Remembering on Memorial Day

After attending this morning's ceremony at the 45th Infantry Division Museum I feel impressed to pass along this thought from the conclusion of President Ronald Reagan's 1986 Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery:

"And we owe them something, those boys. We owe them first a promise: That just as they did not forget their missing comrades, neither, ever, will we. And there are other promises. We must always remember that peace is a fragile thing that needs constant vigilance. We owe them a promise to look at the world with a steady gaze and, perhaps, a resigned toughness, knowing that we have adversaries in the world and challenges and the only way to meet them and maintain the peace is by staying strong.

That, of course, is the lesson of this century, a lesson learned in the Sudetenland, in Poland, in Hungary, in Czechoslovakia, in Cambodia. If we really care about peace, we must stay strong. If we really care about peace, we must, through our strength, demonstrate our unwillingness to accept an ending of the peace. We must be strong enough to create peace where it does not exist and strong enough to protect it where it does. That’s the lesson of this century and, I think, of this day. And that’s all I wanted to say. The rest of my contribution is to leave this great place to its peace, a peace it has earned."

To my family members,  my friends and all the brave Americans who have answered the call to preserve our Nation and its principles of Freedom on the fields, skies and seas of battle, thank you. I can not repay you but I will remember and I will teach my children to remember and to keep our promise to you.

Read the full text of President Reagan's address at http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=37350&st=Memorial+Day

Oklahoma Could Become National Leader in Special Needs Education

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 5, 2010) – A proposed scholarship program for special needs students would easily withstand a federal constitutional challenge and could make Oklahoma a national leader, according to a respected legal expert and a former school superintendent whose child has multiple disabilities.

"Oklahoma would not be breaking new ground with this law but would still be one of the more advanced states when it comes to serving children with special needs," said Richard "Dick" Komer, senior attorney at the Virginia-based Institute for Justice. "There are already five other states with similar scholarship programs that so clearly constitutional that no one has even tried to challenge them under the federal constitution."

House Bill 3393, by state Rep. Jason Nelson, creates the Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program. Under the bill, students with disabilities (such as those with Down's syndrome or autism) who have an individualized education program (IEP) would qualify for a scholarship to attend any public or private school that meets the accreditation requirements of the State Board of Education.

The scholarship program would not require new spending during the downturn, but would merely redirect existing funds that are currently spent on the student.

National Expert, School Official to Discuss Proposed Scholarship Program for Special Needs Children

WHO: Richard “Dick” Komer, senior attorney at the Institute for Justice (based in Virginia), Ron Brown (former superintendent and parent of a child with disabilities) and state Rep. Jason Nelson (R-Oklahoma City)

WHAT: Press conference to discuss how Oklahoma could become a national leader in providing greater educational opportunities to special-needs children.

WHERE: Room 432 B (press room), Oklahoma Capitol, 2300 North Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City

WHEN: 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5.

THE STORY AT A GLANCE: Richard “Dick” Komer, senior attorney at the Virginia-based Institute for Justice, will discuss how passage of House Bill 3393 could make Oklahoma a national leader in providing a quality education to special-needs students.
Ron Brown, a former Oklahoma school superintendent and parent of a child with disabilities (including autism) will discuss how the legislation could dramatically aid families of special-needs children.

Komer has litigated school choice cases in both federal and state courts. Prior to his work at the Institute, Komer worked as a career civil rights lawyer for the federal government, working at the Departments of Education and Justice, as well as at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He ended his government employment as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the Department of Education.

House Bill 3393, by state Rep. Jason Nelson (R-Oklahoma City), creates the Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program. Under the bill, students with disabilities (such as those with Down's syndrome or autism) who have an individualized education program (IEP) would qualify for a scholarship to attend any school that meets the accreditation requirements of the State Board of Education.

The scholarship program would not require new spending during the downturn, but would merely redirect existing funds that are currently being spent on the student.

House Bill 3393 is currently in conference committee, but is expected to advance for final votes in the state House and Senate later this week.

House Approves Legislation to Exempt Military Personnel from Vehicle Tag Renewal Fine While Deployed

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 19, 2010) – Under legislation approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives today, military personnel deployed outside the state would be exempt from a fine if they failed to renew their vehicle tag.

Senate Bill 1816, by state Sen. Brian Bingman and state Rep. Pat Ownbey, would make military personnel deployed outside the state exempt from penalty during their assignment and for 60 days after that assignment ends.

“Deployment makes it difficult to keep up with a number of local details including vehicle tag renewal,” Ownbey, R-Ardmore, said. “Legislators have continually looked for ways to reward those men and women who choose to serve our country. This is my contribution, an exemption from a fine if they fail to renew their tag while they are deployed outside the state.”

In addition to the numerous Oklahomans who serve in other branches of the military, around 400 members of the Oklahoma National Guard are currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Maj. Gen. Myles Deering has recently said he expects some 4,000 Oklahoma National Guard soldiers and airmen will be deployed.

House Passes Cox Bill Lowering Age of Potential Blood Donors

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 15, 2010) – The number of potential blood donors could increase dramatically under legislation passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives today.

NOTE: For accompanying video, go to http://www.okhouse.tv/ViewVideo.aspx?VideoID=270

Senate Bill 1819, by state Sen. Brian Crain and state Rep. Doug Cox, would lower the age required to donate blood to 16, provided parental permission was given.

Special needs scholarship bill passes Oklahoma state Senate

By Patrick B. McGuigan

Legislation designed to support special needs children with scholarships and to empower families to direct the care of such children passed the Oklahoma state Senate on Tuesday (April 13). Senator Patrick Anderson, an Enid Republican, shepherded the bill to passage in the upper chamber. State Rep. Jason Nelson of Oklahoma City, also a Republican, is author of the legislation.

Read full story at CapitolBeatOK: http://www.capitolbeatok.com/_webapp_3006181/Special_needs_scholarship_bill_passes_Oklahoma_state_Senate

Gov. Henry names Pettit new CIO

(Oklahoma City) Gov. Brad Henry announced today he has appointed Alex Pettit as the state’s new Chief Information Officer. Pettit, who has information systems experience in both the public and private sectors, will begin his duties on April 5.

A new law approved by the 2009 Legislature authorized the governor to appoint a chief information officer to oversee all state computer information and technology operations. Today’s announcement follows a national search for qualified candidates.

Republicans Continue Charter School Progress

Committee gives bipartisan approval to reform measure

The Senate Education committee advanced House Bill 2753 by President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee (R-OKC) and Representative Lee Denney (R-Cushing), moving the charter school agenda forward.

HB 2753 removes many restrictions that previously prohibited the advancement of charter schools. Coffee says this is a positive stride in giving charter schools the freedom to provide quality choices to parents and students across our state.

Lawmakers Vote to Improve School Audit Oversight

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 24, 2010) — In light of recent financial scandals at state schools, a House committee unanimously voted today to improve oversight of school audits.

Senate Bill 2034, by Rep. Dan Sullivan, would place the Office of the State Auditor and Inspector in charge of reviewing school district audits.

"More accountability and oversight is clearly needed to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent in the classroom, not padding someone’s pockets," said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. "This legislation would simply put in place additional accountability so Oklahoma taxpayers can have confidence in school expenditures in the future."

Legislation Moving Medical Examiner’s Office to UCO Forensic Science Institute Passes House Committe

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 29, 2010) — The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner would receive a new facility near the world-class University of Central Oklahoma’s Forensic Science Institute if legislation passed by House committee today becomes law.

Senate Bill 1337, by Rep. Randy Terrill, would require that the ME’s office be located in "close proximity" to the Forensic Science Institute in Edmond. The title is off the bill, meaning it is still a work in progress and will go to conference for further work.

"We have been working to restore public confidence in the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, and I believe relocation to the newly-opened Forensic Science Institute, which is training sought-after pathologists, is a perfect fit for the office," said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. "The University of Central Oklahoma has built a nationally-renowned forensic science program with a new state-of-the-art facility, which will help bring the medical examiner’s office into the 21st century."

The bill passed the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Judiciary and Public Safety today with a vote of 9-1. It will next been considered by the full House.

"We have been working on this issue for the better part of a year so this isn’t something we decided lightly. There were a multitude of options and the consensus seems to be that UCO will be the best place for the new office because it will create a unique, one of a kind forensic science synergy unlike anything else in the country. If this bill becomes law, it will be something Oklahomans can be truly proud of," said Terrill, R-Moore and chairman of the committee.

NOTE: For accompanying video, go to http://www.okhouse.tv/ViewVideo.aspx?VideoID=265

Video of HB3393 House Debate

Here is the video link to the questions and debate of House Bill 3393 on the House floor March 4th.

HB3393 is a developmental disabilities education and services reform measure.

The video is 1 hour, 10 minutes long.

DHS Audit Recommendations Implementation Showing Results, House Committee Members Told

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 24, 2010) —Officials with the Department of Human Services today presented evidence to a House committee of progress made by the agency since the passage of legislation implementing recommendations from a groundbreaking audit of the department.

House Bill 1734, authored by Rep. Ron Peters, was signed into law last year. The legislation implemented many of the recommendations of an audit of the Department of Human Services, including a requirement that law enforcement consult with DHS before removing a child; the creation of a passport program to allow information about a child’s physical and behavioral health and educational needs to be available electronically; implementation of a phase-out of public shelters; establishment of a centralized statewide hotline for all reports of abuse and neglect of children; and a reorganization of the department offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma Counties.

Human Services officials testified today to the Children’s Services Oversight Committee that progress has been made in all of those areas of state-based care.

Some of the significant progress seen at DHS includes:

• Record level of adoptions in the last two federal fiscal years and an all-time high finalized adoptions for a state fiscal year
• Reduction of over 3,700 children in out-of-home care since July 2007
• Worker retention continues to increase
• Lowest number of children per responsible worker in years
• Lowest average daily shelter population in years
• Established 449 agreements with law enforcement agencies for joint response
• Oklahoma County Human Service Center reorganized in Oct. 2009
• Tulsa County Human Service Center was reorganized in May, 2009
• Round-the-clock centralized hotline roll-out began in Nov. 2009 and is expected to extend statewide by the end of 2010.
• Official development of a medical health passport (which is an accessible and comprehensive medical and educational record for all children placed in out-of-home care through DHS) began in Feb. 2010

Gov. Henry releases review of ME Office

Oklahoma City — Gov. Brad Henry today released an independent review of the State Medical Examiner’s Office, saying the report’s recommendations will assist the agency as it attempts to regain national accreditation and get back on track.

Last month, the governor tasked Oklahoma Commissioner of Health Terry Cline to conduct a top-to-bottom review of the agency after a series of controversies culminated with the dismissal of the chief medical examiner after less than a year on the job.

Among other things, Cline has recommended additional resources and improved facilities for the ME’s office along with structural changes to strengthen the agency’s governing board and empower a full-time administrator to run the agency’s day-to-day business while the chief medical officer focuses on the office’s medical and clinical work.

Sunday Morning News 9 Interview About HB3393

Here is the link to the in-studio interview about House Bill 3393 from Sunday, March 21.

News 9 Interview

Legislative Leaders Call for Legal Action Against Federal Health Care Reform

Honorable Drew Edmondson
Oklahoma Attorney General
313 N.E. 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Dear General Edmondson,

As you know, the United States House of Representatives met yesterday in a rare Sunday session. By a count of 219-212, the House passed the so-called Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, frequently referred to as “Obamacare.” No members of Oklahoma's delegation supported the legislation. As you also may know, we have raised constitutionality questions about this measure for some time. We have outlined those concerns in Senate Joint Resolution 64, which passed the Oklahoma State Senate on February 24 and is pending in the House. Senator Orrin Hatch, a distinguished lawyer and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary committee has expressed similar concerns as published in the Wall Street Journal on January 2, 2010. A group of Republican Attorneys General have also stated they believe this bill is outside the scope of the enumerated powers granted to Congress by the Constitution.

As we have pointed out numerous times over the preceding months, this legislation will burden our state budget with tens of millions of dollars in new, unfunded health care mandates – money that Oklahoma simply doesn’t have. If the measure becomes law, it will wreck Oklahoma’s already fragile state budget and place undue economic hardships on the people and businesses of our great state.

Some of the provisions of the bill that are likely unconstitutional include: requiring ALL Americans to purchase health insurance and fining or jailing them if they don’t; special arrangements for states contained in the reconciled version of the legislation (e.g., Louisiana and Florida) are inconsistent with the protections afforded by the Constitution against arbitrary legislation; and the requirement that states establish benefit exchanges runs counter to constitutional limitations that forbid the federal government from commandeering any branch of state government to administer a federal program.

As Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma, you are in a unique position to seek redress against the federal government. We urge you and your staff to immediately begin preparations to file suit in U.S. District Court on behalf of our state to challenge the constitutionality of yesterday’s enactment.

We had hoped to send a joint resolution signed by the Governor to formally present this request. However, the actions of Congress yesterday require a more timely approach. The people of our state do not want it. The taxpayers of our state cannot afford it. We urge you to act quickly to defend Oklahoma against the efforts by President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Majority Leader Reid to burden our state (indeed, our entire nation) with their partisan plan for government-run health care.



Sincerely,



Glenn Coffee Chris Benge
President Pro Tempore Speaker
Oklahoma State Senate Oklahoma House of Representatives

Special Needs Scholarship Bill Clears House

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 4, 2010) – Lawmakers voted today to provide scholarships and increased educational opportunities to children with special needs.

"This legislation acknowledges the fact that children with special needs have unique challenges. If those needs are not properly addressed in their assigned local school, I believe we should give those families the opportunity to attend the school that provides the best learning environment for their children," said state Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City.



House Bill 3393, by Nelson, creates the Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program.

Under the bill, students with disabilities (such as those with Down's syndrome or autism) who have an individualized education program (IEP) would qualify for a scholarship to attend any school (public or private) that meets the accreditation requirements of the State Board of Education.

The scholarship program would not require new spending during the downturn, but would merely redirect existing funds that are currently being spent on the student.

A group of parents and advocates for special-needs children were present for the House vote, including representatives from Trinity School, a private school that serves children with learning disabilities in the Oklahoma City area.

Special Needs Scholarship Bill Gains Committee Approval

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation providing scholarships and increased educational opportunities for school children with special needs was approved by the House Human Services Committee today.

“Children with special needs have unique challenges that are not always properly addressed in their assigned local school. I believe the state should give those families the opportunity to attend the school that provides the best learning environment for their children,” said Nelson, R-Oklahoma City.

House Bill 3393, by Nelson, creates the Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program.

Under the bill, students with disabilities (such as those with Down's syndrome or autism) who have an individualized education program (IEP) would qualify for a scholarship to attend any school which meets the accreditation requirements of the State Board of Education.

The scholarship program would not require new spending during the downturn, but would merely redirect existing funds that are currently being spent on the student.

The bill was amended in committee to allow special-needs scholarships to be used at either a private or public school.

House Human Services Committee Vote on HB3393

Human Services Committee
2009-2010 Regular Session

HOUSE BILL3393 Self-Directed Care Pilot Program; Scholarships for Special Needs Students

DO PASS AS AMENDED

2/15/2010 4:26 PM

YEAS: 8
Reps. Kern, McCullough, Peterson, Rousselot, McAffrey, Nelson, Reynolds, Watson

NAYS: 3
Reps. Jordan, Shelton, Sherrer

HB3393 Special-needs Bill Will Be Voted On in Committee Monday

HOUSE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Agenda

When: Monday, February 15, 2010 03:00 PM

House Speaker Comments on Release of January Revenue Numbers

OKLAHOMA CITY — “It remains unclear if we have reached the bottom of this financial downturn. There are some signs of an economic pulse nationally, but we may see a delay in those effects in Oklahoma until a strong demand for natural gas returns. It is also important to note that while collections have improved, they still remain 21 percent below the estimate,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “We are watching collections closely and working deliberatively with the governor and the Senate to craft fiscally responsible budgets for both fiscal years 2010 and 2011.”

State Revenue Picture Brightens

OKLAHOMA CITY – State revenue collections in January improved slightly and are more closely tracking projections made by the Tax Commission in December, State Treasurer


Scott Meacham announced today.

Preliminary reports show General Revenue Fund collections in January are $410.4 million. That amount is:

• $82.4 million or 16.7 percent below the prior year; and,

• $107.6 million or 20.8 percent below the estimate.

As was the case in December, January revenue collections are sufficient to fund allocations to state agencies for the month at the previously announced 10-percent reduction from appropriated levels. After allocations totaling $394.8 million are made, $15.6 million remains for use in future months.

Revenue Picture Brightens

Meacham said January’s numbers are somewhat encouraging, even though they remain below prior year collections and the official estimate
“We’re not out of the woods yet, but we are seeing positive movement,” he said.

Workers compensation reform might include sale of CompSource

From CapitolBeatOK.com

A range of options have been submitted to top legislators and Gov. Brad Henry by state leaders who served on a task force studying anticipated new status, including a potential sale to benefit taxpayers, for CompSource Oklahoma. CompSoure is the state’s workers’ compensation “insurer of last resort.”

House Bill 1963 created a Task Force on Privatization of CompSource Oklahoma. The stated goal of the study was “to create a stable, predictable, competitive workers’ compensation market place in the State of Oklahoma for the benefit of Oklahoma employers and employees.”

Tahlequah Daily Press - Advocates keep watch on autism bills

This story discusses House Bill 3393 that was introduced by state Rep. Jason Nelson this session which expands the self-directed services pilot program through DHS and creates scholarships for special-needs students.

HB3393 is due to be considered by the House Human Services Committee within the next three weeks. If you have questions about this measure, the committee hearing or want to find out how you can help advance HB3393 please contact Rep. Nelson.

Bill to Allow School Districts to Expend State Textbook Allocations Passes Senate Committee

A measure to allow school districts to use state textbook allocations for instructional expenses passed the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education Wednesday. Sen. Gary Stanislawski said Senate Bill 1784 would help school districts struggling financially due to budget cuts.

“We have schools that can’t afford to pay their bills and are going to be forced to start laying teachers off. It only makes sense to allow local school boards to determine their greatest needs and decide how to best use their available funds to cover those needs,” said Stanislawski, R-Tulsa. “The bottom line here is what’s the point in having new books when you have no teachers to teach those subjects? In hard financial times like these, we must use our commonsense and do what we can to help our local schools.”

Stanislawski was told by officials with Tulsa Public Schools that the district receives over $2 million a year in textbook allocations – an amount that could help save up to 50 teaching positions next year.

The Oklahoma City School district was allocated just over $1.85 million for textbooks in 2010, which could also save a significant number of jobs.

School districts would be authorized to expend textbook allocations only during the next fiscal year which begins on July 1, 2010.

SB 1784 must now be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Bill would allow emergency contact on license - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

Bill would allow emergency contact on license - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports

Oklahoma City Jobless Rate The Lowest

Today the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the December unemployment rates. Of the 49 metropolitan areas with a Census 2000 population of 1 million or more Oklahoma City had the lowest jobless rate in the country at 6.0 percent.

Unemployment rates were higher in December than a year earlier in 371 of the 372 metropolitan areas and lower in 1 area, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Nineteen areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 10 areas registered rates below 5.0 percent. The national unemployment rate in December was 9.7 percent, not seasonally adjusted, up from 7.1 percent a year earlier.

Americans Leery of Too Much Gov't Regulation of Business

A new Gallup poll reveals that 57% of Americans think there is too much regulation placed on businesses. Find details at: Americans Leery of Too Much Gov't Regulation of Business

House Speaker Responds to State of the State Address

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 1, 2010) — “As the governor said today, the budget will dominate this legislative session, and we intend to work in a fiscally responsible way to craft a budget that protects vital government services through strategic cuts while finding savings and efficiencies where possible to balance our budget,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa.

“The governor’s speech lacked many policy initiatives, and I believe that though the budget will heavily influence the decisions we make this year, it doesn’t have to suck the wind out of the whole session. There are many policy positions, like government modernization, education reform, energy security and workers’ compensation reform that will help grow Oklahoma’s economy and create jobs. This will be a difficult session, but we are up to the task and I am confident the steps we take this session will position our state to prosper in the future,” Benge concluded.

Seven Weather Related Fatalities Reported By Medical Examiner

The Oklahoma Emergency Operations Center has just posted a list of seven weather related fatalities. Please be careful. If you are going to be outside in the weather and walking on the snow and ice remember to take your mobile phone - even if you are just getting something from your car and going back inside.

The Office of the State Medical Examiner reports:

-- An 86-year-old Yukon man died today due to injuries sustained Friday when he slipped and fell while shoveling snow.
-- A 79-year-old Harmon County woman was found dead in her house where there was no power and the inside temperature was 30 degrees on Saturday.
-- A 59-year-old Geary woman was found dead outside her home Saturday.
-- A 62-year-old Anadarko man was found dead today in his travel trailer where there was no power and the inside temperature was 28 degrees.
-- A 73-year-old Pontotoc County man died Saturday in a house fire after using a wood-burning stove due to power outages.
-- A 70-year-old Ada woman died Friday after a propane tank exploded at her home. The propane tank was being used to fuel a generator due to power outages. Her husband was hospitalized in critical condition due to the incident.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) reports:
-- A 33-year-old Holdenville man died today in a one-vehicle crash one mile north of US 270 on SH 48 in Hughes County. A passenger in the car, another Holdenville man, was treated and released from Holdenville General Hospital.

Last Session for Governor, Legislative Leaders is Filled with Challenges

The Oklahoman's Michael McNutt has two stories that discuss the last legislative session for Governor Brad Henry, Speaker Chris Benge and President Pro-Tem Glenn Coffee.

Oklahoma lawmakers’ final term holds hard choices and Oklahoma governor’s final year is similar to his first takes a look back at their accomplishments and what's left to do in their remaining year in office.