Speaker calls on DHS to release Serenity Deal report

Speaker Kris Steele
R-Shawnee

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kris Steele today called on the Department of Human Services to release its report on last month’s death of a five-year-old Oklahoma girl, Serenity Deal.

“DHS needs to make it a top priority to complete and release the findings of its investigation into Serenity’s tragic death,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “The agency’s duty to explain what happened should not be this complicated and time consuming. It’s time to give Serenity’s family and the public answers. The DHS status quo of excuses and delays is not sufficient.”

Serenity was beaten to death June 4. DHS officials had placed Serenity in her father’s care as part of a trial reunification despite having documented evidence that Serenity had been repeatedly injured while in his care in the past, according to a report by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth.

Serenity’s father has been charged with her murder.

DHS officials on June 15 told media outlets that the agency’s review of the case would be released the week of June 18. However, the report on the review has yet to be released. Further, the report was not delivered to the agency’s governing board, the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services, at its meeting today.

“In order to improve DHS and better protect Oklahoma’s children, we need to know the facts about what happens when the system fails,” Steele said. “Based on the information currently available, it seems likely that Serenity died because of a systematic breakdown. We must find out precisely what happened so we can correct the problem, but we can’t do that until DHS produces its report.”

Steele continued: “Child welfare workers have some of the toughest and most important jobs in state government. They do an admirable job under tough conditions every day. It is time for DHS leadership to identify what happened in Serenity’s case so welfare workers can be supported with effective direction and policies in the future.”

The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, which serves as a watchdog over DHS, completed its report on Serenity’s death within ten days. It has been 52 days since Serenity died and no DHS report has been released.

The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth report indicates there were major disagreements among DHS officials in Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties about whether Serenity should have been placed in her father’s custody.

“Oklahoma is well past the point of being simply ‘concerned’ about DHS. Something must change,” Steele said. “If this agency continues to fail to answer tough questions, the public will continue to wonder why DHS leadership seems so intent on dodging accountability. Until we see serious change, I will not hesitate to press for answers and solutions. The public and our most vulnerable citizens deserve nothing less.”

OKDHS Director Responds

Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Director Howard Hendrick responded to criticism from House Speaker Kris Steele regarding the time the department is taking to prepare a detailed report on the death of five-year-old Serenity Deal.

“The Department will issue its report on the death of Serenity Deal when it has the information necessary to understand what different family members knew, what different workers knew, and when did they know it,” said Hendrick. “Without knowing what each person involved in the case knew, it would be premature to determine whether errors in judgment happened.”

The Deal case had multiple hearings before the Courts, said Hendrick. The department has requested and has been waiting on court transcripts which would detail the recommendations of the workers, supervisors, child’s attorney, parents’ attorneys, and district attorneys each time the child’s case was heard in court.

“This information is critical to the official report and will help detail the events surrounding this little girl’s life and those leading up to her death,” said Hendrick.

OKDHS is one part of a larger system that works together to protect children. All investigative reports and recommendations by child welfare workers are given to district attorneys who then take cases before judges.  Every child in state custody also has an independent attorney assigned to represent them and their interests in court.

“Until transcripts are reviewed, it is not possible to know what different persons knew and when they knew it,” said Hendrick.  “The transcripts have been requested multiple times.”

While the broad series of events have been reported in the report issued by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, the context of those events cannot be known until the court transcripts have been produced and analyzed, said Hendrick.

“No one intends a result like this one,” said Hendrick. “OKDHS child welfare workers do an excellent job of keeping children safe.  In a case where efforts were being made to keep a family together and family members had different opinions and workers had different information, assessing more information is necessary to complete the story.”

Update 1: Oklahoma’s Multicounty Grand Jury to Meet Monday

(July 26, 2011) Miles Jordan Tarron Indictment Unsealed 

OKLAHOMA CITY (Monday, July 18, 2011) – The state’s multicounty grand jury reconvenes today in Oklahoma City.

The grand jury will meet from Monday, July 18, through Wednesday, July 20. This month’s session will be held at the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, located at 313 NE 21.

Scott Pruitt

The multicounty grand jury was requested by Attorney General Scott Pruitt and approved by the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Jan. 27. It will be led by Assistant Attorney General Charles Rogers, chief of the Multicounty Grand Jury Unit for the Oklahoma Attorney General.

The multicounty grand jury has jurisdiction to investigate criminal matters in all 77 counties, assisting local law enforcement as well as handling matters of state interest.

The state’s 12th multicounty grand jury wrapped up in September. It indicted 10 people and assisted 145 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Grand jurors typically meet to hear testimony two to three days each month.

Testimony before a grand jury is closed to the public.

Governor Fallin Sets Dates for District 1 Special Election

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today set the date for a special election in Oklahoma House of Representatives District 1. The seat is currently vacant after Representative Rusty Farley passed away suddenly in early July. District 1 covers McCurtain County in Southeast Oklahoma.

The filing period for candidates will take place from August 22, 2011 to August 24, 2011. The primary election will be held November 8, 2011 and the general election held on February 14, 2012. In the event that no primary election is required, the general election will instead be held on November 8, 2011.

A copy of the executive order setting the election date can be seen here.

State’s largest teachers union ready to take on school districts after loss of “trial de novo” option

By Stacy Martin and Patrick B. McGuigan at www.CapitolBeatOK.com (Published: 24-Jul-2011)

The legislative authors of bill repealing Oklahoma's “trial de novo” provisions for school teachers say the Oklahoma Education Association’s general counsel is misinforming members of Oklahoma’s largest teachers' union about the new provisions, by asserting its strictures violate the U.S. Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment right to due process.

"The Oklahoma Legislature does not have the authority to repeal or otherwise change the due process protections that are set forth in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution," states OEA general counsel Richard Wilkinson in the June/July "Education Focus," the union's member newspaper. 

Also, Wilkinson’s column and another anonymously-written item in the publication remind union members of their asserted right to engage school districts in lengthy, expensive litigation. 

The references are found in the newspaper online at www.okea.org. 

Wilkinson’s legal assistant said he could not comment for this story because he would be on a lengthy vacation and she did not know when he would return.

Rep. Corey Holland
R-Marlow

“What teachers will no longer have after being terminated is a guaranteed new trial which effectively starts the entire process of termination over again,” said state Rep Corey Holland of Marlow. “House Bill 1380 puts the termination decision in the hands of the same folks who do the hiring. This is not an unfair standard in any way.

“In fact, it aligns with how every other public employee in our state is treated. Teachers who believe they are unjustly terminated will have the option, if they choose to pursue it, to have their case heard in a court of law just like everyone else. The Constitution of the United States has not been altered just because Oklahoma passed H.B. 1380, and any legitimate lawyer understands this fact."

In the most recent “Education Focus,” an anonymous item emphasizes that any teacher believing she or he has been wrongfully terminated retains the right to sue school districts, administrators and board members. The brief item notes, “These cases are more costly to litigate for the school district.” 

The bill means that tenured teachers will have the same rights in termination cases as probationary teachers, Wilkinson noted in his column. Because a teacher achieves tenure after teaching three years, tenure provisions formerly provided substantial, virtually automatic job security.

In his column, Wilkinson cited three to four specific instances in which a public school district may be sued – including instances where the district has failed to prove its case. He stated there are “voluminous” additional reasons to do so.

Sen. John Ford
R-Bartlesville

State Sen. John Ford of Bartlesville said, “The district is always subject to a suit if the district does not follow the procedures outlined in the statutes. This is as it should be.”

Oklahoma taxpayers ultimately pick up the tab for school districts’ legal costs. Highly-placed education sources contend school district litigation costs have gotten out of hand in school districts for numerous reasons.

Wilkinson said in his column that legal action against a district, administrators and school board could go on as long as 18 to 24 months, whereas a court appeal is statutorily limited to 63 days.

Sen. Ford disagreed, saying “Mr. Wilkinson talks about…. the trial de novo process to be over in 63 days.” Ford explained, “This is if there are no extensions requested and granted. In fact, many have exceeded the 63 days, some actually lasting over a year.” 

Teachers performing their jobs properly have nothing to fear, lawmakers insist. “Trial de novo” is an optional provisions and is not in place in every state where teachers' unions are powerful. 

Recently, Purcell Superintendent Tony Christian told reporters it cost the district $80,000 and several months of wrangling to terminate a former teacher who was eventually convicted of serious wrong-doing. Criminal proceedings against the individual took law enforcement two years to complete.

The new “trial de novo” law does not mean fired teachers cannot appeal terminations in a court of law. Terminated educators may use the public court system, but will have to start the process anew without automatic resource to trial court after a dismissal. 

The bill becomes law August 26, 2011. It will govern teacher termination efforts for the 2011-2012 school year and thereafter.

Wilkinson's colulmn said OEA had anticipated passage of this legislation. Thus, for several years, the union's delegates have authorized “substantial investments” in a sophisticated arsenal of tools that will virtually transform school board termination hearings into court proceedings.

Governor Fallin Signs Executive Order Amending State of Emergency

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed an amendment to the State of Emergency that was declared last month by Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb. The amended declaration will now include all 77 Oklahoma Counties in response to the continued severe heat and drought conditions.

While some counties are still affected more than others by the heat and drought hitting the state, all counties are currently experiencing drought conditions and forecasts show these conditions will only continue to get worse for all portions of Oklahoma.

This Executive Order is a proactive measure to ensure Oklahoma is eligible for any and all federal assistance that may be available.

Treasurer's Commentary: It's the spending, stupid!

By State Treasurer Ken Miller

Ken Miller

While recent reports show state economic prospects heating up, no recovery is guaranteed. Oklahoma is not immune from macroeconomic conditions or bad decisions made in our nation’s capitol. Unfortunately, the current Washington stalemate threatens our economic recovery just as it’s catching fire.

With the federal government borrowing 40-cents of every dollar spent, much focus is on the US debt crisis. In the last 10 years alone, the gross federal debt has ballooned about 150 percent from $5.8 trillion to $14.3 trillion. This is an increase from 56 percent of GDP in 2001 to more than 100 percent today. The cause is simple – it’s the spending, stupid!

Missouri becomes third health care compact state, joining Oklahoma and Georgia

By Patrick B. McGuigan at CapitolBeatOK (Published: 15-Jul-2011)

Advocates of state Health Care Compacts on Thursday (July 14) celebrated passage in Missouri, the third American state to enact the governance reform in recent months. Oklahoma was the second, while Georgia was the first.

In an interview with CapitolBeatOK, Eric O’Keefe of the Health Care Compact Alliance said the measure was gratifying to him and other advocates seeking to provide an alternative to the federal health care law passed last year.

New Study on Laws Banning Cell Phone Use and Texting While Driving Puts Idea on Hold

A recent study reports that cell phone and texting bans have not resulted in fewer accidents in those states that have passed such laws.

It recommends that states that have not passed laws restricting cell phone use while driving wait before doing so and that states focus on enforcing existing distracted driving statutes.

House Speaker Announces Pension Committee Members

Speaker Kris Steele
R-Shawnee

OKLAHOMA CITY – House Speaker Kris Steele today announced the membership of the select House oversight committee on pensions that will conduct all House interim studies on pension matters.

The announcement came as Oklahoma’s recently enacted pension reforms received national attention at today’s Southern Legislative Conference’s annual meeting in Memphis, Tenn., where state Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City, was a featured speaker on the issue.

“Oklahoma’s pioneering approach to pension reform is something other states should consider,” said Steele, R-Shawnee, who attended today’s conference in support of McDaniel. “Thanks to Rep. McDaniel’s presentation today, legislators from other states have officially taken notice that we are doing something right in improving our pension system in Oklahoma.”

McDaniel will serve as chairman of the House oversight committee on pensions. The committee will hear McDaniel’s four interim studies on pensions, which will study how pension system investments have been handled, ways to continue reducing the unfunded liability and pension funding formulas.

“Improving the fiscal stability of our pension system is important because failing to do so would risk sending all of state government into fiscal disarray. I am pleased the House is continuing to rise to this challenge,” Steele said.

McDaniel, who has nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, said additional pension reforms are necessary.

Rep. Randy McDaniel
R-Oklahoma City

“While the reforms accomplished last session were consequential, it is clear we still face considerable challenges. The large unfunded liability, workforce demographics, and financial constraints exemplify the need for future vigilance and reform,” McDaniel said. “Nonetheless, based on the achievements of the past session, I am confident we can continue working together to improve the financial condition of the pension system.”

Members of the House select oversight committee on pensions are:

Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City
Rep. David Brumbaugh, R-Tulsa
Rep. Corey Holland, R-Marlow
Rep. Steve Martin, R-Bartlesville
Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa
Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Tuttle
Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell
Rep. Weldon Watson, R-Tulsa
Rep. Steve Kouplen, D-Beggs
Rep. R.C. Pruett, D-Antlers
Rep. Brian Renegar, D-McAlester
Rep. Seneca Scott, D-Tulsa

McDaniel highlighted Oklahoma’s 2011 pension reform accomplishments at today’s Southern Legislative Conference meeting, which was attended by hundreds of legislators from other states.

At the start of the 2011 legislative session, Oklahoma’s seven retirement systems had over a $16 billion unfunded liability compared to a $6 billion unfunded liability just a decade ago. As of last March, Oklahoma’s 57 percent pension funding ratio was the third worst in the nation.

However, the reforms enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature this year will produce savings of nearly $7 billion over the next 30 years.

The major reforms enacted will require that cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) be fully funded when authorized and will increase retirement ages to reflect rising longevity.

“Oklahoma made noteworthy strides this year. Our efforts to shore up the state’s pension plans are being recognized,” McDaniel said. “I was honored to have the opportunity to discuss our approach with policymakers from across the country and look forward to continuing to work on this important issue.”

Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council Seeks Input on Five Year Plan

The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council is seeking comments on its draft five year Goals, Objectives, & Strategies State Plan. 

The goal of the plan is to consider the needs of all Oklahomans with developmental disabilities.

The ODDC website requests comments “on each Goal and its associated Objective(s), Strategy(ies) and Timeline(s). For each Goal area, please tell us whether or not you support the goal, why or why not, and which public or private agencies the Council might wish to engage as a collaborator.”

You may visit the ODDC state plan page or complete the survey on-line.

You may also post comments on the Council’s Facebook page.

The deadline for submission of comments is July 22, 2011.

The Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) is a small, independent state agency that works to improve services and supports for Oklahomans with developmental disabilities.

Governor Fallin Issues Ban on Outdoor Burning

OKLAHOMA CITY – As drought conditions continue to worsen across Oklahoma, Governor Mary Fallin has issued an Executive Proclamation banning outdoor burning for much of the state. Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, recommended the ban based upon an analysis of fire activity, wildland fuel conditions and the predicted continued drought as criteria for recommending the ban.

The Governor’s Burn Ban covers 45 counties in western and south-central Oklahoma. County Commissioner Burn Bans remain in effect in some counties not covered by the Governor’s proclamation. Extreme fire conditions are increasing with the extraordinary drought. With no significant rainfall predicted, expansion of the number of counties with burning restrictions may be necessary in the future.

“The number of wildfires we have had over the last few months is extremely tough on our state firefighters,” Fallin said. “It’s a drain on their resources as well as a physical drain. Anything that can be done to minimize fires will help to keep both our firefighters and the public safe. I’m asking all Oklahomans to be vigilant and to do their part in preventing fires.”

Unlawful activities under the ban include campfires, bonfires, and setting fire to any forest, grass, woods, wildlands or marshes, as well as igniting fireworks, burning trash or other materials outdoors.

As part of the Governors Burn Ban there are exemptions for a number of items such as welding and road construction. For more specific information and detail visit www.forestry.ok.gov or call Michelle Finch-Walker with the Oklahoma Forestry Services at 580-236-1021.

Click here for burn ban guidelines.

House Speaker Approves Interim Studies

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 8, 2011) – The House of Representatives will conduct 80 interim studies this year and for the first time will require interim study reports be publicly posted and archived.

Speaker Kris Steele
R-Shawnee

House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, announced the studies and new recordkeeping procedures Friday.

The studies will cover a wide range of topics, including public safety, education, government operations, health care, child and senior care, natural resources and more.

“The House has shown bold, bipartisan willingness to address Oklahoma’s needs through these studies,” Steele said. “The interim study process affords legislators time for in-depth exploration needed to develop positive public policies. I fully expect some of the best work the Legislature does next year to be born out of the interim study process we are beginning this year.”

The House received 126 interim study requests this year.

Steele said requiring public posting of interim study reports will improve the process and increase transparency.

“Good work is done during these studies, but because the Legislature doesn’t always document that work, it is often wondered what is actually done during the interim study process,” Steele said.

This year, once an interim study is complete, a summary report of its work and recommendations will be posted on the House website and archived for future reference. All documents and presentations used during interim study committee hearings will also be posted on the House website and archived. In addition, audio of interim study committee hearings will be streamed live on the House website and remain posted to the House website for future review.

“These changes are part of the House’s ongoing commitment to transparency and increasing the public’s access to the work done by their government,” Steele said. “This small change should produce big results in disseminating useful research, fostering fact-based decisions and retaining institutional knowledge.”

Beginning Aug. 2, interim study hearings can be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the discretion of the chairman of the committee to which the study is assigned. Meeting notices will be posted under existing House committee meeting notice posting guidelines.

Approved interim studies are attached and will also be posted on the interim studies page on the House website.

Oklahoma Economy Strong Enough for a $219 Million Rainy Day Fund Deposit

Office of State Finance Director Preston Doerflinger announced Monday that the bone-dry Rainy Day Fund will be replenished with a deposit of approximately $219 million after General Revenue Fund collections closed out the 2011 fiscal year on a roll.

"It will be the largest deposit into our constitutional reserve fund since the end of the 2005 fiscal year," Doerflinger said. "And while we will likely face a tight budget again next year, this enhances stabilization of Oklahoma's overall revenue situation."

Doerflinger, secretary of finance in Gov. Mary Fallin's cabinet, made the announcement as he released the final General Revenue Fund report for June, wrapping up the FY-11 fiscal year. The FY-12 fiscal year started July 1.

June revenue collections from all major sources continued to beat the official state estimate and last year's receipts, led by income, sales and energy taxes," the OSF director said.

"We’re getting economic traction in all areas, including some where it appears stagnation has set in for the national economy. Specifically, recent declines in Oklahoma's unemployment rate coincide with strong GRF income tax collections, both individual and corporate," Doerflinger said.

Oklahoma's jobless rate fell to a 28-month low of 5.3% in May. That compares to a national unemployment rate exceeding 9 percent. As late as March 2010, the state unemployment rate stood at 7.3%.

Preliminary estimates show total June GRF collections hitting $576 million, an increase of $78.1 million or 15.7% from the prior year and $66.2 million or 13% over the estimate.  As is often the case, June was the strongest revenue month of the year.

The end-of –the-fiscal-year total was $5.1 billion, an increase from the prior year of $487.1 million or 10.5 percent.  Collections for 12 months topped the estimate by $219.4 million or 4.5 percent, according to preliminary figures.

Gov. Mary Fallin

"This month’s revenue report is one more sign that things are trending up in Oklahoma," said Gov. Mary Fallin. "It is great news that tax revenues continue to climb, unemployment is ticking down and the state is quickly replenishing its Rainy Day Fund."

"Looking forward, we need to keep our momentum going in the right direction by continuing to pursue the kind of pro-business policies that bring more jobs and tax revenue into Oklahoma."

The state's Rainy Day account had dwindled to only $2.03 after it had to be tapped during the recession to ease huge budget shortfalls that threatened essential state services. It had reached a record $596.6 million before the recession.

The balance in the state savings account could reach new heights in the future years, thanks to adoption by voters of a constitutional amendment in 2010 raising from 10% to 15% the ceiling on prior year GRF funds that can be deposited into the fund.

Having a healthy amount of money in reserve is important for several reasons, including meeting funding emergencies. It also is one item national bond rating companies consider when rating a state. Having a high bond rating permits states to get low-interest financing for public infrastructure projects, saving taxpayers money.

Oklahoma's energy industry has played a significant role in Oklahoma's ongoing recovery from the effects of the deep national downturn, providing high-paying jobs that lead to higher income and sales tax collections.

"Oil revenue bolstered our General Revenue Fund in Fiscal Year 2011 and a surplus from the source helped us provide additional funds for educational entities that they were able to use for the end of the 2011 fiscal year or carry into 2012," Doerflinger said.

"I was particularly pleased to see natural gas revenue rebound in June after being a drag on total gross production tax collections for much of the last fiscal year. This is one area we will be watching closely in the months ahead," he added.

General Revenue Fund collections for the major tax categories in June were:

Holland Urges Careful Use of Test Scores to Evaluate Schools

School performance measures should not rely solely on tests that do not measure individual student improvement, state Rep. Corey Holland said today.

Rep. Corey Holland
R-Marlow

“Test scores are very important and Oklahoma students need to demonstrate a certain level of knowledge,” said Holland, a Marlow Republican who is a former teacher. “But state-mandated test scores are just one piece of the education puzzle. Let’s not lose sight of that reality.”

Holland’s comments follow a massive cheating scandal in Atlanta, where an investigation found that 178 educators provided test answers to students or changed test answers to improve scores.

“The recent discovery of widespread cheating by teachers and administrators in Georgia is a wake up call to all of us,” Holland said. “These adults have been altering tests for years, and the cheating was not limited to just a handful of individuals. Over 100 people were involved, and many of them had previously been heralded as education heroes for the great improvements in their test scores over the years. If Oklahoma focuses solely on test scores we are not getting the complete picture of student achievement either. In Atlanta many assumed the students were doing much better than they actually were. Conversely, I fear many in Oklahoma assume our students are doing much worse than they actually are.”

Holland said Oklahoma tests currently do not provide adequate measurement of student learning and warned against making those tests the sole measurement of schools’ success.

“Oklahoma’s current testing system can compare one year’s class of students to last year’s class, but it currently fails to adequately measure whether a particular student has achieved a full year’s education growth during a school year,” Holland said. “Instead, the test measures if students are at grade-level without making reference to each student’s education status at the start of the year. This is inadequate data. High-stakes testing can make the situation worse by making the focus entirely on a defined level the average student in a given grade should reach.

“Not all development in students occurs at the same rate. Some students do well in some areas early, while others develop a little later. We have all seen this in little league. Does every little league hero wind up being the best in high school? Not often. Academic development often involves the same differences in timing between students as they progress.”

Unless the testing system is improved to provide true measurement of student performance, Holland said relying on test results as the major determining factor in funding and policy implementation could have significant unintended consequences like those seen in Atlanta.

“What occurred in Georgia is inexcusable. The administrators and teachers in Atlanta orchestrated a scheme to defraud their students, parents and the public, and they should be held responsible for their actions,” Holland said. “The lesson to learn is that overemphasizing one aspect of the education process is a mistake. Oklahoma needs to develop a statewide longitudinal data system that takes into account all the learning occurring in a classroom. As education leaders we have a responsibility to make our decisions based in reality. We should also want to measure a student’s total achievement during a school year. A test score is a snapshot in time. The people in Atlanta can now testify how test scores alone don’t always reflect reality.”

June Revenue Shows State Economic Growth Accelerating

Treasurer warns Washington inaction on debt could harm state recovery

Oklahoma’s economy is expanding at an accelerating pace, Treasurer Ken Miller said yesterday as he released the revenue report on total tax commission collections in June.


“Now entering the third year of the cyclical expansion, Oklahoma’s double-digit revenue growth last month shows our state’s economy is clearly regaining its strength while the national economy continues its rather anemic growth.” Miller said.


“Gross receipts, reflecting a cross-section of the state’s economic activity, are encouraging from top to bottom,” he said. “Again this month, every major category shows growth with earnings and consumption especially strong.”


June collections compared to a year ago surged by more than 15 percent, the report from the state treasurer’s office shows. Collections for the past 12 months are almost eight percent above the trailing 12 months, according to the report. “Month after month, the Oklahoma economy gains steam,” Miller said. 


External Threats


Click here to read the full report

Services Set for Rep. Rusty Farley, Colleagues Remember a Friend and Statesman

Rep. Rusty Farley
R-Haworth

State Rep. Rusty Farley’s funeral will be held Friday, July 8 at 2 p.m. in the Haworth High School Auditorium, HC 73 #1 on Highway 3 in Haworth. Rep. Farley served for many years on the Haworth School Board before joining the Legislature last year.

Rep. Rusty Farley, R-Haworth, died Monday afternoon, July 4, at a hospital in Paris, Texas, after suffering a pulmonary aneurysm. 

Farley, 57, was elected in 2010 to represent House District 1, which covers the far southeast corner of Oklahoma.

House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee:

“Rep. Rusty Farley’s steady voice of wisdom will be greatly missed at the Legislature and beyond. During his short time at the Capitol, Rep. Farley quickly developed the admiration of his colleagues in the House through his compassionate character and commitment to solid Oklahoma conservative values. The House extends its hearts and prayers to his family and constituents at this time of loss.”

Governor Mary Fallin:

"Representative Farley was a dedicated public servant who will be sorely missed at the capitol. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family during this difficult time."

State Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City:

“Rusty ran for office, was elected and served his constituents at the Capitol for all the right reasons. He was a thoughtful person and a respected House member whose life and service to the state were cut too short. He will be missed as we remember and pray for his family and friends in the days and weeks to come.” 

State Rep. Charlie Joyner, R-Midwest City:

“I want to express my condolences to Rusty Farley’s family. Rusty was a true friend and a lot of fun to be around. His sense of humor was outstanding and he told many great stories. He took his job very seriously and was very conscientious when deciding how to vote. He sat behind me on the House floor for one session, but I will not forget him.”

State Rep. Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher:

“Representative Farley will be sorely missed by his fellow lawmakers. He always had a smile on his face and a story ready for you. He liked to talk about his grandkids. I would say that he lived life to the fullest. His family is in Nellie and my thoughts and prayers.”

Fellow freshmen members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives remember a friend and statesman:

State Rep. Josh Cockroft, R-Tecumseh:

“All I can think about is how genuine he was... How he sat there and knew exactly what he believed on every single vote and wasn't persuaded one bit by what people said. Such a pure heart in a simple and good man. I sure will miss him.”

State Rep. Donnie Condit, D-McAlester:

“I have never met a kinder or more polite person than Rusty. We attended prayer sessions together here at the Capitol, and in the short time we served together I respected his statesmanship and his allegiance to his district. We had discussed during the session scheduling a reunion of freshmen legislators during the interim, and in fact we had spoken this past week as he had plans in the works for a weekend of recreation and review of our roles as legislators. Rusty will truly be missed.”

State Rep. Marty Quinn, R-Claremore:

“Rep. Farley was a great friend to many but he was even a better person. People like Rusty come along once in a life time.”

State Rep. James Lockhart, D-Heavener:

“Rusty was a great person to know – very straight-forward and committed to his constituents. We both served on the Agriculture, Wildlife & Environment Committee and the Transportation Committee, and on several occasions after deliberating an issue he would simply state, ‘I think this is what my district would want me to do’, and voted accordingly. He was not hung up on partisan politics, and would not label an idea as Democratic or Republican – it was simply a policy matter to consider. I am very proud to have had the opportunity to serve with him.”  

State Rep. Elise Hall, R-Oklahoma City:

“Rep. Rusty Farley was one of the best members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and our freshman class. What a good, good man and great encourager he was! We will miss him dearly.”

State Rep. Will Fourkiller, D-Stilwell:

“In his short time as a legislator Rusty proved to be a caring statesman and public servant, and with his passing we have all lost a great representative. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”  

State Rep. Glenn Mulready, R-Tulsa:

“[W]e lost a great Republican Freshman Representative today. More importantly, our state lost a really good man. I don't know that there was a more pure heart than Rusty Farley.”

State Rep. Emily Virgin, D-Norman:

“Rep. Farley was truly one of the most kind-hearted people I have ever met. His contagious laugh and smile always brightened my day. Rep. Farley never let politics or political parties stand in the way of friendship. His loving and caring spirit will be dearly missed among his colleagues.”

Protest Over Education Funding Priorities Planned

A group calling itself Educators for Facts, Openness, Responsibility, and Truth (EFFORT) is planning to hold a demonstration against State Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi at 10 a.m this Thursday, July 7, at the Cox Convention Center.

The group is frustrated with the priorities Barresi used to develop next year’s education budget. 

Barresi said her first priority was to focus on core areas of student learning and achievement. In particular, Barresi decided to protect funding for reading instruction, support for rigorous coursework and helping students meet graduation requirements.

Barresi acknowledged in a press release, “This is a challenging year, but I believe we’ve been able to strike a good balance by making sure that the needs of students are met first and foremost.”

Some of the signs the group suggests for the protest include the following: 

“640,000 students need COMPETENCE, not CHAOS!”
”Barresi is WRONG!”
”Barresi Blows Budget! “
“Save Oklahoma Schools”

The group does not explain how directing limited funds directly to students in the classroom is wrong or harms students. 

Deer Creek Family Wants Special Education Plan For Daughter

Read story at News Channel 9

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

(Learn more at The National Archives' The Charters of Freedom)

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.