Winter 2014
The State Election Board's official annual voter registration statistics have been released by Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax. He announced that as of January 15, 2014, Oklahoma has 1,978,812 registered voters. This included 885,609 Democrats (44.8%), 854,329 Republicans (43.2%), 238,870 Independents (12.0%), and four Americans Elect. Americans Elect qualified for recognition as a political party in 2012, but did not qualify for continued recognition because it failed to nominate presidential electors for the 2012 General Election. However, Americans Elect continues to exist as a "political organization" under Oklahoma law, and voters may register as Americans Elect. One decade ago, Democrats were ahead of Republicans 53% to 37%, while Independents claimed 10% of voter registration.
2014 Elections
In the non-presidential election years, the governor's seat, a host of secondary statewide offices, and one seat for the Corporation Commission are up for election. In addition to the five U.S. House districts, one of the U.S. Senate seats is up for election in 2014. However, with the announcement by Sen. Tom Coburn that he is resigning two-years before his term ends in 2016, there will be a Special Election coinciding with the regular elections to fill the vacancy. All 101 seats in the Oklahoma House, and half of the 48 seats in the Oklahoma Senate will also be in contention. The candidate filing period will be April 9-11, 2014. The Primary Election will be held on June 24, the Runoff Primary Election on August 26, and the General Election on November 4.
Days for Early Voting Changed
A new state law effective November 1, 2013, changed the dates and times state voters have come to expect for in-person "early" absentee voting across Oklahoma. Early voting days in Oklahoma have changed from Friday/Monday to Thursday/Friday, explained State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax. The hours for early voting remain 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Early voting on Monday is discontinued. These changes are due to the 2013 passage by the Oklahoma Legislature of Senate Bill 869, which was signed into law last May. In addition, Saturdays will continue to be early voting days for all state and federal elections. However, whenever it's available, the hours for Saturday early voting at County Election Board offices statewide will change to 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (previously, Saturday early voting began and ended one hour earlier). During federal and state elections, when voter turnout is often the heaviest, the Saturday early voting option provides voters with a third opportunity to vote early. "These changes will help County Election Board officials to place their focus entirely on Election Day preparations, instead of conducting early voting during the day immediately preceding an election," the state election board secretary explained.
Brogdon Running Again
Former state Senator Randy Brogdon (R-Owasso), announced on Christmas Day that he plans to challenge Mary Fallin for the Republican nomination for Governor of Oklahoma. In the Republican gubernatorial primary in 2010, Brogdon ran on a message of limited government and states' rights which nearly forced Fallin into a runoff. Brogdon received 39 percent of the vote in the four-way GOP primary, with Fallin winning the nomination with 54 percent. Brogdon had earned a 93% cumulative average on the Oklahoma Conservative Index for his service in the Legislature. After leaving the Legislature he took a position with the state Insurance Department. He resigned that post in November.
His conservative message won't change much this time around. In his announcement, Brogdon said: "Government is too big and too powerful and we all know it. It spends too much, borrows too much, taxes too much, regulates too much and snoops too much. We are in the fight of our lives for liberty, and I feel morally obligated to lead that fight on behalf of Oklahoma families." Brogdon said his immediate objective is to raise much-needed funds and recruit the help needed to communicate with Oklahomans on the issues, and then hopes to make an official announcement in late January or early February.
Harris Drops Out
R.J. Harris, a Democratic candidate for the Oklahoma governor's race, has announced that he is officially ending his campaign. Harris had announced last summer that he would be candidate. Harris has made several campaigns for political office. He challenged incumbent Republican Congressman Tom Cole in the 2010 Republican primary, and received 23% of the vote. In 2012, Harris abandoned a bid for the Libertarian Party presidential nomination to again challenge Cole, but ran as an Independent saying he wanted to offer voters a true conservative in the November election. In that three way race, he earned only 4.5% of the vote. Harris, 41, is a career National Guard Officer, and three-time combat veteran. Additionally, Harris has been a small business owner and an Air Traffic Controller in the Federal Aviation Administration. He was educated at the University of Oklahoma in both Philosophy and Law and earned his Juris Doctor of Law Degree. Harris said he has decided to instead endorse the campaign of Rep. Joe Dorman (D-Rush Springs) who formed an exploratory committee for the race on December 17. He gave no indication if he was considering other offices this year.
Dorman Running for Governor
On December 17, State Rep. Joe Dorman (D-Rush Springs) announced the formation of a gubernatorial campaign exploratory committee and filed paperwork with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. "I have decided to take this initial step of forming an exploratory committee to raise the resources and build the campaign organization needed to pursue the highest office in our state," said Dorman. He pledged to be a Governor for all Oklahomans and provide leadership on critical issues such as the construction of school storm shelters, education, economic opportunity, public safety and infrastructure.
Dorman, 43, began his career as a staff member at the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He worked in Washington, D.C., for a short time, and then returned to Oklahoma and the House of Representatives. He resigned from the House staff in 2002 to seek the office of State Representative for House District 65. He has continued to be reelected since then, but cannot run again due to legislative term limits. He may be the only serious candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. He has a 40% cumulative average on the Oklahoma Conservative Index rating state legislators.
Senate Leaders Not Running
Every two years all members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives have to face the voters along with half the Senate. Due to the term-limits law, legislators may serve a maximum of 12 years. But, some lawmakers simply decide not to run for re-election for personal reasons which has produced a fair amount of turnover beyond that affected by term limits. Several incumbent senators have decided not to run for re-election even though they are not termed out. Senator Sean Burrage (D-Claremore), the Senate Minority Leader, has decided to call it quits. Also, Senator Roger Ballenger (D-Okmulgee), the Assistant Minority Floor Leader. Perhaps it isn't much fun to be outnumbered by 36 to 12 with those numbers likely to get worse after 2014 elections. Senator Rob Johnson (R-Kingfisher), the Senate Majority Assistant Floor Leader also decided not to run again.
Legislators Found Guilty
A judge formally sentenced former state Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore) to a year in prison on December 20 for bribing a legislative candidate not to run. Terrill, 44, also was fined $5,000. Jurors decided on the sentence and fine following Terrill's October conviction in Oklahoma County District Court. Terrill's attorneys promptly filed an appeal. District Judge Cindy Truong ruled that he had basis for appeal, and Terrill remains free on a $10,000 appeal bond. A jury determined that Terrill, a Republican, offered Debbe Leftwich, a Democrat, an $80,000-a-year state job at the medical examiner's office in 2010. Prosecutors alleged Terrill bribed her to induce her not to run for reelection that year. Earlier in the month, Leftwich, 62, was sentenced to one year of probation. To avoid possible prison time, she made a deal with prosecutors which allowed a judge to find her guilty of soliciting and/or accepting a bribe.
Court Rules on Oklahoma Abortion Case
The U.S. Supreme Court on November 12 decided not to review an Oklahoma abortion law, effectively upholding a ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court that it is unconstitutional to require a woman to undergo an ultrasound before terminating a pregnancy. The high court rejected Oklahoma's appeal of the case without comment. It was the second time in one month that the nation's highest court rejected an appeal from the state on an abortion case. The previous week, the court declined to review a law regarding drug-induced abortions which had also been struck down by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
The ultrasound law would have required a physician to perform an ultrasound, either a vaginal probe or an abdominal transducer, and explain to the woman what the ultrasound showed concerning the unborn child. The state argued that the U.S. Supreme Court has condoned laws requiring physicians to provide truthful information to women seeking abortions and that such laws do not pose a substantial burden to abortion. The state said the Oklahoma Supreme Court decision conflicted with a federal appeals court ruling that upheld a similar case in another state. The Center for Reproductive Rights, which challenged the law on behalf of an Oklahoma physician and an abortion clinic, argued that the Oklahoma Supreme Court had ruled correctly.
Workers' Compensation Reform Ruling
On December 16, Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon praised the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling on Senate Bill 1062, Oklahoma's workers' compensation reform bill. SB 1062 changes Oklahoma's current judicial workers' compensation system to a modern administrative system. The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the new system is constitutional and does not violate the Oklahoma Constitution's "single subject rule." Speaker Shannon said, "These reforms create a new and modern system that protects workers and is fair to Oklahoma businesses. The archaic and confrontational system this state has relied on in the past did little for workers, hurt business and only benefitted the handful that profited from such a dysfunctional system. This ruling ensures Oklahoma is moving in the right direction." The current workers' compensation system will now be phased out in favor of the new administrative system which will go into effect in February of 2014.
State Tax Cut Ruling
State Rep. Mike Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City), and Mike Ritze (R-Broken Arrow) issued statements on December 17 after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional House Bill 2032, saying it improperly logrolled funding for Capitol repairs with a very desirable tax cut. "I am very pleased that the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in favor of the state Constitution today, despite the fact that the bill included a tax cut that would have helped all Oklahomans. At the end of the day, it is far more important that Legislators abide by their oath to defend the Constitution as the state Supreme Court has done with this ruling," said Rep. Ritze who removed his name as a coauthor of the bill when the language was added on Capitol repairs.
Rep. Reynolds said, "This was a very simple case for the Court to decide, as the measure obviously violated the Constitution's "single-subject rule.' I've been disappointed in House leadership constantly attacking the Supreme Court's decisions on the single-subject rule. It would have been very easy to pass the tax-cut bill without the leadership's pet project of Capitol improvements." During debate on the floor of the House, Reynolds spoke of the fact that he fully expected Jerry Fent to file this lawsuit and warned the members of the outcome.
Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon was disappointed and questioned the ruling. "Today's ruling was a huge blow to Oklahoma families who have been expecting tax relief, and I'm deeply disappointed the Supreme Court has once again ruled against the interests of those families," said Speaker Shannon, author of HB 2032. "The good news is, help is on the way. I am prepared to act quickly with legislative leaders and the Governor to restore what the Supreme Court has undone."
Bills Filed for 2014 Legislative Session
The deadline for members of the Oklahoma Legislature to file legislation for the second session of the 54th Legislature was Thursday, January 16. By that deadline, members of the state Oklahoma House of Representatives had filed 1,197 bills and 23 joint resolutions for the 2014 legislative session. Last year, the House Chief Clerk's Office reported that 1,259 bills and 43 joint resolutions were filed in the House. Meanwhile, there were 976 bills and 35 joint resolutions filed by members of the Oklahoma Senate. Last year at this time, a total of 1,119 bills and 34 joint resolutions were filed. There are 915 Senate Bills and 31 Senate Joint Resolutions still alive from the 2013 session and will carry over into the 2014 session. The total for the 2014 bill filing does not include appropriations shell bills. Appropriations bills are not subject to the deadlines controlling the processing of substantive, or policy, bills. The Second Regular Session of the 54th Legislature begins February 3, 2014.
Ethics Commission Proposed Rules
State Rep. Mike Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City) blasted officials at the state Ethics Commission for proposed changes to lobbyist reporting and registration, conflict of interest and financial disclosure rules. Reynolds said commissioners offered the rules under the guise of streamlining and cleaning up the reporting system, but the changes, will cost the taxpayers millions of dollars. He said they even proposed a rule change that would prevent the Commission from investigating allegations during the final days of an election campaign -- a rule change that was already overwhelmingly defeated on the floor of the House during the last session of the Legislature. Reynolds is introducing a resolution in the upcoming legislative session to disapprove the proposed rules.
Under current law, lobbyists' employers are prohibited from spending more than $100 per calendar year per lawmaker. However, under proposed rule changes, lobbyists' employers would be permitted to provide $500 for meals and other gifts. In addition to this increase, lobbyists could also purchase a meal once a year for every legislator with no limit on the cost, another meal once a year for every member of the Republican or Democrat caucus and additional meals to lawmakers with no cost limit for every committee of which that the legislator is a member.
In addition, another proposed rule change would allow any institute of higher learning to provide two free tickets to lawmakers to any athletic event, conference, seminar or lecture involving students that is held within Oklahoma. "Under this rule, the University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University can give two tickets to each home game to every lawmaker. For Bedlam, every lawmaker could receive four tickets. Twelve tickets per year to each home OU and OSU football, basketball, baseball, softball, etc., etc., etc. game. This is insanity, and it will cost taxpayers millions of dollars in direct cost, not to mention the undue influence these meals and tickets are going to have on elected officials."
Voter Identification for Seniors
Senior citizens who no longer have a driver's license can have a difficult time getting an identification card that will allow them to vote, according to state Rep. Harold Wright (R-Weatherford). "I have been helping constituents with this problem, and frankly, several have given up," said Wright. "Instead of allowing seniors to use their driver's license as proof of identity when they are obtaining a non-driver identification card from the state, current law forces them to go find their birth certificate and a second form of identification. It's a difficult and unnecessary process for retirees and other individuals who are at a point in their lives when they are scaling back what they are willing to take on." Wright said he is proposing House Bill 2387 to make it possible for these seniors to use a valid and unexpired drivers' license in order to obtain a non-driver identification card from the Department of Public Safety.
Article V Convention Proposed
State Rep. Gary Banz (R-Midwest City) and an organization called "I Am American" are teaming up to host informational meetings on how to initiate an "Article V" Convention of the States to propose a "balanced-budget" amendment to the United States Constitution. Article V of the United States Constitution grants states the authority to bypass Congress and propose amendments to the Constitution. The process requires two-thirds, or 34 states, to apply to Congress to convene and propose amendments, which would then have to be ratified by three-fourths, or 38, of the states. Conservative critics refer to the "Constitutional Convention" method as a "Con Con," noting that a similar convention was convened to propose amendments to the Articles of Confederation and ended up proposing a whole new Constitution.
Rep. Banz and others plan to file resolutions during the upcoming session that, if passed, would provide legislative approval for the state to apply to Congress to initiate an "Article V" convention for the sole purpose of proposing an amendment to the Constitution requiring Congress to pass a balanced budget each year. Critics say such a convention would not be bound to a single subject. Currently, 20 states have already applied to Congress to convene for the purpose of proposing a balanced-budget amendment. "The framers of our Constitution gave us this process for proposing amendments as a way to hold an unresponsive, out-of-control federal government accountable. I think, as citizens, regardless of political party, we have a responsibility to exhaust the means we have available to us to protect our nation"said Rep. Banz.
Second Amendment Rights
State Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Tulsa) filed legislation to allow law-abiding citizens to carry firearms without a license. "The Second Amendment says the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, and yet when we require our citizens to jump through hoops, pay fees and undergo a process that presumes they're guilty of something until proven otherwise, their rights are being infringed upon," Dahm said. "Senate Bill 1473 simply says Oklahomans can carry firearms in all the places currently allowed by law, but they will no longer be required to obtain a license to do so." Under SB 1473, a person age 18 or older would be able to open carry loaded or unloaded shotguns, rifles and pistols without a license for hunting, target shooting or other such events. It would also be allowed for events related to military or law enforcement functions; for practice or performance for entertainment purposes; or for lawful self-defense purposes. Places where guns are currently prohibited, such as schools and government facilities, would continue to be off-limits for firearms."Oklahomans will still be able to get a license so they could carry in other states that allow reciprocity," Dahm said. "They just won't have to have a license in Oklahoma to carry."
Education Savings Account
Legislation has been filed which would provide education options to law-income families across Oklahoma. Under House Bill 3398, by state Reps. Jason Nelson (R-Oklahoma City) and Tom Newell (R-Seminole), low-income public school students would be able to receive a portion of the state aid dedicated to their education and use it to expand their education options. Students eligible for free or reduced price lunch under federal guidelines would be eligible to receive 90 percent of the funding they would have generated at their resident public school through the school funding formula. Students in families whose household income is up to 1.5 times the threshold for free or reduced price lunch will be eligible to receive 60 percent of the amount. Students in families whose household income is between of 1.5 times to 2 times the threshold will be eligible to receive 30 percent of what would have been generated. The education savings account money could be used for tutoring, virtual school, higher education courses and private schools. The goal is to provide the resources to allow low-income families a way to escape from inferior goverment schools. If the lbill passes, the program could be extended to others in future legislation.
Ensure Oklahoma Stays Energy Friendly
Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon (R-Lawton) introduced legislation to make permanent the one percent tax on horizontal drilling, ensuring the energy industry continues to thrive in Oklahoma. "Some have suggested we should raise this tax or allow it to expire in order to bring more money in to the general fund and grow government," said Speaker Shannon. "But I don't believe in the tax more, spend more approach. The current tax rate on horizontal drilling has been doing exactly what it was designed to do: encourage more drilling in Oklahoma. Therefore, I believe we should make this rate permanent and send the message that Oklahoma is a place that welcomes the oil and gas industry, along with the jobs and economic development they bring to our great state." Currently, energy companies pay this rate due to a tax incentive that will sunset in 2015. If allowed to sunset, horizontal drilling tax rates would rise to 7 percent. Such an increase could threaten the energy industry in Oklahoma and have a severe impact on the state economy and job market, as well as discourage future investment. "Oklahoma has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and the job market is booming," said Shannon. "Now is not the time to turn our backs on those who have helped make Oklahoma a leader in this industry."
Unconstitutional NSA Activity
While the Oklahoma legislature can't pull the plug on the National Security Agency (NSA), Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Tulsa) believes the state does have the ability to make it more difficult for them to use unconstitutionally gathered information against citizens. Dahm is the son of missionaries and grew up in Eastern Europe where governments routinely spied on their own citizens and encouraged citizens to spy and inform on one another. "I saw first-hand how people were impacted by domestic spying -- it made them fearful about what they said or did or who they talked to," Dahm said. "The NSA has been spying on American citizens claiming it's necessary to fight terrorism, but the truth is when governments are spying on their own citizens, it's not about protecting them -- it's about controlling them." With the aim of curtailing some of the NSA's overreach into the lives of Oklahomans, Dahm has filed Senate Bill 1252, called the "Fourth Amendment Protection Act."
"The Fourth Amendment says our citizens cannot be subjected to unreasonable search and seizure. Law enforcement has to have a warrant, supported by probably cause and approved by a judge," Dahm said. "My bill makes it clear that our state will refuse material support, participation or assistance to any federal entity that is collecting data on Oklahomans without a legal warrant." The legislation would prohibit any government entity at the local, county, or state level from providing assistance to the NSA. It would also forbid employees of local, county and state government agencies and jurisdictions, as well as corporations doing business with them, from helping entities such as the NSA. It also prohibits the use of any information passed along from the NSA to local law enforcement if it was obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment.
"The NSA has collected electronic data and metadata on millions of law-abiding citizens for no reason -- they are treating everyone as if they are guilty until proven innocent, and that flies in the face of the rights and freedoms this country was founded on," Dahm said. "The Fourth Amendment Protection Act will help guard Oklahomans from these blatant violations of our constitutional rights."
Sunset Status of OETA
State Rep. Harold Wright (R-Weatherford) said he has filed House Bill 2678 in order to remove the sunset status for the Oklahoma Education Television Authority (OETA). Last year, conservatives came close to eliminating state subsidies to the televison network. "We have debated the future of the OETA on the floor every two years because of the sunset clause, and we always support it in the end," said Wright,. "The OETA provides a tremendous service to many Oklahomans especially some senior citizens and rural residents who do not have access to any other Oklahoma news." Additionally, the station receives several licenses from the Federal Communication Commission that are renewed on a regular basis. The licensing process creates oversight of the agency, Wright said. "A sunset provision is unnecessary; but if we did allow OETA to sunset, it could jeopardize these licenses," Wright said.
OETA Executive Director Dan Schiedel applauded the legislation. "We applaud Representative Wright's efforts to remove OETA from the Sunset Review process. As a long time and respected broadcaster, Representative Wright understands the importance of OETA and its value to the people of the state of Oklahoma. Currently, OETA is the only appropriated State agency that is subject to the Sunset Review process," Schiedel said. The OETA traces its history to the 1953 legislative session during which time it was enacted. Its first broadcast took place in 1956. Election coverage by OETA made it the most-watched government television station in the nation on the evening of November 2, 2010.
Good Samaritan Law
State Rep. Bobby Cleveland (R-Slaughterville) has filed a bill aimed at protecting churches that help individuals during emergencies from lawsuits. House Bill 2325, also known as the "Good Samaritan Law," would amend current state law to provide that persons or organizations that provide shelter to others "in preparation for, anticipation of, or during a time of emergency" would not be liable for injuries caused by the person or organization providing shelter. Cleveland said the measure gives churches more incentive to open their doors to victims of storms and other catastrophes. "Most churches will open their doors to anyone who needs assistance, but there are some churches that, rightly so, are hesitant to provide shelter to storm victims because of the litigious society that we live in," said Rep. Cleveland. "It's unfortunate that we have to pass a law to protect those churches from lawsuits, but we have experienced situations here in Oklahoma where hundreds of people have needed shelter after their homes were destroyed. This legislation will provide the cover our churches need to help those who need it most during a disaster."
Ban Synthetic Drugs
Drug users in Arkansas travel across the border to Oklahoma to buy drugs because of problems with enforcing current laws, according to a state lawmaker. House Bill 2323, by state Rep. John Bennett (R-Sallisaw), would expand current bans on specific synthetic drugs to cover a range of drugs that traffickers have and will continue to dream up. The bill mirrors the language currently in law in Arkansas, based on the recommendation of law enforcement. "I knew Oklahoma had an issue with the synthetic drugs but I had no idea how bad it was until my sheriff invited me out to do a ride along with one of his deputies," said Bennett. "There was a joint operation between the law enforcement in my area and Arkansas law enforcement. My district borders Arkansas, where legislation was passed that banned all synthetic drugs. However, since Arkansas borders my district in Oklahoma the citizens of Arkansas come to Oklahoma to buy these drugs and return to Arkansas. During the ride along, hundreds were detained from Oklahoma and Arkansas."
Bennett said he learned from prosecutors and law enforcement involved in the operation that the current Oklahoma law was inadequate. "Although Oklahoma has implemented bans on specific formulas of synthetic marijuana and bath salts, drug makers can easily sidestep these regulations," Bennett said. "Manufacturers adapt simply by replacing the chemical compound of a banned synthetic cannabinoid or cathinone with a newer formulation that is not yet known to authorities. This modification process poses increasing risk to its users, who are unaware of the reactions the new chemicals may cause. Therefore my law enforcement professionals recommended that Oklahoma pass a law similar to Arkansas to stop the sale and use of the synthetic drugs. In talking with Arkansas law enforcers and prosecutors, I learned that their state law has been very effective, so I have a filed a bill that would mirror Arkansas law."
New Tax Cut Plan Introduced
A group of Republican lawmakers from the Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives have introduced a tax cut plan for consideration in the 2014 legislative session that will lower Oklahoma's individual income tax rate to four percent within four years. Last year, the Oklahoma Legislature approved a tax rate reduction that would have lowered the individual income tax rate to five percent, but that legislation was struck by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. As a result of the court's decision, the Republican government that took office in Oklahoma following the 2010 elections still has not enacted a reduction of Oklahoma's individual income tax rate, which currently sits at 5.25 percent.
Senate Bill 1849 and House Bill 3291, would each lower the state's individual income tax rate to 4.75 percent on January 1, 2015, then to 4.50 percent on January 1, 2016, 4.25 percent on January 1, 2017, and finally, four percent on January 1, 2018. "Economic growth and principles of a limited government continue to be held back by our relatively high income tax rate," said state Sen. David Holt (R-Oklahoma City), lead Senate author of SB 1849. "And the problem is even more acute now that we find ourselves in an income-tax sandwich between Texas, which has no income tax, and Kansas, which has lowered its rate below ours. I have introduced a tax cut bill every year I've been in office, and I supported the 2013 tax cut that was later thrown out. But I believe we need to be doing something bolder than was proposed in 2013. We should view the Supreme Court's decision as an opportunity to be bolder this time."
State Rep. Leslie Osborn (R-Mustang) is the principal House author of HB 3291. "Any time hardworking Oklahomans are allowed to keep more of their own hard-earned money, it is a plus for them as individuals, and for the state's economy as well," said Osborn. "The state income tax has been lowered slowly over time from 7% to 5.25%. Nearly every time we have lowered the rate, we have seen a commensurate rise in tax revenue to the state's coffers to fund core services. When people have more of their own money to spend, they invest in their businesses, and sales tax revenue increases. It is a win-win situation for the citizens of Oklahoma."
State Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow), joins Holt as a co-author of SB 1849. State Reps. David Brumbaugh (R-Broken Arrow), Josh Cockroft (R-Tecumseh), Jon Echols (R-Oklahoma City), Elise Hall (R-Oklahoma City), Tom Newell (R-Seminole) Mike Turner (R-Edmond), and Harold Wright (R-Weatherford), join Osborn as co-authors of HB 3291.
Unicameral Legislature
State Sen. Patrick Anderson (R-Enid) filed legislation that would allow Oklahoma voters to reduce the size of the Legislature by 101 members. Senate Joint Resolution 43 would send to a vote of the people a constitutional amendment creating a unicameral Legislature consisting of 48 legislators. Transitioning to a unicameral (one chamber) Legislature would reduce costs, while providing increased transparency and procedural openness, Anderson said. The Nebraska Legislature has operated as a unicameral body with just 49 legislators since 1937.
Anderson said the bicameral (House and Senate) Legislature is costly, inefficient and unnecessary. "We are asking all of our state agencies to make cuts and reduce costs," said Anderson. "As lawmakers, we should reserve the same scrutiny for our own process. Why not lead by example and eliminate the unnecessary expenses that exist in the Legislature?" Anderson said his proposal would generate savings greater than $16.5 million annually. "Although the Oklahoma Legislature is a bicameral body, both chambers perform identical functions," Anderson said. "As a result, the legislative process is unduly burdensome and extremely costly to the taxpayers."
Critics of the proposal argue that it is good to have two houses, rather than one, in order to provide a check on bad legislation. As Calvin Coolidge once said, "It is better to kill a bad bill than to pass a good one."
Unicameral Bill Supported
State Rep. Mike Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City) will serve as the House author of Senate Resolution 43 by state Sen. Patrick Anderson, which would allow voters to create a 48-member "unicameral" Legislature similar to what exists in Nebraska. Reynolds thanked Sen. Anderson for thinking outside of the box. "While I am not stuck on the specific number of members, 48, in the proposed "Unicameral Legislature,' this idea deserves serious consideration," said Reynolds,. "Any member of the Legislature that doesn't think this will save money must believe the Affordable Care Act does!"
Reynolds noted that: "For too long, House members have complained about bills going to the Senate to die, and senators voice a similar complaint about their bills in the House. They refuse to acknowledge that House and Senate leadership kill bills they don't like by having the other chamber do their dirty work. They also complain about the conference committee process, which introduces entirely new language during the last few days of session. Both of those processes would be brought to an end under a unicameral Legislature. Legislators, and more importantly the voters, would have the opportunity to see up or down votes on all important issues."
Reynolds said the proposal would not necessarily diminish adequate representation for citizens. "There were only 55 delegates at the Constitutional Convention and there were only 93 members of Congress in 1789," said Reynolds. "I think our nation was well-represented then, and I think we could be well-represented in Oklahoma with far less than 149 elected legislators."
Some might ask, if it would "save money" to abolish one house of the legislature, why not abolish both, and just let the governor run the state? Or, perhaps, just have three legislators?
Merry Christmas Legislation
In what members of the Oklahoma Legislature describe as a "defensive effort," a measure was filed to defend the traditional holiday seasons of Christmas and Hanukkah. State Reps. Bobby Cleveland (R-Slaughterville) and Ken Walker (R-Tulsa) filed House Bill 2317 would call for more protections to go into place regarding Christmas and how it is celebrated in schools. Called the "Merry Christmas" bill, the measure would allow for schools to celebrate Christmas and use religious-based imagery such as nativity scenes alongside other displays such as Christmas trees. It would also allow school faculty and staff to use traditional greetings such as "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" without fear of reprisal. The measure mirrors that of Texas' House Bill 308 which was signed into law in that state in June. There is now a website up so Oklahomans can learn more about the measure. "We have created a website called MerryChristmasBillOK.com and encourage you to share your own stories, read what the Supreme Court has to say about your religious liberties and follow the progress of this bill," Rep. Walker said. "We also have created "Oklahoma Merry Christmas Bill' on Facebook."
Drone Testing Sites
State Rep. Paul Wesselhoft (R-Moore) said he is confused as to why Oklahoma was left out of a group of six states that have been designated by the federal government as testing sites for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced December 30 that six states -- Alaska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Virginia and Texas -- will serve as test sites for UAVs, also known as drones, as the FAA seeks to determine the viability of allowing drones for commercial use. The testing will help the FAA develop regulations for commercial use of UAVs. "Oklahoma is a pioneer state in aviation technology, beginning with Wiley Post and continuing today with numerous startup companies that are developing drone technology. In fact, Oklahoma State University has a degree program pending that would allow students to focus their studies on UAV development," said Wesselhoft.
Earlier this year, Wesselhoft authored House Bill 1556, also known as the Oklahoma Unmanned Aerial Surveillance Act, which would prohibit the government from using drones to spy on Oklahomans without first obtaining a warrant. The measure passed out of the House Energy and Aerospace Committee, but was never scheduled for a vote on the House floor. Wesselhoft said he held the bill up at Gov. Fallin's request so that it would not interfere in any way with Oklahoma being selected as a test site. Since the bill was not heard and is still active it will be acted upon during the 2014 legislative session. Wesselhöft noted that his legislation does not pertain to development or testing of UAVs and only applies to the application of how those UAVs are used by government agencies.
State Employee Compensation Study
A study on state employee compensation commissioned at the request of Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and the Legislature was released in December. It found that while benefits are above average, Oklahoma pays its state workers less than comparable state governments. State employee salaries are more than 6 percent lower than those in comparable states and 21 percent below private market jobs. It also found state benefits are more than 24 percent higher than those in comparable state governments. The study commissioned by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES)and was conducted by the private companies of Kenning Consulting and the Hay Group.
Among the study's recommendations is appropriating an additional $41.1 million in state dollars to employee pay and exploring ways to reinvest benefit resources. "This study gives the state a starting point for a productive, fact-based discussion about redesigning the employee compensation system so Oklahoma can recruit, reward and retain a quality workforce to serve its citizens," said Preston Doerflinger, OMES director. Sterling Zearley, executive director of the Oklahoma Public Employees Association (OPEA), said the study confirms that state employees are underpaid, and cautioned against reducing benefits before increasing pay. With a tight budget expected for the coming fiscal year, the Legislature may not be able to implement study recommendations.
Brad Carson Nominated
Former Oklahoma congressman Brad Carson was nominated by President Barack Obama to the second-highest civilian job in the U.S. Army. Carson, 46, who is currently the Army's top lawyer, was nominated for the position of undersecretary. The current undersecretary, Joseph W. Westphal, was earlier nominated to be the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Carson's nomination would have to be cleared by the Senate Armed Services Committee where Sen. Jim Inhofe, is the top Republican and the full Senate. Carson was interviewed by the committee in January.
Carson, a Democrat, served four years in the U.S. House, representing the eastern Oklahoma 2nd District, before running for the U.S. Senate in 2004. Senator Tom Coburn defeated Carson in that race. Carson later taught business law, headed the National Energy Policy Institute at the University of Tulsa, and served as CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses. From 2008-09, he was on active duty in the U.S. Navy. Carson was then deployed to Iraq and embedded with the United States Army's 84th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion. He has been the General Counsel of the Army since early 2012.
Brad Henry in New Job
Former Oklahoma Governor, Brad Henry, became a shareholder and was elected Director of CFS2, a Tulsa based debt collection company owned by Bill Bartmann. "CFS2 is a remarkable opportunity to create an entirely new blend of consumer service and social impact," Henry said. As Director of CFS2, Henry is responsible for the strategic planning and the capital planning process which includes the use of social impact investing. "By focusing on non-traditional ways to help consumers overcome financial difficulties, CFS2 has the potential to impact millions of lives and build important long-term relationships with a consumer group that is not well understood by marketers," said Henry. He noted that CFS2 not only helps people get out of debt, but also provides free services to get customers back on their feet. Bartmann said the mission of CFS2 is to reform the debt-collection industry, and he believes Henry is the right person to help. After leaving the governor's office, Henry has been working with his former chief of staff, Gerald Adams, at the Henry Adams Companies, providing consulting and strategic planning services along with legal counsel.
Lamb Named RLGA Vice-chairman
In November, Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb was named Vice-Chairman of the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association (RLGA) executive committee. The RLGA also announced Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves will serve as the 2014 RLGA Chairman. This is the third national association that Lieutenant Governor Lamb has been elected by his peers to serve in a leadership capacity. He currently serves as Chairman of the National Lieutenant Governors Association and Vice-Chairman of the Aerospace States Association. "Serving in leadership at the RLGA is an honor and I am humbled that my fellow Lieutenant Governors have elected me as Vice-Chair," said Lamb. "Oklahoma has many reasons to be proud and can be a model for other states. I look forward to continuing to represent Oklahoma on a national level."
Eastern Flyer to Run the Rails
The Eastern Flyer passenger rail service will make its inaugural run in the direction of Tulsa to Sapulpa and back. The rail service is scheduled for a demonstration run on February 9th, followed by additional trips on Feb. 15 and 23, 2014. "I am told that the carrier for the February runs will be the Iowa Pacific hosted by the Stillwater Central Railroad and it will run between Midwest City and Sapulpa. This may seem like a small step but it is a giant leap for Oklahomans who have fought hard to see rail service return and for other mass transportation options to become a reality," said state Rep. Richard Morrissette (D-OKC), author of the Eastern Flyer Passenger Rail Initiative Task Force legislation. Passengers sampling the Eastern Flyer experience, arriving in OKC, will have the option of boarding motorcoaches from the train stop to Bricktown, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum or, on selected dates, a Thunder game. The state purchased the rail system over which the Eastern Flyer will travel in 1998. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), which manages the rail corridor, announced in January that the system will soon be sold. This has prompted Morrissette and other legislators to propose legislation to block the sale. They say it was understood that the system was purchased to preserve it.
Electronic Proofs of Insurance
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak issued a bulletin to property and casualty insurers confirming that Oklahoma law allows them to issue security verification forms in electronic format as well as in paper format. "We live in a digital world where you can do just about anything on your smartphone or tablet," said Doak. "More and more insurance companies are offering electronic verification forms and we have to adapt to the times. Oklahoma law doesn't specify which format the security verification form must take, therefore an electronic version is perfectly acceptable." The Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) issued the bulletin after a discussion with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS). OID officials informed DPS officials that nothing in the Oklahoma Insurance Code prohibits a law enforcement officer from recognizing an electronic version of a security verification form that has been approved by the OID. "In Oklahoma, it is the law to carry proof of liability coverage every time you get behind the wheel," said Doak. "We are happy to provide law enforcement with some clarification on this issue and give consumers options when it comes to complying with the law." Also, OID says a new law, HB 1792, allows law enforcement officers to remove the tags from uninsured vehicles and provides temporary liability insurance for the vehicle until private coverage is obtained and they pay a fee for the temporary insurance. Implementation of the law went into effect on January 1.
State IT Security Operations Center
State government's computer network has been made more secure with the launch of Oklahoma's first statewide information technology Security Operations Center (SOC). The SOC, developed and administered by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), provides real-time security monitoring and threat alerts for all networked state computers, allowing the state to thwart attacks from hackers and other information technology security risks at a far higher rate than in the past. "We place the highest premium on keeping the taxpayers' information as secure as possible," said OMES Chief Security Officer Mark Gower. "As statewide IT consolidation has progressed, Oklahoma's ability to improve security across the entire state network has increased dramatically. The SOC, in particular, has eliminated a significant amount of vulnerability that existed previously when each agency was running its own IT services without any uniform, statewide security standards."
The SOC, launched in January and now fully operational, has made Oklahoma's information technology security posture stronger than most other state governments. As of Nov. 1, approximately 28,000 of the state's 34,000 computers are monitored by the SOC. The SOC's goal is to monitor all state computers by the end of 2015. Symantec, a Fortune 500 company and leading information technology security provider, called Oklahoma's security model a "blueprint" for other state governments to adopt. The SOC is designed to alert a staff of dedicated security personnel to any potential threat to a state computer or the state network. It also tracks state computer usage to ensure users are not engaging in behavior that could pose security risks.
State Agency Fees
Oklahoma House Speaker T.W. Shannon (R-Lawton) held an interim study on October 29 to evaluate how agencies create and increase fees to pay for services provided to Oklahoma citizens. State and outside experts testified to how fees are evaluated and the process in which they are levied. While fees are intended to cover the costs of services, government holds a monopoly on many services and the fee amounts paid by citizens and business are at times substantial. "Oklahoma families and businesses are the ones who have to pay these fees and we must see that they are not overcharged," said Speaker Shannon. "This legislature has made great strides to protect Oklahomans from overbearing taxation and lowering the tax burden. We must expand this oversight to state fees. Any fee hike should be justified and not be used to take more money out of working people's pockets to increase the wealth of state agencies." According to Todd Haggerty of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Oklahoma is 16th in the union when it comes to fee reliance for state revenue and has a greater reliance on fees than most states in our region. During the study, Haggerty said it would be to the benefit of Oklahoma to assess its fee structures for future economic development and financial stability.
Richest In Congress
Radio Oklahoma Network News Director Jerry Bohnen studied recent reports submitted by members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation and found that Senator Jim Inhofe and Congressman Markwayne Mullin top the list in wealth. The office holders report ranges of wealth in various categories, so it is impossible to determine exact figures. Inhofe is thought to be Oklahoma's richest, ranking 70th in the full Congress with an average net worth of about $7.5 million. Mullin is the 85th richest in Congress with an average net worth of slightly less than $7.5 million. Congressman Tom Cole is 113th with an average net worth of $4.3 million. Senator Tom Coburn is 132nd at $3.6 million. Congressman Frank Lucas is 228th at $1.5 million. Congressman Jim Bridenstine is among the poorest at 517th with a showing of more than $22,000 in debt. He also ranks 422nd of the 435 members of the House. No records were available for Congressman James Lankford.
Wastebook 2013
U.S. Senator Tom Coburn released his annual oversight report "Wastebook 2013" highlighting 100 examples of wasteful and low-priority spending totaling nearly $30 billion. "While politicians in Washington spent much of 2013 complaining about sequestration's impact on domestic programs and our national defense, we still managed to provide benefits to the Fort Hood shooter, study romance novels, help the State Department buy Facebook fans and even help NASA study Congress," said Dr. Coburn. "Had Congress, in particular, been focused on doing its job of setting priorities and cutting the kind of wasteful spending outlined in this report, we could have avoided both a government shutdown and a flawed budget deal that was designed to avert a shutdown. The nearly $30 billion in questionable and lower-priority spending in Wastebook 2013 is a small fraction of the more than $200 billion we throw away every year through fraud, waste, duplication and mismanagement. There is more than enough stupidity and incompetence in government to allow us to live well below the budget caps. What's lacking is the common sense and courage in Washington to make those choices -- and passage of fiscally-responsible spending bills -- possible," said Dr. Coburn. You can go to the senator's Senate website for the report.
Eliminate Corn Ethanol Mandate
On December 12, U.S. Senators Tom Coburn, and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced with eight cosponsors The Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2013. The bill, cosponsored by Sens. Richard Burr (R-NC), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Corker, (R-TN), Kay Hagan (D-NC), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Patrick Toomey (R-PA), would eliminate the corn ethanol mandate within the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) which requires a yearly increase in the amount of renewable fuel that must be blended into the total volume of gasoline refined and consumed in the United States. The RFS, which was first enacted in 2005 and then expanded in 2007, requires refiners and blenders to use 16.55 billion gallons of renewable fuel in 2013.
"The time to end the corn ethanol mandate has arrived," Dr. Coburn said. "This misguided policy has cost taxpayers billions of dollars, increased fuel prices and made our food more expensive. Eliminating this mandate will let market forces, rather than political and parochial forces, determine how to diversify fuel supplies in an ever-changing marketplace. I'm grateful my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are prepared to take this long-overdue step to protect consumers and taxpayers from artificially high fuel and food prices."
Oklahoma Obamacare Enrollees
Congressman James Lankford expressed his frustration with the Obama Administration's latest ObamaCare enrollment numbers for Oklahoma. "The latest announcement of ObamaCare enrollment in Oklahoma through December 31, 2013, does little to ease my fears for families trying to abide by the law and sign up for the President's chosen health plans," said Lankford. The Administration announced that 14,999 Oklahomans have selected a plan on the healthcare.gov website, roughly 195 people per county in Oklahoma. The Administration's numbers represent those with a plan in their online "shopping cart," not those who are completely enrolled and covered. "The latest enrollment numbers demonstrate that the Affordable Care Act continues to fail to achieve the goal of covering the uninsured, which means tens of thousands of Oklahomans will have tax penalties next year. The 14,999 who selected a plan reflect 9.75% of Oklahoma's uninsured population. Considering the millions of dollars spent to date, I do not consider less than 10% of Oklahoma's uninsured enrolling in the President's mandated program real progress and neither should the Administration," concluded Lankford.
FCC Lifeline Fraud
Congressman James Lankford applauded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for recent efforts to eliminate duplication in the Lifeline telephone program. Eligible telecommunications carriers in Oklahoma and four other states can now begin loading their subscriber data into the new National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). Carriers and state commissions will use NLAD to ensure phone users do not receive duplicate taxpayer-supported services. "Since I was elected to Congress, I have worked to address waste, fraud and abuse in federal agencies and programs. Lifeline is a prime example of a federal program where fraud and abuse are obvious problems," said Lankford. In 2012, Oklahoma had an estimated 500,000 lifeline phone users, many of whom didn't meet the minimum criteria to receive the phone. In contrast, Oregon -- a state of similar population -- had an estimated 50,000 users..
"I've worked with the FCC to create a central list of Lifeline phone users to determine whether households have more than one phone," continued Lankford. "Since each phone company keeps its own records, up until this point we have had no way to verify whether a person has multiple phones from multiple companies. The program is designed for a small and limited group of Americans that have no access to phone service and who live below the poverty line. The program has grown out of control in the past few years, and many people who do not qualify currently have a "free' phone, sometimes several free phones." By the end of 2014, data from Oklahoma and four other states will be uploaded into the NLAD which will be used to ensure people cannot receive duplicate taxpayer-funded services.
Costello on OSHA Rule Change
In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor, Thomas Perez, Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello voiced opposition to rules the U.S. Department of Labor is proposing to change regarding Occupational Safety and Health Administration's workplace reporting. Proposed rule changes will require large companies to file injury and illness reports electronically each quarter to a special web site so they can be posted online and made available to the public. "This proposed regulation is a federal government overreach that will invite distortion of a company's safety record and encourage unions, trial lawyers, and other adversaries of the marketplace to use the data against the backbone of the economy, American businesses. The proposed use of data does not tell the full story about the circumstances surrounding an injury and efforts to prevent such injury by the business owner," stated Costello. "As Commissioner of Labor, duly elected by the citizens of Oklahoma, I have a lawful obligation to speak out for the economic well-being of the taxpayer's of this great state," said Costello. Costello concluded his letter with a request that the Secretary of Labor "stand-down on this proposal."
Shelter Petition Fails
A petition drive, dubbed Take Shelter Oklahoma (TSO), had until December 16 to collect 160,000 signatures to place a measure to fund school storm shelters on a statewide ballot. They reportedly gathered only about 120,000 signatures, but the group went to court in the hope of getting a time extension based on a technical challenge to the wording of the ballot measure. The debate centered on changes by Attorney General Scott Pruitt to the ballot title, which originally was written by TSO. The group's version emphasized the need for storm shelters, while Pruitt's wording was centered on the franchise tax, which would be the funding source for the program. TSO's attorney argued before a Oklahoma Supreme Court referee that Pruitt delayed and altered the ballot title. But, the AG's office argued the 90-day petition window expired with the group falling 40,000 signatures short and now organizers are grasping at straws for an extension. The state also argued that the AG, who reviews the ballot descriptions to meet legal requirements, correctly put in the title that the money for the bonds to pay for the shelters would come from the franchise tax.
The proposal calls for the sale of $500 million bonds to be paid back using the state's franchise tax on businesses. It is estimated that it will cost about $40 million per year to service the bonds. State Rep. Joe Dorman (D-Rush Springs), a member of the TSO steering committee, said the state bond funding for the storm shelters is necessary because numerous school districts have limited bonding capacity and already must make difficult choices with the resources they have. The revenues from the franchise tax go into the state General Revenue Fund (GRF) and the Governor and the Legislature budget those funds along with the other revenues collected. The proposal would divert money from the GRF, reducing the funds available for other needs, such as education, public safety and health care. In recent years bills have been proposed to end the franchise tax to help in the effort to attract new businesses to the state. Earmarking the funds to pay the bonds could block those efforts.
Funding Shelters in Schools
Legislation filed by Rep. Joe Dorman (D-Rush Springs) will protect more than 506,000 Oklahoma school children from tornadoes, he said. The legislation would mirror the failed ballot initiative that Dorman was also involved. That initiative petition failed to get the 160,000 signatures required to get on the ballot. If passed, House Joint Resolution 1078 would put before voters the question of whether or not the state would issue a $500 million state bond to fund the construction of school storm shelters and provide for enhanced school security for public schools and career technology centers. The debt service would not come from state general funds, but be serviced by the revenue collected from a franchise tax, scheduled for reinstatement this year. Dorman claims the funding mechanism would allow school districts the opportunity to build school storm shelters without raising any new or existing taxes and without cutting any current program spending in Oklahoma.
Shelter Oklahoma Schools Fund
A private group is raising money and distributing grants to help construct school storm shelters. The "Shelter Oklahoma Schools Endowment" was established at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation following the May 2013 storms that impacted central Oklahoma. To date, nearly $2 million in gifts have been made to the fund to help provide storm shelters in Oklahoma schools. Shelter Oklahoma Schools has already awarded $800,000 to four public schools. Schools receiving the grants are Calumet, Drummond, Moore and Western Heights (western Oklahoma City area). The group was founded by two state legislators. "It's with great excitement and humility that we present these grants to help keep Oklahoma's children safe," says Shelter Oklahoma Schools co-founder state Rep. Jon Echols (R-Oklahoma City). "I am amazed at the private sector's outpouring of support when called upon," says Shelter Oklahoma Schools co-founder Rep. Mark McBride (R-Moore). Grant presentations were made to the schools in November and December. The schools in Moore received $500,000 and the three other districts were awarded $100,000 each.
Lincoln Legacy Project Awards
State Rep. Anastasia A. Pittman (D-Oklahoma City), Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, announced the Lincoln Legacy Dinner and Awards Program to be held on Feb. 11. The event will include a 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. dinner. T.W. Shannon (R-Lawton), the first African American Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, will receive the Abraham Lincoln Leadership Award. And, Terri White, commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will receive the Henry Bellmon Courage Award for her work and advocacy for mental health. Oklahoma City University President Robert Henry will be the keynote speaker for dinner and celebration.. Henry returned to OCU after serving as Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He previously served as dean of the OCU School of Law and as a tenured professor of law. Henry also served as the Oklahoma Attorney General and as a state representative. Oklahoma History Center Director Dr. Bob Blackburn will be the Master of Ceremonies.
The Lincoln Legacy Project was formed to honor the memory of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address. Rep. Pittman serves the chair of the Lincoln Legacy Project and State Rep. Earl Sears (R-Bartlesville) serves as co-chair. The project's goal is to enhance historical sites across Oklahoma that were impacted by Lincoln's legacy and has a goal to raise $50,000 for the next two years. The Freedom Center on Martin Luther King Avenue in northeastern Oklahoma City will be the first beneficiary. The site was the epicenter of the Civil Rights movement in the city and the Oklahoma NAACP Youth Council. Community partners include: The Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma Greater Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Black Museum of Performing Arts, and State Department of Education.
Clouds over America Seminar
Friday, February 21st and Saturday the 22nd will be the 5th annual Clouds Over America Seminar to be held at the Character Inn Conference Center, 520 West Main Street in downtown Oklahoma City. This will be the most comprehensive Seminar, covering a broader range of culture war issues than any event this year. Sponsoring the event will be the Oklahoma chapters of the John Birch Society, the Reclaiming America for
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