Second part of House GOP year of ideas agenda focuses on healthcare reforms & traditional values House Speaker Lance Cargill (at podium) and other House Republican leaders announce their Healthy Oklahoma platform for the 2007 Legislative session Monday at a special press event at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa. Behind Speaker Cargill, L-R: Rep. Pam Peterson, Rep. Skye McNiel, Rep. Chris Benge, Rep. Kris Steele, and Rep. Tad Jones. Speaking at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa on Monday, Speaker Lance Cargill and House Republican leaders launched the second platform in their 2007 "Year of Ideas Agenda." "Oklahoma's pioneer spirit remains strong after the first 100 years of our history. Now we should harness that spirit to create a healthier society in our state," said Cargill (R-Harrah). "2007 should be the year of ideas. We have an opportunity this year, in our centennial year, to lay the groundwork for our state's second century. And our healthcare system is a vital part of that future. Oklahoma is blessed with citizens who are hard working and who uphold traditional values. At the same time, we face challenges, and it's time for solutions." The Healthy Oklahoma portion of the House GOP agenda will focus on creating a healthier society in Oklahoma. Cargill and House leaders will unveil the final portion of their agenda later this week. Highlights of the four-plank Healthy Oklahoma platform: New Healthcare Reforms Rep. Kris Steele (R-Shawnee), chair of the House Health Subcommittee, has authored House Bill 1928 to expand health savings accounts (HSAs) as an option to state employees. Health savings accounts are personal and portable accounts that allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars toward medical and long-term care expenses. "We must continue to look to market-based solutions for health care options, said Steele. "Health savings accounts put consumers in charge of their health care decisions, and we think state employees should be allowed to have that choice. Health savings accounts will also reduce many of the problems we currently have in health care such as overuse of medical services and rising costs." Other legislation in this area includes: * House Bill 1818, authored by Rep. Scott Martin (R-Norman), establishes a new task force to study and make recommendations on using information technology to reduce health care costs, share health care data more efficiently and establish a regional health information organization. The task force would make recommendations. * House Bill 1601, authored by Rep. Jeff Hickman (R-Dacoma), would make physical education and arts education available to all Oklahoma students. Strengthening Traditional Family Values House Bill 1317 by Rep. John Wright (R-Tulsa). HB 1317 would ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to perform abortions. The measure would make it unlawful for a state employee to perform an abortion or for state funds to be used to counsel for abortion. An exception is provided to save the life of the mother. House Bill 1652 by Rep. Pam Peterson. HB 1652 would close loopholes in existing law by establishing an objective standard for medical emergency abortions. Senior citizen & retiree issues House Bill 1294, authored by Speaker Cargill, offers free park days for senior citizens. Incentives for green space and recreational areas House Bill 2108 by Speaker Cargill would take advantage of Oklahoma'sbeautiful natural terrain and moderate weather to set aside more green space in the state for the enjoyment of citizens. Posted at 1/29/2007 10:21:00 PM