly
Oklahomans on fixed incomes and working families who, but for
skyrocketing energy costs, otherwise make ends meet."
LIHEAP supplemented heating costs for 93,144 Oklahoma households
from federal funds marked for the program last winter at an average of
$100 per family. The most recent census shows nearly twice that number
of Oklahoma families qualify for the program. "The program is woefully
under funded in its present format," Kiesel said.
During last year's relatively mild winter with relatively low
energy costs, all available funds were requested within six days of
receiving applications. Kiesel went on to say, "We know that heating
costs will increase from 48 to 68 percent depending on the weather, and
this will cost Oklahomans on average an additional $350 this winter."
Kiesel feels that it is "only logical that applications for LIHEAP will
be up from last year, and with no increase in state or federal funding,
thousands of Oklahomans will be devastated by the cost of staying warm."
Kiesel is aware of an Interim Study on LIHEAP by a House of
Representatives Committee scheduled for November. The Legislature is
currently scheduled to return to Session in early February. "We already
know that LIHEAP is under funded, serving only a fraction of the elderly
and other qualified families. There is enough information available for
the Legislature to act now." Kiesel said. "To wait until the last
month of winter to address the crisis is unacceptable."
Rep. Kiesel is currently working with LIHEAP officials to
determine the funding required to address the demand. Rep. Kiesel is
encouraged that Gov. Brad Henry recently expressed concern about rising
heating costs. Rep. Kiesel hopes Senate Pro Temp Mike Morgan and
Speaker Todd Hiett will address this issue before December 1, which is
the beginning of this year's LIHEAP application period. Rep. Kiesel
said he is willing to sponsor legislation to deal with this crisis
during a Special Session. "If Republicans and Democrats can't agree on
any of the other items already on the Special Session agenda, at the
very least we can come together to address this crisis for the sake of
hard working Oklahomans, their families, and the elderly on fixed
incomes." Kiesel added, "It will truly be reprehensible if thousands of
families are left out in the cold simply because elected officials
refuse to deviate from politics as usual."
-30-

Wasting public money treating fools

2005-10-11T16:31:00.000-05:00

Lawmakers Renew Call for
Funding Gambling Treatment

No sooner does new money become available and government will figure out every possible way to waste it instead of spending it on what it was originally state it was to be used for.

Government trying to use public money to treat fools for various self-inflicted ailments either real or imaginary is par for the course, not something new at all.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Thad Balkman Contact: State
Rep. Lance Cargill
Capitol: (405) 557-7386 Capitol: (405) 557-7400
Norman: (405) 447-4988 Harrah: (405) 454-1022

Lawmakers Renew Call for Funding Gambling Treatment

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 11) - Oklahoma House leaders today renewed their
call to provide more gambling addiction programs, noting that the launch
of a state lottery provides the perfect funding mechanism.

"We've seen a shift from meth addiction to gambling addiction in
Oklahoma with devastating consequences in both cases," said House
Speaker Todd Hiett, R-Kellyville. "Unfortunately, the state has no
counselors certified to treat gambling disorders. Compulsive gambling
tears down families and leaves its victims without hope. As lawmakers,
we have to face this problem head-on."

Hiett said State Rep. Thad Balkman, chair of the House
Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Health and Social Services,
will spearhead the effort to help gambling addicts.

Under the House proposal, Balkman said a portion of lottery
money will be used to pay for gambling treatment. If the House plan
becomes law, gambling addiction programs at the Department of Mental
Health and Substance Abuse Services would receive $500,000 per year from
the Oklahoma Lottery Commission.

In addition, House leaders want to require that an amount equal
to 1 percent of annual lottery advertising expenditures be provided to
the agency for the treatment of compulsive gamblers.

Hiett said he hopes to incorporate faith-based counseling
programs into the state response as well.
"Gambling has horrendous social and economic consequences for
addicts and for our state," said Balkman, R-Norman. "Unless we fill the
gap left by gambling losses with treatment efforts, we will continue to
see homes torn apart by financial nightmares and an increase in social
problems such as domestic abuse."

State Rep. Lance Cargill, who recently conducted a legislative
study on gambling problems, said the state must dramatically improve its
response to problem gamblers.

"To expand gambling without providing treatment for addicts is
like doing a high-wire act without a net - it's just a matter of time
until the system fails," said Cargill, R-Harrah.

State officials estimate that up to 51,000 Oklahomans are
pathological gamblers and another 76,000 may be problem gamblers.

The economic impact of those 127,000 individuals is significant.
Recent reports indicate the state economy is already bearing the loss of
$50 million in gambling-related bankruptcies and that number is could
increase as gambling expands in Oklahoma.

Two state questions championed by Gov. Brad Henry have fueled
the recent gambling explosion in Oklahoma. One of those initiatives
legalized casino gambling for the first time while anther state question
legalized the lottery.

Previously, horse racing and bingo-style games were the only
legal forms of gambling in Oklahoma.

Currently, the state of Oklahoma earmarks only 7 cents per
capita on gambling treatment. That number is expected to increase to
21 cents per capita, but that sum still falls short compared to other
states.

For example, Connecticut spends 52 cents per capita on gambling
treatment even though there are only two casinos in the state while
Oklahoma is home to more than 80 casinos.

-30-

2005-10-11T07:01:00.000-05:00

It is a sad day when Oklahoma's public policy is designed to take advantage of human weakness.

[Below please find an editorial piece by state Rep. Paul Wesselhöft, R-Moore, on the sale of tickets for the Oklahoma state lottery, set to begin this week. As the excitement surrounding ticket sales revs up, Rep. Wesselhöft hopes this editorial will present Oklahomans with the other side of the issue.]

Snake Eyes
By State Rep. Paul Wesselhöft

Dice have been found in Egypt dating thousands of years before Christ. Gambling, it seems, has been a universal practice. Gambling involves gain to very few and loss to a great many. Winners are made at the often serious expense of losers. Wouldn't it seem that the command to love one's neighbor rules out gain at your neighbor's inevitable loss?

Now that Oklahoma has initiated a public policy to extract wealth from her citizens through a lottery, the state has become a partner in a business that breaks up families and exploits our most vulnerable citizens. It is a sad day when Oklahoma's public policy is designed to take advantage of human weakness.

With lottery tickets soon to be available at the corner store, and with currently over 80 casinos within a short drive, gambling in Oklahoma is easy to find - and very addictive. Families often suffer severely at the hands of the addictive gambler. Not every gambler develops a pathological behavior pattern, but far too many do.

State officials estimate that some 127,000 Oklahomans are either pathological or problem gamblers. Our state's economy is already bearing the loss of $50 million in gambling-related bankruptcies. Both of these numbers will surely increase as the lottery takes hold.

And though "casual" gambling seldom causes serious problems and should not be considered in the same category as "compulsive" gambling, one must be cautious. All compulsive gambling begins casually.

In my years of pastoral counseling in military communities, where slot machines tend to be plentiful, I have too often seen the social, professional, familial and economic devastation that gambling causes. It ruins lives, and often destroys them altogether. State officials estimate the suicide rate among problem gamblers at 20 percent.

Gambling creates no real product. It creates no new wealth. Gambling violates the principle of fair return for labor and investment and the ethics of stewardship and hard work. It also inflicts pain disproportionately on the poor. And Oklahoma is already one of the poorest states in the nation.

Despite what the governor claims, Oklahoma's economy simply cannot grow when her citizens repeatedly lose capital by gambling away their hard-earned wages. That's a fact. Over the long run, the only people who grow wealthy because of gambling are those who control the process - the casinos, many of which are owned by out-of-state syndicates; and, of course, those who operate the lotteries.

Lottery proponents justify their actions by claiming that it's for the children. Haven't we heard that before? If public policy makers want money for the kids, let them be courageous enough to ask for it legitimately.

There are only so many gambling dollars available in this state. And with the proliferation of casinos and now the lottery, one might wonder if all this competition for everyone's income will someday create an implosion of Oklahoma's gambling industry. If that happens, what are the public policy makers to do with their grand scheme?

When governments sponsor and sanction gambling, even through the democratic process, they engage in the worst type of commercial exploitation. We need government to encourage productive labor, not entice her citizens, through seductive advertising, to crave unearned wealth by tickets bought, the roll of dice, or the pull of the "one-armed bandit."

Albert Einstein stated that "God Almighty does not throw dice." He was referring to the fact that the universe is ordered and not left to chance. State-legalized gambling, it seems, is a denial of faith in God and His ordered universe. The gambler places their trust and devotion in blind chance, which is the antithesis of an ordered universe governed by a sovereign God.

To compulsively place one's trust in mere chance, for the Judeo-Christian, is akin to idolatry; for the atheist and others, let's just call it, "snake eyes."

[Wesselhöft, R-Moore, represents District 54 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.]

Oklahoma Lawmakers Investigate Safety Measures for College Events

2005-10-08T05:21:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Sasha Bradley, House Media
Capitol:(405) 557-7422

Contact: State Rep. Joe Dorman Contact: State Rep. Jeannie
McDaniel
Capitol: (405) 557-7305 Capitol: (405) 557-7334
Rush Springs: (580) 476-3745 Tulsa: (918) 834-3259

Oklahoma Lawmakers Investigate Safety Measures for College Events

OKLAHOMA CITY- (Oct. 7, 2005) - Due to the alleged suicide bomber
incident on the University of Oklahoma campus near the stadium during a
football game, State Representatives Joe Dorman and Jeannie McDaniel are
investigating potential legislation to assure Oklahomans that college
sporting events will continue to be safe.

"We commend the security and staff at OU for maintaining order and for
taking the appropriate safety measures during an incident that could
have been much more dangerous," said Dorman, D-Rush Springs. "We want to
work with Oklahoma universities and the Office of Homeland Security to
review their security standards and see what needs to be done to improve
them."

"This unfortunate incident heightened awareness so citizens now know to
report unusual behavior," said McDaniel, D-Tulsa. "What we are trying to
do is create a way to educate people and work closely with law
enforcement so we keep individuals who attend these community events
safe."

The representatives said they see this as a way for the universities to
learn new security measures from neighboring schools so all Oklahoma
sports fans can continue to be safe when attending a sporting event.

"I honestly hope nothing needs to be changed with the security
standards," said Dorman. "It would be great if the colleges are already
doing everything possible to provide for the safety of the fans and the
athletes."

Dorman and McDaniel will file legislation only if the assessment shows
the need for tighter security exists.

-30-

Lawmakers Seeks State Campaign Finance Reform Lawmakers Seeks State Campaign Finance Reform Lawmaker Seeks State Campaign Finance Reform

2005-10-06T17:21:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Lucky Lamons
Capitol: (405) 557-7390
Sand Springs: (918) 584-3731

Lawmakers Seeks State Campaign Finance Reform

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 6) - Recent controversy over the fundraising activities of federal lawmakers has led one Oklahoma state lawmaker to renew his call for state campaign finance reform.

"The investigations of congressional leaders in both the Senate and the House show the need for Oklahoma to crack down on how state elected officials fund their campaigns," said State Rep. Lucky Lamons, D-Sand Springs.

House Bill 2014, by Lamons, is based on Texas law and prohibits fundraising during the legislative session and during the 30 days prior-to and immediately following the session. The bill would prevent elected officials from receiving any contributions beginning 30 days before the legislative session and ending 30 days after the conclusion of the session.

Oklahoma's legislative session normally runs from the first week of February to the end of May, meaning Lamons' bill would effectively ban fundraising from January through June of each year.

"This bill would assure the public that elected officials are voting based on the content of a bill and not the amount of a check," Lamons said.

As a 20-year police veteran, Lamons said he was used to seeing vigorous investigations whenever an officer was engaged in any activity that even appeared improper. He said state legislators should be held to the same standard.

"Elected officials need to be beyond reproach and eliminate the appearance that they might be for sale," Lamons said. "House Bill 2014 would do that by preventing any member of the House of Representatives or state Senate from receiving money during session."

The ban on contributions would apply to any member of the Oklahoma Legislature, any candidate committee or legislative caucus.

Violations of the proposed law would result in misdemeanor charges. Those convicted could be forced to pay damages to the state in an amount triple the value of the unlawful contribution.

Lamons filed a similar bill last year, but it did not receive a hearing. With the current controversy in Washington, D.C., he said there may be more support in the 2006 legislative session.

"When it comes to potential ethical accusations, I think it would be in our best interest to stop any speculation before it even gets started," Lamons said.

-30-

Lawmakers Consider State Regulation of Violent Video Games

2005-10-05T08:29:00.000-05:00

Lawmakers Consider State Regulation of Violent Video Games

Lawmakers
Consider State Regulation of Violent Video Games
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Fred Morgan
Capitol: (405) 557-7409
Oklahoma City: (405) 232-8131

Lawmakers Consider State Regulation of Violent Video Games

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 4) - State officials can regulate video games
without violating constitutional free speech protections, Oklahoma
lawmakers were informed today.

However, government officials must demonstrate that a regulation
will have measurable impact and address a "compelling state interest," a
legal expert said.

Members of the House Health and Human Services Committee met
Tuesday to discuss regulating violent video games.

State Rep. Fred Morgan, who requested the legislative study,
said research indicates exposure to violent video games leads to
anti-social behavior in children, particularly in young boys. Repeated
exposure to such games can lead to violent behavior and criminal acts.

"These games are becoming more and more complex, more and more
sophisticated, and they've become more and more violent with more sexual
content in them," said Morgan, R-Oklahoma City.

He noted studies show violent video games can "desensitize
children to violence towards women and violence in general."

Dr. Eric Dlugokinski, a licensed psychologist and professor
emeritus at OU Health Sciences Center, told lawmakers he has treated
many youth addicted to violent video games. Because children are active
participants in the games, he said video games actually model behaviors
that children may repeat in real life.

Although the video game industry uses a rating system, Morgan
said many parents are not aware of the content of specific games and
that children are circumventing the rating system.

He cited a study showing 50 percent of boys ages seven to 14
have played a video game with a "Mature" rating.

Andrew Lester, an attorney from the Edmond firm of Lester,
Loving & Davies, said the courts have ruled states may regulate violent
video games only if officials can show exposure to the games results in
measurable harm. The state must also be able to prove the regulations
will have a quantified, positive impact.

Lester said the courts consider "protection of youth" to be a
"compelling state interest" that would justify the regulation of violent
video games, but the state must be able to demonstrate a regulation will
"alleviate provable harm to minors"

He also noted that the sexual content now found in many video
games could also allow the state to regulate them through obscenity law.

An Illinois law that may be used as a model in Oklahoma bans
specific depictions of violence in video games.

Morgan said any legislation he files will also incorporate the
findings of studies showing a link between violent video games and
increased aggressive behavior in children.

"This is not an easy issue," Morgan said. "I do anticipate a
court challenge to any legislation we may pass, but this is a problem
that needs to be addressed."

-30-

Lawmakers Attend National Civic Education Conference

2005-10-04T21:21:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Gary Banz Contact: State Rep. Bill Nations
Capitol: (405) 557-7395 Capitol: (405) 557-7323
Midwest City: (405) 769-5722 Norman: (405) 321-0505

Lawmakers Attend National Civic Education Conference

OKLAHOMA CITY (October 3) - Fresh from their trip to the Third Annual
Congressional Conference on Civic Education, a bipartisan pair of state
lawmakers plan to take stock of Oklahoma schools in an effort to improve
civic education.
"Over the next two years, we want to survey schools and
determine the status of civic education in Oklahoma," said State Rep.
Bill Nations, D-Norman. "Hopefully, this process will energize people
across the state and we'll cap everything off with a summit on civic
education in our 2007 centennial year."
"The challenge we face is to promote civic education in a way
that rises above the partisanship that accompanies our political
process," said State Rep. Gary Banz, R-Midwest City. "It's our belief
that the importance of civic participation can be stressed in Oklahoma
classrooms without dividing students along ideological lines."
Both men attended the Third Annual Congressional Conference on
Civic Education on September 24-26 in Washington, D.C.
The conference is a congressionally funded five-year effort to
elevate civic education curriculum in public schools.
According to conference officials, "the first two Congressional
Conferences succeeded in sparking a proactive movement in each state to
restore the civic mission of schools." This year's conference was "the
third of five planned annual conferences designed to focus public
attention on the state of civic education in America."
More than 400 people from 50 states and eight countries attended
this year's conference.
This is the third year Nations has attended while Banz, who
taught in Oklahoma Public Schools for 28 years, was making his second
trip.
The two men said the proposed survey of Oklahoma schools will
help policymakers identify any weaknesses in the state school system and
help officials improve civic education efforts.
"It is important that we encourage our young people to play an
active role in their communities, their state and their nation," Banz
said. "And this program could be a major
part of that learning process."
"You can't overestimate the impact of civic education," Nations
said. "After all, today's students will be the leaders of tomorrow's
government."

-30-

FTC credit repair scam -- Outrageous!!!!

2005-10-01T12:06:00.000-05:00

FTC name used in outrageous scam

Date:10/01/2005
By Bill Bauer
Magna Carta News Staff Reporter

This is one of the most outrageous scams I can remember ever hearing about. These people are so scared of getting caught at what they are doing that they change the phone number and the pin number for each day's calls. On top of that they demand that everyone checking into the call give them a name and if a person refuses to do that they simply shut down the call and have the listeners call back on another number and using a pin that was previously used maybe a day or so before.

Once you listen to this call you will surely understand why they are so frightened of their own outrageous and illegal claims that they feel they have to go to such extremes in order to conceal what they are doing.

Among the more outrageous things you will hear on the tape are the statements that the FTC will force the credit bureaus to give you an exceedingly high credit rating somewhere in the 700 to 800 range, will throw judges who have been instrumental in taking away your money or your property in jail, do the same to attorneys and will force the banks to wipe out your loans or credit card debt.

If anybody needs to go to jail it is "Ray" and company for his outrageous scamming and bilking gullible people out of thousands of dollars.

I certainly hope that the FTC catches up to these people and puts them out of business and behind bars where they so obviously belong.

You will need the Sony Codec (player) to listen to this call as usual.

This "ministry" requires you to listen to an audio recording of "The Creature from Jekyl Island" by G. Edward Griffin. One simply must have the necessary "background" knowledge in order to understand what an outrageous scam the Government has foisted off upon us of course.

This recording uses REAL PLAYER which is another pretty standard codec.

Click here to listen to the Creature From Jekyl Island

I now have 3 calls taped and their introductory material. These people seem to think nothing of charging more than $2,000 for their garbage.

What this "Ray" person says is so far from that which a reasonable man would or could consider to be truth that there can be no other logical reason for his outrageous statements than pure plain simple fraud.

He seems to get about 6 to 10 people per call and they all seem to pretty much be the same people all the time with a couple of newbies that they manage to scrape up from somewhere in the mix.

Ray is so frightened that he will not even give out his email address. That pretty well lays out the obvious fact that he knows full well that all of what he says is nothing but outright lies.

Compulsive Gamlers Need help

2005-09-22T15:39:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Lance Cargill
Capitol: (405) 557-7400
Harrah: (405) 454-1022

Oklahoma Braces for Explosion of Problem Gamblers

OKLAHOMA CITY (September 22) - The explosion of problem gamblers in Oklahoma is expected to wreak havoc on both the state economy and the lives of citizens, yet the state has no certified gambling counselors or treatment programs.

State Rep. Lance Cargill, who conducted a legislative study on the problem, said the state must dramatically improve its response to gambling problems.

"This issue is about people who are hurting," said Cargill, R-Harrah. "The politicians who push hardest for expanded gambling seem eager to see people lose their money, but have a lot less interest in helping those same people when their money is gone."

House Speaker Todd Hiett, R-Kellyville, has vowed to make gambling treatment a top issue of the 2006 legislative session and suggested expansion and assistance for more faith-based counseling programs may be pursued.

State officials estimate that up to 51,000 Oklahomans are pathological gamblers and another 76,000 may be problem gamblers.

The economic impact of those 127,000 individuals is significant.
Recent reports indicate the state economy is already bearing the loss of
$50 million in gambling-related bankruptcies and that number is expected
to increase as gambling expands in Oklahoma.

A state question approved last fall legalized casino gambling in
Oklahoma for the first time, including video slot machines and video
poker. On the same ballot, a state lottery received voter approval.

Previously, horse racing and bingo-style games were the only
legal forms of gambling in Oklahoma.

Officials said up to 28 percent of male problem gamblers have
declared bankruptcy.

A private citizen, who asked that her identity remain
confidential, testified before legislators on Thursday about her
experiences as a spouse of a compulsive gambler. She said most help that
is available overlooks the financial fallout of gambling addiction,
which she said needs to be addressed before the family or the addict can
deal with the emotional aspects of their problem. At a recent Gamblers
Anonymous meeting, she and four other participants estimated their
families combined had lost more than $500,000 to casinos.

Officials believe the economic losses from gambling-related
bankruptcies could offset most of the gains in state revenue created by
gambling based on current trends.

Noting that Oklahoma is already one of the poorest states in the
nation, officials believe the impact of problem gambling will have
ripple effects in many other areas.

For example, state officials said the suicide rate among problem
gamblers runs as high as 20 percent and up to 76 percent of pathological
gamblers have missed time from work due to their gambling problem.

However, the state of Oklahoma does not yet have any certified
gambling treatment programs and earmarks only 7 cents per capita on
gambling treatment.

Once Oklahoma's lottery is launched, a portion of that revenue
will go to gambling treatment, potentially increasing state spending on
treatment to 21 cents per capita.

That amount is far less than the sums other states spend. For
example, the state of Connecticut spends 52 cents per capita on gambling
treatment even though there are only two casinos in the state.

On the other hand, Oklahoma is home to more than 80 casinos
today.

During Thursday's study meeting, lawmakers visited with
officials from Missouri and Washington to learn what those states have
done to address problem gambling.

The following ideas were among the policy proposals suggested:
* Banning or limiting the use of ATMs or other cash-advance
services at casinos

* Charging a state fee to enter a casino and earmarking the money
for treatment programs so that gamblers pay the costs of their own
treatment

* Creating "self-exclusion" programs for compulsive gamblers

* Launching public awareness campaigns
"Obviously, we're going to be dealing with the economic and
social impact of gambling for a long time," Cargill said. "Many people
pushed for expanded gambling despite the fact that we had no
infrastructure and no road map to address the consequences. We need to
focus our attention now on providing help to those people who will fall
victim to gambling addiction."

Richard Cornforth Seminar Sept 16 - 18 2005

2005-09-18T22:08:00.000-05:00

The Richard Cornforth Seminar was held at the Dallas Holiday Inn Select Central and was a great success. Richard's topic covered his new book, "THOU TEACHETH MY HAND TO WAR". The seminar was attended by about 50 people and we all had a good time and listened to Richard Cornforth and other speakers, some of whose pictures appear here.

The Seminar kicked off with a nice supper and then we listened to Richard Cornforth make his opening speech before retiring for the night. Richard called for donations to help with advertising costs in order to raise attendance at future seminars and more than $1,000 was donated by attendees.

Richard Cornforth Seminar Michael Edward

Bill Bauer

If anyone who was at the Dallas Seminar can identify those persons whose names do not appear under their photos please click on this email link and help me fill in their names

At the seminar I promised to copy all of the questions Richard wants mailed out and which are to be found at the back of his latest book "THOU TEACHEST MY HAND TO WAR" but the end result is much too long to be posted on a blog.

Therefore I have posted it to a separate webpage which is located atClick here for the list of questions.

You can either print them out or you can do copy and paste and load them into your text editor and take out some of the explanatory material.

Voters reject state gas tax hike.

2005-09-14T10:51:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Ray Carter, House Media Capitol: (405) 557-7421 Contact: State Rep. Thad Balkman Capitol: (405) 557-7386 Norman: (405) 447-4988 Voter Opposition to Tax Increases Obvious Long Before Vote OKLAHOMA CITY (September 14) - Oklahomans' overwhelming rejection of a fuel tax increase on Tuesday simply reaffirms the state's long-standing opposition to tax increases, a state lawmaker noted today. "If the special interest groups had paid attention to the voters, they would have known this special election was a waste of precious time and state dollars," said State Rep. Thad Balkman, R-Norman. "The people of Oklahoma have consistently voted against tax increases." State Question 723 was rejected by 87 percent of voters, the largest margin of defeat for any state question in Oklahoma history. The last state question to be rejected by a similar margin was State Question 349, which would have increased the state sales tax from 2 percent to 3 percent. That proposal was opposed by 86 percent of voters in 1952. State Question 723 would have increased Oklahoma fuel taxes and dedicated the new money to road maintenance. The cash would have been placed in a constitutional "lockbox" so the funding could not be diverted. Balkman noted that Oklahoma voters have rejected similar proposals in the past. For example, 67 percent of voters opposed the creation of a lockbox for fuel tax and road fees in 1950. State Question 326 would have amended the Oklahoma Constitution to prohibit "the diversion of any highway users' revenues, including gasoline taxes, registration fees and operations' licenses ... from the exclusive purpose of highway construction, maintenance and administration ..." Oklahoma voters have expressed their conservative financial views by opposing other plans touted as a cure for road problems, Balkman noted. For example, 76 percent of voters opposed State Question 485 in 1972. That proposal would have allowed the state to incur $250 million in debt (the equivalent of $1.16 billion today) "for the purpose of providing safe highways, eliminating hazardous highway conditions, acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, [and] extending and improving highway facilities ..." In 1919, State Question 100 was opposed by 71 percent of Oklahoma voters. That plan would have authorized the state to assume $50 million in bond debt (more than $560 million in 2005 dollars) to build highways. "The people of Oklahoma have always voted for government to live within its means," Balkman said. "Tuesday's vote was just another verse of the same song the people have been singing since statehood." Going back to the earliest days of Oklahoma government, he said state voters have always opposed tax increases, government debt, efforts to increase the power and pay of the Oklahoma Legislature ... and the United Nations. In 1926, for example, 82 percent of voters opposed State Question 144, which would have increased the compensation of lawmakers to $10 per diem ($110 in 2005 dollars) and also increased lawmakers' travel reimbursement to 10 cents per mile (or $1.10 per mile in 2005 dollars). The proposal would have also limited legislative sessions to 90 days. In 1938, voters shot down another plan involving lawmaker pay. State Question 243 would have reduced the number of state representatives from 117 to 77 and reduced the number of senators to 34, giving each member of the Legislature an annual salary of $2,400 (or $33,250 in 2005 dollars). The proposal was rejected by 74 percent of Oklahoma voters. In 1964, voters again opposed a plan to increase state lawmakers' pay. State Question 414, which was rejected by 76 percent of voters, would have given lawmakers $25 per day per diem and paid them 10 cents per mile in travel reimbursement. One of the most unusual state questions to go down in flames went to the voters in 1950. State Question 344, which was opposed by 77 percent of Oklahoma voters, would have required the governor to inform the President and the U.S. Congress "that it is the wish of the people of Oklahoma" that the United States support efforts to "strengthen the United Nations and make it a world federal government able to prevent war." Balkman noted that State Question 723's fuel-tax increase was opposed by an even greater margin. "Oklahomans hate taxes more than they hate the United Nations - and that's saying something," Balkman said. "Hopefully, this election will finally convince the special interest groups that voters aren't willing to simply hand over their hard-earned money to every group that claims a pet project is an 'emergency.'"

Stop the Gas Tax Rally at state capitol

2005-09-02T18:45:00.000-05:00

There will be a STOP THE GAS TAX RALLY at the state capitol building on Thursday, September 8th at 6:00 P.M.

The rally will be on the south plaza of the capitol building. Bring all your friends and and family and let's make this a big rally to tell the lawmakers not to raise the price of gasoline even more than it already is.

The Official Collection Industry magazine

2005-08-26T21:54:00.000-05:00

The Official Collections Industry Magazine

Official Collections Industry Magazine

Magna Carta News has discovered a new magazine devoted to the Collections Industry.
Filled with great photos and lots of ideas and items of interest to the Collections Industry. This magazine promises to be the premier best seller magazine for the Collections Industry.

magazine, originally uploaded by creditwrench.

The Collections Industry Magazine

New policy initiative for the upcoming legislative session

2005-08-23T15:02:00.000-05:00

CONTACT:
Damon Gardenhire, press secretary
Speaker of the House Todd Hiett
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

Speaker Hiett and House Leaders
Announce Major Policy Initiative

WHO:
* Oklahoma House Speaker Todd Hiett (R-Kellyville)
* Rep. Kevin Calvey (R-Del City)

WHAT: Speaker Hiett and House Republican leaders will announce a major
policy initiative for the upcoming 2006 legislative session.

WHERE: House Lounge, 4th Floor, State Capitol Building

WHEN: 11:15 a.m., Wednesday, August 24, 2005

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National Guard armories should be kept open.

2005-08-19T08:07:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Jeff Hickman
Capitol: (405) 557-7339
Dacoma: (580) 748-0417

Statement by Rep. Jeff Hickman

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 18, 2005) - State Rep. Jeff Hickman (R-Dacoma),
issued a statement regarding the plan announced today to close 59
National Guard facilities in Oklahoma:

"I'm very concerned about the ability of the Oklahoma National Guard to
respond quickly to natural disasters, acts of terrorism or other
emergencies in northwest Oklahoma if we don't have a single armory or
any personnel stationed between Enid and the state of New Mexico. It is
the responsibility of the state to provide for the safety and protection
of all of our tax-paying citizens, regardless of which corner of the
state they live in or how far they may be from an interstate highway.

"When it comes to state facilities, Governor Henry has the final say on
whether these Oklahoma armories are closed, regardless of the BRAC
Commission's recommendations. In fact, the decision was made to keep
open armories in Okmulgee, Edmond, Chickasha and Tonkawa despite the
BRAC Commission recommending they be closed. It is disappointing that
all three armories in my district - in Alva, Woodward and Cherokee -
remain on the BRAC closure list. I hope the Governor will also
reconsider keeping at least one armory somewhere in the middle of the
more than 300 miles of our state from Enid to the end of the panhandle
that will be unprotected with no National Guard facilities."

-30-

Legislative Study Looks to Reform System Legislative Study Looks to Reform System Legislative Study Looks to Reform System

2005-08-18T10:04:00.000-05:00

Legislative Study Looks to Reform System

Legislative study to
monitor parents who are ex-offenders.
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Contact: Dave Bond, Media Specialist
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962-7671

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Kris Steele
Capitol: (405) 557-7345
Shawnee: (405) 878-0514

Legislative Study Looks to Reform System
After 'Precious Doe' Tragedy

OKLAHOMA CITY (August 18, 2005) - A new legislative study will look at
ways to prevent child abuse tragedies like that of the young girl known
as Precious Doe, who was killed four years ago by her stepfather. Today,
in a ceremony in Kansas City, authorities laid her laid to rest for the
second time.

"The story of Precious Doe is one of the most tragic stories I have ever
heard, but maybe we can learn from her story and prevent similar
tragedies in the future," said state Rep. Kris Steele, who is leading
the study. "What would make this story even worse is if we were not able
to improve the system so that tragedies like this are prevented."

The girl, identified only a few months ago as Erica Michelle Green, was
killed in 2001 by her stepfather, who was under the influence of alcohol
and hallucinogens. Both the stepfather and the girl's mother, who gave
birth to the child while in prison and who had been released not long
before the killing, have been charged in the case.

Steele, R-Shawnee, said the study will look at what can be done to
prepare incarcerated parents for parenting once they are released. The
study will also explore ways to improve communication between state
agencies, and also between Oklahoma and other states, in order to keep
tabs on formerly incarcerated parents who might be abusing their
children.

During the time period that Erica Green's mother, Michelle Johnson, was
incarcerated, the little girl lived with a family friend in Muskogee.
Even after the mother was released, the girl lived primarily with the
friend, who was a licensed foster parent.

Occasionally, the birth mother would take the child, and in 1999, the
state Department of Human Services responded to a report that the child
was being neglected during the times she was with her mother. But when
DHS officials learned that the child spent most of her time living with
the foster parent in a good environment, they dropped the case.

Not long after, Michelle Johnson took the child with her to Kansas City,
where they lived with Michelle's new husband, Erica's stepfather, until
Erica's murder.

"Obviously, the members of this task force will search for solutions to
protect innocent children like Erica," Steele said.

First, he said panelists will consider requiring the state Department of
Corrections to notify DHS when incarcerated parents are released.
Representatives from the two agencies could then work together to make
sure that those parents can properly care for their children.

He also said the panel will review what other states are doing in
similar situations.

"Child neglect and abuse are not problems that plague our state alone,
and I would imagine that other states have some good ideas on these
issues," Steele said. "And in the end, communication between states
could be utilized when formerly incarcerated parents cross state lines
with their children in tow."

-30-

State Lawmaker Renews Call for Statewide Pit Bull Ban

2005-08-16T15:13:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: State Rep. Paul Wesselhoft Capitol: (405) 557-7343 Moore: (405) 794-9464 After AG's Ruling, State Lawmaker Renews Call for Statewide Pit Bull Ban OKLAHOMA CITY (August 16, 2005) - Oklahoma needs to implement tough statewide restrictions on pit bull dogs, now that the state attorney general has ruled that individual municipalities cannot enact breed-specific ordinances, a state lawmaker said today. Following a number of pit bull attacks in recent months, state Rep. Paul Wesselhoft had asked Attorney General Drew Edmondson for a ruling on whether chartered municipalities could enact and enforce breed-specific bans. But Edmondson said they could not, so Wesselhoft says he will work even harder to pass statewide safety measures. "This just means it is now even more critical for the Legislature, next session, to make our children's safety a top priority and pass statewide restrictions on the pit bull," said Wesselhoft, R-Moore, who has been actively pursuing strict regulations on pit bulls and their owners since a three-year-old boy from Moore lost his arm to a pit bull terrier in June. "We appreciate Attorney General Edmondson and his staff for taking the time to look at this important issue," Wesselhoft added. "But his ruling today makes it crystal clear that it is up to the people of Oklahoma to let their legislators know that they need sufficient restrictions passed against this dangerous animal." Current Oklahoma law states that municipalities cannot enact breed-specific bans on dogs. But Wesselhoft and others contended that the law did not apply to municipalities that were created under municipal charters. Wesselhoft said today's ruling is unfortunate, but it will not deter him in his efforts. When the state Legislature meets again in February, he plans to carry a bill that would regulate pit bulls on a statewide level. "Even if we had received a favorable ruling from the attorney general today, we would still need to pass statewide safety measures," Wesselhoft said. "This just makes a statewide law that much more essential." He said legislation is warranted because pit bulls are dangerous and unpredictable animals that, once provoked or internally set off, become uncontrollable and lethal weapons that pose significant danger to unsuspecting and innocent people. In addition, he said several major cities around the U.S. have banned pit bulls, including Denver, Detroit, Cincinnati, San Francisco, and Grand Rapids, Mich. And he noted that 17 states have non-breed-specific laws but allow local governments to pass breed-specific legislation. Wesselhoft is proposing that Oklahoma enact a host of restrictions on pit bull dogs and their owners. These would include the spaying or neutering of all pit bulls; specific fencing requirements for containing pit bulls; and forbidding anyone living in Oklahoma from buying a pit bull from out of state. "The eventual goal is to, in effect, ban the deadly pit bull in Oklahoma," Wesselhoft said. "Anyone who currently owns pit bulls would be allowed to keep them, but they would have to be spayed or neutered, so that they can't create more pit bulls." -30-

2005-08-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

And so our great legislators want to renig on their agreements with the Indian Tribes as a means of "curing" the monster they created. Did they ever think of getting competetive with the neighboring states and having the lowest tax in the "neighborhood" in order to attract the tax business from all the other surrounding states? Of course not. That would require more brainpower than they posess.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Kevin Calvey
Capitol: (405) 557-7370

Lawmaker Questions "Border Exceptions" in Governor's Tobacco Compacts

(ATTN: for digital audio go to www.lsb.state.ok.us/house/MEDIAHME.htm)

OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. 9) - Special "border exceptions" allowing some
Native American smoke shops to collect only 6 cents per pack in tobacco
tax were apparently granted haphazardly across Oklahoma, a state
lawmaker said today.
State Rep. Kevin Calvey noted that Gov. Brad Henry's tobacco tax
compacts gave "border exceptions" to shops located nowhere near a state
line.
"It's hard to believe the competition from Kansas retailers is
so fierce that shops 70 miles away needed protection," said Calvey, a
Del City Republican who chairs the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.

He noted that two tribal smoke shops in Cushing, approximately
70 miles from the Kansas state line, are allowed to collect the 6-cent
border exception rate under agreements negotiated with and signed by
Henry.
The shops are located approximately 120 miles from the Arkansas
state line and 140 miles from the Texas state line.
"It's only 110 miles from the Kansas state line to Oklahoma
City, so I'm surprised the governor didn't include the metro area as
part of the 'border exception,'" Calvey said. "Clearly, the governor's
tobacco compacts are seriously flawed and are the major reason tobacco
tax collections have fallen far short of projections."
Oklahoma voters approved a dramatic 80-cents per-pack increase
in cigarette taxes last fall, raising the tax from 23 cents to $1.03 per
pack. The tax increase was supposed to generate an additional $200
million annually, but collections have fallen short of that goal for
seven consecutive months.

-30-

The tobacco tax law is flawed.

2005-08-09T14:30:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Kevin Calvey
Capitol: (405) 557-7370

Lawmaker Questions "Border Exceptions" in Governor's Tobacco Compacts

(ATTN: for digital audio go to www.lsb.state.ok.us/house/MEDIAHME.htm)

OKLAHOMA CITY (Aug. 9) - Special "border exceptions" allowing some
Native American smoke shops to collect only 6 cents per pack in tobacco
tax were apparently granted haphazardly across Oklahoma, a state
lawmaker said today.
State Rep. Kevin Calvey noted that Gov. Brad Henry's tobacco tax
compacts gave "border exceptions" to shops located nowhere near a state
line.
"It's hard to believe the competition from Kansas retailers is
so fierce that shops 70 miles away needed protection," said Calvey, a
Del City Republican who chairs the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.

He noted that two tribal smoke shops in Cushing, approximately
70 miles from the Kansas state line, are allowed to collect the 6-cent
border exception rate under agreements negotiated with and signed by
Henry.
The shops are located approximately 120 miles from the Arkansas
state line and 140 miles from the Texas state line.
"It's only 110 miles from the Kansas state line to Oklahoma
City, so I'm surprised the governor didn't include the metro area as
part of the 'border exception,'" Calvey said. "Clearly, the governor's
tobacco compacts are seriously flawed and are the major reason tobacco
tax collections have fallen far short of projections."
Oklahoma voters approved a dramatic 80-cents per-pack increase
in cigarette taxes last fall, raising the tax from 23 cents to $1.03 per
pack. The tax increase was supposed to generate an additional $200
million annually, but collections have fallen short of that goal for
seven consecutive months.

-30-

The chickens come home to roost.

2005-08-02T17:47:00.000-05:00

The following is a good example of just how dumb our legislators really are. They raised the taxes to an outrageous level and now they wonder why the people are voting not to give them the money they dreamed of. They should have known better than to raise the tobacco taxes like that. They should have known that high prices and high taxes are a sure way to kill the goose that lays their eggs. CONTACT: Damon Gardenhire, press secretary Speaker of the House Todd Hiett Oklahoma House of Representatives Capitol: (405) 962.7679 gardenhire@okhouse.gov Speaker Calls on Governor Henry to Focus on Tobacco Tax Failure: New July Tax Collection Figures Show Significant Shortfall OKLAHOMA CITY (August 2, 2005) – Concerned by more dismal tobacco tax collection numbers for July, Speaker Todd Hiett today called on Governor Henry to add the tobacco tax failure to his call for a special session. “If legislative leaders reach an agreement on prison funding and convene a special session, we should address the tobacco tax debacle while at the state capitol,” said Hiett (R-Kellyville). New July tobacco tax figures released by the Oklahoma Tax Commission show the state collected only about $14 million – far short of projections for the new tax and below June figures. The Speaker said he will formally ask that Governor Henry amend the special session call when the two meet next week. “The mess created by the new tobacco tax and tribal compacts signed by Governor Henry is an urgent matter,” continued Hiett. “As tobacco tax collections continue to fail, vital health care programs are left without necessary funds.” Hiett said at the same time there’s been a tremendous shift from non-tribal to tribal retailers – causing financial ruin for small business owners across Oklahoma. July figures continue to show a pattern of sales shifting to tribal retailers. Oklahoma voters approved a dramatic 80-cents per-pack increase in cigarette taxes last fall, raising the tax from 23 cents to $1.03 per pack. The tax increase was supposed to generate an additional $200 million annually. Hiett said he remained open to the idea of a special session to address funding concerns for the Department of Corrections – though he emphasized that detailed discussions would need to take place before any legislative action could occur. Hiett stepped forward last week with solutions to address immediate needs for both the Centennial Commission and Corrections. Hiett unveiled a plan that allows the Department of Corrections to offer $1,000 signing bonuses for guards to help with recruitment efforts. DOC currently has about 200 vacant and funded guard positions. And he suggested that about $3 million in dormant funds at the Commerce Department could be used to fund immediate centennial needs – an idea embraced by centennial officials. House leaders anticipate announcing details of a comprehensive plan for the Department of Corrections within the next few weeks. Several lawmakers are included in the team developing the plan:  Rep Chris Benge (R-Tulsa) chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee  Rep. Gus Blackwell (R-Goodwell) chair of the House Committee on Corrections and Criminal Justice  Rep. John Trebilcock (R-Broken Arrow), chair of the House A&B Subcommittee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. “The prison plan that we’ll bring forward soon will be a first step in starting important discussions between Governor Henry, House and Senate leaders,” Hiett said. -30-

Rep. Morgan Invites Media to Bill Signing Ceremony

2005-08-02T11:27:00.000-05:00

Rep. Morgan Invites Media to Bill Signing Ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: State Rep. Danny Morgan

Capitol: (405) 557-7368

Prague: (405) 567-4786

WHO: State Rep. Danny Morgan, D-Prague

WHAT: Ceremonial Bill signing and photo opportunity

WHERE:

Governor’s Blue Room

State Capitol Bldg.

2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.

Oklahoma City, OK

WHEN: 10:45 a.m., Thursday, August 11, 2005

THE STORY AT A GLANCE:

Gov. Brad Henry will ceremoniously sign House Bill 1653 into law.

HB 1653, by Rep. Danny Morgan, will create a new “graduated” driver’s license for teenagers that limits the number and age of passengers allowed in a vehicle with a teenage driver and the hours a teen can drive on the road.

It will require teens to apply for a graduated driver’s license that restricts their driving time to the hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with exceptions for driving to work, school, church or related activities, or if a licensed driver is seated next to the teenager.

The bill also prevents teenage drivers from chauffeuring their friends around town, prohibiting teens with a restricted license from driving with multiple passengers younger than age 21 (other than family).

Morgan said the change would allow teenagers to go on dates and other social activities, so long as they were not driving after 11 p.m., unless they are accompanied by a 21-year-old passenger.

Under the provisions of House Bill 1653, the driver’s license restrictions would be removed over a one-year period if a teenager maintains a clean driving record.

When a similar proposal was adopted in North Carolina in 1997, Morgan noted the fatality rate of 16-to-18-year-old drivers declined by 27 percent. He said North Carolina’s license system also resulted in a 25 percent drop in accidents among teen drivers.

Jason Sutton

Media Specialist

Oklahoma House of Representatives

Ph: (405) 962-7623

Fax: (405) 557-7498

House Budget Leader Calls on Governor to Address Centennial Needs Now

2005-08-01T15:23:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Jim Newport
Capitol: (405) 557-7355
Ponca City: (580) 765-3939

House Budget Leader Calls on Governor to
Address Centennial Needs Now

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 29, 2005) - Rep. Jim Newport today questioned why
Governor Brad Henry is stalling on cost-effective solutions for funding
centennial and corrections needs.

"Governor Henry and liberal Senate Democrats seem obsessed with the idea
of having a special session," said Newport, R-Ponca City, vice chair of
the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. "I can only conclude
they're more interested in posturing and lining their own pockets with
extra pay than they are in achieving real solutions on public safety and
our state's centennial."

Newport said Governor Henry's stalling tactics call into question
liberal Democrat motives for pushing for an expensive special session.
He pointed to the weekly cost of a special session -- about $150,000
each week, most of which goes to extra pay for lawmakers.

Speaker Todd Hiett has called on the governor to spend more than three
million dollars in excess Commerce Department funds to help the
centennial commission meet its immediate needs.

"I hope the governor is not planning on using that money as a slush
fund," said Newport. "Special sessions shouldn't be a tool for the
Governor to correct his mistakes and cover his tracks. Instead of
playing politics, the governor and liberal Senate Democrats need to work
toward making our cost-effective solutions reality."

-30-

"Infant Death Prevention Devices"

2005-07-27T00:42:00.000-05:00

Contact: Dave Bond, Media Specialist Oklahoma House of Representatives Capitol: (405) 962-7671 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: State Rep. Fred Perry Capitol: (405) 557-7331 Tulsa: (918) 557-3733 State Lawmaker Announces Distribution Partners for "Infant Death Prevention Devices" OKLAHOMA CITY (July 26, 2005) - After two separate incidents this month in which Oklahoma children died from heat-related injuries after being left in the car by their parents, a state lawmaker is stepping up his efforts to remind parents not to make the same mistake. In 2003, after a Glenpool child died in a similar incident, Rep. Fred Perry came up with the idea of interior car hangers and key chain clips to remind parents that a child was in the car during the hot summer months. Perry then took his idea to Jason Maddox, the owner of thinkDESIGNco, a graphics design and marketing firm. The "Remember Baby" car hangers and key chain clips were the result. Maddox, who has an infant child himself, has been a partner with Perry in the effort to prevent child deaths. Since then, several hundred of these "infant death prevention devices" have been produced and distributed. However, following this month's deaths, the Tulsa legislator has sought to increase the number of the devices produced and distributed, and has worked successfully to find new partners to help with the process. Perry has financed some of the production costs out of his own pocket, as well as with money from contributors to his campaign (with their permission), and with the generosity of Mike McNally of McNally Printing of Tulsa and two anonymous contributors. And today Perry announced a new agreement with the two major Safe Kids Coalition organizations in the State of Oklahoma: Safe Kids Tulsa Area and Safe Kids Oklahoma, both of which have agreed to distribute the hangers and key chain clips from their respective facilities. "The Tulsa area Safe Kids folks will distribute the 'Remember Baby' devices to parents and groups within the 918- area code area, and the Oklahoma Safe Kids group, located in Oklahoma City, will distribute them within the 405- area code area," Perry explained. "I am extremely thankful for the cooperation of Mary Beth Ogle and Martha Collar, the executive directors, respectively, of these two great organizations. Their assistance will free me up to raise additional funds for the cause." Collar, who heads Safe Kids Oklahoma, said the hangers and key chain clips help with the goal of keeping Oklahoma children safe. "These materials will hopefully be one more reminder to parents who are transporting children in the back seat of the car," she added. "We encourage all parents to put their purse, or briefcase, or a cell phone or something in the back seat, as a reminder to take their child inside with them." Ogle, of Safe Kids Tulsa Area, agreed, saying that "whatever it takes to prevent a child from being left in a hot car, it's worth it. I don't think any parent exposes their child to oven-like temperatures on purpose. But it's worth educating and bringing parents' attention to this possibility. I really commend Representative Perry for bringing attention to this tragic issue." Perry said he is still looking for additional retail sponsors to distribute the "Remember Baby" devices in their stores, which he said would increase public awareness of the devices and make them more accessible. "If people can simply stop in to a convenience store or super market and pick one up, this will make things easier and less expensive," said Perry, who is currently serving his sixth and final term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He pointed out that retailers who help distribute the reminder devices are likely to benefit from the good will associated with the project and the potential increased consumer traffic that could result. "I am in discussions with different executives right now, but it would help if people called store owners and retail executives and encouraged them to take part in this program," Perry said. "I've been very encouraged by the fact that the public reception to these 'Remember Baby' devices has been truly overwhelming," he added. "We did an interview on Channel 6 in Tulsa on this project just the other day. The next day, my telephone was ringing off the hook with people calling, asking where they could get one of these 'Remember Baby' hangers." People can order "Remember Baby" car hangers by calling their local chapter of the Safe Kids Coalition: (918) 494-SAFE in Tulsa, or (405) 271-5695 in Oklahoma City. Anyone interested can view designs for the "Remember Baby" mirror hangers and key chain clips at www.fredperry.net. -30-

House Leaders Announce Prison Guards Recruitment Plan:

2005-07-26T13:00:00.000-05:00

CONTACT: Damon Gardenhire, Press Secretary to Speaker Hiett 405/962-7679 Rep. John Trebilcock (R-Broken Arrow) 918/407-7745 Rep. Gus Blackwell (R-Goodwell) 405/557-7384 House Leaders Announce Prison Guards Recruitment Plan: $1,000 Signing Bonuses Could Be Implemented Now OKLAHOMA CITY (July 26, 2005) – Speaker Todd Hiett and House Republican leaders today announced a solution to boost recruitment of prison guards in Oklahoma using existing funds. The plan could be implemented immediately without a costly legislative special session. The plan would fill nearly 200 current guard vacancies by using $1,000 signing bonuses to recruit candidates. The Department of Corrections currently has about 200 vacant guard positions across the state. Filling those vacancies would reduce the state’s prisoner-to-guard ratio to private prison levels. “This is a solid solution that will take care of immediate needs for more guards in the Department of Corrections, without rushing into a special session,” said Hiett, R-Kellyville. “Our solution addresses a recruitment problem for prisons in our state that should be tackled before spending more money.” The House Republican solution recommends that DOC officials take advantage of an existing state sign-on incentive program that allows state agencies to provide bonuses of up to $5,000 for each qualified job candidate. Because the Department of Corrections has nearly 200 fully-funded vacant guard positions now, the department will use funds that have accrued while positions have remained vacant. “Recruitment seems to be at the heart of prison staffing issues right now,” said Rep. Gus Blackwell, R- Goodwell, chair of the House Corrections and Criminal Justice Committee. “This is a tool that can help recruit guards without delay. Corrections officials should be able to use these bonuses to attract qualified candidates.” Blackwell noted that Corrections Corporation of America, which operates private prisons in Oklahoma, has lower guard vacancy rates than DOC – yet CCA pays guards a lower salary. Blackwell said DOC officials can use the bonus program to meet the areas of greatest need, recruiting for facilities with the largest vacancy rates. Using signing bonuses to hire nearly 200 additional guards would reduce the current guard-to-prisoner ratio in state prisons to 1 guard for about 8 prisoners, the same level that private prisons currently maintain in Oklahoma. Blackwell and Rep. John Trebilcock, chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary, also said that within the next several weeks they’ll present a comprehensive plan for the Department of Corrections that can be implemented in the 2006 legislative session. They said the plan would address compensation for all prison guards in Oklahoma, as well other crucial public safety issues. “We’ve heard and read a lot of irresponsible rhetoric coming from Senate Democrat leaders in recent weeks,” said Trebilcock (R-Broken Arrow). “They’ve tried to instill fear throughout our state by making wild claims. And their fear-mongering has also depressed recruitment efforts statewide.” Trebilcock pointed out that no correlation can be established between funding levels for prisons and violent incidents or escapes. Trebilcock cited several examples:  In fiscal years 2000 through 2002, prison funding rose each year. So did escapes.  From fiscal year 2000 to 2001 funding increased 5 percent – yet escapes jumped 58.4 percent from 53 to 84 per year.  The fiscal year 2004 budget for prisons was actually $29.9 million less than the amount provided in 2002 (accounting for inflation), yet the number of inmate-on-inmate assaults fell 24.8 percent comparing those two fiscal years.  The number of inmate-on-staff assaults also declined 24.5 percent between fiscal year 2002 and fiscal year 2004, in spite of a budget cut. Trebilcock also said that recent reports suggesting violent incidents in Oklahoma prisons are at “an all-time high,” are completely inaccurate. In fact, he noted the number of serious incidents reported by the Department of Corrections remains fairly constant year to year, and appears to be influenced more by a change of seasons than funding levels. “For decades, Democrats have governed our state through a crisis mentality,” Trebilcock said. “Their answer is always to spend more money. We’re coming forward with businesslike solutions that represent the best management of taxpayers’ money, while also protecting public safety. And we’re offering our solutions in a thoughtful way, without rushing into a special session.” -30- NOTICE: The information in this email is confidential, legally privileged, and exempt from disclosure under law. It is intended solely for the addressee. Access to this email by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and unlawful. The Oklahoma House of Reps does not warrant any e-mail transmission received as being virus free, and disclaims any liability for losses or damages arising from the use of this e-mail or its attachments. Recipients of e-mail assume the risk of possible computer virus exposure by opening or utilizing the e-mail and its attachments, and waive any right or recourse against the House by doing so.

New Ethanol Tax Credit Signed Into Law

2005-07-22T05:47:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: State Rep. Mike Jackson Capitol: (405) 557-7317 Enid: (580) 242-0069 New Ethanol Tax Credit Signed Into Law OKLAHOMA CITY (July 21, 2005) - A new law giving tax credits to Oklahoma ethanol producers to help make the alternative fuel more attractive to consumers was signed into law yesterday. House Bill 1556, by Rep. Mike Jackson, provides an income tax credit to ethanol facilities that meet a minimum production rate, and provides an additional 16-cent credit against fuel excise taxes for every gallon of ethanol fuel sold by a retail dealer. "By pursuing the increased production and use of ethanol within Oklahoma, we can help create opportunities for Oklahomans to control their own destiny, rather than be forced to depend on energy sources that they have little to no control over," said Jackson, R-Enid. Production of ethanol, a blend of gasoline and ethyl alcohol, has risen over the years, particularly in rural states, as consumers and industry leaders have sought ways to reduce dependence on imported oil. Jackson said that ethanol provides consumers with an alternative fuel choice, and that if Oklahomans can encourage production and use of ethanol, the state can begin to produce some of its own transportation fuel. He also noted that in some states, ethanol fuel production has helped to support rural economies. Under HB 1556, an ethanol fuel retail dealer could claim a refund for the credit, provided the claim is supported by documentation that the retail price for each gallon of ethanol fuel sold was reduced by the amount of the credit, and that the savings were passed on to the consumer. -30-

Lawmaker Seeks to Overturn OU Mandate

2005-07-21T12:19:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Ray Carter, House Media Capitol: (405) 557-7421 Contact: State Rep. Mike Reynolds Capitol: (405) 557-7337 Oklahoma City: (405) 691-1650 Lawmaker Seeks to Overturn OU Mandate OKLAHOMA CITY (July 21) - Saying the university's new rule requiring all freshman students to live on campus makes college unaffordable for many families, State Rep. Mike Reynolds hopes to make the mandate illegal. "Since administration officials have rejected my request to return to their previous policy, I will file legislation to ensure that no taxpayer-subsidized schools can require students to live on campus," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "That's not a necessary part of a college education." In a letter sent to the parents of OU freshmen, Boren wrote that "the experience lost by not living on campus truly diminishes the educational experience." Reynolds disagrees, saying the new rule "is about paying for their dormitories, not about giving the students a good educational experience." He noted that dorm occupancy rates at OU have ranged between 86 percent and 92 percent in recent years, according to Boren. Reynolds predicted the new rule may eliminate much of the surplus space. Although OU's written policy in the past required students younger than 20 to live on campus, exemptions were easily obtained, therefore it was rarely enforced. Now the school requires all students to live on campus unless they have a medical or religious reason to receive an exemption. For the families who were not expecting to pay dorm rent, the new rule increases the cost of college by up to $8,000 per year. "I had a constituent that didn't take scholarships to go to other universities because she wanted to go to OU," Reynolds said. "She applied. She got in. And then OU said, 'You've got to live on campus.' They changed the policy after it was too late for her to go to any of the other schools that offered scholarships." The average cost for a year of classes at OU is already more than $4,300, Reynolds noted, an increase pf 6.5 percent compared to last year. That increase came on top of a statewide average 9.2 increase in 2004 and an average tuition hike of 18 percent in 2003. Reynolds noted the extra $8,000 for a dorm room at OU represents nearly 20 percent of the median family income of $40,709 in Oklahoma, according to the 2000 Census. Of the 3,200 freshmen expected to attend OU this fall, only 226 have been granted housing exemptions so far, according to a recent news report. "If we allow this at OU, then every other school will require their students to room on campus to 'get a good educational experience,'" Reynolds said. "There's no reason for us to force Oklahoma families to fork over 20 percent of their income so their kid can live on campus when they could have lived at home or less expensive housing is available." -30-

Re: Hilliard Questions Fees Charged to Schools for the Deaf and Blind

2005-07-20T13:59:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421
Contact: State Rep. Wes Hilliard
Capitol: (405) 557-7412
Sulphur: (580) 622-4504

Hilliard Questions Fees Charged to Schools for the Deaf and Blind
OKLAHOMA CITY (July 20) -

Worried that "indirect" costs paid by the Oklahoma Schools for the Deaf
and Blind to the Department of
Rehabilitation Services will force budget cuts at the schools, State
Rep. Wes Hilliard has requested and been approved for a legislative
study on the issue.

"It looks like money we appropriate to the Oklahoma Schools for the Deaf
and Blind is being diverted and used to subsidize the Department of
Rehabilitation Services," said Hilliard, D-Sulphur.

"My constituents expect their tax dollars to be spent as designated in
state law, so I believe we need to review this practice."
Because the two schools fall under the Department of Rehabilitation
Services, funding for both schools is funneled through the agency's
budget. Currently, the department charges both an indirect cost that
takes up a large portion of the allocated dollars for the two schools.

To justify the practice, Hilliard said the Department of Rehabilitation
Services cites a rule issued by the Office of Management and Budget, but
after researching the issue, it appears the OMB rule applies to federal
funds and not state dollars.

"At this point, it's not clear if the Department of Rehabilitation
Service has the authority to charge indirect costs to the
Schools for the Blind and Deaf," Hilliard said. "If they don't, the fees
should be revoked immediately."

He noted that the Department of Rehabilitation has increased the
percentage of the total budget it takes from both schools for
"administrative costs" every year for several years.

Hilliard said a legislative study is needed to determine if the
department has authority to take indirect costs, how any fee should be
determined, what services the schools get from the department, and what
authority the department has to take the money allocated to the schools.
In the next fiscal year, he said the department will
receiveapproximately $945,000 originally budgeted to Schools for the
Blind and Deaf.

"For every dollar DRS takes, the burden on our state's blind and deaf
increases," Hilliard said. "I realize the schools should pay for the
services they receive, but I'm not sure they are getting $945,000 worth
of services and I believe a portion of that money should remain at the
Schools for the Blind and Deaf.".

He noted lawmakers provided an additional $171,000 to both schools this
year to increase teacher pay, but those raises may now cause a hardship
on the schools because the Department of Rehabilitation Services has
increased the indirect costs it charges by $181,000.

"Money that should be going to Oklahoma's blind and deaf students is
instead going into the pockets of bureaucrats," Hilliard
said. "That's not right."

-30-

Speaker of the House Announces Appointments Speaker of the House Announces Appointments Speaker of the House Announces Appointments

2005-07-19T10:27:00.000-05:00

CONTACT:
Damon Gardenhire, press secretary
Speaker Todd Hiett
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

Speaker of the House Announces Appointments

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 19, 2005) - Speaker Todd Hiett of the Oklahoma House
of Representatives recently announced that he has made the following
appointments:

Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, to the Task Force on Electronic Commerce
to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Rep. Abe Deutschendorf, D-Lawton, to the Task Force on Electronic
Commerce to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Rep. Fred Perry, D-Tulsa, to the Task Force on Electronic Commerce to
serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Daniel G. Keating, Tulsa, to the Cigarette and Tobacco Tax Advisory
Committee for a term expiring April 17, 2008.

Jeffrey D. Williams, Oklahoma City, to the Cigarette and Tobacco Tax
Advisory Committee for a term expiring April 17, 2007.

Robert Jeff White, Pawnee, to the Cigarette and Tobacco Tax Advisory
Committee for a term expiring April 17, 2006.

JoAnn Bradley, Tahlequah, to the Oklahoma State Council on Aging for a
term expiring March 22, 2008.

Rep. Odilia Dank, R-Oklahoma City, to the Board of Trustees of the
Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics to serve at the pleasure of
the Speaker; and to the Education Commission of the States to serve at
the pleasure of the Speaker.

Carl E. Johnson, Jones, to the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma School
of Science and Mathematics to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Donald L. Dillingham, Oklahoma City, to the Native American Cultural and
Educational Authority for a term expiring July 31, 2008.

Bill Shoemate, Lawton, to the Native American Cultural and Education
Authority for a term expiring Marcy 5, 2009.

Rep. Trebor Worthen, R-Oklahoma City, to the Worker Safety Policy
Council to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Rep. Mike Wilt, R-Bartlesville, to the Worker Safety Policy Council to
serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Rep. Doug Cox, R-Grove, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee for
Oklahoma Long Term Care to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee
for Oklahoma Long Term Care to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker; and
to the Long Range Capital Planning Commission to serve at the pleasure
of the Speaker.

Rep. Lisa J. Billy, R-Purcell, to the Joint Legislative Oversight
Committee for Oklahoma Long Term Care to serve at the pleasure of the
Speaker.

Rep. Thad Balkman, R-Norman, to the Joint Legislative Oversight
Committee for Oklahoma Long Term Care to serve at the pleasure of the
Speaker.

Rep. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, to the Joint Legislative Oversight
Committee for Oklahoma Long Term Care to serve at the pleasure of the
Speaker.

Rep. Ray Young, R-Yukon, to the Southern Growth Policies Board to serve
at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Rep. Dennis Adkins, R-Tulsa, to the Southern States Energy Board, to
serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Mike VanLandingham, Alva, to the Small Business Regulatory Review
Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2006.

June Klaassen, Oklahoma City, to the Small Business Regulatory Review
Committee for a term expiring December 31, 2006.

Chuck Mills, Shawnee, to the Small Business Regulatory Review Committee
for a term expiring December 31, 2006.

Donald W. Fletcher, Big Cabin, to the Solid Waste Management Advisory
Council for a term expiring June 2, 2008.

Nancy M. Tarr, Edmond, to the Long Range Capital Planning Commission to
serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Rep. Guy Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City, to the Long Range Capital Planning
Commission to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Bob Ed Culver, Tahlequah, to the Scenic River Commission for the
Illinois River and Flint Creek River Areas for a term expiring April 26,
2009.

Daniel J. Zaloudek, Tulsa, to the Oklahoma Capitol Complex and
Centennial Commemoration Commission to serve at the pleasure of the
Speaker.

Jane Jayroe, Oklahoma City, to the Oklahoma Capitol Complex and
Centennial Commemoration Commission to serve at the pleasure of the
Speaker.

Tami Fleak, Sapulpa, to the Oklahoma Capitol Complex and Centennial
Commemoration Commission to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Bill Anoatubby, Ada, to the Oklahoma Capitol Complex and Centennial
Commemoration Commission to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Carl R. Renfro, Ponca City, to the Oklahoma Capitol Complex and
Centennial Commemoration Commission to serve at the pleasure of the
Speaker.

John Purcell Jr., Lawton, to the Oklahoma Capitol Complex and Centennial
Commemoration Commission to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker.

Rep. Daniel Sullivan, R-Tulsa, to the Oklahoma Capitol Complex and
Centennial Commemoration Commission to serve at the pleasure of the
Speaker.

Rep. Susan Winchester, R-Chickasha, to the Oklahoma Capitol Complex and
Centennial Commemoration Commission to serve at the pleasure of the
Speaker.

Rep. Jeff Hickman, R-Woodward, to the Oklahoma Capitol Complex and
Centennial Commemoration Commission to serve at the pleasure of the
Speaker.

-30-

Re: CORRECTION: Speaker Hiett and House Leaders to Announce Medicaid Reform Task Force

2005-07-19T00:17:00.000-05:00

CONTACT:
Damon Gardenhire, press secretary
Speaker of the House Todd Hiett

Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

Speaker Hiett and House Leaders to Announce
Medicaid Reform Task Force

WHO: Oklahoma House Speaker Todd Hiett (R-Kellyville) and House leaders,
including Rep. Kris Steele (R-Shawnee), chair of the House Health and
Human Services Committee.

WHAT: Speaker Hiett and other House leaders will hold a press conference
to announce the creation of a new task force aimed at reforming
Oklahoma's broken Medicaid system.

WHERE:
House Lounge, 4th Floor, State Capitol Building

WHEN: 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, July 19, 2005.

-30-

Re: Representatives Request Task Force to Examine Current Wheat Harvest

2005-07-18T13:30:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. James Covey Contact: State
Rep. Ryan McMullen
Capitol: (405) 557-7325 Capitol: (405)
557-7312
Custer City: (580) 593-2396 Burns Flat:
(580) 562-3934

Representatives Request Task Force to Examine
Current Wheat Harvest Licensing and Regulations

OKLAHOMA CITY- Two Oklahoma lawmakers are concerned that recent changes
in the regulation of wheat harvest have led to confusion and increased
costs for state harvesters. State Reps. James Covey and Ryan McMullen
have requested a task force to study the matter during the interim.

Earlier this year, enforcement of a state law requiring harvesters to
show proof of equipment insurance and a permit to operate in Oklahoma
changed hands from the Oklahoma Tax Commission to the Oklahoma
Corporation Commission, leading many farmers to complain of delays due
to inspections that cost them precious harvesting time.

"This is a conflict of two agencies issuing licenses to custom
harvesters that must be resolved," said Covey, D-Custer City. "Our goal
for the task force is to evaluate current law for conflicts and make
corrections for the upcoming legislative session."

During the recent wheat harvest, farmers and grain elevator managers
across the state complained about increased regulation by the
Corporation Commission as it attempted to ensure equipment used for
cutting was properly insured and permitted. In the past, inspection was
handled by the Tax Commission, and many custom harvesters have been
caught off-guard by the shift, said Covey.

"The current process is more complicated than just showing insurance
verification," said McMullen, D-Burns Flat. "There's some state
registration fees that you've got to pay along with providing direct
verification of coverage from an insurance company. It's a
time-consuming process that should and must be streamlined."

Joe Neal Hampton, president of the Oklahoma Grain and Feed Association,
said the Corporation Commission initially was requiring harvesters to go
to Oklahoma City for a permit if they did not already have one. But a
change allowed enforcement agents to issue a permit on site, saving time
and money.

Other complaints have originated from co-op managers and harvesters that
say the commission set up inspection sites near co-ops and grain
elevators, creating congestion and causing harvesters to be out of the
fields longer than necessary. On a good day, a crew will run several
trucks of grain from the field and return as quickly as possible to
avoid delaying the cutting process.

"The Corporation Commission has been willing to work with us in ceasing
much of the heavy-handed enforcement we saw earlier in the harvest
season," said McMullen. "But given the headaches this has caused so many
of us in agriculture, we're going to push for some serious reforms in
harvest regulations."

Farmers already have to deal with other problems, such as rain and
equipment failure, that slow down harvest and should not have that
coupled with complicated and confusing regulations, said McMullen.

"I feel confident we can use some common sense and come up with some
streamlined rules for our harvesters and farmers."

-30-

Moore Legislator Addresses Vietnam Memorial Visitors

2005-07-16T13:05:00.000-05:00

Contact: Dave Bond, Media Specialist Oklahoma House of Representatives Capitol: (405) 962-7671 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: State Rep. Paul Wesselhoft Capitol: (405) 557-7343 Moore: (405) 794-9464 Moore Legislator Addresses Vietnam Memorial Visitors DEL CITY (July 15, 2005) - Today, as Oklahoma veterans and other proud Americans gathered to view a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial making a three-day stop in the state, one of Moore's own was on hand to address those in attendance. "The names engraved on this wall represent a generation of America's finest," said State Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, a veteran of both the Vietnam era and the Persian Gulf War. "We owe all of them our respect and gratitude. May they never, never, never be forgotten." Wesselhoft, R-Moore, spoke in conjunction with the opening ceremonies of the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Experience, on display this weekend at Sunny Lane Funeral Home & Cemetery in Del City. The highlight of the exhibition is a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Washington, D.C. The traveling exhibit has visited over 200 cities and been viewed by millions of Americans across the country since it was created by a coalition of funeral, cremation and cemetery providers in 1990. Del City is one of 18 stops the tour will make this year. Wesselhoft, who served in the United States Army for 18 years, reminded the crowd of the ultimate sacrifice paid by those whose names appear on the wall, which is inscribed with the names of the over 58,000 American servicemen and women who died or remain missing in Vietnam. "One-hundred and fourteen troops on the wall died in captivity," he said. "There are five men's names on the wall who were only 16 years of age. He added that during the Vietnam Conflict there were "988 Oklahomans who gave their lives for our nation, and their names will forever be chiseled on this great wall." The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall Experience, created as a service to those who are not able to visit the actual Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the nation's capital, will be open for public viewing July 15 through 17 at Sunny Lane Funeral Home & Cemetery, located at 4000 Southeast 29th Street in Del City. The exhibition is free and open to the public 24 hours a day. -30- NOTICE: The information in this email is confidential, legally privileged, and exempt from disclosure under law. It is intended solely for the addressee. Access to this email by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it, is prohibited and unlawful. The Oklahoma House of Reps does not warrant any e-mail transmission received as being virus free, and disclaims any liability for losses or damages arising from the use of this e-mail or its attachments. Recipients of e-mail assume the risk of possible computer virus exposure by opening or utilizing the e-mail and its attachments, and waive any right or recourse against the House by doing so.

Lawmaker Criticizes Early Release Proposals

2005-07-15T12:27:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Ray Carter, House Media Capitol: (405) 557-7421 Contact: State Rep. John Trebilcock Capitol: (405) 557-7362 Broken Arrow: (918) 407-7745 Lawmaker Criticizes Early Release Proposals OKLAHOMA CITY (July 15) - State Rep. John Trebilcock said "cost saving" proposals unveiled by the Senate Democratic leadership this week appear to be early release programs that could free dangerous criminals. "After reviewing the Democrats' plan, I am concerned that several of their cost-saving proposals will simply put violent criminals back on the streets in the name of saving money," said Trebilcock, a Broken Arrow Republican who chairs the appropriation subcommittee that funds state prisons. "I will oppose any effort to weaken Oklahoma's sentencing laws. If we release hardened criminals in the name of saving a few dollars, the real cost could be paid in the blood of our citizens when these violent predators strike again." The Democratic plan released Thursday called for "re-entry Drug Courts for inmates already in DOC custody." "Although the Democrats provide few details, this appears to be an effort to move potentially violent drug dealers back into the community before they finish serving their full sentence," Trebilcock said. "That's not something I or most of my House colleagues will support. The public expects dangerous criminals to serve every year of their sentence in prison." The Democrat proposal also calls for reducing penalties for "technical" parole violations so criminals will not automatically be returned to prison for infractions, but Trebilcock noted a Republican-authored bill recently signed into law already allows intermediate punishments to be imposed for paperwork violations. "Any expansion of that reform needs to be carefully considered and not rushed through the Legislature as an 'emergency,'" Trebilcock said. "If we make the law too lenient, it will tell criminals they can violate parole without serious consequence and we'll give the state's blessing to criminals who do not want to obey the law and have nothing but the threat of prison holding them back." While critical of several elements of the Democrats' plan, Trebilcock said he was pleased they were finally taking prison issues seriously. "In recent years, Republicans have fought an uphill battle to get Democratic leaders to pay attention to public safety," he said. In 2004, when Democrats controlled both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the state Senate, several Republican proposals to boost corrections funding and strengthen criminal penalties were killed, Trebilcock noted. For example, House Bill 1862 would have increased the pay of corrections officers by 5 percent. However, Democratic leaders did not allow the bill to receive a vote. Another Republican measure, House Bill 2295, would have required inmates to repay the state for the cost of their incarceration. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support but was killed in the Senate when that chamber's Democratic leadership refused to allow a vote. "I and many of my colleagues have long argued that public safety should be a top issue in the Oklahoma Legislature and I'm pleased that Senate leadership is finally on board," Trebilcock said. -30-

Time off for school activities legislation

2005-07-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Mike Shelton
Capitol: (405) 557-7367
District: (405) 424-4141

Shelton Plans Legislation Allowing Parents to Take Leave Time to Attend School Activities

OKLAHOMA CITY–(July 8, 2005)—An Oklahoma legislator is hoping to bring the state business community in line with the “No Child Left Behind Act” by introducing legislation preventing employers from penalizing parents who take time off to attend school functions.

Rep. Mike Shelton intends to introduce a bill during the 2006 legislative session requiring employers to allow parents to take up to eight hours annual leave, without pay, to attend school programs and conferences.

“We need to build a stronger relationship between business and education in the state,” said Shelton, D-Oklahoma City. “This is parallel with the Legislature’s desire to see the corporate environment become more family and education friendly.”

The “No Child Left Behind Act” requires school systems to engage and expand parental involvement in the schools. Shelton says the schools are willing and eager to involve parents in their children’s activities and schoolwork, but the parents’ employers must be willing, as well.

“One of the greatest concerns of our teachers is the lack of parental involvement in the school system,” said Shelton. “Employers and parents need to understand the tremendous value of parental involvement in a student’s school activities.”

Shelton said the legislation should receive bi-partisan support since it falls in line with Republican President George Bush’s education mandate.

The proposed legislation would prohibit employers from discharging or penalizing any employee who is a parent, legal guardian or legal custodian who takes leave time to attend a school function or conference.

The employee would need to give reasonable notice to the employer before attending an event. The function must be a parent-teacher conference, a program that is part of the school curriculum and intended for parental participation, or an event that needs parental support in order to promote education, such as a volunteer function.

The leave time could not exceed eight hours per calendar year during working hours, and the employer may require validation of attendance by a teacher or administrator.

-30-

Jason Sutton
Media Specialist
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Ph: (405) 962-7623
Fax: (405) 557-7498

Failure of Tattooing bill

2005-04-18T20:54:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Al Lindley
Capitol: (405) 557-7371
Oklahoma City: (405) 681-8352

Tattoo Bill's Demise Means Health Problems Likely

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 18) - By failing to hear legislation legalizing
tattooing, the Oklahoma House of Representatives has increased the
likelihood of serious health problems across the state, the bill's
author said Monday.
"Health officials have repeatedly proven that unregulated tattoo
parlors are using dirty needles and spreading potentially
life-threatening diseases in Oklahoma," said State Rep. Al Lindley.
"Those same authorities have said legal, strict regulation of tattooing
could eliminate that problem and maintain public safety, but we've been
denied the chance to address this issue."
House Bill 1519 and Senate Bill 806, two measures authored by
Lindley and State Sen. Frank Shurden, would have regulated tattooing in
Oklahoma and set up oversight of the industry.
HB 1519 was not granted a hearing in the Oklahoma House of
Representatives earlier this year. SB 806, which passed the Oklahoma
Senate on a 30-15 vote, was the last vehicle that would have addressed
the tattoo issue.
The bill would have placed the state Department of Health in
charge of regulating tattoo parlors and required that all facilities be
inspected at least twice a year.
Individuals providing tattoos would have been required to obtain
training and education on blood-borne pathogens similar to the training
most medical professionals receive.
Only licensed individuals would have been allowed to obtain
tattoo supplies under the provisions of SB 806.
Violations of the law would have resulted in up to 90 days in
jail and a $5,000 fine.
However, SB 806 was not given a hearing in the House Health and
Human Services Committee on Monday, the final meeting of the year.
As a result, both bills now lie dormant and no action is
expected on either for the rest of the legislative session.
The Department of Health, Oklahoma Hospital Association,
Oklahoma State Medical Association, Oklahoma Osteopathic Association,
and the editorial pages of the state's major newspapers had all endorsed
the tattoo legislation.
Medical officials said there has been an increase in hepatitis
infections tied to the use of dirty needles in unregulated tattoo
parlors. In some cases, officials have also discovered that unregulated
tattoo artists are using the same bottle of pigment multiple times,
increasing the chance of spreading blood-borne pathogens.
The most prominent disease associated with unsanitary tattoos is
hepatitis, an incurable disease of the liver that can ultimately lead to
liver failure.
In 2004, officials identified an outbreak of hepatitis B in
LeFlore County that was tied to home tattooing practices. An outbreak of
antibiotic-resistant skin infections in four patients with recent
tattoos also occurred in 2004 in Atoka County.
An individual who receives a tattoo in an unregulated setting is
two-to-three times as likely to contract hepatitis C, according to
health officials. Records show a 78-percent increase in hepatitis C
infections occurred in Oklahoma from 2000-2003 and that 34 percent of
the individuals who acquired hepatitis C had a tattoo.
"By killing this legislation without a hearing or debate, the
House may have doomed many of Oklahoma's citizens to the equivalent of a
death sentence," said Lindley, D-Oklahoma City. "We know people are
going to get tattoos, whether legal or not, so we should at least make
sure they have a safe and clean environment to obtain that tattoo."
-30-

Schools granted greater financial control

2005-04-15T12:50:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Mike Wilt
Capitol: (405) 557-7358
Contact: State Rep. Mike Wilt
Capitol: (405) 557-7358
Bartlesville: (918) 336-3228

Schools Granted Greater Financial Control

OKLAHOMA CITY - Legislation allowing schools the flexibility to
financially prepare for potential budget shortfalls has received the
approval of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 531, by State Sen. Scott Pruitt and State Rep. Mike
Wilt, would increase the amount of money schools can hold in "carryover"
accounts so they can pay bills throughout the year.
"This bill will give schools much-needed financial flexibility
and empower local districts to better manage emergencies," said Rep.
Wilt, R-Bartlesville. "It will also address the problems created by the
slow pace of ad valorem tax collections, which typically don't go to
local districts until January after the school year is half over and
budget plans are set in stone."
The provisions of the bill would allow schools with annual
budgets of $6 million to $8 million to carryover an amount equal to 18
percent of the previous two consecutive years' budgets.
Schools with budgets of more than $10 million would be able to
carryover 14 percent of the previous two consecutive years' budgets.
Currently, schools with budgets of more than $10 million are
allowed to keep between 8 percent and 15 percent of the previous year's
budget in reserve.
Schools with budgets of less than $10 million are currently
allowed to keep between 40 percent and 16 percent of the previous year's
funding in a carryover account with the percentage declining as the size
of the budget increases.
The percentage of carryover granted smaller schools would remain
unchanged if Senate Bill 531 becomes law, but would now apply to the
previous two years' budgets instead of just the previous year's numbers.
The only exception would be schools with budgets between $6 million and
$8 million, which would also be granted a larger percentage of
carryover.
The proposal was developed in part by a special legislative task
force and is designed to ensure schools can cover several months of
payroll in times of financial difficulty.
Supporters of the legislation noted that the budget year begins
in July but most schools do not receive state aid until later in the
year. As a result, schools often struggle to cover payroll and other
overhead during the summer months, making carryover funds vital.
"Schools do not get state aid in the month of July," Wilt noted,
"but they still have to pay teachers, janitors, administrators, and
maintenance bills."
By increasing the amount of carryover available, he said
lawmakers make it less likely teachers will go without a paycheck.
Senate Bill 531 passed the House on a strongly bipartisan vote
of 98-2 and is headed for the governor's desk.

-30-

Oklahoma House Honors Bombing Victims

2005-04-14T13:01:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Susan Winchester
Capitol: (405) 557-7333
Chickasha: (405) 224-5789

Oklahoma House Honors Bombing Victims, Approves Memorial Funding

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 14) - Oklahoma state lawmakers commemorated the
10th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing on Thursday and also
approved a $5 million appropriation for the bombing memorial.
House Concurrent Resolution 1020, by State Rep. Susan
Winchester, commemorated the lives lost to the April 19, 1995 bombing in
Oklahoma City and praised the nation's response.
"Having lost a sister in the bombing, I know how significant
April 19 is to hundreds of families across the state and it was only
fitting that we show our support for those individuals today," said
Winchester, R-Chickasha.
The resolution notes that the bombing was "one of the worst
terrorist attacks on American soil," killing 168 and injuring more than
850 Americans, affecting "thousands of families and millions of people
across the State of Oklahoma and the United States of America."
The resolution also states that people across the country
"responded to this tragedy through the remarkable efforts of local,
state and federal law enforcement, fire and emergency services, search
and rescue teams, public and private medical personnel and volunteers
from the community who saved lives endangered by this terrorist act."
HCR 1020 praises the creation of the Oklahoma City National
Memorial, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the
world and "brings comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity" to those
visitors.
Following adoption of HCR 1020, the Oklahoma House of
Representatives also voted to provide $5 million to the Oklahoma City
National Memorial.
House Bill 1001, by Winchester, appropriates $5 million in state
funds to the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department to establish an
endowment for the memorial.
The state appropriation would match a $5 million federal
appropriation previously authorized by Congress, which would be lost
without the state match.
"By giving the memorial one-time funding, we can ensure that
future generations will be able to come to the memorial to honor,
reflect, and experience hope," Winchester said. "The memorial seeks not
only to educate people about the senselessness of violence, but also
challenges them to take personal responsibility for making the world a
better place, and Oklahoma lawmakers are united in their support of that
mission."
Last November, local, state and federal officials kicked off a
national fund-raising campaign to establish an $18 million endowment for
the memorial. Private donations are expected to contribute $5 million of
that goal. The fully funded endowment will be sufficient to maintain the
memorial into the future.
The memorial attracts 500,000 visitors each year, most coming
from out-of-state and staying in Oklahoma an average of 3.7 days. Since
the museum's opening in 2001, the memorial's economic impact has been
$173 million, according to an independent study.
More than 400 schools, including students from each Oklahoma
county, have toured the memorial and museum and are currently using
curriculum in the classroom that was coordinated by the Oklahoma
Department of Education and the Memorial's Education Department.
Distance learning opportunities are also provided nationwide.
House Bill 1001 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on
a 95-0 vote and is headed to the governor's desk.
Gov. Brad Henry has already said he will sign the bill at a 3
p.m. ceremony on Monday, April 18.
-30-

committee appointments

2005-04-13T16:33:00.000-05:00

CONTACT:
Damon Gardenhire
Press Secretary
Speaker Todd Hiett
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

Speaker Hiett and Rep. Benge Announce Appointments to
General Conference Committee on Appropriations

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 13, 2005) - Speaker Todd Hiett and House
Appropriations and Budget Chair Chris Benge today announced appointments
to the General Conference  Committee on Appropriations, which will
hammer out details of a state budget for the next fiscal year.

"We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, because we're starting from
scratch on the state's budget," said Benge (R-Tulsa). "We're hopeful
that the Senate and Governor Henry will work with us to develop a
fiscally responsible approach. We look forward to working on all
allocations for state agencies, so that we can meet the essential needs
of state government while also providing a permanent tax cut and taking
care of the state's neglected road and bridge needs."

Chairman Benge said the current members of the House A&B committee and
subcommittees would also serve as the House appointments to the GCCA.

"We had hoped to have a general appropriations bill in place that would
have created a framework for next year's budget by providing baseline
funding for all essential state services," said Hiett (R-Kellyville).

Hiett noted that the House twice sent a general appropriations budget to
the Senate. Both plans included record levels for education, a $122
million increase and $2 million more than the Governor had asked for.
The Senate has failed to act on both bills.

Lawmakers will have to act on more than 170 bills. 85 bills out of the
170 total will address the total amount of dollars that each state
agency receives. A separate bill is required for each agency that
details how dollars will be spent.

Benge said that before the GCCA can start on a final budget, the House
and Senate will need to agree on dollar allocations for each
subcommittee of the general conference.

-30-

2005-04-13T16:32:00.000-05:00

CONTACT:
Damon Gardenhire
Press Secretary
Speaker Todd Hiett
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

Speaker Hiett and Rep. Benge Announce Appointments to
General Conference Committee on Appropriations

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 13, 2005) - Speaker Todd Hiett and House
Appropriations and Budget Chair Chris Benge today announced appointments
to the General Conference Committee on Appropriations, which will
hammer out details of a state budget for the next fiscal year.

"We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, because we're starting from
scratch on the state's budget," said Benge (R-Tulsa). "We're hopeful
that the Senate and Governor Henry will work with us to develop a
fiscally responsible approach. We look forward to working on all
allocations for state agencies, so that we can meet the essential needs
of state government while also providing a permanent tax cut and taking
care of the state's neglected road and bridge needs."

Chairman Benge said the current members of the House A&B committee and
subcommittees would also serve as the House appointments to the GCCA.

"We had hoped to have a general appropriations bill in place that would
have created a framework for next year's budget by providing baseline
funding for all essential state services," said Hiett (R-Kellyville).

Hiett noted that the House twice sent a general appropriations budget to
the Senate. Both plans included record levels for education, a $122
million increase and $2 million more than the Governor had asked for.
The Senate has failed to act on both bills.

Lawmakers will have to act on more than 170 bills. 85 bills out of the
170 total will address the total amount of dollars that each state
agency receives. A separate bill is required for each agency that
details how dollars will be spent.

Benge said that before the GCCA can start on a final budget, the House
and Senate will need to agree on dollar allocations for each
subcommittee of the general conference.

-30-

resolution honoring Pope John Paul II

2005-04-11T19:28:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Joe Sweeden
Capitol: (405) 557-7322
Pawhuska: (918) 846-2880

Oklahoma House of Representatives
Honors Pope John Paul II

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 11, 2005) - The Oklahoma House of Representatives
today approved a resolution honoring Pope John Paul II as a lifelong
champion of freedom, peace and human rights.

House Resolution 1021 also recognized several of the pope's key
accomplishments during his 26 years as the pontiff of the Roman Catholic
Church, including his role in the fall of Soviet communism.

In the resolution, the pope is hailed as "a charismatic leader with a
strong moral vision," and "an important influence in the lives of
Catholics and non-Catholics alike."

Rep. Joe Sweeden, who authored the resolution, said it was important for
the state of Oklahoma to officially acknowledge the many contributions
made by the pope, who passed away April 2.

"I asked the representatives to pray for the pope and to pray for the
cardinals that are going to have to select the new Pope," said Sweeden,
D-Pawhuska, a practicing Catholic.

"He was a man who had genuine compassion for all and was respected by
people of all faiths."

HR 1021 also briefly outlines the pope's career of service in the church
before being elected to the papacy. Born in Poland in 1920 as Karol
Jozef Wojtyla, he served as a priest, as the Archbishop of Krakow and as
a cardinal before being named pope in 1978.

-30-

Governor not Acting on Funding Proposals

2005-04-08T08:34:00.000-05:00

CONTACT:
Damon Gardenhire
Press Secretary
Speaker of the House Todd Hiett
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

Statement from Speaker Hiett: Governor not Acting on Funding Proposals
Currently on the Table

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 7, 2005) - Speaker of the Oklahoma House Todd Hiett
(R-Kellyville) today issued a statement in response to failure by
Governor Brad Henry and the state Senate to act on two funding measures
already passed by the House:

"The House is the only chamber to vote twice to fund education first at
historic levels, while also taking care of other essential state
services.

If the Governor is serious about funding education, he will stop
carrying water for do-nothing Senate Democrats. And he will start
working to pass one of the two comprehensive budgets that are sitting in
the Senate waiting for action.

The Governor needs to lead, to be the true bi-partisan statesman he
claims to be. We need his help in getting a comprehensive budget through
a stalled Senate."

-30-

Summary of House Activity

2005-04-07T08:55:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Summary of House Activity from March 31 to April 6

House Down to Final Two Weeks of Committee Work This Year

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 6) - Lawmakers in the Oklahoma House of
Representatives have completed three of the final five weeks of
committee activity scheduled during the 2005 legislative session.
Lawmakers have already finished five weeks of committee work on
House bills, and are now over halfway through a second five-week round
where Senate bills receive a hearing.
Roughly 300 state Senate bills were sent to the House this year.
The deadline for Senate bills to receive a hearing in a House committee
is April 21. Senate bills must receive a vote from the full House by
April 28.

Schools to Receive Sex Offender Lists
Legislation that would allow schools to receive the state list
of registered sex offenders passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives
on a 98-0 vote this week.
Senate Bill 440, by Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City, and Rep.
Dale DeWitt, R-Braman, would require the state Department of Corrections
to provide a list of sex offenders to the state superintendent of public
instruction, who would be authorized to copy and distribute the list to
all Oklahoma schools.
Current law requires that the list be provided to state, county
and municipal law enforcement agencies, and the National Sex Offender
Registry maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Under the provisions of Senate Bill 440, schools would receive a
notice with the list that states, "A person whose name appears on this
registry has been convicted of a sex offense. Continuing to employ a
person whose name appears on this registry may result in civil liability
for the employer or criminal prosecution pursuant to Section 589 of
Title 57 of the Oklahoma Statutes."
Senate Bill 440 will return to the Oklahoma Senate, where it
previously passed on a 43-0 vote.

Home Repair Bill Clears Committee Hurdle
Legislation that would require home builders to quickly fix
construction defects passed the House Judiciary Committee on a unanimous
vote this week.
Senate Bill 431, by Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, and Rep. Bill
Case, R-Midwest City, creates the Homeowner Construction Defect
Protection Act. The bill would require a home builder to respond within
30 days of notification of a construction defect.
The Oklahoma State Home Builders Association has endorsed the
legislation.

House Votes to Encourage Hiring of Volunteer Firefighters and Police
Oklahoma lawmakers have voted to financially support businesses
that employ volunteer firefighters and reserve deputy sheriffs.
Senate Bill 926, by Sen. Frank Shurden, D-Henryetta, and Rep.
Dale Turner, D-Holdenville, would provide businesses with a $1,000 tax
credit for every volunteer firefighter or deputy sheriff employed.
The bill originally applied only to volunteer firefighters, but
Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs, amended it to include reserve deputy
sheriffs.
Businesses employing volunteer firefighters would receive an
estimated $10 million in combined annual tax credits while those
employing reserve deputy sheriffs would receive a combined benefit of
$1.9 million per year.
Senate Bill 926 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on
a 97-0 vote. It will now return to the Oklahoma Senate in its amended
form.

House Votes to Increase Child Safety Fine
The Oklahoma House of Representatives voted to encourage parents
to use child safety seats by raising the fine for those who do not place
children in the devices.
Senate Bill 799, by State Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, and State
Rep. Thad Balkman, R-Norman, would raise the fine not using a child
passenger restraint seat from $10 to $50.
According to the Department of Public Safety, there were 5,705
convictions for failure to use a child passenger restraint system in
2004.
However, officials believe the number of violations may have
been much larger than the number of convictions since the cost of
processing a citation is greater than the fine generated. The $10 fine
is one of the two lowest fines in Oklahoma statutes.
As a result, supporters believe a higher fine will increase both
enforcement and compliance, noting that when California raised its fine,
compliance increased to 95 percent.
Money generated by the fine, an estimated $228,000 per year,
will be used to provide free or low-cost child safety seats to parents
across Oklahoma.
On average, 20 children younger than age eight die in motor
vehicle crashes each year in Oklahoma and another 900 are hospitalized.
Approximately 75 percent of those children are unrestrained, officials
said.
Senate Bill 799 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on
a 93-3 vote and will now return to the state Senate. The bill previously
passed the Senate on a 40-5 vote.
-30-

Repairing roads and bridges

2005-04-06T15:07:00.000-05:00

Contact: Dave Bond, Media Specialist
Oklahoma House of Representatives
(405) 962-7671

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Jim Newport
Capitol: (405) 557-7355
Ponca City: (580) 765-3939

Contact: State Rep. Mark Liotta
Capitol: (405) 557-7410
Tulsa: (918) 836-7806

Contact: State Rep. Kevin Calvey
Capitol: (405) 557-7370
Del City: (405) 677-1179

House Republicans Commend Passage of GOP Road & Bridge Plan: Republican
Plan Provides $2.5 Billion Over 15 years

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 6, 2005) - House Republican leaders today praised
the Senate for committee approval of a GOP plan that will repair
Oklahoma's crumbling roads and bridges.

"We're excited that our plan to fix roads and bridges without raising
taxes is moving forward," said Rep. Jim Newport, the author of House
Bill 1218. The bill passed the full Senate Appropriations Committee
today. "House Republicans stepped forward with a true funding solution
for roads and bridges in Oklahoma. Now it appears the Senate agrees with
our fiscally-responsible approach."

The House first passed the plan in HB 1218 weeks ago. The total
Republican package offers nearly $2.5 billion in new dollars for road
and bridge maintenance and construction over 15 years - without raising
taxes. The House Republican plan for roads and bridges is nearly twice
the dollar figure of an alternate Democrat plan announced late last
week.

"We're pleased that House Bill 1218 is receiving favorable consideration
in the Senate," said Rep. Mark Liotta (R-Tulsa) Assistant Majority Floor
Leader and Chair of the House A&B Subcommittee on Government and
Transportation. "Now, it's time to take the next step. The entire Senate
should now pass House Bill 1218, because it's the most comprehensive
solution for fixing our crumbling roads and bridges without raising
taxes or cutting education."

House Bill 1218 takes portions of the state's vehicle fees that have in
the past gone into Oklahoma's General Revenue Fund and directs the
dollars toward road and bridge maintenance and construction. Revenue
going toward education and other state budget needs would remain
untouched. As part of the entire Republican plan, House GOP leaders will
fund debt service obligations for the Oklahoma Department of
Transportation.

"Oklahomans pay motor vehicle and fuel taxes, and they understand that
the money should go toward making our roads and bridges better," said
Rep. Newport (R-Ponca City). "This offers a solution without burdening
taxpayers more."

House Republicans said because HB 1218 does not raise taxes, it will
also provide room to offer a permanent tax cut for Oklahomans.

House Bill 1547 passed a Senate committee yesterday. It permanently cuts
the state income tax from the current 6.65 percent down to 6.25 percent.
"In a year when we have a half-billion dollar surplus, we should be
sending back some of those dollars to hardworking Oklahoma taxpayers,"
said Rep. Kevin Calvey (R-Del City) author of HB 1547. "Even Governor
Henry has agreed with us that some of the budget surplus should be sent
back to the people."

-30-

House Votes to Encourage Use of Child Safety Seats

2005-04-05T16:45:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Thad Balkman
Capitol: (405) 557-7386
District: (405) 447-4988

House Votes to Encourage Use of Child Safety Seats

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 5) - The Oklahoma House of Representatives voted
Tuesday to encourage parents to use child safety seats by raising the
fine for those who do not place children in the devices.
Senate Bill 799, by State Sen. Clark Jolley and State Rep. Thad
Balkman, would raise the fine not using a child passenger restraint seat
from $10 to $50.
"As a father of four small kids, I use a car seat every day and
I see firsthand the need for that action to make sure my children are
safe," said Balkman, R-Norman. "I think most Oklahomans agree and this
provides a greater incentive for parents to secure their children."
Safety advocates praised lawmakers for voting to increase the fine.
"The good news is that we're up to 80 percent car seat usage in
Oklahoma, but that last 20 percent is going to be a real challenge,"
said Martha Collar, coalition coordinator for Oklahoma Safe Kids. "For
that last 20 percent, I think it might take a citation to get
compliance."
According to the Department of Public Safety, there were 5,705
convictions for failure to use a child passenger restraint system in
2004.
However, officials believe the number of violations may have
been much larger than the number of convictions since the cost of
processing a citation is greater than the fine generated. The $10 fine
for failure to comply with the child restraint law is one of the two
lowest fines in Oklahoma statutes.
As a result, supporters believe a higher fine will increase both
enforcement and compliance, noting that when California raised its fine,
compliance increased to 95 percent.
Money generated by the fine, an estimated $228,000 per year,
will be used to provide free or low-cost child safety seats to parents
across Oklahoma.
On average, 20 children younger than age eight die in motor
vehicle crashes each year in Oklahoma and another 900 are hospitalized.
Approximately 75 percent of those children are unrestrained, officials
said.
Senate Bill 799 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on
a 93-3 vote and will now return to the state Senate. The bill previously
passed the Senate on a 40-5 vote.
-30-

2005-04-04T21:37:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Bill Case
Capitol: (405) 557-7314
Midwest City: (405) 723-5795

Lawmaker Says Bill's Defeat Could Cost Cities Thousands

OKLAHOMA CITY - The defeat of legislation repealing a year-old union law
means taxpayers could pay thousands more to receive the same basic
services, the bill's author said Monday.
House Bill 1004, by State Rep. Bill Case, would have repealed
the Oklahoma Municipal Employee Collective Bargaining Act, which allows
employees in 11 Oklahoma cities to form unions.
Although the Oklahoma House of Representatives voted 59-39 to
pass the bill with both Republicans and Democrats supporting the
measure, House Bill 1004 failed passage in the Senate Business and Labor
Committee on a 3-3 vote Monday.
"While I'm pleased the committee chair gave the bill a hearing,
I'm disappointed with the vote and the fact that the full Senate did not
get an opportunity to vote on this issue," said Case, R-Midwest City.
"If the full Senate were given the opportunity to debate the bill, I
believe it would pass."
The Oklahoma Municipal Employee Collective Bargaining Act,
enacted last year, applies only to communities with populations greater
than 35,000 and allows non-uniformed municipal employees to unionize for
the purpose of negotiating wages, hours and other terms of employment.
Case said the Oklahoma Municipal Employee Collective Bargaining
Act is "poorly written" and filled with flaws that will lead to
expensive litigation that would benefit no one.
For example, he said the union law creates multiple units within a
single city that could unionize, would allow part-time employees to
become union members, and does not spell out what happens if an impasse
occurs during negotiations between a city and an employees' union.
That uncertainty creates a climate for chaos and expensive
litigation that will be taken out of taxpayers' hides, he said.
City officials have said the law will dramatically increase
municipal expenses without any improvement to city services.
Moore city officials have projected a minimum increase of 10
percent per year in payroll and payroll-related costs if the law is left
in place. The added cost for Moore is expected to be approximately
$300,000 per year.
Edmond officials have said they expect a 25 percent increase in
labor-related costs if the law is not repealed, and other communities
have predicted similar increases.
As a result, several of the 11 cities affected by the Oklahoma
Municipal Employee Collective Bargaining Act have challenged the law in
court and three cases have ended in rulings striking down the union law.
(Those cases are now on appeal.)
The Oklahoma Municipal League and the Oklahoma Conference of
Mayors both endorse the law's repeal.
"Every time we turn around, the courts are ruling in favor of
the cities," Case said. "Instead of forcing taxpayers to foot more legal
bills and waste both time and money, we should just repeal the law.
That's it is so disappointing the Senate didn't get an opportunity to
debate House Bill 1004."
Case predicted cities will continue challenging the Oklahoma
Municipal Employee Collective Bargaining Act in court. He noted the
Oklahoma Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on May 10 in
one case now on appeal. He said the Supreme Court's actions may indicate
the Oklahoma Municipal Employee Collective Bargaining Act's days are
numbered.
"It is very unusual to see the Supreme Court take action while
the Legislature is still in session," Case said. "It just doesn't
happen."
While disappointed to see House Bill 1004 defeated, Case noted a
companion measure, House Bill 1002, has not even received a hearing in
the Senate. That bill, by State Rep. Marian Cooksey, R-Edmond, would
exempt public trust hospitals from Oklahoma Municipal Employee
Collective Bargaining Act.
House Bill 1002 would apply to only three public trust hospitals
in Muskogee, Stillwater and Norman that do not receive state funding.
Supporters of House Bill 1002 have said the cost of complying with the
Oklahoma Municipal Employee Collective Bargaining Act could drive the
three hospitals out of business.
House Bill 1002 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on
a bipartisan, 68-22 vote, but has not been scheduled for a hearing in
the Oklahoma Senate.
"It's very frustrating that the hospitals are not going to be
given an exemption from this law," Case said. "This is going to possibly
put hospitals out of business at a time we already struggle to provide
access to health care in rural Oklahoma."

-30-

State Legislature Declares Support for Military Bases

2005-04-01T09:37:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Mike Jackson
Capitol: (405) 557-7317
Enid: (580) 242-0069

State Legislature Declares Support for Military Bases

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 31) - Oklahoma lawmakers urged federal officials
Thursday to preserve all of Oklahoma military facilities, saying they
are vital to both national defense and Oklahoma's economic well-being.
House Concurrent Resolution 1008, by State Rep. Mike Jackson,
declares that the Oklahoma economy "benefits from the presence of
military installations," including Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma
City, Altus Air Force Base in Altus, Fort Sill Army Base in Lawton,
Vance Air Force Base in Enid, the Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester,
the Air National Guard Units in Oklahoma City and Tulsa and the Army
National Guard Unit at Camp Gruber.
"The resolution explains how important our military personnel
are to the state of Oklahoma and the $4 billion contribution they make
to the state economy," said Jackson, R-Enid.
Mike Cooper, chairman of the Oklahoma Strategic Military
Planning Commission, urged state lawmakers to fight to maintain
Oklahoma's bases, which could be closed as part of the ongoing federal
Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
"These are not just military installations," Cooper said. "The
bases are truly national treasures and the State of Oklahoma must show
it is willing to play a vital role, along with local communities, in
supporting bases."
Enid Mayor Ernie Currier noted that Vance "has been greatly
improved" through state and local efforts to preserve the facility's
viability.
The resolution declares that Oklahoma's military installations
"have established themselves" and being "vital to national defense"
during previous rounds of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)
process.
The resolution notes that the military personnel stationed at
each Oklahoma installation "contribute significantly to the economy of
the affected communities, regions and the entire state."
According to records, the combined economic impact of Oklahoma's
military installations on the Oklahoma economy in 2002 was approximately
$4 billion.
The resolution concludes by urging the Base Realignment and
Closure Commission to "continue to recognize the vital role performed by
each one of the military installations located" in Oklahoma "with
respect to national defense and national security."
Copies of the resolution will be distributed to the Oklahoma
Strategic Military Planning Commission, the Oklahoma Military
Department, members of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation and to the
members of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.
All members of both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and
the Oklahoma Senate gave their support to the resolution.
In addition to receiving unanimous consent, HCR 1008 was
co-authored by numerous state lawmakers: Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon; Rep.
Gary Banz, R-Midwest City; Rep. David Braddock, D-Altus; Rep. Kevin
Calvey, R-Del City; Rep. Bill Case, R-Midwest City; Rep. Ann Coody,
R-Lawton; Rep. Terry Harrison, D-McAlester; Rep. Mike Mass,
D-Hartshorne; Rep. Curt Roggow, R-Hillsdale; Rep. Mike Thompson,
R-Oklahoma City; Sen. Cliff Aldridge, R-Midwest City; Sen. Patrick
Anderson, R-Enid; Sen. Don Barrington, R-Lawton; Sen. Randy Bass,
D-Lawton; Sen. Earl Garrison, D-Muskogee; Sen. Robert Kerr, D-Altus;
Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond; Sen. Richard Lerblance, D-McAlester; Sen.
David Myers, R-Ponca City and Sen. Jim Reynolds, R-Midwest City.
Members of the House can be reached at (405) 521-2711 and
members of the Senate can be reached at (405) 524-0126.

-30-

Summary of House Activity from March 24 to March 30

2005-03-31T07:05:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Summary of House Activity from March 24 to March 30

House Continues Work on Senate Bills

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 30) - Lawmakers in the Oklahoma House of
Representatives continued committee work on Senate bills this week.
Roughly 300 state Senate bills were sent to the House and could
face a vote over a five-week period of committee work, which is now 40
percent complete.
The deadline for Senate bills to receive a hearing in a House
committee is April 21. Senate bills must receive a vote from the full
House by April 28.

Lottery Funding Approved
The Oklahoma House of Representatives voted Wednesday to provide
a $500,000 loan to the newly created state Lottery Commission to pay the
start-up costs of launching the Oklahoma lottery.
Senate Bill 228, by Sen. Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater, and Rep.
Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, provides $500,000 in supplement appropriations to
the lottery commission.
However, several lawmakers said the loan violated state law.
Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow, said the bill set a dangerous
precedent because it co-mingles lottery funds with other government
funds even though the state question creating the lottery promised the
two would be kept separate.
"The lottery proceeds are to be held separate from the state
revenues," he said. "We are establishing a precedent whereby we say that
under some circumstances it is okay to move funds from the state's
general accounts - the Special Cash Account - into the lottery. And I am
concerned about this precedent."
He noted state law says "under no circumstances shall the
general funds of the state be used to satisfy any obligation of the
(Lottery) Commission."
"It's just as plain as you can make it," Wright said. "You
actually have to trip over this and intentionally try to misread it to
miss the plainness of what's intended with this language."
He noted that state law allows the Lottery Commission to obtain
$10 million in bond debt to pay the start-up costs of the lottery and to
later repay that debt with money generated by the lottery.
Even if the commission is given a $500,000 appropriation, he
predicted the board would still borrow another $10 million.
"I'm asking that we do this in the correct way," Wright said.
"And the correct way is to follow the statutes."
Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, also questioned the
soundness of the bill, saying it created a bizarre contract where the
State of Oklahoma loans itself money and promises to pay it back.
"It's a new concept and doesn't make a lot of sense to me," he
said.
Rep. Chris Benge, a Tulsa Republican who chairs of the House
Appropriations and Budget Committee, defended Senate Bill 228, although
he restated his opposition to the lottery.
"I'm in no way a gambling supporter," Benge said. "When the
speaker appointed me as appropriations chair, I don't think I ever
envisioned that I would be standing up here and trying to promote
something that even helps the lottery. It makes me feel very
uncomfortable actually and I'm probably going to have to hold my nose to
vote for this as it is."
However, he said lawmakers have little choice on the issue.
"As a practical matter, we have a responsibility and I have a
responsibility to ensure that government operates, whatever that may
be," Benge said. "We have many functions in government and right now the
Lottery Commission is a function of government. No matter how I feel
about it, it is a function of government."
The lottery was created through voter approval last November.
Benge noted that $65 million in lottery revenue has already been
included in the Board of Equalization's certification figures that are
used to write state budgets. If the lottery is delayed because of a lack
of startup funding, he said those estimates will be wrong and could
leave state budgets out of whack and in shortfall by 2006.
"I certainly don't want to take a chance on that happening,"
Benge said. "I tend to think that the estimate that we have may even be
a little generous anyway. I'm not convinced we're even going to bring in
$65 million in lottery proceeds."
He noted the bill would require the commission to repay the
$500,000 appropriated.
Senate Bill 228 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on
a 65-31 vote.

Legislation to Identify Child Porn Clears House
A bill that would make it easier to prosecute individuals possessing
child pornography is now headed to the governor's desk to be signed into
law.
Senate Bill 513, by Sen. Cliff Branan, R-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Ken
Miller, R-Edmond, would require a commercial computer technician to
notify law enforcement officials if images of child pornography are
discovered on a customer's computer.
Under current law, film developers are required to report any child
pornography they discover in the course of their work but the same
mandate has not been applied to computer technicians.
The bill received unanimous support in the Oklahoma Senate and passed
the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a 96-0 vote this week.

Pump Pirates to Face Larger Fines
A bill increasing the fine for stealing gasoline has passed out of the
Oklahoma House of Representatives on a 96-0 vote and is headed to the
governor to be signed into law.
Senate Bill 644, by Sen. Jim Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, and Rep. Paul
Roan, D-Tishomingo, would increase the fine for fuel theft from $100 to
$500.
Out of 33,437 larcenies in Oklahoma City last year, Roan said police
records show 42 percent (or more than 14,000 incidents) involved
stealing gasoline, yet only 48 cases were prosecuted in the Oklahoma
City area.
The financial cost of pump piracy to taxpayers, including the value of
the stolen fuel and the expense of investigating the thefts, came to
roughly $200,000.

Alcohol Inhalers Banned
The Oklahoma House of Representatives voted this week to ban a
potentially deadly new way of downing alcohol.
Senate Bill 663, by Sen. Jonathan Nichols and Rep. Thad Balkman, both
R-Norman, would forbid anyone to sell, buy, furnish, manufacture or
possess an alcohol inhalation device.
The device is a fad that's been seen in bars and clubs in other parts of
the nation. The inhalation devices put alcohol into a person's system so
fast that alcohol poisoning is a strong possibility with each breath.
Under the bill's provisions, individuals or businesses with an alcohol
inhalation device could face a fine of up to $50,000 and permanent
revocation of a license to sell alcohol.

Tax Cut Bill Gets Committee Approval
Legislation that would enact five major tax breaks has cleared the House
Revenue and Taxation Committee and awaits a vote from the full House.
Senate Bill 958, by State Rep. James Covey, D-Custer City, provides for
a three-day sales tax holiday every August, cuts capital gains taxes on
Oklahoma properties, increases Oklahoma's standard deduction to match
the federal deduction, excludes up to $10,000 in retirement income from
taxation, and modifies the Oklahoma Quality Jobs Act to provide benefits
to companies that bring an ancillary business to the state or use raw
products in Oklahoma.
When all provisions of the bill are combined, the measure could
save Oklahomans more than $250 million annually.
The three-day sales tax holiday would remove all sales tax on
clothing and footwear selling for less than $100 and is expected to save
Oklahomans more than $4 million per year.
The capital gains tax cut is expected to provide more than $10
million in annual tax savings.
By raising the standard income tax exemption for retirees from
$7,500 to $10,000, Oklahoma's senior citizens would receive more than
$12 million in annual savings.
The changes in the Quality Jobs Act are expected to provide $10
million in incentives to companies.
Perhaps the biggest savings will come from raising Oklahoma's
standard income tax deduction. Currently, the state deduction is $1,000
for individuals and $2,000 for a married couple filing jointly. Senate
Bill 958 would raise Oklahoma's deduction to match the federal
deduction, which in 2004 was $4,850 for individuals and $9,700 for
couples.
Oklahoma's standard deduction has not been adjusted since 1971.
By raising the standard deduction over a four-year period, Senate Bill
958 would eventually save all Oklahoman taxpayers more than $180 million
combined each year.

Lawbreaking Legislators Could Lose Pay
Legislation that would prevent elected officials from receiving
taxpayer-funded paychecks while incarcerated has advanced.
Senate Joint Resolution 5, by State Sen. Jay Paul Gumm,
D-Durant, and State Rep. Trebor Worthen, R-Oklahoma City, would give
voters the chance to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to prevent
legislators convicted of a crime from receiving a state paycheck.
Senate Joint Resolution 5 declares that "any member of the
Legislature who is incarcerated for any period of time during his or her
term of office shall not receive any compensation from the state or be
eligible to participate in any compensation programs" funded with state
tax revenue while that individual is in jail.
Supporters say a constitutional amendment is necessary since
legislators cannot change legislative pay. Only the Legislative
Compensation Board, a constitutional body, has the authority to change
lawmakers' pay and only Oklahoma voters can change the constitutional
law that directs the board.
The proposed constitutional amendment would also prevent
incarcerated lawmakers from participating in state retirement programs.
Under the provisions of the amendment, if an elected official
were acquitted or if charges were dismissed, the lawmaker's compensation
would be restored.
If Senate Joint Resolution 5 is approved by lawmakers, the proposed
constitutional amendment would go before the voters during the November
2006 general election.

Auto Insurance Legislation Advances
A state lawmaker working to implement computer tracking of auto
insurance coverage saw a companion bill receive committee approval this
week.
Senate Bill 611, by State Sen. James Williamson and State Rep.
John Wright, would require drivers to post an insurance verification
decal on their license tags that indicates the dates of coverage.
The bill easily passed out of the House Public Safety and Homeland
Security Committee and now awaits action on the floor of the Oklahoma
House of Representatives.
Wright, R-Broken Arrow, said Senate Bill 611 will serve as a
companion to another bill he filed to improve enforcement of the state's
auto insurance laws.
House Bill 1351 would require insurance policies to include the
vehicle identification number of the vehicle or vehicles covered by a
policy for use in a state database.
The database would allow law enforcement officials to instantly check a
vehicle's insurance status every time a car is pulled over.
House Bill 1351 passed the House by a vote of 74-26 and now
awaits action in the Oklahoma Senate.
Supporters note a similar law has been in place in Utah since 1995,
which caused the rate of uninsured motorists to fall from 23 percent to
9 percent in that state.
Some officials believe insured drivers may account for nearly 30
percent of vehicles on Oklahoma roads.

School Personnel to Receive CPR, Heimlich Maneuver Training
The testimony of a mother whose nine-year-old daughter choked to
death at school caused lawmakers to approve legislation requiring
teachers to learn the Heimlich Maneuver.
Senate Bill 618, by State Rep. Ben Sherrer, D-Pryor Creek, would
require Oklahoma schools to "ensure" that at least one teacher and one
staff member receive training "in cardiopulmonary resuscitation each
year" as well as the Heimlich Maneuver.
The bill initially endorsed only CPR training, but the measure was
amended by State Rep. Daniel Sullivan, R-Tulsa, to include the Heimlich
Maneuver.
The potential life-and-death impact of Sullivan's amendment was
vividly illustrated by Cressa Steed, a Del City mother who testified
before the House Common Education Committee.
Steed told members how her daughter, nine-year old Lindsay,
"needlessly choked to death at Epperly Heights Grade School in Del City
while having breakfast in the cafeteria."
She urged lawmakers to support passage of Senate Bill 618 so
that "no other mother will have to experience the pain of losing a
child."
It its original form, Senate Bill 618 would have created the
Dustin Rhodes CPR Training Act, but lawmakers voted to amend the bill to
name the act after both Rhodes and Lindsay Steed.
In addition, the legislation was amended to apply to all
teachers in public and private schools and to mandate training in both
CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver.
Senate Bill 618 easily passed out of the House Common Education
Committee. The bill will now proceed to the floor of the Oklahoma House
of Representatives.

House Honors War Hero
The Oklahoma House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution
honoring an Oklahoman and Medal of Honor Recipient who passed away last
week.
House Resolution 1014, presented by Rep. Ron Peterson, R-Broken
Arrow, pays respect to Ernest Childers, a Native American who served as
a member of the National Guard's revered 45th "Thunderbird" Division
during World War II.
Childers died last Thursday in Muskogee at the age of 87.
Born and raised in Broken Arrow, Childers enlisted in the 45th Division,
Company C, 180th Infantry, and saw action in the European Theater during
the war.
According to the resolution, while on duty in Italy on Sept. 22, 1943,
Childers "almost single handedly eliminated two German machine gun
emplacements and captured an enemy mortar observer, thus saving his men
and exhibiting bravery and courage above and beyond the call of duty."
Childers was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions.
Before entering the Armed Forces, Childers attended the Chilocco Indian
School at Chilocco.
-30-

Law suit reform

2005-03-30T13:18:00.000-06:00

CONTACT:
Damon Gardenhire
Press Secretary
Speaker Todd Hiett
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

Speaker Hiett Urges Senate to Take Action:
As Missouri Enacts Pro-Business Reforms, Senate Democrats Thwart
Progress

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 30, 2005) - Speaker Todd Hiett said today that lack
of action by Democrat leadership in the state Senate is already costing
Oklahomans new job opportunities.

"Right now Missouri - a state that borders Oklahoma - is gaining
competitive advantages over Oklahoma by enacting business-friendly
reforms that will lead to more quality job opportunities for their
state," said Hiett (R-Kellyville). "Unfortunately the Senate's Democrat
leaders appear indifferent to Oklahomans struggling to find higher
paying jobs."

Later today, Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt is expected to sign into law major
workers' compensation reform legislation. Yesterday, March 29, Gov.
Blunt signed into law a sweeping lawsuit reform measure, which will lead
to lower medical bills for Missourians and create a more
business-friendly climate in that state.

Meanwhile, Hiett said Oklahoma's Senate Democrat leaders are snubbing
calls to pass two key House measures that would enact true lawsuit
reform and true workers' compensation reform in Oklahoma. House Bills
2046 and 2047 are still awaiting action in the Senate Judiciary
committee.

"Many Oklahoma families are already losing future generations to other
states," said Hiett. "If Democrats continue to drag their feet on these
reforms, our young people who are looking for a better future will
prefer Missouri to Oklahoma. Until our Senate decides to take a step
towards a more prosperous tomorrow, Oklahoma's brain drain will
continue."

The Senate has one week left to pass House proposals out of committees.
Hiett noted disturbing hints from Senate Democrat leaders, indicating
that they may not allow bills to be heard.

"The Senate Democrats have a stark choice over the next several days,"
said Hiett. "Either they can take the path of reform and progress, or
serve as a roadblock to growth and opportunity. The people spoke clearly
in the last election. Oklahomans want to see results - not business as
usual."

Hiett said that by enacting core lawsuit and worker's compensation
reforms, Missouri has officially moved ahead of Oklahoma in the
competition for new jobs and better wages.

Hiett said the Senate should take the next step - and pass HB 2046 and
HB 2047, the Justice and Common Sense Act.

"For years now, Oklahoma's legal system has been well-known around the
country as a safe haven for junk lawsuits," Hiett said. "The system is
preventing justice for honest victims, causing malpractice rates to
skyrocket and providing companies looking to expand or begin operations
one more reason to pass on Oklahoma."

"Workers' compensation costs are the number one problem for Oklahoma
small businesses," Hiett continued. "In order to improve, Oklahoma must
begin to bring about changes that make our state more attractive to
private enterprise, but apparently Senate Democrat leaders do not see it
that way."

-30-

2005-03-29T16:57:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Rex Duncan
Capitol: (405) 557-7344
Sand Springs: (918) 584-3434

State House Honors Wrestling Great Danny Hodge

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 29) - Oklahoma wrestling great Danny Hodge was
honored by state lawmakers who declared him an "Oklahoma Sports Hero" on
Tuesday.
The special recognition was granted alongside declaration of "Danny
Hodge" Day on March 29.
"Danny Hodge has been a dominant figure in athletics since the
1950s and continues to amaze people today with his physical prowess,"
said State Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs. "How many men in their 70s
do you know who can crush an apple barehanded?"
A citation authored by Duncan, who represents Hodge's hometown
of Perry, notes that Hodge "is the only athlete in the history of the
sports to win national championships in both boxing and wrestling,
earning the National Golden Gloves boxing Championship, the National AAU
Boxing Championship and the National Collegiate Wrestling Championship."
The citation, adopted by the Oklahoma House of Representatives
on Tuesday, also notes that Hodge represented the United States in the
World Olympics twice and won a Silver Medal in wrestling in 1956.
During his collegiate wrestling career, Hodge won all 46 of his
bouts at the University of Oklahoma - 36 by fall - and was a three-time
NCAA champion and twice voted Outstanding Wrestler of the NCAA
Tournament.
The citation notes that Hodge is the "only wrestler at any level
of competition to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine."
The citation declares that Hodge has represented Oklahoma "with
pride, character, intellect, sportsmanship and legendary strength" and
that all citizens of Oklahoma can "take great pride in his awesome
accomplishments" and recognizes Hodge as an "Oklahoma Sports Hero."
In a separate proclamation, Gov. Brad Henry declared March 29
"Dan Allen 'Danny' Hodge Day in Oklahoma.
Hodge was born on May 13, 1932 in Noble County and grew up in
Perry, where he began wrestling at an early age.
During his high school years, Hodge became an All-American
amateur wrestler in the 145-pound weight class. He later wrestled for
the University of Oklahoma.
During his junior and senior years in college, Hodge pinned 22
consecutive opponents and no opponent ever took him to the mat from
standing position.
Hodge has been named a Distinguished Member of the United States
National Wrestling Hall of Fame and a member of the Oklahoma
Professional Boxing Commission.
-30-

State Lawmaker Receives Guard Promotion

2005-03-27T08:37:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Ray Carter, House Media
Capitol: (405) 557-7421

Contact: State Rep. Rex Duncan
Capitol: (405) 557-7344
Sand Springs: (918) 584-3434

State Lawmaker Receives Guard Promotion

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 25)- A state lawmaker who has spent all of his adult life in some form of military service has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard. Along with the promotion, State Rep. Rex Duncan has been designated the executive officer of the 189th Regiment, a Regional Training Institute in Oklahoma City. The facility is home to two battalions and provides artillery and officer candidate training.
"I'm excited, but with any promotion comes additional responsibilities," said Duncan, R-Sand Springs. "I'm up to the expectations that come with the rank of lieutenant colonel and I'll do
the best I can."

Duncan has served the past 25 years in either the Guard, Reserves or on active duty. He first enlisted in 1979 during his junior year at Perry High School in Oklahoma.
"I grew up in a military family," Duncan said. "My dad was a Guard colonel, so I grew up around it and decided to enlist - in part out of respect for his career and service. I enjoyed it and have been in ever since."

In recent years, Duncan's service has taken him across the globe and he served 16 months active duty in Qatar, Afghanistan, Djibouti and Iraq in 2002 and 2003.
"I closed my law practice and volunteered for active duty right after 9-11," Duncan said. "Most of the time I was in Qatar, but I farmed out to Afghanistan in '02, then to the Horn of Africa in the fall, back to Qatar and then to Baghdad in April '03."

Duncan served as a Forward Deputy Operations Officer for the Special Operations Command while overseas in 2002 and 2003. While in Iraq, Duncan was among those who explored Saddam Hussein's palaces. Among the mementos from his time in Iraq is a picture of Duncan
holding a gold-plated AK-47 discovered in one of the buildings.

"It was a surreal experience," Duncan said, "but it was a neat experience. I'm glad I volunteered. I assume there's the possibility I'll be back over there before my career is over."

Duncan was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2004 and is serving his first year in office.
-30-

House Honors WWII Medal of Honor Recipient

2005-03-26T04:23:00.000-06:00

Contact: Dave Bond, Media Specialist
Oklahoma House of Representatives
(405)962-7671

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: State Rep. Ron Peterson
Capitol: (405) 557-7338
Broken Arrow: (918) 451-1548

House Honors WWII Medal of Honor Recipient

OKLAHOMA CITY(March 24, 2005) - The Oklahoma House of Representatives
today unanimously passed a resolution honoring an Oklahoman and Medal of
Honor Recipient who passed away last week.

House Resolution 1014, presented by Rep. Ron Peterson, pays respect to
Ernest Childers, a Native American who served as a member of the
National Guard's revered 45th "Thunderbird" Division during World War
II.

Childers died last Thursday in Muskogee at the age of 87.

"It is important for us to never forget the men and women who have
fought and died to secure our liberties throughout our nation's
history," said Peterson, R-Broken Arrow. "I sincerely hope our young
people will follow the example of Ernest Childers and others like him
who laid their lives on the line for all Americans."

Born and raised in Broken Arrow, Childers enlisted in the 45th Division,
Company C, 180th Infantry, and saw action in the European Theater during
the war.

According to the resolution, while on duty in Italy on Sept. 22, 1943,
Childers "almost single handedly eliminated two German machine gun
emplacements and captured an enemy mortar observer, thus saving his men
and exhibiting bravery and courage above and beyond the call of duty."

Childers was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions.

Before entering the Armed Forces, Childers attended the Chilocco Indian
School at Chilocco. Broken Arrow's Ernest Childers Middle School was
named in his honor.

The resolution also tells how Childers, upon retiring from the military
as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1965, "devoted much of his time to helping
Indian youths."

Peterson said Childers and other members of America's "greatest
generation" are great role models for future generations. He added that
Oklahomans should appreciate all of the state's military personnel.

"Whether they fought against Nazism, Fascism, Communism or Terrorism, we
must never forget the sacrifices our fighting men and women have made in
order for freedom to endure," Peterson said.

-30-

2005-03-25T06:45:00.000-06:00

CONTACT:
Damon Gardenhire, press secretary
Speaker of the House Todd Hiett
Oklahoma House of Representatives
Capitol: (405) 962.7679
gardenhire@okhouse.gov

Speaker of the House Announces Appointments

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 21, 2005) - Speaker of the Oklahoma House Todd Hiett (R-Kellyville) today announced a slate of appointments to a number of state legislative, supervisory and advisory boards and committees.

To the Joint Committee on Federal Funds, designed to improve state management of federal funds; to review and make recommendations regarding state plans and applications for federal financial assistance; and to recommend to the Legislature procedures to coordinate, report and track the effects of federal policy on Oklahoma state government, Hiett appointed Rep. Thad Balkman (R-Norman), Rep. Tad Jones (R-Claremore), Rep. John Trebilcock (R-Tulsa), Rep. Curt Roggow (R-Enid), Rep. Mark Liotta (R-Tulsa), Rep. John Smaligo (R-Owasso), Rep. Jim Newport (R-Ponca City), Rep. Chris Benge (R-Tulsa), Rep. John Carey (D-Durant) and Rep. Abe Deutschendorf (D-Lawton).

To the Joint Legislative Committee on Data Processing and Telecommunications, designed to review and make recommendations regarding certain state plans, standards, rules and regulations developed under the administrative control of the Director of State Finance, Hiett appointed Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore), Rep. Fred Perry (R-Tulsa) and Rep. Abe Deutschendorf (D-Lawton).

To the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement Board, responsible for the operation, administration and management of the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System and the investment of funds of the system consistent with statutes creating the system, Hiett appointed Douglas J. Jacobson.

To the Legislative Oversight Committee on State Budget Performance, which oversees the performance and zero-based budget systems, Hiett appointed Rep. Jim Newport (R-Ponca City), Rep. Chris Benge (R-Tulsa) and Rep. Mark Liotta (R-Tulsa).

To the Storage Tank Advisory Council, which recommends rules to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission for implementation of the Oklahoma Underground Storage Tank Regulation Act, the Aboveground Storage Tank Regulation Act and the Oklahoma Petroleum Storage Tank Release Indemnity Fund Program, Hiett appointed Joe Stephenson Jr., Kyle Williams and Karl Stickley.

To the Capitol Preservation Commission, designed to research, plan and have control of modifications and décor of the interior and exterior of the state Capitol and the Governor's Mansion, Hiett appointed Gean B. Atkinson.

-30-

Storm Shelters

2005-03-24T09:20:00.000-06:00

Dave Bond, Media Specialist
Oklahoma House of Representatives
(405) 962-7671

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: State Rep. Kevin Calvey
Capitol: (405) 557-7370
Del City: (405) 677-1179

Lawmaker Aims to Exempt
Storm Shelter Grants

oklahoma city (Jan. 21, 2005) - A Del City lawmaker has
introduced legislation that would allow any Oklahoman who has received a
federal grant for a storm shelter to list the grant as an exemption when
they file their state income taxes.
"I'll never forget, just a few months after I was elected, the
worst tornado in human history went through my district and my
neighborhood on May 3, 1999," said Rep. Kevin Calvey, R-Del City, the
author of the bill.
"Afterward, dozens of my constituents built storm shelters, some
with federal grants. It's not right to subject these grants to income
taxation, and this bill will prevent that from happening at the state
level."
In addition, a spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook, R-Warr
Acres, said the Oklahoma congressman is considering acting as either
primary sponsor or co-sponsor of a bill that would allow citizens
nationwide to list the grants as an exemption on their federal income
taxes. The spokesperson said a similar bill was contemplated in Congress
last year but was never formally submitted.
-30-

Right to keep & bear arms legislation

2005-03-23T09:33:00.000-06:00

Dave Bond, Media Specialist

Oklahoma House of Representatives

(405) 962-7671

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: State Rep. Kevin Calvey

Capitol: (405) 557-7370

Del City: (405) 677-1179

Lawmaker Works to Update

Oklahoma Gun Laws

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 19, 2005) – A Del City lawmaker is offering legislation to ease restrictions on Oklahoma gun owners. The bill, authored by Rep. Kevin Calvey, R-Del City, would lift the requirement on senior citizens to pay for “conceal and carry” licenses and would allow property owners more leeway on their premises.

“I strongly support our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, as well as the right to hunt on one’s own property,” Calvey said. “This bill just helps to save those rights where there has been some erosion in recent years.”

Oklahoma senior citizens do not have to pay a fee when they renew their driver’s licenses. Calvey’s bill would simply apply this same rule to Oklahoma Self-Defense Act Licenses, commonly known as “conceal and carry” licenses, according to Charles Smith, who aided Calvey in drafting the legislation. Smith is the executive director of the Oklahoma Rifle Association.

As well, the bill would allow Oklahoma property owners to use firearms to protect their own property from predatory animals without fear of violating state wildlife regulations.

Smith said the bill would make a pair of appropriate and needed changes to Oklahoma gun law. “The main concern of the Oklahoma Rifle Association is to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners in Oklahoma, and that is the thrust of our efforts with the Legislature,” he said.

-30-

Dedicating Portion of Lottery Proceeds to OHLAP

2005-03-22T08:20:00.000-06:00

Regina Birchum, Media Specialist
Oklahoma House of Representatives
405.557.7499
Contact: State Rep. Randy Terrill
Capitol: (405) 557-7346
Moore: (405) 476-6766

Rep. Terrill Proposes Dedicating Portion of Lottery Proceeds to OHLAP

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 19) -- If the Legislature commits a
dedicated funding source to a struggling state scholarship program, Rep.
Randy Terrill believes Oklahoma could significantly increase its number
of college graduates, resulting in better economic conditions for the
state.
Legislation filed today by Terrill, R-Moore, would devote a
portion of the lottery revenue already earmarked for higher education to
the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP).
The program, which provides in-state college tuition grants to
qualifying high school students from lower-to-middle income families,
has been struggling to meet its obligations let alone plan for increased
participation.
"OHLAP is an excellent program," said Terrill. "It could
accomplish dramatic things for this state if we fund it properly." He
said OHLAP has operated without a dedicated source of revenue since its
inception in 1996. The state Regents for Higher Education recently
reported a $4.1 million shortfall this year as a result of unstable
funding sources.
House Bill 1357 would establish a steady source of income for
the program by securing revenue from the new state lottery. The
legislation would amend the distribution of lottery proceeds originally
established by the Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust Fund, which was
created when voters approved State Question 706 during the Nov.
elections.
The trust fund is intended to assure that lottery proceeds are
directed toward educational purposes. Under its provisions, for the
first two years of operation at least 30 percent of the lottery's net
proceeds are to be used for educational purposes and programs. In the
third year of operation the fund will receive at least 35 percent of net
proceeds, a level that will be maintained thereafter.
Of the amount received by the trust fund, 45 percent is
earmarked for various higher education expenses, including tuition
grants and scholarships. Under HB 1357, a portion of those funds would
be set aside exclusively for OHLAP. Beginning July 1, 2007, five percent
of higher education's portion would be directed to OHLAP, increasing a
year later to a total of 10 percent.
The state Regents claim that 94 percent of Oklahoma's high
school students expect to pursue a college education, yet only 56
percent actually attend. Terrill said many students feel a college
education is out of their reach after examining the cost of tuition.
Oklahoma places below the national average for bachelor's
degrees earned, something Terrill said is directly related to the
state's low ranking for per capita personal income. "There is a clear
link between educational attainment and earnings," he said.
According to Chancellor Paul G. Risser, no state with a low
proportion of bachelor's degrees has a high per capita income, and
conversely, no state with a high proportion of degrees has a low per
capita income.
"It is a proven fact that graduation translates into increased
earnings," said Terrill. "If we increase the number of college graduates
in Oklahoma, not only will graduates enjoy a better quality of life, but
they will earn higher incomes, which translates into more tax revenue
for the state." In addition, the freshman lawmaker said a supply of
college graduates will attract quality businesses to the state.
"Oklahoma needs more college graduates, and the state should do
what is reasonably necessary to achieve that goal," said Terrill.
Although enrollment into OHLAP is steadily increasing, only 17
percent of all high school students are participating in the program.
Associate Vice Chancellor Bryce Fair said based on Census data, 60
percent of Oklahoma families meet income requirements. "There is quite a
bit of room for growth."
Terrill said after establishing a source of funding that can
support the program's growth, the next component to expanding
eligibility is to include more students. Under HB 1357, students who
receive home-based education and score at or above 22 on the ACT would
be able to participate in OHLAP, provided the students meet all other
requirements.
Terrill said although home-schooled students are enrolled in the
program, they have not been eligible to receive grants. He and co-author
Rep. Bill Nations, D-Norman, have included an emergency provision in the
bill so that if it becomes law, it will deliver assistance to
approximately 100 enrolled home-schooled students scheduled to graduate
this spring.
"We should encourage as many kids as possible to attend
college," Terrill said. He also said students should be required to
continue to meet certain criteria as a condition of receiving tuition
assistance.
HB 1357 would make compliance with an institution's code of
conduct a continuing requirement for program recipients. Examples of
"good conduct" include refraining from alcohol and drug abuse and
avoiding criminal or delinquent acts.
Terrill said he does not expect his proposal to conflict or
interfere with a recently announced plan to use state lottery proceeds
to finance a $500 million higher education bond issue.

-30-

Ta;x relief legislation

2005-03-21T07:49:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: State Rep. Guy Liebmann

Capitol: (405) 557-7357

Oklahoma City: (405) 748-4848

Proposed Legislation would Lessen

State Income, Property Taxes

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 18, 2005) – A first-term Oklahoma City lawmaker has filed a pair of bills, one significantly lowering state income tax rates and another slowing considerably the growth of state property tax rates, hopefully making April a little less stressful for many Oklahomans.

House Bill 1228, authored by Rep. Guy Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City, would reduce the top marginal income tax rate by one-half of 1 percent every year for seven years, gradually slashing it from the current rate of 6.65 percent to 3.15 percent.

House Bill 1002, also by Liebmann, would limit the annual increase in state property taxes to 3 percent or the rate of inflation, lowering the limit from the current rate of 6 percent, with senior citizens exempt from any increase. The bill also specifies that when a house is sold in the state, it must be reappraised at its current market value.

“These bills will inspire economic development and make us more competitive with our surrounding states,” Liebmann said. “They should generate economic growth in Oklahoma, which we need if we want to attract more people to the state and maintain our current congressional strength. We don’t want to go from five representatives in Washington to four in 2012. We want to encourage people to live here, move here, bring their businesses and develop our economy.”

If HB 1228 were to become law, Oklahoma would have the second-lowest top marginal tax rate among the surrounding states, trailing only Texas, which is one of seven states in the nation that does not collect state income tax. Top marginal tax rates for the other surrounding states include: Arkansas, 7.0 percent; Colorado, 4.63 percent; Kansas, 6.45 percent; Missouri, 6.0 percent; and New Mexico, 8.2 percent. Montana has the highest top marginal tax rate of any state at 11 percent.

Those Oklahomans who are affected by the top marginal tax rate include married couples, filing jointly, who earn $21,000 or more per year in taxable income, and single taxpayers annually earning $10,000 or more in taxable income.

With HB 1002, Liebmann said he hopes to significantly prolong the amount of time it takes for Oklahoma property taxes to double. Currently state property taxes double approximately every 14 years, but under Liebmann’s bill, it would take approximately 24 years for rates to double.

“You know, the biggest problem in our state is people leaving,” Liebmann said. “When people retire, they often move to Texas, in part to avoid paying income taxes. Yet retired citizens can be a great addition to a community’s tax base. They don’t use up funds allocated for schools, and they often go out and spend money in the community, thereby increasing sales tax revenue.”

Liebmann said he believes a decrease in state tax rates will lead to an increase in the number of citizens of all ages, not just retirees, who decide to live in Oklahoma. “By lowering both income taxes and property taxes, I believe we will be able to keep citizens here and attract more citizens to come here.”

-30-

State Income, Property Taxes

2005-03-20T07:27:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: State Rep. Guy Liebmann

Capitol: (405) 557-7357

Oklahoma City: (405) 748-4848

Proposed Legislation would Lessen State Income, Property Taxes

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 18, 2005) – A first-term Oklahoma City lawmaker has filed a pair of bills, one significantly lowering state income tax rates and another slowing considerably the growth of state property tax rates, hopefully making April a little less stressful for many Oklahomans.

House Bill 1228, authored by Rep. Guy Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City, would reduce the top marginal income tax rate by one-half of 1 percent every year for seven years, gradually slashing it from the current rate of 6.65 percent to 3.15 percent.

House Bill 1002, also by Liebmann, would limit the annual increase in state property taxes to 3 percent or the rate of inflation, lowering the limit from the current rate of 6 percent, with senior citizens exempt from any increase. The bill also specifies that when a house is sold in the state, it must be reappraised at its current market value.

“These bills will inspire economic development and make us more competitive with our surrounding states,” Liebmann said. “They should generate economic growth in Oklahoma, which we need if we want to attract more people to the state and maintain our current congressional strength. We don’t want to go from five representatives in Washington to four in 2012. We want to encourage people to live here, move here, bring their businesses and develop our economy.”

If HB 1228 were to become law, Oklahoma would have the second-lowest top marginal tax rate among the surrounding states, trailing only Texas, which is one of seven states in the nation that does not collect state income tax. Top marginal tax rates for the other surrounding states include: Arkansas, 7.0 percent; Colorado, 4.63 percent; Kansas, 6.45 percent; Missouri, 6.0 percent; and New Mexico, 8.2 percent. Montana has the highest top marginal tax rate of any state at 11 percent.

Those Oklahomans who are affected by the top marginal tax rate include married couples, filing jointly, who earn $21,000 or more per year in taxable income, and single taxpayers annually earning $10,000 or more in taxable income.

With HB 1002, Liebmann said he hopes to significantly prolong the amount of time it takes for Oklahoma property taxes to double. Currently state property taxes double approximately every 14 years, but under Liebmann’s bill, it would take approximately 24 years for rates to double.

“You know, the biggest problem in our state is people leaving,” Liebmann said. “When people retire, they often move to Texas, in part to avoid paying income taxes. Yet retired citizens can be a great addition to a community’s tax base. They don’t use up funds allocated for schools, and they often go out and spend money in the community, thereby increasing sales tax revenue.”

Liebmann said he believes a decrease in state tax rates will lead to an increase in the number of citizens of all ages, not just retirees, who decide to live in Oklahoma. “By lowering both income taxes and property taxes, I believe we will be able to keep citizens here and attract more citizens to come here.”

-30-

Legislation Filed to Require DNA Sample Collection from All Felons

2005-03-19T06:41:00.000-06:00

Regina Birchum, Media Specialist
Oklahoma House of Representatives
405.557.7499

Contact: State Rep. Fred Morgan
Capitol: (405) 557-7409
Oklahoma City: (405) 749-0045

Legislation Filed to Require DNA Sample Collection from All Felons

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 18) -- State Rep. Fred Morgan has filed
legislation that would require anyone convicted of a felony crime in
Oklahoma to submit a DNA sample for inclusion in the state's database of
offenders.
Morgan, R-Oklahoma City, said DNA evidence is becoming
increasingly pivotal in criminal cases throughout the country, both to
convict the guilty and to exonerate those wrongly convicted. However, a
large sample base is needed to truly maximize the value of DNA testing
to law enforcement agencies.
Morgan said House Bill 1219 could potentially quadruple the
samples stored in the state's database, subsequently increasing the odds
of identifying criminals. "This legislation will be a major public
safety benefit to Oklahomans," he said.
Oklahoma began requiring offenders convicted of violent or
sexual crimes to provide DNA samples in 1996, but the technology was
used only to create offender profiles. In 2001, the State Bureau of
Investigation (OSBI) began using technology based on the FBI's Combined
DNA Index System (CODIS). The new database, which is in place today,
enables federal, state and local crime labs to exchange and compare DNA
profiles against evidence.
CODIS Unit Criminalist Supervisor Erin Henry said the database
is used to link convicted offenders to other crimes and to help identify
a suspect or investigative lead in cases. She said the system has been
"a tremendous help" to law enforcement and has improved efficiency in
solving cases.
Henry recalled an instance when a convicted offender, still
incarcerated for another offense, was identified as a suspect through
the database. "He confessed on the spot," lengthening his sentence.
In 2001, Oklahoma expanded its testing requirement to include
offenders convicted of burglary. According to the U.S. Department of
Justice, property crime offenders have high recidivism rates and their
crime and violence often escalate. The agency claims that collection of
biological samples from property offenders can offset future crimes and
more serious offenses.
Morgan contends that same logic should be applied to all felony
offenses. Under his legislation, there would be no distinction between
violent and non-violent offenders.
Thirty-seven states require a DNA sample from all convicted
felons, including all states neighboring Oklahoma. Forensic experts in
Virginia, which in 1990 became the first state to expand collection to
all felons, estimate that 82 percent of case-to-offender or case-to-case
"hits" would have been missed if the database were limited to only
violent offenders.
"The more offenders that are in the database, the more likely we
are to identify someone," Henry said. In the nearly four years the new
technology has been used in Oklahoma, she said the state has received 71
hits.
One such match recently identified a suspect in the 1996 rape
and murder of Jewell "Juli" Buskin, a University of Oklahoma ballet
student. Forensic evidence from the crime was linked to a man already
incarcerated in Oklahoma on an unrelated charge. He has since been
charged with the crime and prosecutors have announced plans to seek the
death penalty if they obtain a conviction.
Aside from helping to solve crimes, Morgan said offender
identification brings peace of mind to crime victims and their families.
He recently received a letter from Debbie Smith, founder and CEO of
Virginia- based H-E-A-R-T (Hope Exists After Rape Trauma), whose rapist
was caught through DNA matching. "I experienced an incredible sense of
relief from the constant fear of wondering if my rapist would ever
return," she wrote.
Morgan said if his bill becomes law, some of the expense of
increased testing could be covered by the recently approved federal DNA
Initiative, which pledges $1 billion in funding over five years to
expand and improve use of DNA technology.

-30-

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