Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Legislative Session Week in Review
Under legislation approved this week, Oklahoma students won’t be the only ones receiving a grade; their schools will as well.
Under House Bill 1456 Oklahoma’s public schools would be given an annual grade of “A” to “F” based on student performance on state tests.
The legislation is based on a similar plan in Florida.
In 1999, the first year Florida issued letter grades for schools, there were 616 schools that received an A or B, while 877 received Ds or Fs. Performance continually improved until 2,317 schools received As or Bs in 2009, and just 217 received Ds or Fs. Under the legislation, annual reports would be issued giving letter grades to schools based on student performance on the Oklahoma School Testing Program.
The grades would be as follows:
• “A” means schools making excellent progress;Schools receiving an “A” or those that improve at least two grade levels in a year would be rewarded by granting them greater authority over the allocation of the state-funded portion of the school’s budget.
• “B” means schools making above average progress;
• “C” means schools making satisfactory progress;
• “D” means schools making less than satisfactory progress; and
• “F” means schools failing to make adequate progress.
Each school’s grade would be based on a combination of student test scores on all criterion-referenced tests and end-of-instruction tests, student learning gains in reading and mathematics, and improvement of the lowest twenty-fifth percentile of students in reading and mathematics.
For high schools, 50 percent of the school grade would be based on the above-listed factors and the other half of the grade would be based on
• the district’s high school graduation rate;House Bill 1456 passed out of the House Common Education Committee. It will now proceed to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
• performance and participation of students in College Board Advanced Placement courses, International Baccalaureate courses, concurrent enrollment courses, Advanced International Certificate of Education courses, and national industry certification;
• students’ SAT and ACT scores;
• the high school graduation rate of students who scored as limited or unsatisfactory on eighth-grade criterion-referenced tests in reading and mathematics; and
• student performance on the end-of-instruction tests.
Speaker Names Investigatory Committee Members
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Legislature Working on Chronic Pension Problems
By state Rep. Mark McCullough
One of the greatest financial challenges facing Oklahoma is the status of our state pension systems.
The total unfunded actuarial accrued liability of all seven Oklahoma pensions systems is over $16 billion – about $4,275 per Oklahoman and more than twice the size of the entire state budget.
Oklahoma’s major pension systems are only about 60 percent funded on average. The most recent information available for the firefighters’ plan shows a 53.4 percent funded level. For police, it is 74.9 percent.
The actuary soundness for a private plan is a minimum of 80 percent.
The soundness of all major plans has declined over the last decade, and Oklahoma ranks among the worst five states in the nation according to the Pew Center on the States.
House lawmakers are committed to enacting reforms that will begin to shore up the system so retirees are protected and other citizens are not unfairly punished.
As part of that effort, I have introduced House Bill 1221, which deals with the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, and the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System.
In its current form, House Bill 1221 would adjust benefit levels for new workers entering the system starting in November 2011. Benefits for current firefighters or police would not be impacted.
The bill, which passed out of committee this week, contains four major changes for new members entering the system. First, it would change the multiplier from 2.5 percent to 2 percent. The bill would increase the retirement age for those entering the system starting next year so retirement would occur in 25 years instead of 20. It would also raise the employee contribution from 8 percent to 12 percent. And, finally, the bill would eliminate the Drop plan, which impartial and independent research indicates is a fiscal drain on the pension system.
I believe this is a fair way to begin reform. Promises made to current firefighters and police officers would be kept, and those entering the profession in the future would do so with a clear knowledge of promised benefits.
This bill is only an initial proposal. I will be meeting regularly with all concerned parties throughout session. We will work hard to craft a plan that is financially sound, but also fair and attractive to future police and firefighters.
I appreciate the firefighters who visited the Capitol this week to express their views, especially those from Sapulpa. It was a great example of democracy in action.
This is the first major legislative acknowledgement of the need to address structural funding problems in our police and fire pension systems.
By making specific adjustments today, we can chip away at the unfunded liability while dealing with beneficiaries in an open and transparent way that allows them to properly plan for retirement.
This process will not be easy or pain free, but if we do not act now, the pension plan for crucial public state employees will be in peril. This is a result that none of us should find acceptable.
State Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa, represents the people of House District 30.
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| Rep. Mark McCullough |
The total unfunded actuarial accrued liability of all seven Oklahoma pensions systems is over $16 billion – about $4,275 per Oklahoman and more than twice the size of the entire state budget.
Oklahoma’s major pension systems are only about 60 percent funded on average. The most recent information available for the firefighters’ plan shows a 53.4 percent funded level. For police, it is 74.9 percent.
The actuary soundness for a private plan is a minimum of 80 percent.
The soundness of all major plans has declined over the last decade, and Oklahoma ranks among the worst five states in the nation according to the Pew Center on the States.
House lawmakers are committed to enacting reforms that will begin to shore up the system so retirees are protected and other citizens are not unfairly punished.
As part of that effort, I have introduced House Bill 1221, which deals with the Oklahoma Firefighters Pension and Retirement System, and the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement System.
In its current form, House Bill 1221 would adjust benefit levels for new workers entering the system starting in November 2011. Benefits for current firefighters or police would not be impacted.
The bill, which passed out of committee this week, contains four major changes for new members entering the system. First, it would change the multiplier from 2.5 percent to 2 percent. The bill would increase the retirement age for those entering the system starting next year so retirement would occur in 25 years instead of 20. It would also raise the employee contribution from 8 percent to 12 percent. And, finally, the bill would eliminate the Drop plan, which impartial and independent research indicates is a fiscal drain on the pension system.
I believe this is a fair way to begin reform. Promises made to current firefighters and police officers would be kept, and those entering the profession in the future would do so with a clear knowledge of promised benefits.
This bill is only an initial proposal. I will be meeting regularly with all concerned parties throughout session. We will work hard to craft a plan that is financially sound, but also fair and attractive to future police and firefighters.
I appreciate the firefighters who visited the Capitol this week to express their views, especially those from Sapulpa. It was a great example of democracy in action.
This is the first major legislative acknowledgement of the need to address structural funding problems in our police and fire pension systems.
By making specific adjustments today, we can chip away at the unfunded liability while dealing with beneficiaries in an open and transparent way that allows them to properly plan for retirement.
This process will not be easy or pain free, but if we do not act now, the pension plan for crucial public state employees will be in peril. This is a result that none of us should find acceptable.
State Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa, represents the people of House District 30.
State Agency Consolidation Approved in Committee
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| Rep. Jason Murphey |
House Bill 2140 proposes to consolidate seven of Oklahoma’s central service state agencies into one agency.
“We are committed to right sizing state government,” stated House Speaker Kris Steele who serves as the author of the legislation. “Consolidating central services agencies is a great first step toward the goal of making state government more efficient and responsive to the needs of Oklahoma taxpayers.”
Steele authored the legislation after an interim study found that Oklahoma could realize millions of dollars of savings if Oklahoma followed best practices that are occurring in other states.
The legislation is patterned after the central services governance structures used in Montana, Indiana and Utah.
“This vote represents the first time in recent history that a significant consolidation of state agencies has been approved by a standing House committee,” said state Rep. Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie and chair of the Government Modernization Committee. “The consolidation of these seven state agencies will save the taxpayers millions of dollars every year.”
Murphey said the bill will also set the stage for future significant consolidations.
“This bill makes the case for consolidating state agencies based on similar mission and subject matter,” he said.
House Bill 2140 was approved by a vote of 11-2 and now heads to the full House for additional consideration.
Details:
The State Government Administrative Process Consolidation and Reorganization Reform Act of 2011 consolidates the following agencies into the Office of State Finance (OSF):
-Department of Central Services
-Office of Personnel Management
-Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission
-Oklahoma Department of Libraries
-Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Council
-Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board
The bill directs the Director of OSF to consolidate all of the agencies’ administrative functions by December 31, 2011, and to demonstrate a 15% overall cost reduction as a result.
A 15% cost savings from consolidation of the above agencies based on their total operating budget figure would be $22,173,934.
Where the specific cost savings will come from in the consolidation is left to the discretion of the Director of OSF who shall provide recommendations to the Legislature.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Lawmakers to Consider Major Pension Reforms
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| Rep. Randy McDanial |
“For decades, this problem has been passed on to future generations to address,” said state Rep. Randy McDaniel, who has nearly 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. “No more. This year we will finally begin addressing one of the state’s most significant financial challenges.”
Many important reform bills have been filed and will be heard. Nonetheless, House Speaker Kris Steele and McDaniel have filed four major bills to reform state pensions.
“This is a fair and comprehensive approach,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “We must take action on this issue. Reforms must be implemented if we are going to improve the state pension plans and fulfill our obligation to current retirees.”
House Bill 1004, by McDaniel, creates the “Leadership by Example Act” and would place all new members of the Oklahoma Legislature and statewide officials into a new defined contribution plan.
“As we reform the system, I believe legislators should lead by example,” McDaniel said. “Some groups oppose reform, especially if it requires moving their future employees into a defined contribution plan. The Legislature should not ask other groups to do something that we are not willing to do ourselves. Defined contribution plans provide workers greater control and personal choice. I believe affording that freedom to workers is a key component of reform.”
The new defined contribution plan, “Save Oklahoma,” will build on the existing and successful SoonerSave program. As of June 30, 2010, it had 35,134 participants with net assets of $458 million and no unfunded liability.
Another pair of bills would significantly improve the financial standing of state pensions in future years.
House Bill 2132, by Steele, would require that all COLAs be fully funded when authorized.
House Bill 1006, by McDaniel, would help stabilize state pensions by requiring that a pension system be at least 80-percent funded before a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) can be authorized for the system.
“One of the major causes of the current unfunded liability is that past COLAs were enacted without actually paying for them,” McDaniel said. “As a result, money was drained from pension systems, leaving them in an increasingly precarious position for future generations. Under the reforms we are now advancing, we will focus on paying current obligations first and then making sure we actually pay as we go when enacting future COLAs.”
House Bill 1011, by McDaniel, would provide a funding source for COLAs. Under the bill, a portion of the revenues received by the Commissioners of the Land Office would be dedicated to funding COLAs for retired teachers. If enacted into law, House Bill 1011 would be the first dedicated funding source for COLAs in state history.
The Commissioners of the Land Office, also known as the “School Land Trust,” manages state-owned public lands to produce income for education.
“While these four reform measures will not eliminate the system’s problems overnight, they will significantly improve the financial soundness of the retirement systems,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel noted that 10 years ago the state’s unfunded pension liability was just over $6 billion. According to official actuarial reports, the unfunded liability now totals more than $16 billion – more than twice the size of the entire state budget.
With a growing portion of the state’s budget being needed to fund retirement plans, there are fewer tax dollars available to support core government services, he noted.
In addition, the unfunded liability threatens the state’s bond rating.
“Failure to address Oklahoma’s pension problems will result in growing budget challenges in the future,” McDaniel said. “We cannot continue doing business as usual. The reforms we are advancing this year are a serious response to a serious financial problem.”
All four of these measures, along with several other important reform bills, will be heard today in the House Economic Development, Tourism and Financial Services Committee. The executive directors of the major pension plans are invited to make public comment regarding these reform proposals.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Senator Ford advances Education Board alternative
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
Oklahoma state Senate Education Chairman John Ford offered a second bill on Monday (February 14) to restructure the state Board of Education. The measure, Senate Bill 435, was approved by the Education Committee by a vote of 9 to 5.
“Up until 1971, the Board included the State Superintendent, the Governor, the Attorney General and the Secretary of State,” Ford explained. “After that time the law was changed to make the Board of Education appointed by the Governor. Senate Bill 435 would take the Board back to its original structure.”
Ford also authored SB 718 which was approved by the same committee last week. He said that measure had the same goal in mind — ensuring the Superintendent would have the authority to implement the improvements and reforms the public had supported when they voted for Superintendent Janet Barresi last November. That measure gave authority to make decisions to the Superintendent.
“What we’re trying to put in place is a process that adds some accountability to the will of the voters of this state, regardless of political party,” said Ford, who represents Craig, Nowata and Washington Counties. “We’ll continue to listen to members and individuals who have a vested interest so that we can develop a system that has checks and balances as well as accountability, and that will stand the test of time. At the end of the day we’ve got to make sure we’re providing a better education for our students.”
Both measures must next be considered by the full Senate.
Calls for changes in education department governance have grown intense since members of the board clashed repeatedly with Superintendent Barresi at her first meeting with them. Among other things, board members refused to approve her hiring decisions.
Published 14-Feb-2011
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| Sen. John Ford Chair, Senate Education Committee |
“Up until 1971, the Board included the State Superintendent, the Governor, the Attorney General and the Secretary of State,” Ford explained. “After that time the law was changed to make the Board of Education appointed by the Governor. Senate Bill 435 would take the Board back to its original structure.”
Ford also authored SB 718 which was approved by the same committee last week. He said that measure had the same goal in mind — ensuring the Superintendent would have the authority to implement the improvements and reforms the public had supported when they voted for Superintendent Janet Barresi last November. That measure gave authority to make decisions to the Superintendent.
“What we’re trying to put in place is a process that adds some accountability to the will of the voters of this state, regardless of political party,” said Ford, who represents Craig, Nowata and Washington Counties. “We’ll continue to listen to members and individuals who have a vested interest so that we can develop a system that has checks and balances as well as accountability, and that will stand the test of time. At the end of the day we’ve got to make sure we’re providing a better education for our students.”
Both measures must next be considered by the full Senate.
Calls for changes in education department governance have grown intense since members of the board clashed repeatedly with Superintendent Barresi at her first meeting with them. Among other things, board members refused to approve her hiring decisions.
Published 14-Feb-2011
Miller says January data points to incremental recovery
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
Note: Here is the January 2011 revenue report for Oklahoma, as summarized in a press release from the office of state Treasurer Ken Miller.
Oklahoma showed healthy economic activity at the start of the new year demonstrating the recovery is taking hold, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today (Monday, February 14) as he issued revenue reports for January.
Preliminary reports show General Revenue Fund collections in January are $490.3 million. That amount is:
• $79.9 million or 19.5 percent above the prior year; and,
• $23.9 million or 5.1 percent above the estimate.
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| Treasurer Ken Miller |
Oklahoma showed healthy economic activity at the start of the new year demonstrating the recovery is taking hold, State Treasurer Ken Miller said today (Monday, February 14) as he issued revenue reports for January.
Preliminary reports show General Revenue Fund collections in January are $490.3 million. That amount is:
• $79.9 million or 19.5 percent above the prior year; and,
• $23.9 million or 5.1 percent above the estimate.
Governor Mary Fallin’s Statement on the Death of John Bryant
Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the death of former state Representative John Bryant:
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of John Bryant. John and I got to know each other well when we shared an office suite during my time in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He was an effective and hardworking legislator and was dedicated to improving our state. He’ll be missed by his many friends at the Capitol. My thoughts and prayers are with John’s family during this difficult time.”
Bryant was 53.
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of John Bryant. John and I got to know each other well when we shared an office suite during my time in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He was an effective and hardworking legislator and was dedicated to improving our state. He’ll be missed by his many friends at the Capitol. My thoughts and prayers are with John’s family during this difficult time.”
Bryant was 53.
Location:Oklahoma State Capitol
Speaker Steele Names Investigatory Committee Members
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| Speaker Kris Steele |
“The lawmakers who have agreed to serve on the committee are well-respected members of this body with the ability to undertake a task of this significance,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “I am confident they will conduct a thorough review that complies with the rule of law, respects the rights of the accused, and fulfills our duty to the public, and then reach an appropriate conclusion based only on the facts of the case.”
The committee’s makeup is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats.
State Rep. Fred Jordan, R-Jenks, will chair the committee. Jordan is a former Marine Corps Judge Advocate and attorney who chairs the House Judiciary Committee.
State Rep. Ben Sherrer, D-Pryor and an attorney, will serve as vice-chair.
The other six members of the committee are:
• State Rep. Gary Banz, R-Midwest City
• State Rep. Doug Cox, R-Grove
• State Rep. Steve Kouplen, D-Beggs
• State Rep. Jeannie McDaniel, D-Tulsa
• State Rep. Harold Wright, R-Weatherford
•State Rep. Purcy Walker, D-Elk City
The committee met briefly Monday morning to adopt the rules that will govern the investigatory process. The group is charged with gathering evidence and ultimately making a recommendation to the full House if the Committee finds sufficient evidence exists that the legislator in question “has engaged in conduct which impairs the ability of the member to perform the duties of his or her office, or substantially impairs public confidence in the Legislature.”
Under the rules adopted, the committee members cannot discuss the investigation while it is ongoing to protect the member under investigation and all witnesses, as well as to protect the integrity of the process.
However, all the group’s findings and recommendation will be released to the public.
The rules adopted call for a multi-part process.
In the first phase, the committee or its counsel will conduct an investigation and gather evidence. Upon completion of the gathering process, all information will be provided to members of the committee.
At that point, committee members will determine if the evidence is sufficient to warrant additional proceedings. If so, a written report outlining the evidence will then be provided to the member under investigation, who will then have 14 days to respond in writing and to request an opportunity to present additional evidence.
At the conclusion of that process, the committee will vote on whether or not to recommend disciplinary action to the full body of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
Throughout the process, the committee will have subpoena power to compel witness testimony and production of documentary evidence.
“The committee process has been designed to maintain decorum and gather information in a forthright and orderly fashion,” Jordan said. “While this committee is not conducting a criminal investigation, the decisions reached could still have lifelong implications for one of our colleagues, and this task will be treated with the seriousness a decision of that magnitude deserves.”
Upon completion of its work, the committee will submit a report of its findings to the House, which will be filed in the chief clerk’s office. The report will be made available to the public.
“The public has a right to know how a decision was reached and why, and the report will provide those answers at the appropriate time,” Jordan said.
The final decision would then be left up to the full membership of the Oklahoma House of Representatives during a floor session.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Governor Fallin's 2012 Executive Budget
Click here to view the FY2012 Executive Budget book.
Click here to view the FY2012 Budget and Roadmap to Prosperity Summary
Click here to view the FY2012 Budget chart by Cabinet
Click here to view the FY2012 Budget Shortfall Solutions chart
Click here to view the FY2012 Budget spreadsheet by agency
Friday, February 11, 2011
Attorney General E. Scott Pruitt Honors Work to Strengthen Families
Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services highlighted for valuable service to pregnant women and families.
Attorney General E. Scott Pruitt today presented a check for $1,000 on behalf of Blue Bell Creameries for Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services (DPAS).
“It is an honor to present this check on behalf of Blue Bell Creameries in support of the valuable services DPAS provides women and families,” Pruitt said. “Thousands of Oklahomans have been enriched and blessed by the generosity of DPAS and the dedicated people who care about strengthening families throughout the state.”
Deaconess executive director Dierdre McCool accepted the check during a ceremony at the service’s headquarters in northwest Oklahoma City.
“We deeply appreciate the generous contribution from Attorney General Pruitt,” McCool said. “Financial support is a crucial component for our agency to continue its life-altering services to the children, women and families of Oklahoma.”
Founded in 1900 on the unsettled plains of Indian Territory, Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services is the premier, care-oriented adoption agency in the Oklahoma City area. Serving the entire state of Oklahoma, the service has helped more than 10,000 women in crisis and has created more than 5,000 new families through adoption.
Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services helps women in crisis pregnancy, aids couples through adoption and works with adopted children to reconnect with their birth families.
For more information on Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services, go online to www.deaconessadoption.org or call (405) 949-4200, (800) 567-6631.
Attorney General E. Scott Pruitt today presented a check for $1,000 on behalf of Blue Bell Creameries for Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services (DPAS).
“It is an honor to present this check on behalf of Blue Bell Creameries in support of the valuable services DPAS provides women and families,” Pruitt said. “Thousands of Oklahomans have been enriched and blessed by the generosity of DPAS and the dedicated people who care about strengthening families throughout the state.”
Deaconess executive director Dierdre McCool accepted the check during a ceremony at the service’s headquarters in northwest Oklahoma City.
“We deeply appreciate the generous contribution from Attorney General Pruitt,” McCool said. “Financial support is a crucial component for our agency to continue its life-altering services to the children, women and families of Oklahoma.”
Founded in 1900 on the unsettled plains of Indian Territory, Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services is the premier, care-oriented adoption agency in the Oklahoma City area. Serving the entire state of Oklahoma, the service has helped more than 10,000 women in crisis and has created more than 5,000 new families through adoption.
Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services helps women in crisis pregnancy, aids couples through adoption and works with adopted children to reconnect with their birth families.
For more information on Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services, go online to www.deaconessadoption.org or call (405) 949-4200, (800) 567-6631.
Legislative Session Week in Review
Although the budget shortfall and redistricting will obviously take up much of our time, we still have the opportunity to advance common-sense reforms as well.
At the start of this session, we face 1168 bills and 41 joint resolutions in the Oklahoma House of Representatives while lawmakers in the Senate filed 969 bills and 44 joint resolutions.
At the same time, we face a hole of $500 million to $600 million this year’s budget, which means some tough decisions lie ahead of us. To get a head start on those decisions, we held pre-session budget hearings with state agencies. Those meetings will help us determine where cuts can be made, where duplication exists, and how to best proceed.
Illegal immigration will also be a major issue this year. State House and Senate leaders have formed a special joint committee to develop immigration reform proposals. The group includes four members each from the House and Senate, as well as Attorney General Scott Pruitt.
Among other things, the committee will develop a reform package that addresses public safety issues and targets crimes associated with illegal immigration. As part of the effort, the group will also consider proposals to better protect taxpayer money from subsidizing illegal immigration.
While much work remains ahead of us, the House has already enacted one major reform. Under the rules of operation adopted on opening day, the public will now have greater opportunity to monitor activity at the Oklahoma Capitol.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Oklahomans Can Now Gather State Data in One Location at Data.OK.gov
ANALYZE DATA FROM OKLAHOMA’S ECONOMY, PUBLIC HEALTH, TRANSPORTATION, ENVIRONMENT AND MORE
OKLAHOMA CITY – February 10, 2011 – The Office of State Finance and OK.gov, Oklahoma’s official website, have collaboratively launched an interactive, centralized data center for the State of Oklahoma at http://Data.OK.gov. The new online data center provides Oklahomans with an unprecedented level of openness in Oklahoma’s state government.
“For state data to be truly open, we must provide our citizens with a platform that allows them to digest, evaluate, and consume data in a user-friendly format, “ said Governor Mary Fallin. “Data.OK.gov will provide the level of openness and interactivity with government data that our citizens deserve.”
Data.OK.gov is part of the “Oklahoma Information Services Act,” which will consolidate information, saving the user from having to travel to multiple websites. The website’s mission is to provide accessible information about the economy, public health, transportation, environment, and more, on one website.
Data.OK.gov enables the public and media to utilize the state’s Open Records data in a variety of ways, including:
• View and download raw statistics
• Conduct research and analysis of data sets
• Build applications for use on websites
•Embed charts, maps, and other data on websites and blogs
•Share data on Facebook, Twitter, Delicious, Digg, and through email
Alex Pettit, State Chief Information Officer, said, “By publishing the information in different formats, Oklahomans have more freedom in how they lookup information. Our primary goal is to provide an efficient and effective way to gather Oklahoma based data. This centralized source of information will save time for its users and money for the state.”
The State of Oklahoma invites public feedback and dataset recommendations. To submit comments or ideas for new datasets visit http://Data.OK.gov and select the “Suggest” button at the bottom of the screen.
For other Oklahoma open government resources, please visit the following websites:
http://OpenBooks.OK.gov
http://Recovery.OK.gov
The state’s new online data center is a product of a partnership between the Oklahoma Office of State Finance, Socrata, a leading provider of open data services for federal, state and local governments, and OK.gov, Oklahoma’s official website.
OKLAHOMA CITY – February 10, 2011 – The Office of State Finance and OK.gov, Oklahoma’s official website, have collaboratively launched an interactive, centralized data center for the State of Oklahoma at http://Data.OK.gov. The new online data center provides Oklahomans with an unprecedented level of openness in Oklahoma’s state government.
“For state data to be truly open, we must provide our citizens with a platform that allows them to digest, evaluate, and consume data in a user-friendly format, “ said Governor Mary Fallin. “Data.OK.gov will provide the level of openness and interactivity with government data that our citizens deserve.”
Data.OK.gov is part of the “Oklahoma Information Services Act,” which will consolidate information, saving the user from having to travel to multiple websites. The website’s mission is to provide accessible information about the economy, public health, transportation, environment, and more, on one website.
Data.OK.gov enables the public and media to utilize the state’s Open Records data in a variety of ways, including:
• View and download raw statistics
• Conduct research and analysis of data sets
• Build applications for use on websites
•Embed charts, maps, and other data on websites and blogs
•Share data on Facebook, Twitter, Delicious, Digg, and through email
Alex Pettit, State Chief Information Officer, said, “By publishing the information in different formats, Oklahomans have more freedom in how they lookup information. Our primary goal is to provide an efficient and effective way to gather Oklahoma based data. This centralized source of information will save time for its users and money for the state.”
The State of Oklahoma invites public feedback and dataset recommendations. To submit comments or ideas for new datasets visit http://Data.OK.gov and select the “Suggest” button at the bottom of the screen.
For other Oklahoma open government resources, please visit the following websites:
http://OpenBooks.OK.gov
http://Recovery.OK.gov
The state’s new online data center is a product of a partnership between the Oklahoma Office of State Finance, Socrata, a leading provider of open data services for federal, state and local governments, and OK.gov, Oklahoma’s official website.
KFOR: Will Schools Have to Make Up Snow Days?
The short answer is, Yes. Schools can make up the snow days by adding hours to the days or days to the school year. Each district will decide how they will make up the lost instruction time.
Rep. Earl Sears made National Review
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| Rep. Earl Sears R-Bartlesville |
You can come listen to Gov. Jeb Bush when he's in town March 30th.
Rep. Bennett Calls for Drug Testing for Those on State Aid
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| Rep. John Bennett R-Sallisaw |
Legislation filed by state Rep. John Bennett would require recipients of state aid to undergo routine drug tests as a condition of eligibility.
“I realize there will be legal challenges to this idea, but from a common-sense perspective, it’s a no-brainer,” said Bennett, R-Sallisaw. “If you work for me as a paid employee and test positive for drugs, I can fire you. Well, those receiving state services are being paid by the taxpayers of Oklahoma
House Bill 1083, by Bennett, would require those applying for state-provided assistance to undergo urine screening for illicit drugs upon initial application and then every six months following.
The cost of the test would be deducted from the first payment to the applicant if he or she passes.
Any applicant failing or refusing to take a drug test would forfeit eligibility for state-provided benefits for the next 90 days. An individual who fails a drug test while receiving benefits would be ineligible for further benefits for one year.
Under the bill, the decision to deny services could be appealed and overturned if the applicant can show the testing process was faulty.
Bennett, who previously worked on a Drug Task Force for the local sheriff’s department, said his constituents are concerned when they see local drug dealers receiving state benefits.
“Everyone knows who the local dopies are and it is extremely frustrating to law-abiding citizens to see those people subsidized with our tax payments,” Bennett said. “People should not get paid to do drugs on our dime.”
House Bill 1083 could be taken up soon after the Oklahoma Legislature convenes on February 7.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Nelson Praises Rule Reforms that Open Legislative Process
“The rule reforms adopted this week will dramatically increase public scrutiny of the legislative process and deter the last-minute shenanigans that have often embarrassed our state,” said Nelson, R-Oklahoma City. “I was proud to support these reforms and advance the cause of open and transparent government.”
House lawmakers voted to dramatically reform the chamber’s rules of operation this week by requiring that conference committees hold public meetings with recorded votes.
The rule changes adopted were the result of a working group, which Nelson served on. Many of the proposals adopted had previously been endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans.
Monday, February 7, 2011
House of Representatives Passes Historic Conference Committee Rules
Since statehood conference committees have not met in an open meeting. A conference committee was nothing more than a petition that the author of a bill circulated to members assigned by the speaker of the House. When the author secured enough signatures on the conference committee report the bill was “passed” out of the committee.
This practice resulted in all kinds of crazy stuff added to bills late in session with little or no scrutiny. Certainly the public was never able to attend a conference committee meeting to hear a bill discussed.
That all changed today in the State House of Representatives. Representatives passed historic House rules that included reforming the conference committee process. The new rules will govern House activity for the next two years.
That all changed today in the State House of Representatives. Representatives passed historic House rules that included reforming the conference committee process. The new rules will govern House activity for the next two years.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Steele and Bingman Join Forces In Effort to Reform Board of Education
House Speaker Kris Steele announced today that he and Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman have co-authored legislation to reform the State Board of Education.
“As a statewide-elected official chosen by the citizens of Oklahoma, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi must be allowed to hire her own staff and implement promised reform at the Department of Education,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “Senate Bill 718 will give her that authority. It is important to advance this necessary reform so we can truly begin the important work of improving Oklahoma schools to benefit all children of this state.”
Under Senate Bill 718, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction would have clear operational control of the Oklahoma Department of Education while the State Board of Education would continue to have an advisory role in supervision of the public school system.
While the board’s recent refusal to approve the hiring of qualified personnel at the agency has generated the most controversy and headlines, the group has established a pattern of behavior that led legislative leaders to immediately advance the reform measures.
Among other things, the board has:
• voted to divert $18 million from the teachers’ retirement system last summer violating an executive order from former Democratic Gov. Brad Henry. The board did not reverse course until former Democratic Attorney General Drew Edmondson issued a formal opinion declaring the fund shift illegal.
• violated guidelines over the use of federal stimulus funds and, after redirecting the funds for purposes authorized by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, failed to provide correct reporting guidelines to schools using the money; and
• failed to approve a budget work program that complies with former Gov. Brad Henry’s executive order 2010-26, issued last June. As a result, the Department of Education has been operating on temporary allotments.
“Under current law, an unelected board has the ability to thwart the will of the voters,” Steele said. “It is imperative that state government be responsive to the voice of Oklahoma citizens, and I believe this reform will provide a clear line of accountability at the agency.”
Location:NE 63rd St,Oklahoma City,United States
“As a statewide-elected official chosen by the citizens of Oklahoma, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi must be allowed to hire her own staff and implement promised reform at the Department of Education,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “Senate Bill 718 will give her that authority. It is important to advance this necessary reform so we can truly begin the important work of improving Oklahoma schools to benefit all children of this state.”
Under Senate Bill 718, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction would have clear operational control of the Oklahoma Department of Education while the State Board of Education would continue to have an advisory role in supervision of the public school system.
While the board’s recent refusal to approve the hiring of qualified personnel at the agency has generated the most controversy and headlines, the group has established a pattern of behavior that led legislative leaders to immediately advance the reform measures.
Among other things, the board has:
• voted to divert $18 million from the teachers’ retirement system last summer violating an executive order from former Democratic Gov. Brad Henry. The board did not reverse course until former Democratic Attorney General Drew Edmondson issued a formal opinion declaring the fund shift illegal.
• violated guidelines over the use of federal stimulus funds and, after redirecting the funds for purposes authorized by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, failed to provide correct reporting guidelines to schools using the money; and
• failed to approve a budget work program that complies with former Gov. Brad Henry’s executive order 2010-26, issued last June. As a result, the Department of Education has been operating on temporary allotments.
“Under current law, an unelected board has the ability to thwart the will of the voters,” Steele said. “It is imperative that state government be responsive to the voice of Oklahoma citizens, and I believe this reform will provide a clear line of accountability at the agency.”
Location:NE 63rd St,Oklahoma City,United States
Superintendent Janet Barresi's Weekly Video Message
Dr. Barresi discusses the effects recent winter storms have had on the school calendar as well as other timely information.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Two Leaders in Education Reform Scheduled to Speak in Tulsa
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| Deborah Gist |
Two leaders in education reform will be in Tulsa on Saturday, February 26th for the second Community Conversation. Deborah Gist, Rhode Island’s Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Janet Barresi, Oklahoma’s newly elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction, will share their perspectives on education reform in Oklahoma and across the nation.
Before the Conversation, attendees will enjoy an encore screening of Waiting for Superman. Both activities will take place at the Circle Cinema, Tulsa’s Non-Profit and Independent Movie Theatre located at 10 South Lewis Avenue. Sessions are offered without cost. Seating is limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis.
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| Janet Barresi |
Saturday, February 26, 2011
9:30 a.m. Meet & Greet
10:00 a.m. Encore showing of Waiting for Superman
Noon Conversation with Commissioner Gist and Superintendent Barresi
The first Community Conversation was held at the Circle Cinema on November 3, 2010, and featured a panel representing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association and KIPP*Tulsa. This event is hosted by Circle Cinema with support from the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation.
For more information click here.
Rep. Dank to Examine Tax Incentives
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| Rep. David Dank Chair, Tax & Revenue Committee |
State Rep. David Dank, an Oklahoma City Republican, is leading a critical examination of tax credits, exemptions and other business incentives in the 2011 session of the State Legislature, which begins Monday, February 7.
In his capacity as Chairman of the Revenue and Taxation Subcommittee, he answered a quartet of questions from CapitolBeatOK this week.
The perspective he brings to the issue is, he says, nuanced: “There is a place for incentives and even tax credits when the jobs those incentives would create are substantial. New jobs return more revenue to the state through added payroll, and they especially help our economy grow. But too many tax credits enacted in the past failed to pass that test. Some were simply giveaways.
“We need to ask a couple of fundamental questions about any tax credit. Will it create or sustain added jobs? And is it fair to everyone involved, especially the taxpayers, who are the ones footing the bill? That means we need to halt the practice of issuing transferable tax credits in particular. A legitimate tax credit should benefit only the industry it was supposed to help and not be bought and sold like securities or commodities.”
Fatalities and Injuries Due to Winter Storm
One fatality* is attributed to the winter storm, according to the Oklahoma Office of the State Medical Examiner. A 20-year-old Moore woman died Tuesday following a sledding accident. Cause of death was multiple blunt force trauma to the head.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports troopers have worked 81 storm related crashes, including 7 involving injury since the storm began. OHP also responded to 278 motorist assist calls. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 77 falls, 4 carbon monoxide poisonings, 24 transportation related accidents, two exposure cases, 13 cut/pierce injuries and 5 injuries involving a person struck by or against an object related to the storm.
*(News stations are reporting three people died today when the vehicle they were traveling in near Miami, OK went into a body of water)
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports troopers have worked 81 storm related crashes, including 7 involving injury since the storm began. OHP also responded to 278 motorist assist calls. The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports 77 falls, 4 carbon monoxide poisonings, 24 transportation related accidents, two exposure cases, 13 cut/pierce injuries and 5 injuries involving a person struck by or against an object related to the storm.
*(News stations are reporting three people died today when the vehicle they were traveling in near Miami, OK went into a body of water)
Location:Nw Expy,Oklahoma City,United States
It's Four Chaplains Day Today, As the Ship Slid Under They were Praying for the Safety of the Men
The chaplains, who all held the rank of lieutenant, were the Methodist Reverend George L. Fox, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, the Roman Catholic Priest John P. Washington and the Reformed Church in America Reverend Clark V. Poling.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
"Tim Gilpin’s description of recent State Board meeting a classic in 'Photoshop' history"
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| Dr. Janet Barresi State Superintendent |
"The recent meeting (of the State Board of Education) was not only dominated by the partisan obstruction of board members, but also by the misogynist actions of Herb Rozell and Gilpin."Barresi says Gilpin wanted to act in secret:
"As he admits in his column, Gilpin wanted to conduct personnel issues in secret, behind closed doors in executive session, and I refused to allow him to hide behind a veil of secrecy."Barresi provides history of hiring decisions by the State Board of Education:
"Over the past five years, 88 percent of Department of Education employees were put on the state payroll without prior review by the board. In fact, 37 percent of employees were never submitted for board approval at all. It is clear the board has suddenly decided to actively obstruct my ability to perform my duties as State Superintendent, which I assume has to do with my party affiliation."
Tim Gilpin Cautions Against Overreaction
An AP story reports that Superintendent Janet Barresi has spoken to Attorney General Scott Pruitt about possible open meeting violations by members of the State Board of Education at the last meeting.
The most interesting comment in the story is from board member Tim Gilpin. Gilpin is quoted as saying “everyone needs to take a deep breath, cool down ... and move forward to bigger, more important things.” This is sage advice coming from the guy who apparently instigated the spit-flecked vitriol at the last board meeting. It's fine for him to loudly accuse someone else of wrongdoing in public but when the same is done to him he wants everyone to take a deep breath. I hope he's not waiting on everyone to hyperventilate.
The most interesting comment in the story is from board member Tim Gilpin. Gilpin is quoted as saying “everyone needs to take a deep breath, cool down ... and move forward to bigger, more important things.” This is sage advice coming from the guy who apparently instigated the spit-flecked vitriol at the last board meeting. It's fine for him to loudly accuse someone else of wrongdoing in public but when the same is done to him he wants everyone to take a deep breath. I hope he's not waiting on everyone to hyperventilate.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Price Gouging Statute In Effect
Hope and change come to the Small family
By Jonathan Small, CPA
ObamaCare
On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. This despite warnings from many people—including Oklahoma’s U.S. Senator Tom Coburn and Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland—that this flawed legislation would limit health insurance access and raise costs.
One of Obamacare’s “gifts” is the poorly conceived and poorly implemented provision regarding pre-existing conditions in children. Insurance carriers who choose to cover children now have to sell health insurance policies regardless of a child’s health history. So if a child has no coverage, but has cancer or some other illness, a company must issue a policy to the child. This provision is like requiring property insurance carriers to sell home insurance policies to any homeowner, even if the policy is purchased while the house is on fire. Clearly, under rules like this, either everyone’s premiums would skyrocket or property insurance carriers would go out of business.
So, to respond to this provision, companies across the nation and throughout Oklahoma have simply stopped writing children’s policies, or policies that might lead them to have to write a policy for a child in the future.
Here is where Obamacare greets the Small family. I just changed employers, and it so happens my beautiful wife is pregnant. Since my new employer (OCPA) has a small group plan, there is a 90-day waiting period, so I need to buy temporary coverage. So, trying to be responsible by purchasing coverage to take care of my family, I began to look for coverage other than the ridiculously priced COBRA that is offered by my former employer, the State of Oklahoma. As was the case before Obamacare, my wife will remain on COBRA. But before Obamacare, I and my two daughters could buy coverage with a lower-cost private sector plan that would last until we get on the new employer plan, and it costs about $130 a month. But, thanks to the glorious hope and change ushered in by Mr. Obama, no one will sell coverage to my two daughters and me—because if they did, my third child’s birth is a qualifying event, which could require them to have to offer to put the child on a plan, and if my child was unhealthy they would have to take the unhealthy child.
In sum, Mr. Obama has spread throughout the health insurance market discrimination against healthy children—children who, prior to his meddling, could buy health insurance products as needed. Ironically, this discrimination is preventing my bi-racial children (Obama too is bi-racial) from getting affordable coverage, coverage which could have been purchased with no problem before all this hope and change set in.
ObamaCare
On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. This despite warnings from many people—including Oklahoma’s U.S. Senator Tom Coburn and Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland—that this flawed legislation would limit health insurance access and raise costs.
One of Obamacare’s “gifts” is the poorly conceived and poorly implemented provision regarding pre-existing conditions in children. Insurance carriers who choose to cover children now have to sell health insurance policies regardless of a child’s health history. So if a child has no coverage, but has cancer or some other illness, a company must issue a policy to the child. This provision is like requiring property insurance carriers to sell home insurance policies to any homeowner, even if the policy is purchased while the house is on fire. Clearly, under rules like this, either everyone’s premiums would skyrocket or property insurance carriers would go out of business.
So, to respond to this provision, companies across the nation and throughout Oklahoma have simply stopped writing children’s policies, or policies that might lead them to have to write a policy for a child in the future.
Here is where Obamacare greets the Small family. I just changed employers, and it so happens my beautiful wife is pregnant. Since my new employer (OCPA) has a small group plan, there is a 90-day waiting period, so I need to buy temporary coverage. So, trying to be responsible by purchasing coverage to take care of my family, I began to look for coverage other than the ridiculously priced COBRA that is offered by my former employer, the State of Oklahoma. As was the case before Obamacare, my wife will remain on COBRA. But before Obamacare, I and my two daughters could buy coverage with a lower-cost private sector plan that would last until we get on the new employer plan, and it costs about $130 a month. But, thanks to the glorious hope and change ushered in by Mr. Obama, no one will sell coverage to my two daughters and me—because if they did, my third child’s birth is a qualifying event, which could require them to have to offer to put the child on a plan, and if my child was unhealthy they would have to take the unhealthy child.
In sum, Mr. Obama has spread throughout the health insurance market discrimination against healthy children—children who, prior to his meddling, could buy health insurance products as needed. Ironically, this discrimination is preventing my bi-racial children (Obama too is bi-racial) from getting affordable coverage, coverage which could have been purchased with no problem before all this hope and change set in.
Emergency Weather Update 2
ROAD CONDITIONS
ODOT crews report heavy but intermittent snow in the Panhandle with varied ground cover and slickness. Elsewhere, crews continue to monitor conditions.
For information regarding Oklahoma road conditions, call 888-425-2385. For the latest conditions on Oklahoma Turnpikes, call 1-877-403-7623. For road conditions in neighboring states call: Texas, 800-452-9292; Kansas, 866-511-5368; Arkansas, 800-245-1672; and Missouri, 800-222-6400.
OKLAHOMANS URGED TO AVOID TRAVEL
Oklahomans are urged to avoid travel once the storm arrives. If travel is unavoidable, make sure you let someone know where you are going and the route you are taking and be sure to have the following items with you in your vehicle.
• A cell phone with charger and a battery powered radio.
• Windshield scraper, deicer, snow shovel and small broom for ice and snow removal.
• Several blankets or sleeping bags.
• Rain gear, warm coats and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks and a cap.
• Non-perishable snacks like dried fruit, nuts and other high energy “munchies.”
• Several bottles of water. Eating snow will lower your body temperature so melt it first.
• Sand or cat litter for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains.
• Jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit and brightly colored cloth to tie to antenna if you get stranded.
ODOT crews report heavy but intermittent snow in the Panhandle with varied ground cover and slickness. Elsewhere, crews continue to monitor conditions.
For information regarding Oklahoma road conditions, call 888-425-2385. For the latest conditions on Oklahoma Turnpikes, call 1-877-403-7623. For road conditions in neighboring states call: Texas, 800-452-9292; Kansas, 866-511-5368; Arkansas, 800-245-1672; and Missouri, 800-222-6400.
OKLAHOMANS URGED TO AVOID TRAVEL
Oklahomans are urged to avoid travel once the storm arrives. If travel is unavoidable, make sure you let someone know where you are going and the route you are taking and be sure to have the following items with you in your vehicle.
• A cell phone with charger and a battery powered radio.
• Windshield scraper, deicer, snow shovel and small broom for ice and snow removal.
• Several blankets or sleeping bags.
• Rain gear, warm coats and extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks and a cap.
• Non-perishable snacks like dried fruit, nuts and other high energy “munchies.”
• Several bottles of water. Eating snow will lower your body temperature so melt it first.
• Sand or cat litter for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains.
• Jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit and brightly colored cloth to tie to antenna if you get stranded.
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