Special Needs Scholarship Bill Gains Committee Approval

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

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

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

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

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

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

House Human Services Committee Vote on HB3393

Human Services Committee
2009-2010 Regular Session

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

DO PASS AS AMENDED

2/15/2010 4:26 PM

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

NAYS: 3
Reps. Jordan, Shelton, Sherrer

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

HOUSE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Agenda

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

House Speaker Comments on Release of January Revenue Numbers

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

State Revenue Picture Brightens

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


Scott Meacham announced today.

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

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

• $107.6 million or 20.8 percent below the estimate.

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

Revenue Picture Brightens

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

Workers compensation reform might include sale of CompSource

From CapitolBeatOK.com

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

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

Tahlequah Daily Press - Advocates keep watch on autism bills

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oklahoma City Jobless Rate The Lowest

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

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

Americans Leery of Too Much Gov't Regulation of Business

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

House Speaker Responds to State of the State Address

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

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

Seven Weather Related Fatalities Reported By Medical Examiner

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

The Office of the State Medical Examiner reports:

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

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

Last Session for Governor, Legislative Leaders is Filled with Challenges

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

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

Bond Indebtedness Slight in Oklahoma Study Shows

OKLAHOMA CITY – An interim study held this week by the House Appropriations and Budget Committee shows that Oklahoma has less tax-supported debt than most other states.

The study, requested by state Rep. John Wright, focused on a comparative review of the state’s bond indebtedness and let lawmakers know what debt obligations the state would have in 2010. Interim state bond advisor Tim Martin and Assistant Attorney General Lynn Rogers both spoke at the study.

“The state’s relative bond position was so strong that last year we got a better bond rating,” Wright, R-Broken Arrow, said. “Our adjusted annual payments as a percentage of appropriations is projected to be 3.76 percent in fiscal year 2010.”

Wright noted the importance of understanding the state’s position in regards to bond indebtedness in a tight budget year.

“I thought it was important that we be fully informed of the state’s current economic position, which includes its debt obligations,” Wright said. “Our strong position may give the Legislature additional options when it comes to how we approach budget decisions this year.”

Latest Storm Injury Tallies Released By Oklahoma Health Department - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

Latest Storm Injury Tallies Released By Oklahoma Health Department - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports

Gov. Henry seeks federal aid for Oklahoma | NewsOK.com

Gov. Henry seeks federal aid for Oklahoma NewsOK.com

Slips and Falls Prompt Caution

The Oklahoma State Department of Health warned today that slips and falls on ice account for more storm-related injuries than all other injuries. Thus far state health department winter storm injury surveillance reports indicate 188 injuries related to slips and falls. Everyone, especially the elderly, should avoid walking on ice. A short trip to the mailbox or to pick up the paper off the driveway could result in a longer trip to the hospital should you slip and fall. It is also a good idea to carry a cell phone at all times so that if you do fall, you can call for help. Additional winter weather precautions are available on the Oklahoma State Department of Health Web site at http://www.ok.gov/health/Winter_Precautions.html.

Winter Weather: What to Do When Your Home or Car is Damaged

Following are some guidelines from Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland to help you deal with a property damage claim or automobile accident.

What to Do if Damage Occurs to Your Home

• Call your insurance company or agent with your policy number and other relevant information as soon as possible. Cooperate fully with the insurance company, and ask what documents, forms and data you will need.
• Take photographs/video of the damage.
• Make the repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property (i.e., cover broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls). Do not have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs.
• Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs covered by your insurance policy.
• If your home is damaged to the extent that you cannot live there, ask your insurance company if you have coverage for additional living expenses incurred while repairs are being made. Save all receipts to document these costs.
Get more information by clicking here.

Gov. Henry declares emergency as winter storm approaches

Oklahoma City — With a dangerous winter storm headed for Oklahoma, Gov. Brad Henry tonight declared a State of Emergency for all 77 Oklahoma counties as state officials continued their emergency response preparations.

Fred Morgan to Head the State Chamber

The State Chamber of Oklahoma announced yesterday that Fred Morgan will become the organization’s next president and CEO. Morgan will succeed longtime chamber executive Richard Rush, who announced in September 2009 that he will retire effective March 31, 2010.

Morgan, a small businessman and attorney, is serving as general counsel and senior policy advisor to the Oklahoma State Senate Leadership. He served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1994-2006.

Senate President Pro-Tem Coffee wished Morgan well in new role, "Fred Morgan is a respected former legislator as well as a trusted and valued Senate staffer. His experience and knowledge of the inner workings of the State Capitol and his history of bipartisan cooperation will serve the State Chamber well. I wish my friend, Fred Morgan, all the best in his new endeavor."

State leaders reach agreement on FY ’10 budget fix

(Oklahoma City) Gov. Brad Henry, House Speaker Chris Benge and Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee today announced that they have reached an agreement on a plan to address the $1 billion shortfall in the current fiscal year budget.

The governor and legislative leaders will use a combination of targeted cuts and reserve funds to balance the Fiscal Year 2010 budget.

Under the proposal, the monthly allocation for state agencies will continue to be reduced by 10 percent for the rest of FY 2010 to reflect slumping revenue collections.

In an effort to protect some priority areas, a handful of agencies in education, health and public safety will subsequently receive additional appropriations to supplement their budgets this year and reduce their share of the overall reduction. Even with that action, every state agency will receive some level of targeted cut for the current fiscal year.

Because the level of cuts is not sufficient to fill the $1 billion shortfall, state leaders also agreed to use reserve dollars from the Rainy Day Fund and the state stimulus account to help balance the budget.

Revamp of Rainy Day Account, Other Budget Proposals to be Considered

News Channel 9 reports today that Governor Henry will propose increasing the amount of money that can be deposited into the state’s rainy day account.

According to the story, the Governor suggests that the state be able to deposit 15 percent of general revenue receipts into the account every year. The current limit is 10 percent.

I agree that we should deposit more money into the account but that only partially addresses the fiscal challenges the state faces every seven to ten years due to normal cycles in the economy.

We must also be disciplined about not spending every dollar that comes in the door of the state treasury immediately. Speaker Benge mentioned recently that he is considering proposing an energy stabilization fund designed to smooth-out the peaks and valleys of the state's budget.

The state's budget volatility is due in large part to the volatility of tax revenue generated from Oklahoma's energy industry. The up-and-down cycle of energy tax collections follows the fluctuations in energy prices. The fund would function by setting aside a portion of the revenue from energy industry taxes while prices and tax revenues are high so that when the prices fall the financial reserves can be tapped to stabilize the budget.

I also support transitioning to a two year budget cycle to further stabilize the budget. Several other states already budget for two year periods.

These ideas and more will be proposed and debated during this session. It’s obviously too late for such solutions to be helpful this year. But considering that each of these proposals seem to have some level of bipartisan support we should be expected to be better prepared when the state faces the next budget shortfall which hopefully will not return soon.

Loved Participating in the Developmental Disabilities Council’s Partners in Policymaking

I loved participating again this year in the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council’s annual advocacy training program for persons with disabilities and their family members called Partners in Policymaking.


Participants meet one weekend a month between September and May to learn how to work with policymakers to create the most effective service and support systems for persons with disabilities and their families.

The January session features a mock legislative hearing as part of this training. I’m told past participants in the class (about 235 people) considered this session to be the single most important because they learned how to research issues, think on their feet, and work with their elected officials.

The panel of legislators serves as a mock committee listening to the presentations, asking follow-up questions, and scores the presentations. I was very impressed by the participants and their presentations. I look forward to participating again next year.

Ethics Commission Will Meet to Address Supreme Court Decision

The AP reports that the Oklahoma Ethics Commission will meet this Friday to make changes to its rules regarding corporate campaign expenditures in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision this week allowing such expenditures. Read the AP story at http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=11867128.

Oklahoma Should ‘Fast Forward’ Workers Comp System

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma has an opportunity to “fast forward” how the state provides workers’ compensation benefits, state Rep. Lewis Moore said today.

“We have a provision in place now that allows for an exciting option in how we currently offer coverage for on the job injuries and sickness – 24/7 coverage,” Moore, R-Edmond, said. “It combines the best of both group health and workers’ compensation coverage. Currently, group health insurance covers you when you’re asleep and not at work, or about 16 hours a day. Workers’ comp covers you when you’re at work.

As much as both types of coverage cost, we can’t help but be able to save a great deal of money, give our businesses an opportunity to be much more competitive, reduce the animosity and adversarial relationship promoted by the current system and help more people become insured. By reducing the cost and streamlining the benefits, we will save employees and employers a great deal of time and money.”

Moore has filed House Bill 2886 to make it possible for the Oklahoma State Employees Benefits Council and the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board to begin a pilot program that state agencies and employers can participate in to take advantage of the 24/7 provision in Title 85.

Gov. Henry signs order prohibiting state employees from ‘texting’ while driving state vehicles

January 21, 2010 --Oklahoma City -- In an effort to ensure safer roads and highways, Gov. Brad Henry today signed an executive order barring state employees from “text messaging” while driving state vehicles. The Governor said he wants the directive to serve as a model for all Oklahoma motorists.

Newberry Measure Would Enable Electronic Monitoring of Sex Offenders

Sen. Dan Newberry has filed legislation that would allow Oklahoma law enforcement officials to monitor the state’s most dangerous sex offenders through electronic tracking devices. Senate Bill 2301 would make electronic monitoring devices mandatory for all Level Two and Three sex offenders who have been released from custody, and provides penalties for removal of the device. Under the state’s tiered system, Level Two and Three offenders are considered a significant threat to society, having been convicted of crimes such kidnapping for sexual exploitation, rape in the first degree and soliciting sexual conduct with a minor.

Newberry said tracking devices could assist law enforcement in ensuring that sex offenders are properly registered, while providing an important preventative tool against predators.

Rep. Ownbey Files Legislation to Prevent Tornado Deaths

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 19, 2010) – State Rep. Pat Ownbey has filed legislation to help protect Oklahomans from the type of devastating tornado that struck Lone Grove last year.

House Bill 2835 would require the owner of a mobile home park to provide tenants a plan for the sheltering or evacuation to a safe place of shelter of the tenants of the park during a tornado, high winds or flooding. The legislation requires the plan be developed with the assistance of the municipality where the mobile home park is located or the county emergency operations office or the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.

“The Lone Grove disaster resulted in the death of several Oklahomans,” Ownbey said. “Lives could have been saved if there had been more access to tornado shelters. Mobile home parks are particularly vulnerable and I think this legislation will save lives.”

Ownbey said that because the legislation has no cost, it can be approved even in a tight budget year.

“I deliberately chose a cost-free solution because I know it will be hard to get bills passed with price tags attached,” Ownbey, R-Ardmore, said. “I had looked at a tax credit for mobile home parks to install shelters, but I think this legislation moves us in the right direction by ensuring mobile home park residents have a safe place to go and know how to get there.”

Pittman, Nelson Leading Bipartisan Effort to Empower Special-Needs Students

State Rep. Anastasia Pittman has filed several measures this year to provide new protections and benefits to Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens, including children with disabilities.

“I believe government’s core functions include protecting our most vulnerable citizens from exploitation and ensuring all children have access to a quality education, particularly those with special needs,” said Pittman, D-Oklahoma City.

House Bill 3327, by Pittman, creates the Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program.

Pittman noted that state Rep. Jason Nelson (R-Oklahoma City) has filed similar legislation and the two will be working together in a bipartisan fashion to advance the proposal.

“Children with disabilities such as Down's syndrome or autism often require specialized instruction,” Pittman said. “The parents of these children should be able to select the school that does the best job meeting a child’s needs. We should not force children with disabilities to go to a school that is not equipped to educate them.”

By allowing parents to select a school that provides appropriate services for a child with special needs, Pittman said the legislation will prevent lawsuits that occur when a currently designated school system is not prepared for special-needs students and accidents occur.