Vote early!

The Oklahoman reporting that lines had formed at the Oklahoma County Election Board before early in-person absentee voting opened this morning at 8 a.m. 

You can vote early at the County Election Board office in the county where you are registered to vote from 8 AM to 6 PM on Friday and Monday before all elections.  For state and federal elections only, you also can vote early from 8 AM to 1 PM on Saturday before the election.

Voters in House District 87 can vote early at the Oklahoma County Election Board, 4202 Lincoln Boulevard (North of the Capitol).

Election	Early Voting Dates and Hours

General Election	Friday, November 2	8 AM - 6 PM
November 6, 2012	Saturday, November 3	8 AM - 1 PM
	Monday, November 5	8 AM - 6 PM

Is my ID valid for voting in Oklahoma?
FAQs about proof of identity for voting

I need your help in the closing days of the campaign

Campaign HQ - I need your help for a strong finish to my reelection campaign. I can use your help anytime between now and when the polls close in five days. I need your help whether you can only volunteer for an hour to cover a few blocks or you can spend a day covering an entire precinct. This is the first election in the new district lines and voter contact and visibility the last few days will make the difference for many voters. 

I need help door-knocking, distributing flyers and putting out signs. It’s easy and the weather is great. I’m sure your doctor would recommend a little fresh air, a low impact cardio workout and some light lifting.

Please call (946-8838), email (jason@jasonnelson.us), message or text me. 

Volunteers made the difference in the first two campaigns and they will this time too. 

Commentary: DHS will be improved, not abolished by SQ765

Oklahoma Capitol - A recent letter from Senior Assistant Attorney General Sandra Rinehard helps clarify what will happen if State Question 765 is approved by voters next week.

Rinehart wrote in an October 19, letter, "The ballot title informed the voters of the repeal of the constitutional provisions and informed the voters of the added powers of the Legislature to enact laws to create a department or departments to administer and carry out the duties of the Department of Human Services." 

SQ765 simply removes provisions of our state Constitution added in 1936 that required the creation of a Department of Public Welfare. DHS will not be abolished. 

Rinehart says, "We recognize that, in anticipation of the passage of the constitutional proposal, the Legislature enacted HB 3137. That legislation, among other provisions, creates four Citizen Advisory Panels to evaluate programs and develop recommendations and gives the Governor appointment power."

House Bill 3137 only goes into effect if voters approve SQ765.

House Bill 3137 says, “The Governor shall have the power and duty to select a Director of Human Services who shall serve as executive and administrative officer of the Department of Human Services. The Director shall be appointed wholly on the basis of ability, training and experience qualifying him or her for public welfare administration. The Director shall serve, subject to the confirmation of the Senate, at the pleasure of the Governor.”

Currently the unelected, unaccountable DHS Commission selects the Director of the agency. 

House Bill 3137 also creates “four Department of Human Services Citizens Advisory Panels to evaluate core program and administrative areas of the Department and to develop recommendations to improve the programs and administration of the Department.  These Panels are for Children and Family Issues, Aging Issues, Disability Issues and Administration.  Each Panel shall be composed of five (5) members.  Each appointee shall demonstrate an interest or expertise in the area of responsibility of the Panel to which the member is appointed.”

The current system doesn't work. SQ765 and HB 3137 make DHS accountable to the public and will give the Governor and Legislature the tools they need to reform DHS. Oklahoma is the only state to have a dysfunctional commission system running their human services agency. Let's abolish the Constitutional Commission and bring real reform to DHS. 

Vote YES on SQ765 on November 6!

Commentary: Vote YES on SQ765 for Real DHS Reform

Vote YES on SQ765 if:

• You DON'T like what you've been learning about DHS the last several years, 
• You DO want to see long term improvements in DHS operations, 
• You DO want to see increased accountability at DHS, 
• You DON'T think nine unelected officials should have complete constitutional authority over the state's largest agency, 
• You DO think the agency should answer to the public through elected representatives, and 
• You DO want to give the Governor and the Legislature the tools they need to fix problems facing the agency.

Remember, it was the Commission that refused to review child death cases like Serenity Deal until recently. Under Commission leadership three federal class action lawsuits have been filed against the agency. What could the Governor or the Legislature do? Nothing. The commission is isolated from public accountability by the Constitution. 

The Constitution says:

1. DHS is to be "under the control of a commission," not the legislature, not the governor and not even the Director. Sole authority over DHS is given to the commission.
2. The Commission is 'composed of nine members appointed by the Governor." The governor selects a commissioner to serve as chairman of the commission. Commissioners serve staggered nine year terms. 
3. It is the "duty of the Commission to select a Director."
4. The Commission shall formulate the policies, rules and regulations for the administration of the Department. 
5. All executive and administrative duties and responsibilities carried out by the Director are "Subject to the approval of the Commission."
6. Hiring personnel, setting standards, qualifications, examinations and salary schedules for employees are all "subject to the control of the Commission."
7. "No member of said Commission shall be subject to removal by the Governor."

The current system doesn't work. Oklahoma is the only state to have a dysfunctional system like this. Let's abolish the Constitutional Commission and bring real reform to DHS. 

Vote YES on SQ765 on November 6!

UPDATED: Community Services Initiative for Oklahomans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Approved by DHS Commission

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Human Services Commission voted 6-3 yesterday on a historic set of community service initiatives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities supported by the agency’s Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD).

During a special meeting, the Commission passed resolutions directing the two remaining state-run institutions for people with developmental disabilities, the Northern Oklahoma Resource Center in Enid (NORCE) and the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center in Pauls Valley (SORC), be closed over the next two years and the 231 residents transitioned into community homes. DDSD is currently providing services and support to more than 5,000 persons with all levels of developmental and physical disabilities to live in their own homes and communities, a proven best practice in providing care for people with disabilities. The Commission oversees DDSD.

Institutional v. Community Services FAQ

Wes Lane, Chairman
OKDHS Commission

“We realize this is an emotional decision involving change for the residents and their families as well as the employees of the facilities,” said Wes Lane, Chairman of the Human Services Commission. “We determined after studying this issue in depth for the better part of a year that this is the right decision at the right time. DDSD has spent the past 20 years developing a comprehensive community service system that provides care and support to the vast majority of people receiving services who have all levels of disabilities,” said Lane. “Community services offer more personalized care and a higher quality of life to individuals, making institutional care a thing of the past.”

Four state lawmakers said they were surprised and dismayed by the Commission’s decision to close both institutions.

The decision was surprising in that it ignored a proposal submitted by Commissioner Michael Peck to close just the Pauls Valley center and move its 123 residents to the Enid center, state Rep. John Enns, R-Enid, said.

“Ideally, we would have liked to see both stay open,” Enns said. “At the very least though, we thought the DHS commission would keep the Enid center.”

State Senator Patrick Anderson, Rep. Mike Jackson and Rep. Lisa Billy said the commissioners erred.

“I don’t support the closure of either center. I think the overall process was flawed and I was surprised by the decision,” said Jackson, R-Enid.

Both NORCE and SORC were established more than 100 years ago when that was the only option for providing care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. SORC was opened in 1907 and originally known as the “State Training School for White Boys,” and NORCE opened in 1909 as the “Oklahoma Institute for the Feeble Minded.” At the height of institutional care in Oklahoma, both facilities housed more than 1,000 residents.

In the 1960’s, another state-run institution was added, The Hissom Memorial Center in Sand Springs. Hissom was closed in 1994 when a group of parents filed a class action lawsuit demanding the state create community service options for their children. DDSD successfully transitioned more than 400 Hissom residents, many requiring 24-hour a day nursing care, into community homes. Long-term studies on the Hissom residents show they lead healthier, more active lives. Over the past 10 years, DDSD has successfully transitioned many residents of NORCE and SORC into community homes, typically closer to their families.

Governor Mary Fallin today praised the Oklahoma Human Services Commission for its vote to complete the state’s transition from institutional care to community services for Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Gov. Mary Fallin

“The vast majority of Oklahomans currently receiving assistance through DDSD are doing so in communities,” Fallin said. “Community care offers more personalized planning and service delivery than institutional care. Additionally, outcomes for individuals in community settings have proven to be better than outcomes produced by institutional care. Completing the transition to community based services allows the state to focus its resources on the highest quality service options available.”

Today, SORC has 123 residents and NORCE has 108. Both facilities are in danger of losing their certification by the Department of Health if millions of dollars in capital improvements and repairs are not made to the aging facilities.

Because NORCE and SORC each operate large campuses built for much higher occupancy, both facilities have vacant and condemned buildings. These buildings, as well as the rest of the campus structures, require brick and mortar upkeep costs paid for with DHS and DDSD public funds.

These expenses divert money from direct services to individuals. Additionally, they contribute to a shortage of funds that has lead to a backlog of almost 7,000 individuals, currently on a waiting list, hoping to receive DDSD community services.

“We want to make sure that state tax dollars are used to actually help people with developmental disabilities, whether it’s through vocational training and placement, medical services or high quality staff support,” said Fallin. “Shifting our resources to community-based services will ensure that the greatest number of Oklahomans can get the highest quality of direct support, rather than spending tax dollars on the upkeep of large vacant buildings at the state’s two aging institutions.”

In studying this issue, Commissioners and the Governor have also visited homes in communities of people who once lived at one of the facilities, and have heard from parents and guardians of the residents, the public employees’ association, providers of community services, and national experts on transitioning people from institutions into community homes.

“The staff at NORCE and SORC have done a great service for the state, and they should be commended for their hard work and dedication,” Fallin said. “As the state shifts towards community based services, it’s our hope that many of these men and women continue their work in community settings.”

Lane echoed the Governor’s comments.

“We appreciate the dedication of all the staff at NORCE and SORC,” said Lane. “They have provided quality services to the residents and we hope they will continue to serve the residents as long as they are needed. As individuals move into the community, we hope many of the staff members choose to continue serving these individuals in community homes.”

In the resolutions passed today, the Commission pledged the agency’s support to families of NORCE and SORC throughout the transition process into community homes. It also directed that families and residents will not incur additional expenses as a result of their move.

“Every commission member understands the families’ concerns and we know that any change in living arrangements can be hard,” said Lane. “We emphasized today that we are committed to helping individuals and families make a smooth transition and that no one will be moved until all the necessary supports are in place. As we have seen with previous transitions of former NORCE and SORC residents, the families acknowledge their loved ones are better off and they have a much higher quality of life.”

Gov. Fallin reassured residents and families that the transition process would be done very carefully to protect the health and safety of the residents.

“We understand that for the men and women currently residing in NORCE and SORC, as well as their families, any transition or change in service can be difficult,” Fallin said. “It’s important for those individuals to realize, however, that we are transitioning them to community services that are more versatile and can offer them more personalized and flexible options as well as a higher quality of life. The state is absolutely committed to helping them make this transition go as smoothly as possible. It should also be clear to everyone that no one will transition out of institutional care until they locate, with the help of DDSD, a high quality community services option to address their individual needs and preferences. No one’s services will be cut off.”

Additional concerns for the commission are the nearly 7,000 families caring for loved ones at home who are on a waiting list for DDSD community services.  The waiting list continues to grow because of a shortage of funding for services.

“Many of these families who are waiting for services are caring for loved ones who have the same levels of need as the residents of NORCE and SORC, and these families are doing this on their own without any help from the state.” said Lane. “We could not, in good conscience, request an appropriation of $30 to $40 million state dollars to spend on capital improvements for buildings when funds are needed to help these families who are waiting and struggling. That is why we asked the Governor to create a new panel to develop a comprehensive plan for supporting people with developmental disabilities and their parents and families, and for addressing Oklahoma’s growing waiting list for home and community based services.”

DDSD will communicate with the parents and guardians of current residents shortly to provide information and begin the initial planning stages.

The DHS Human Resources staff and Office of Management and Enterprise Services Human Capital Management Division are ready and available to work with employees of NORCE and SORC.

Finally, the commission asks Governor Fallin to convene a panel of parents, professionals and state agency representatives to develop a comprehensive plan to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as to address the state’s growing waiting list.

Fallin said she will take the commission’s advice and create a blue ribbon panel to develop future support plans for developmental disabilities services in Oklahoma.

“I accept the recommendation of the commission to create a new panel to explore comprehensive delivery of high quality services to Oklahomans with developmental disabilities,” Fallin said. “We expect recommendations of the panel to help us with this transition and to set the stage for further improvements in the future.”

This meeting also marked the first day on the job for new DHS Director Ed Lake, a former assistant commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

“Although I am new to Oklahoma, I have already voiced my support for community services in lieu of institutional care for people with developmental disabilities,” said Lake. “I have been in contact with the Commission and the Governor’s office recently as they have worked up to making this decision and I am impressed with the amount of time they have all invested into this issue. I am reassured this was a well thought out and caring approach to a very difficult and emotional decision. I fully support the actions the Commission has taken and pledge my commitment to the families and residents for safe and smooth transitions.”

(Originally posted Nov. 1, 2012; updated Nov. 2)

Commentary: Outdated Education Funding Systems Need Work

State Capitol -- Thank you Superintendent Barresi, Board members and guests.

That there is a disconnect between public school administrators and legislators about school funding isn’t news to anyone -- but there’s hope for a solution.

The disconnect is caused by a lack of detailed information available to lawmakers during the legislative budget process each year.

I’ll share a few observations with you this morning.

1. Data

As I’ve studied mounds of school financial data, many local school officials have cautioned me that the data might not be accurate because some school districts don’t always do a consistent job when reporting data.

I have found instances of this.

2. Carryover

Questions about carry-over funds have been around for years, and have been answered by generalized explanations that fail to account for the large number of diverse school districts.

For instance, districts do not receive state aid for the first month of the fiscal year and must use carry-over to pay bills during this time. But this does not begin to explain carry-over balances currently held by schools.

I’ll use Luther and Talihina Schools for an example -- two districts with very similar student enrollment, revenue, expenses and carry-over fund balances. Districts don’t begin to receive the bulk of their local funding until January -- six months into the fiscal year. Luther receives nearly 70 percent of its revenue from local sources compared to Talihina at only 10 percent. But both districts carry-over is virtually the same when it would appear that their cash flow needs are very different.

We currently have a one-size-fits-all set of rules on carryover funds but no two school districts cash flow needs are the same.

3. Formula

Through the funding formula, I can see relatively detailed information about the revenue each district generates for operations. I'm not able to see a corresponding level of detail about how that money is spent.

For example, the formula provides a weight or multiplier of .25 for each economically-disadvantaged student to cover additional support costs. Districts cite the increased number of economically-disadvantaged students when requesting additional funds, but I can’t see what districts’ actual costs are for these students.

What is the level of disconnect between the funding formula weights for these kids and what school districts actually spend educating them?

4. Enrollment

The formula also creates a disparity between school districts with increasing and decreasing student enrollment. School districts with declining enrollment can count their highest enrollment year for full funding for two years. But increased funding lags six months or more in school districts with increasing enrollment. The formula does not shift money to meet this need in a timely manner.

House Bill 1017 is more than 20 years old. The funding formula was passed more than 30 years ago. There are scores of separate funding streams for schools. Each of these laws is based on education staffing models, student demographics and economic factors that have changed significantly in the past 20 to 30 years.

It is time to take a fresh look at these issues and to provide the legislature and the public with the information it needs and deserves. This will help ensure that students get the maximum benefit from every education dollar spent.

(Above are the prepared notes for my public comments I presented to the State Board of Education and State Supt. Janet Barresi during the October 25, 2012, State Board meeting. This statement is only an overview and does not reflect all of my research and opinions on this topic. I will have more to say about education funding and will be providing more details as I continue my investigation of education funding and finance during the next few months.)

Nelson Reelection Bid Endorsed by Small Business Group

Oklahoma City -- The National Federation of Independent Business, Oklahoma’s leading small business Association, recently announced its endorsement of my bid for reelection to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

“Representative Jason Nelson has received the endorsement of NFIB Oklahoma because he has a proven record in support of small and independent businesses,” said Jerrod Shouse, NFIB Oklahoma State Director. “Representative Nelson clearly understands the importance of small businesses to the economy of Oklahoma and has shown he will consider the needs of small business in the legislature. We are proud to endorse his candidacy and look forward to working with him in the next legislative session.”

NFIB’s endorsement brings with it the powerful support of thousands of small business owners across the state. “Our members, the independent business owners, know and appreciate the importance of an ally in legislature,” said Shouse.

This endorsement comes from the Oklahoma SAFE (Save America’s Free Enterprise) Trust, NFIB’s political action committee. The National Federation of Independent Business bases its political support on candidates’ positions and records on key small business issues.

My wife and I have parents who started and continue to run successful small businesses. Lori and I also have a small business. Small, independent businesses are the backbone of our economy. As a State Representative I believe small business should be protected from high taxes and burdensome regulations. I will continue to be a champion of our state's main economic engine - small, independent businesses that provide the bulk of the jobs in our state. 

I'm honored to have the endorsement of the NFIB - a well respected champion of small business. 

Fallin Statement on A-F Report Cards Released by State Board of Education

Governor Mary Fallin released the following statement praising the A-F report cards released today by the State Board of Education. The report cards assign letter grades to Oklahoma public schools.

“As governor, one of my top priorities is to improve the quality of education for students in Oklahoma. Creating an A-F grading system for schools is an essential step in pursuing that goal. Having this new system will allow us to measure progress, recognize and reward schools that perform well, and identify those schools that are in need of improvement.

“The report cards released today give parents, students, teachers and administrators an easy way to identify success. As with any change, especially one that measures performance and demands accountability, these report cards will have their detractors. Ultimately, however, this is about what is fair and right for Oklahoma’s children, who deserve to attend schools with high standards and transparent measures of success.”

State Education Board Approves $289 Million Budget Increase Request

That Includes Funds for Reforms, Teacher Pay Increases

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 8, 2012) – Oklahoma State Board of Education members on Thursday approved a $289 million Fiscal Year 2014 budget increase request for public schools to be made to the State Legislature late this year as lawmakers prepare for the 2013 Legislative Session. 

The budget includes dollars for statewide implementation of reforms, as well as funds for teachers and school personnel. 

"This request represents a substantial increase," State Superintendent Janet Barresi said, "but we will be be basing the increase in funds on performance. We're promising a return on investment to Oklahoma taxpayers."

Barresi said funds for schools will be tied to detailed performance metrics in areas such as gains in core subjects such as reading and math, results of a statewide Teacher and Leader Effectiveness system, and gains in closing the state's achievement gaps for minority students.

Additionally, with an increase in state aid to public schools, the state would anticipate that local superintendents would use a portion of the new dollars to boost teacher salaries. While the manner and method of teacher pay increases would be left to local decision making, Barresi said it was essential that budget talks this year include an emphasis on better teacher pay.

"The increased funds we're asking for focus on better pay for teachers and on results in our schools. It's time for a new conversation about our state's education spending that focuses on targeted strategies and clear-cut results," Barresi said. 

Barresi said the new budget request would also be tied directly to the state's C3 Plan to have all students graduating from an Oklahoma high school ready for college, career and citizenship by the year 2020. The C3 Plan has seven primary goals: an effective teacher in every classroom, and an effective leader in every school; an increase in the number of students in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) pipeline; and stair step readiness goals in kindergarten, fourth grade, sixth grade, high school and upon graduation.

Board members reviewed preliminary numbers in a special meeting Oct. 8 and voted to approve the budget Thursday. 

The budget includes a $234 million increase in state aid to public schools — from about $1.8 billion in FY 2013 to a possible increase of more than $2 billion. 

The budget request also asks for nearly $46 million more in the state's public school activities fund — targeting key areas for reform implementation such as third grade reading readiness, Advanced Placement teacher training, ACE (Achieving Classroom Excellence) end-of-instruction requirements remediation, additional money for the state's new Teacher and Leader Effectiveness System, and funds for the state's student information system to provide more precise information for teachers in the classroom. 

The budget increase also will go toward a competitive grants pool for schools to spur innovations and reforms throughout the state.

Oklahoma A-F School Report Cards Released

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 25, 2012) – The Oklahoma State Department of Education on Thursday launched the historic release of first-time A-F School Report Cards, giving all schools in the state a grade of A, B, C, D or F – similar to grades given to students. More than 90 percent of schools across the state received a grade of C or higher, with nearly 50 percent receiving a B.

Grades are immediately available to the public for online viewing or download on the State Department of Education’s website.

“With today’s release, Oklahoma is entering a new era of accountability and transparency for our schools. This landmark first for Oklahoma gives parents and community members clear-cut information about the performance level of their local schools,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi. “These report cards are user-friendly, straightforward and fair. It is high time for parents to have access to this information as they seek to make the best educational choices for their children. Parents have a basic right to this information, and they should be able to find it easily.”

The report cards released Thursday represented 1 percent of schools with a grade of an F, 8 percent a D, 34 percent C, 48 percent B, 9 percent A.

The report cards show student achievement based on tests scores in subjects such as reading, writing and math. They show overall student growth, and whole school improvement, which consists of such things as student attendance, dropout rates, and advanced coursework. Schools earned bonus points for parent and community participation and for school climate surveys. 

“The A-F reform has strong support among parents and the general public,” said Barresi. “Parents are the first and best advocates for their children, and they speak for the students of our state. At the end of the day, this reform represents an opportunity for communities to gather around their schools to maintain success or to help them improve.”

The report cards originally were planned for release on Oct. 8, but the State Board of Education delayed the vote to take into consideration concerns voiced by a number of state school superintendents. The board on Thursday said those concerns had been thoroughly considered.

As part of this new reform, State Superintendent Janet Barresi also has launched Raise the Grade Together — an effort to help every school in the state improve and succeed.

Supt. Barresi will visit communities for Raise the Grade Together events, to bring together parents, civic, business and school leaders for constructive conversations about academic success.

The effort calls every stakeholder to raise the grade together by taking the mission of educating children as a community approach. Where weak areas in student achievement or attendance are exposed, parents and community members are asked to help schools by offering mentoring assistance or volunteering.

Raise the Grade Together began with a symposium for a variety of school leaders in September, along with the release of a resource guide, which can be downloaded by the public on the State Department of Education’s website.

Superintendent Barresi's Raise the Grade Together effort will include the following community visits:

• October 29, Bartlesville
• November 15, Altus
• November 19, Enid

Jingle Jangle Event for Single Mothers Scheduled

Hear from Pam Kanaly and Wanda Pratt, mother of OKC Thunder’s Kevin Durant

If ever there is a season that demands more than 100% of a person’s fortitude and stamina, it’s those six weeks between mid-November and the end of the year. What’s a single mom to do? Attend Jingle Jangle!

Jingle Jangle is a Friday night of fun and encouragement for single moms and their children.

This event is geared toward women raising children alone. Attendees range from divorced, never married, widowed, separated from spouse, grandmothers raising grandchildren, etc. Regardless of how long you’ve been a single mother or the age of your children, this special pre-holiday night out is for you!

The event will feature Pam Kanaly and an interview with Wanda Pratt, mother of OKC Thunder’s Kevin Durant. 

Pam Kanaly is an author, national speaker and nominee for Oklahoma Mother of the Year 2010. 

Wanda Pratt is the mother of NBA star Kevin Durant. She gave birth to Kevin before she married Kevin's father Wayne Pratt. This led to Kevin taking his mother's maiden name as his last name. Wayne would eventually leave Wanda, Kevin and Kevin's brother Tony before Kevin's first birthday leaving all the heavy lifting of raising two boys to Wanda.

When Kevin turned 9 Wanda introduced him to Taras Brown, the man who would become Kevin's mentor and train him throughout his youth. With Wanda's discipline at home and Taras' training in the gym Kevin turned into the NBA star we see now. Eventually Wayne would come back into Kevin's life but Wanda always gets the credit for raising Kevin from Kevin himself. When the NBA finals get started don't be surprised if you see Wanda dancing up a storm in OKC which always draws a smile from her son Kevin.

Jingle Jangle is billed as a time for single mothers to connect with other single moms.

This event is free but registration is required. Registration will close after Friday, November 9, 2012.

Childcare is provided for children ages birth through 12 years old. Registration is required by Friday, November 9, 2012. Please feed your children dinner before arriving. Children are not permitted in the auditorium during the event in order to allow moms to have a quiet break.

Get more information at http://www.jinglejangleevent.org

ONLINE REGISTRATION LINK OR REGISTER BY PHONE (405) 812-5137

When
Friday, November 16, 2012
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Where
PEOPLE'S CHURCH
OKLAHOMA CITY CAMPUS
800 East Britton Road
Oklahoma City, OK  73114

House Studies State Employee Compensation

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Leslie Osborn said conservative policy should include fair compensation for a quality state employee workforce.

“A well-compensated workforce that is efficient is a reasonable idea for a fiscal conservative to look at,” said Osborn, R-Mustang. “As lawmakers, we are responsible for the recruitment and retention of the highest performing members of the workforce to deliver core state services.”

The Oklahoma Public Employees Association (OPEA) worked with Rep. Osborn in requesting yesterday’s study. According to the OPEA website, “House and Senate leadership as well as the governor’s office all voiced support for this study.”

Oklahoma Secretary of Finance and Revenue Preston Doerflinger said he opposes across-the-board pay increases and longevity-based pay, but supports an appropriate level of compensation based on performance appraisals, and believes it is necessary to recruit high performers.

Doerflinger said lawmakers should strive to pay state employees 75-85 percent of the private sector market value of their position to be competitive.

The State has consistently lost ground on competitive compensation, according to Lucinda Meltabarger, state administrator of human capital management. As of fiscal year 2011, classified state employees are paid about 19.17 percent below market value.

Meltabarger said not all positions are paid equally in relation to the market. For example, IT professionals are paid about $20,000 more at certain local oil companies than at the state, she said.

An ideal turnover rate might be about 5 percent, Meltabarger said. According to Ron Wilson, state director of talent management, the fiscal year 2011 voluntary turnover rate for classified state employees was approximately 10 percent. The state loses $68 million annually due to turnover, he said.

Meltabarger recommended a more thorough study of state benefits to get a sense of their true value to potential employees rather than their cost to the state.

Oklahoma Department of Transportation Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer Mike Patterson said it is difficult to recruit for the agency’s positions requiring the highest level of training or education. Highly trained agency employees are generally paid between 25-40 percent below the market value of their positions.

Oklahoma Treasurer Ken Miller said his office has trouble recruiting employees. He said as conservative lawmakers continue to reduce the size of state government, some of the savings should be used to recruit quality employees.

Jonathan Small, policy analyst for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, said the state’s retirement system is outdated and encourages early retirement. Small recommended that the state move to a defined contribution plan for all new state employees. Another factor that affects turnover is employment security, especially with unclassified positions.

“I definitely agree that there are a number of jobs and classifications that need pay raises,” said Small. “However, we need to understand that we will never be able to match private sector pay. I think we should try to get close as we restructure our benefit design.”

Small recommended statutory changes that would increase the flexibility agency heads have to provide compensation on a per job, per employee basis; allow for one-time bonuses; modernize the state benefit structure; and remove onerous barriers to compensation systems based on performance.

Small specifically highlighted the need for competitive pay and benefits for corrections employees.

OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley noted that entry-level child welfare specialists are paid on average at 23 percent below the market and that corrections officers begin at $11.83 per hour while an oil field worker is generally paid $25 per hour.

Zearley said he believes state employee pay should be 90 percent of market value, partially because benefits have been gradually reduced. He said he agrees with proposals to modernize benefits and move towards a performance-based system.

Steele, Brecheen in support of Pardon, Parole SQ762

OKLAHOMA CITY – Passage of State Question 762 is a major component of Oklahoma’s effort to build a more efficient government with a stronger criminal justice system, the authors of the ballot measure said Wednesday.

SQ 762 would remove the governor from the parole process for nonviolent offenders so that the governor can focus solely on parole matters for violent crimes. Voter approval of the measure would end Oklahoma’s distinction as the only state requiring gubernatorial review of all nonviolent paroles.

House Bill 2131, signed by Gov. Mary Fallin in May 2011, contained a provision removing the governor from the parole process for nonviolent offenders. A subsequent attorney general’s opinion determined a state question would be necessary in order to make that reform, leading to the placement of State Question 762 on this year’s ballot via Senate Joint Resolution 25.

See: Fallin Concerned About Effect of Passage of Pardon, Parole SQ762

SJR 25, authored by Sen. Josh Brecheen, R-Coalgate, and House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, won overwhelming bipartisan support during the 2012 legislative session, passing the Senate 39-1 and the House 86-8. It received more yes votes than the other five resolutions the Legislature approved for placement as state questions on this year’s ballot, making it the most heavily-supported ballot measure of the 53rd Legislature.

Via the campaign Citizens for a Safer Oklahoma, Steele and Brecheen today issued the following statements in response to the governor’s recently-announced opposition to SQ 762:

“This was good policy when the governor signed it into law last year, and it remains so today. All the facts show that a vote for SQ 762 creates a stronger, more effective criminal justice system. No other state requires the governor to review every nonviolent parole because no evidence exists that doing so actually increases public safety. Voters can confidently support this state question knowing that it is a nationally-accepted best practice that can serve as a foundation for further improvements to the parole process. I believe the parole board concerns recently raised by District Attorney Prater are being addressed, and that we should not let that situation prevent this good policy from taking effect.” 

– House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee

“Approving this state question is consistent with our shared desire to improve public safety and create a more effective, efficient government. Focusing the governor’s parole responsibilities solely on violent offenders will save tens of millions of dollars currently lost to nonviolent parole delays that can instead be used for initiatives that truly reduce and prevent crime. Parole board members will still have every offender’s entire criminal history provided to them under this reform, just as they do today. They have ample facts before them to make their decisions, just as voters have ample facts before them showing that this is a proven, smart on crime, fiscally conservative reform that deserves support.” 

– Sen. Josh Brecheen, R-Coalgate

Fallin Concerned About Effect of Passage of Pardon, Parole SQ762

Statement from Governor Fallin regarding SQ 762 issued today:

"As governor, I have been entrusted by the citizens of Oklahoma to serve as a safeguard in the pardon and parole process. I remain supportive of the general concept of removing the governor from the pardon and parole process in order to streamline the procedure for criminals with no history of violence. However, recent events have led me to believe now is not the right time for the governor’s office to be removed from its oversight role of the Pardon and Parole Board.

"It appears State Question 762 would define non-violent offenders only by their current offense and would not mandate the consideration of past violent behavior.  Since taking office, I have denied parole for 437 offenders, who would be considered ‘non-violent’ under the terms of State Question 762, keeping them off our streets and out of our communities.

"In the interest of public safety and the well being of Oklahoma, the governor’s office should continue to provide this oversight until additional reforms and changes can be made at the Pardon and Parole Board. Therefore, I do not support State Question 762. My office will continue to work with the Pardon and Parole Board, the legislature and the legal and law enforcement communities to pursue reforms that will deliver efficiencies while protecting public safety."

– Gov. Mary Fallin

See: Steele, Brecheen in support of Pardon, Parole SQ762

Committee Members Sought for Certification for Instructors of Native American Languages

Tomorrow, Oct. 17, is Deadline to Apply

Oklahoma Capitol -- The Oklahoma State Department of Education is in the process of developing certification for instructors of Native American Languages in Oklahoma public schools. 

A committee will be formed to review past certification in our state, investigate similar certification in other states, and work to develop the new certification standards in collaboration with Oklahoma’s Tribes. 

All interested parties wishing to be part of the committee may complete an application by October 17, 2012, to apply. Download an application form here. 

Contact either of the following people for additional information:

Desa Dawson
Director World Languages
(405) 521-3035
Desa.Dawson@sde.ok.gov

Dwight M. Pickering
Director of American Indian Education
(405) 522-1591

Dwight.Pickering@sde.ok.gov