Governor Mary Fallin Statement on Upcoming Education Rally

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement regarding the upcoming March 31 education rally to be held at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

"I support more funding for common education and I appreciate teachers, parents and students being engaged on this issue. Last year I signed into law a budget that delivered over $120 million in new education money, by far the biggest increase in resources to any area of government.

“This year I proposed another increase of $50 million in K-12 education funding increases, despite a $190 million budget shortfall that will lead to spending cuts at most agencies.

“Providing adequate funding is vital to increasing educational attainment and student performance in Oklahoma. Equally important are the careful implementation and funding of education reforms focusing on accountability in schools, child literacy, and the creation of more rigorous standards in the classroom. Giving our teachers, administrators, parents and students the tools they need to succeed continues to be a top priority of mine."

Nelson fundraiser set January 16 in OKC

It seems like the last campaign just ended but the next election is less than ten months away and I already have a serious general election opponent who has begun raising money and organizing. My opponent is already working hard and will be well-funded.

I am asking everyone who plans to contribute to my campaign to please join me and Speaker T.W. Shannon this Thursday.  I must raise funds now to be ready to effectively campaign this year. By contributing what you can, you help me demonstrate the strength of our campaign not just in the money raised but in the number of people supporting my efforts.

If you are not able to contribute at the levels listed on the invitation below, please contribute what you can. I’m grateful for any amount and will put your resources to good use as the campaign heats up.

If you are unable to attend but would like to help financially you can mail your contribution to 4117 NW. 58th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Click here to download a contributor statement to complete and return with your support.

The fundraiser is this Thursday, January 16 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

At the home of Gerald and Jane Jayroe Gamble
8200 Waverly Avenue
Oklahoma City

For more information or to RSVP email jasonnelson2014@gmail.com or call 405-641-3255.

Serving as a member of the State House of Representatives has been a true honor for me and for my family. Serving my constituents is a rewarding experience I cherish and look forward to each day. Representing nearly 40,000 Oklahomans in the legislature has been a humbling responsibility I take very seriously. It has made me a better person, and I hope it has made Oklahoma a better place to live. It may sound cliché, but I can’t think of a better way to say it.

Since my election in 2008, I have tried to serve in such a way that while some may disagree with me, they know I work hard and always do what I think is right — not what is politically expedient.

I have spent much of the past five years tackling some of the most persistent and complex challenges in state government. My work on these issues has turned what I expected to be a part-time job into one that is more than full-time. These are not the sort of issues that are easily addressed or that encourage political contributions. That is why I am so grateful for the strong support of so many.

I have focused on championing government reforms that improve our education system, reorganizing our state’s Department of Human Services to help ensure Oklahoma’s children are protected and that the state is not subject to future expensive federal class action lawsuits, and giving parents of special needs children the ability to educate their children as they see fit. I am committed to continue working hard on behalf of Oklahoma’s families.

I am also proud of our efforts to reform the workers’ compensation and tort systems and to modernize our government, making it more transparent and responsive to the public.

I have supported legislation lowering the tax burden on Oklahoma families and businesses. Oklahoma’s unemployment is well below the national average and our Rainy Day Fund is full! Washington could learn a lesson or two from our state.

Septemberfest to be held Saturday, September 7

OKLAHOMA CITY – Preparations are underway for the 17th annual Septemberfest to be held Saturday, September 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Governor’s Mansion and Oklahoma History Center. Hosted by Governor Mary Fallin and First Gentleman Wade Christensen, Septemberfest is a free annual event for the whole family.

“Septemberfest is a beloved fall tradition for many Oklahoma families,” said Governor Fallin. “The First Gentleman and I are excited to open the Governor’s Mansion and its beautiful grounds to Oklahomans from across our great state as we proudly host the 17th annual Septemberfest.”

A celebration of what makes Oklahoma unique; Septemberfest features a variety of attractions for people of all ages. Activities featured at this year’s Septemberfest include historic re-enactments, a chalk artist, pony rides, crafts, inflatables, carriage rides, steer roping, an outdoor music stage, American Indian dancers, chuck wagon cooking, a rock-climbing wall, and more, ensuring families an action-packed day of entertainment.

The Oklahoma History Center, located across Northeast 23rd street from the Mansion, is open free to the public all day and this year will bring the past to life. Along the Red River Journey, an exciting outdoor exhibit, visitors will enjoy interaction with living historians representing WWII, cowboys, land run participants, 19th century American Indians, antebellum musicians, the Civil War, plein air painters, and more! We will bring the past to life with learning stations, hands-on activities, demonstrations, and games. The adventure continues inside the History Center with live performances, storytelling, and unique exhibits about Oklahoma.

Some new and exciting features this year will include an outdoor music venue that highlights musicians from our great state, including local high school bands, Kyle Dillingham, Sarah Dye and Carter Sampson. Guests can hunt for hats throughout the exhibits, make their own hat, and enjoy a hat passport as they visit the living historians along the Oklahoma History Center’s Red River Journey.

Septemberfest was founded in 1997 by Friends of the Mansion, Inc., a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to preserve and improve the Governor’s Mansion, as well as its grounds and furnishings. The Oklahoma History Center began co-hosting Septemberfest with Friends of the Mansion in 2004. The chairman of this year’s event is Jim Hasenbeck, President of Studio Architecture. This is Hasenbeck’s 11th year to lead the event as chairman.

“Septemberfest is a gift passed from governor to governor for the

people of Oklahoma and it continues to grow each year, and with it, the number of activities we are able to offer. We are looking forward to this year’s event which promises to be one of the best yet,” Hasenbeck said.

Septemberfest is free and open to the public with no registration required. If you are interested in volunteering at Septemberfest, please register with the United Way Volunteer Center at http://www.unitedwayokc.org/help/volunteer-center. For more information about the event, please visit the Friends of the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion Facebook page or contact Keili McEwen of Friends of the Mansion at 405-557-0198.

First DHS Joint Citizens Advisory Panel Meeting Scheduled Today

OKLAHOMA CITY --The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Joint Citizens Advisory Panel will hold its first meeting Wednesday, August 14, at the Credit Union House, 631 East Hill Street in Oklahoma City, beginning at 10 a.m.

House Bill 3137 from 2012 established four citizen advisory panels in the areas of administration, aging issues, children and family issues, and disability issues.

They will serve to provide advice, information, findings and analysis to the Director regarding policies and practices of DHS and their impact on outcomes. The panels will study and make recommendations to the Director regarding the management and operation of DHS, and will also offer recommendations for the implementation of the Pinnacle Plan.

Each advisory panel will meet at least four times a year; the entire Joint Citizens Advisory Panel will meet at least once a year.

The Human Services Commission for the DHS was abolished by the voters of Oklahoma on Nov. 6, 2012 with the passage of State Question State Question 765.

Previously, the Commission had oversight of DHS, but the passage of SQ 765 means that the Director of DHS makes all decisions for the agency and reports directly to the Governor.

The four citizen advisory panels will report to the Director and provide advice and recommendations on Administration issues, Aging issues, Children and Family issues, and Disability issues. Each advisory panel has five members, with one member on each panel appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House, the Senate Pro Tempore, the Minority House Leader and the Minority Senate Leader.

Agenda:

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
JOINT CITIZENS ADVISORY PANEL MEETING
Aug. 14, 2013 10 a.m.
CREDIT UNION HOUSE
631 EAST HILL STREET
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

AGENDA
Call to Order and Roll Call

Welcome and Opening Comments – Ed Lake, Director

10:15 a.m. Legislative Intent of House Bill 3137 –Senator Greg Treat and Representative Jason Nelson

10:30 a.m. Co-Neutrals –Eileen Crummy, Kathleen Noonan, and Kevin Ryan

10:45 a.m. Open Meeting Act and Open Records Act – Jan Preslar, Attorney General’s Office

11:15 a.m. Finance and Administrative Services –Melissa Lange, Finance Division

11:45 a.m. - Lunch

12:15 p.m. Media Relations – Sheree Powell, Director, Communications and Community Relations

12:30 p.m. Services under the oversight and direction of Chief of Staff:
12:30 Diane Haser-Bennett, Director, Human Resource Management
12:40 Connie Schlittler, Director, Planning/Research/Statistics
12:50 Samantha Galloway, Coordinator, Intergovernmental Relations/Policy

1:00 p.m. Legal Services – Richard Freeman, Legal Services Division

1:15 p.m. Community Living and Support Services - Mark Jones, Chief Coordinating Officer, Community Living and Support Services

1:45 p.m. Adult and Family Services – Jim Struby, Director, Adult and Family Services

2:15 p.m. Child Welfare and the Oklahoma Pinnacle Plan – Deborah Smith, Director, Child Welfare Services

Adjournment

Go to http://www.okdhs.org/divisionsoffices/panel/default.htm for additional information and a complete list of scheduled meetings.

Governor's ACE Awards Given to 188 School Districts

Updated March 4; Posted March 1
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL – Governor Mary Fallin, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi, Former Governor Brad Henry and State Legislators honored 188 school districts with the Governor’s ACE Award at a celebratory luncheon today at the Oklahoma History Center.

The Governor’s Ace Award was given to school districts in which 100 percent of the seniors of the Class of 2012 met all graduation requirements, including Achieving Classroom Excellence (ACE). ACE, which was enacted in 2005 under Gov. Brad Henry, requires that high school seniors, beginning with the Class of 2012, prove proficiency on four of seven end-of-instruction exams before graduation.

“To continue to create jobs and grow our economy, it’s critical to raise Oklahoma’s academic performance and develop a highly skilled workforce," Gov. Mary Fallin said. "The ACE requirements help ensure that upon graduation Oklahoma’s students are ready for success at the college level and beyond. The schools receiving the Governor’s ACE Award are great examples of what we can achieve when we raise our expectations for students. Congratulations to the teachers, administrators, parents and students of these schools for achieving academic excellence. These schools not only are giving our students a great education, but they are helping us develop the workforce we need to compete in the global economy.”

Superintendent Barresi said, "I am very proud of this achievement by so many of our school districts. The educators in these schools, the students and the parents worked hard to achieve proficiency on core end-of-instruction exams. This bipartisan reform has ensured this hard work will be rewarded with students better prepared for the rigors of college, careers and life."

Former Gov. Brad Henry said, "I am thankful to have been involved from the beginning with this significant legislation. Making sure students learn basic math, English, history and science skills before they graduate high school will give them a better chance of success in their next phases of life."

School districts receiving the Governor’s ACE Award are:

Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute Fellowship Applications Available

Applications are now available for Oklahoma fifth-grade teachers interested in receiving a fellowship to attend the 2013 Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute June 10 through 16 in the restored capital city of 18th-century Virginia.

The Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence coordinates the selection of Oklahoma teachers to participate in the renowned teacher institute. Applications are available on the Foundation’s website at www.ofe.org. Completed applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2013.

Each fellowship recipient will receive an all-expense paid trip to Williamsburg, as well as a $300 stipend for classroom materials. While at Colonial Williamsburg — the world’s largest living history museum — Oklahoma teachers will have the opportunity to meet character interpreters of 18th-century people and be immersed in early American history through hands-on activities and reenactments of historic events. Participants will visit nearby Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English colony in America, and spend a day at Yorktown visiting the battlefields where the Continental Army forced the British to surrender. Participants also will meet daily with a peer facilitator to discuss interactive teaching techniques and develop creative lesson plans based on their experiences.

House Schedule for 2013 Legislative Session

Ready-or-not, Here We Come!

• Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 11 a.m. - Oath of Office Ceremony, House Chamber

• Friday, December 14, 2012 - Deadline for Representatives to request bill drafting for potential legislation

• Thursday, December 27, 2012 - Deadline for Representatives to submit substantive bill language to staff for bill to be drafted with language by bill filing deadline

• Tuesday, January 8, 2013 - Organization Day, Speaker of the House will be formally elected

• Thursday, January 17, 2013 - Deadline to introduce bills for consideration during 2013 Legislative Session

• Monday, February 4, 2013 - First day of the 2013 Legislative Session

• Thursday, February 28, 2013 - Deadline for House Bills to be heard in House Committee

• Thursday, March 14, 2013 - Deadline for House Bills to be heard in the House

• Thursday, April 11, 2013 - Deadline for Senate Bills to be heard in House Committee

• Thursday, April 25, 2013 - Deadline for Senate Bills to be heard in the House

• Friday, May 31, 2013 - Sine Die, last day of the 2013 Legislative Session. (Governor has 15 calendar days after Sine Die in which to sign or veto bills passed during the last week of the Legislative Session.)

Jason Nelson Campaign Victory Watch Party Planned

Supporters and well-wishers are invited to our Campaign Victory Watch Party after the polls close on Election Day. 

When:
Election Day, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. 

Where: 
OKC Marriott, Suite 1615

3233 N.W. Expressway

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112

Volunteers will be reporting the vote count results directly from the polling locations around House District 87 to the watch party. We will have the final results long before they are reported by the Election Board and the media. Please make plans to stop by and join us for a victory celebration. Thank you for your support!

If you can't make the party but want to follow the results, we will be posting them on this blog and on Facebook and Twitter @jasonnelsonok. We will begin posting precinct results around 7:30 p.m.

Education film "Won't Back Down" in theaters Sept. 28

THE STORY

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis play two determined mothers, one a teacher, who will stop at nothing to transform their children's failing inner city school. Facing a powerful and entrenched bureaucracy, they risk everything to make a difference in the education and future of their children.

The film is inspired by the work of dedicated parents, teachers and advocates across
the country.

RELEASE DATE

September 28, 2012

Henry Scholarships Documentary Showing Planned Next Week

The public is invited to a showing of a 30-minute documentary that describes how the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships are changing the lives of Oklahoma families. The showing will be followed by a panel discussion on the future of the scholarships with law professor Andrew Spiropoulos and state Rep. Jason Nelson.

The even will be held Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 7:00 PM at: 

Constitution Hall, Nigh University Center, University of Central Oklahoma
100 North University Drive, Edmond, OK 73034

Tickets are free but space is limited. Visit http://henryscholarships.eventbrite.com/ to reserve your seat. 

Anti-Bullying Rally Set at State Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY – Of the many challenges young people face, bullying is probably one of the most difficult and devastating.

Children struggle with self-acceptance and the need to feel secure within their peer group. Without support, the school bully can prey upon this fragility; spoiling opportunities to develop appreciation for one’s own unique and special traits.

Rep. Richard Morrissette
D-Oklahoma City

State Rep. Richard Morrissette is inviting community leaders, school and church groups and the public to attend an evening of entertainment, education and inspiration.

A program featuring Kylie Morgan of the Freedom 43 morning show Rise & Shine and recording artist for Land Run Records will take place from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, within the fourth floor Rotunda.

Kylie will perform the song she wrote, “Phoebe”, in memory of the Massachusetts teenager Phoebe Prince who took her own life after being bullied. She was selected as a peer spokesperson for PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and its Teens Against Bullying programs for which she has a slogan: “It Matters What We Do”.

“160,000 children miss school every day because they are bullied. Let’s do something about this – please join me at the Capitol.” said Morrissette, District 92.

Morrissette urged victims of bullying to contact his office.

“If you or someone you love has been impacted by bullying, please come to our beautiful state Capitol for this very special evening. You may contact my office at (405) 557-7404 or email richardmorrissette@okhouse.gov with questions, and I hope to see you at this important event.” said Morrissette (D-OKC).

The event will be organized in cooperation with Prevent Blindness OK, PACER and Land Run Records.