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Monday, December 31, 2007 Good Economic News to Start Second Century
 By Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant Happy New Year, everybody! As Oklahoma enters the first full year of its second century as a state, we received some very good news about our economy. We learned last week that Oklahoma’s personal income grew faster than the national average during the third quarter of 2007. That increase was driven primarily by growth in the oil and gas industry, according to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Oklahoma’s personal income grew 1.8 percent in the third quarter, topping the national rate of 1.4 percent. Oklahoma ranked fifth among the states in personal income growth for the third quarter. For a state whose income has lagged behind most of the nation, this is extraordinary news for our economic future.
That means the increase in personal income driven by the oil and gas industry in Oklahoma was more than eight times the national average. The good news, however, did not end with the energy industry. Read more... Labels: OK Legislator's Blog, Sen. Gumm Posted at 12/31/2007 01:18:00 PM | 
Loveless to Make "Major Grassroots Milestone Announcement"From the Kyle Loveless for State Senate Campaign Newsletter: In mid January, I will be proud to announce several things, which will separate my campaign from other Republicans in the field. Others have been talking a lot, but we have not seen much of anything across the district. From the time I announced, I am proud to have made so many new friends all across the district. From Mustang’s Positive Posse meetings, to Moore and Westmoore Football games, it has been so much fun, talking to people and there have been several things that I have learned. First, people don’t expect much from their state government, however, they appreciate meeting me on their terms, and on their doorsteps. Second, yes, I am a Loveless, like Loveless shoes. Some people that know me, know me from my political experience in different functions, but don’t know about the transformation and growth of my family business. It truly is a Oklahoma treasure that I am proud to continue that tradition. However, I have learned that small businesses here in Oklahoma really have a challenge in front of them and it seems that there are not that many people out there that understand what small businesses go through. I do and look forward to bringing change for all of us. Finally, people want a true conservative. – I tell people, I am unabashedly PRO-Life, NRA Member, will help fight illegal immigration. I will help end the strangle hold liberal trial lawyers have had on the State Senate and the government of our great state. However, most importantly people don’t care usually what I have to say, they want to know that I will listen. Labels: Decision '08, Kyle Loveless Posted at 12/31/2007 11:05:00 AM |
Oklahoma Energy: Successful Past, Bright Future By: Dana Murphy In one hundred years Oklahoma has gone from being the new kid on the block to being a leader in energy. Most of us know the story of Oklahoma's oil boom in the early 1900s. Back then Tulsa was the place for all things oil. Getty, Skelly, Kerr, McGee, Tom Slick, Helmerich and Payne…the list goes on and on of famous oil men turning black gold into jobs, revenue and a future for our state. A century later the boom has moved from oil to natural gas and throughout Oklahoma. Chesapeake, Devon, Newfield, SandRidge and many others are the newest kids on the block, bringing jobs, taxes, royalty income and prosperity through new, unconventional reservoirs. Oil and natural gas again rank number one economically in Oklahoma. Oklahoma continues to lead on the national energy front. Based on 2006 data, Oklahoma ranked third in natural gas production and fifth in oil production in the United States. Oklahoma State University, The University of Oklahoma and The University of Tulsa are among the elite universities educating tomorrow's energy leaders. The Noble Foundation and other groups are at the forefront of developing today's and tomorrow's fuels. Consumers have benefited greatly, as Oklahoma's energy prices consistently rank among the nation's lowest. While the fuel on the shelf is still natural gas and oil, keeping that fuel readily available involves more advanced technology and significantly greater expense. Oklahomans and Americans must encourage further domestic oil and gas development, and make more efficient use of these precious resources in our vehicles, homes and businesses. In an era of declining oil and gas resources, alternative fuels are becoming more vital to our future. Currently, we're developing wind power, solar energy, hydrogen power and bio fuels. Coal, once a staple of energy, is being reinvented through improving technology as a source of cleaner, increasingly efficient power. Oklahomans have always been innovative, persevering and resourceful —a proud tradition which continues. With the potential to provide 10 percent of America's electricity needs, Oklahoma already ranks sixth nationally for wind farm capacity. OG&E, AEP/PSO, the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority and a growing number of Oklahoma Electric Cooperatives are helping lead the way with wind power. It's up to Oklahoma to advance and maximize fossil fuel extraction, while simultaneously cultivating new energy sources. We have the talent, the will and the knowledge to make Oklahoma a vital player on today's and tomorrow's world energy stage. We must encourage our universities, energy companies and power providers to research, test and move to market, every form of viable, renewable energy possible. Government has a significant role to play through working with the public and private sectors to initiate, facilitate and provide the right incentives for research and development. According to former Secretary of Energy Bob Sullivan, a significant, untapped Oklahoma resource also lies in utilizing the knowledge of senior managers and retirees of energy companies to help move us forward. Challenge and excitement lie ahead for the energy industry and consumers alike. We're watching the slow but steady addition of alternative fuels along with development of new unconventional reservoirs of oil and natural gas. Oklahoma, with its rich tradition of leadership in the energy industry, is poised to continue that greatness in the coming years. The more we use power wisely and conserve, the more we lower our personal energy costs, protect our environment, maximize use of all energy forms and improve national security through reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Working together, the people of Oklahoma and Oklahoma's energy industry can lead our nation and the world to a future with exciting energy opportunities. Dana Murphy is a fifth generation Oklahoman who is a republican candidate for the Corporation Commission seat currently held by Jim Roth. Murphy is a geologist, an attorney and a former Commission administrative law judge. Labels: Dana Murphey, Decision '08 Posted at 12/31/2007 10:31:00 AM |
State Complains of Revenue Shortage
OKPNS wasn't going to write about this at first but we would be remiss not too for our many readers. Governor Brad Henry and the state have complained that the state is short on revenue to fix our roads and to fund our schools.
OKPNS suggests that these "State Leaders" get serious about ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION and its impact on our state. We would have more money to spend on these things if we didn't have any influx of illegals clogging up our school system and DMV. I mean have you been to the DMV lately? I have and let me tell you something it makes me appreciate Rep. Terrill even more!
The DMV is filled with Illegal Aliens getting drivers licenses and we already know that our school system has to ear the brunt with the ESL classes. What irked me the most was the woman who asked in ENGLISH for a DMV Book in SPANISH.
OKPNS suggest that our Governor get serious about this ILLEGAL Immigration issue and then we will have more money to put into education, infrastructure, and other things.
Labels: Brad Henry, Budget, Revenue, Scott Meacham Posted at 12/28/2007 10:29:00 AM |
John McCain 2008 Announces National Catholics For McCain Leadership TeamOKPNS has very mixed feelings about John McCain. I mean this is the same guy who supported the Presidents Immigration Reform bill. Since then he has said that he was wrong and he heard us loud and clear. I can respect a man who admits his mistakes and corrects them. Senator McCain is a very principled man and I think his service to our country has prepared him to deal with the tough issues facing our country. I mean you really have to admire someone who spent time as a POW and didn't break.
Former Governor Frank Keating (R-OK), also National Co-Chair of Catholics for McCain said, "John McCain can uniquely appeal to Catholics with his strong, 24-year pro-life record, his stand for traditional values and school choice, his proven leadership in defending America, and his demonstrated ability to appeal to independent-minded voters. These are exactly the type of qualities that Catholic voters will be looking for in 2008." In a joint statement, Governor Keating and Senator Brownback added: "In this election, with so much at stake, we need a leader who will help transform history to extend and uphold the rights and dignity of each and every child of God. John McCain is that leader." John McCain expressed his appreciation and stated: "I am very pleased to have the support of this distinguished coalition of Catholic leaders. I am proud to stand side-by-side with Catholics on many of the most critical issues of our day: defending the sanctity of human life, upholding traditional marriage, expanding educational choice, and defending America from the threats that we face around the globe. I have fought my entire life to protect religious freedom and human rights around the world. I look forward to working with these Catholic leaders in the weeks and months ahead as we take our shared values to the White House." Catholics for McCain will play an active role in educating and communicating with fellow Catholics about why John McCain is the best candidate to successfully promote Catholic values in the upcoming election. Labels: Decision '08, Frank Keating, John McCain Posted at 12/28/2007 10:20:00 AM |
Mary Fallin Introduces Legislation To Exempt Overtime Pay From Income TaxesWashington, DC — U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, introduced legislation yesterday that would exclude overtime pay from gross income, making it exempt from the federal income tax. The bill immediately attracted several cosponsors and has been endorsed by Americans for Tax Reform. After the bill’s introduction, Fallin released the following statement: “This bill would help to ensure that those who work the hardest get taxed the least. Exempting overtime pay from the federal income tax will reward hard work and help families save money. At a time when Americans are struggling to cope with rising gasoline prices and spiraling healthcare costs, the need to reduce their tax burden is obvious. Read MoreLabels: Mary Fallin, Overtime Pay Posted at 12/28/2007 02:06:00 AM |
One-Man Gridlock: Meet Tom Coburn, Senate’s ‘Dr. No’Oklahoma Conservative Specializes in the ‘Hold’; Stopping 90 Bills in 2007 By SARAH LUECK
WASHINGTON — On Tuesday afternoon, when most senators were preparing to leave Washington for the holiday recess, Tom Coburn was declaring his intention to stick around. “The floor’s going to be open,” said the 59-year-old Oklahoma Republican. “I’m going to have to be here…to try to stop stuff.” Stopping stuff is Sen. Coburn’s specialty. In a Congress that has had trouble passing even the simplest legislation, Sen. Coburn, who proudly wears the nickname “Dr. No,” is a one-man gridlock machine. This year, the senator, who indeed is a medical doctor, single-handedly blocked or slowed more than 90 bills, driving lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to distraction. He blocked a ban on genetic discrimination by health insurers. He thwarted a bill to set up a program to track patients with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Also nixed: an effort to promote safe Internet use by children and a resolution to honor the late environmentalist Rachel Carson on the 100th anniversary of her birth. [Tom Coburn] Read MoreLabels: Dr. No, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 12/28/2007 01:59:00 AM |
Legislative recap for 2007: More laws
But some issues, like many of those discussed and passed by Oklahoma legislators in 2007, did not receive the consent of all legislators.
The legislative session became part of history. The Senate ended up with a 24-24 tie between Democrats and Republicans. The leaders of both parties devised a power-sharing agreement to deal with the situation that never previously occurred in Oklahoma history.
Several leaders were surprised at how well the process worked.
Read More
Labels: OK Legislature, Recap Posted at 12/28/2007 01:45:00 AM |
US Senator Tom Coburn Seeks a More Conservative Senate
As a citizen legislator, Dr. Coburn has pledged to serve no more than two terms in the Senate and to continue to care for patients. He is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Indian Affairs Committee and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
Prior to his election to the Senate, Dr. Coburn represented Oklahoma's Second Congressional District in the House of Representatives from 1995 through 2001. He was first elected in 1994, then re-elected in 1996 and 1998, becoming the first Republican to hold the seat for consecutive terms. Dr. Coburn retired from Congress in 2001, fulfilling his pledge to serve no more than three terms in the House.
During his tenure in the House, Dr. Coburn wrote and passed far-reaching legislation. These include laws to expand seniors' health care options, to protect access to home health care in rural areas and to allow Americans to access cheaper medications from Canada and other nations. Dr. Coburn also wrote a law intended to prevent baby AIDS. The Wall Street Journal said about the law, "In 10 long years of AIDS politics and funding, this is actually the first legislation to pass in this country that will rescue babies." He also wrote a law to renew and reform federal AIDS care programs. In 2002, President George Bush chose Dr. Coburn to serve as co-chair of the President's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA).
Read More
Labels: Conservative, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 12/27/2007 08:51:00 AM |
Update: Boy Wonder Is Not Even Close!!!!!!
It was the greatest thing reading the Tulsa World poll this morning. State Senator Andrew Rice the Democrats Lone Ranger is just that, alone in his bid to unseat our states senior Senator. Who would have imagined Senator Inhofe trouncing over the Boy Wonder? Who would imagine nearly half of the Democrats polled voting for Senator Inhofe? Well the Rice campaign sure didn't think so. OKPNS knows that Senator Inhofe no matter how much liberals hate him, stands up for the ordinary man and woman.
Results from Oklahoma pollster SoonerPoll.com released this morning in the Tulsa World show Senator Inhofe in a strong position in the 2008 election.
Analysis Primary Election Possible: A steady drumbeat of internet forums and blogs have carried the message that State Senator Andrew Rice, right now the lone Democrat opponent to Senator Inhofe, is potentially facing a primary challenge. Many outspoken Democrat party insiders believe a primary is wise so a more moderate candidate who appeals to a larger segment of Oklahomans can win the nomination. As the Tulsa World story indicates, Rice would be very vulnerable to a serious primary challenger: “Rice, meanwhile, had the support of only 28 percent of his own party.” Labels: Andrew Rice, Decision '08, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 12/27/2007 08:06:00 AM |
Good Economic News to Start Second Century
By Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant
Happy New Year, everybody! As Oklahoma enters the first full year of its second century as a state, we received some very good news about our economy.
We learned last week that Oklahoma’s personal income grew faster than the national average during the third quarter of 2007. That increase was driven primarily by growth in the oil and gas industry, according to a report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
By driving around southern Oklahoma, you can see evidence of this good news in new drilling rigs and seismic crews all over the countryside. The result of the new gas exploration in our region is showing up in our state’s economy. We also see it with the creation of new energy jobs and the distribution of royalty checks across the area.
Read More
Labels: Sen. Gumm Posted at 12/27/2007 07:56:00 AM |
Exposing Pork
 By Rep. Jason Murphey (I)believe one of the greatest problems created by big government is the ease with which it redistributes wealth. This occurs when one group of people use the power of the government to take money from the average taxpayer and give it to special interests. One of the most offensive mechanisms used to raid the treasury and redistribute money is that of "earmarking." This is the process through which an influential politician essentially cuts a check from the treasury for some pet program or organization. US Senator Tom Coburn has experienced increasing success in exposing this policy in federal government. By doing so, he is turning up the heat on politicians and making it uncomfortable for them to continue maintaining the big government status-quo. In state government, politicians will insert an earmark into an appropriations bill with just a few days left in the legislative session. This earmark is then voted on as part of a bigger appropriations bill that is not allowed to be amended. If a legislator dares to vote against the bill, then that legislator may face controversy for appearing to vote against justifiable appropriations in the same bill. Read more... Labels: OK Legislator's Blog, Rep. Jason Murphey Posted at 12/26/2007 12:55:00 PM |
It’s Time to Evaluate Rep. Fallin’s RecordBy Mickey Hepner (The Edmond Sun) EDMOND — The U.S. Congress wrapped up its 2007 business this week when members headed home for the holidays. Since this is the end of the year, and the end of Congress’ business for the year, this is a natural time for us to evaluate the work of our member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin. Fallin is now midway through her first term in office after having won election in 2006 with just more than 60 percent of the vote. Previously, she had served three terms as Oklahoma’s lieutenant governor and two terms as a state representative. However, being a member of Congress has required Fallin to consider different issues than those she confronted in her previous roles. Now, after her first year representing us in Washington, we voters should begin to consider whether she is representing us well. So, this week, we discuss Fallin’s record on four of the most important issues facing this country — the Iraq War, immigration reform, the number of uninsured children and the national debt. Read more...Rep. Fallin Speaks on Hate Crimes Bill Rep. Fallin Supporting Troop Surge Labels: Congress, Mary Fallin Posted at 12/24/2007 03:05:00 PM |
Video: President Burns Hargis Open ForumBefore being unanimously approved by the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents as OSU’s 18th president, V. Burns Hargis held an open forum with OSU faculty, staff and students at the Student Union Theater. Hat tip: The Daily O'Collegian Labels: Burns Hargis Posted at 12/24/2007 02:51:00 PM |
Lewis Given Deferred Sentence In Stolen Trailer CaseHat tip:You can hear it all...Thru the GRAPEVINE! From the Tecumseh Countywide News & Shawnee Sun: The case of the stolen campaign trailer was laid to rest Tuesday when a City of Tecumseh employee pleaded no contest to a charge of concealing stolen property and was given a deferred sentence. The charge against Justin Lewis of Macomb will be dismissed if he successfully completes the five-year deferred sentence, including two years of supervised probation, $1,808 in restitution, 100 hours of community service and some court costs. District Judge Doug Combs went against the recommendation of District Attorney Richard Smothermon in granting the deferred sentence. Smothermon, who handled Tuesday's appearance himself, said he had, “from day one, recommended a three-year suspended sentence if he would disclose who actually did it.” Read more... Labels: Decision '06, Gary Jones, Jeff McMahan Posted at 12/21/2007 10:23:00 PM |
WSJ Piece on the "Senate's Dr. No"
Oklahoma Conservative Specializes in the 'Hold'; Stopping 90 Bills in 2007 By Sarah Lueck On Tuesday afternoon, when most senators were preparing to leave Washington for the holiday recess, Tom Coburn was declaring his intention to stick around. "The floor's going to be open," said the 59-year-old Oklahoma Republican. "I'm going to have to be here...to try to stop stuff." Stopping stuff is Sen. Coburn's specialty. In a Congress that has had trouble passing even the simplest legislation, Sen. Coburn, who proudly wears the nickname "Dr. No,'' is a one-man gridlock machine. This year, the senator, who indeed is a medical doctor, single-handedly blocked or slowed more than 90 bills, driving lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to distraction. He blocked a ban on genetic discrimination by health insurers. He thwarted a bill to set up a program to track patients with Lou Gehrig's disease. Also nixed: an effort to promote safe Internet use by children and a resolution to honor the late environmentalist Rachel Carson on the 100th anniversary of her birth. Read more... Labels: Cong. Tom Cole, Congress Posted at 12/21/2007 10:05:00 AM |
W.A.D. Tells Tulsa World: "I'm No Grinch" “It seems like stating the obvious, but I would like people to remember that there is no accuracy filter on the Internet. My second message — merry Christmas.” - W. A. Drew Edmondson W. A. D. Edmondson's favorite "accuracy filter" the Tulsa World gave him a few paragraphs this morning to answer a question we asked him yesterday - "Is he a Grinch?" Redstate.org sent us an email yesterday with a link to a Washington examiner article that claimed W.A.D's office had issued a recommendation banning the word Christmas at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. W.A.D. claimed our posting of the Redstate email prompted 125 calls to his office. (we actually heard it was about double that) W.A.D. says his office never offered any advice: "The group was "attacking me for advice I never gave, on an issue for which we were never consulted," he said. Furthermore, the school is not advised by the Attorney General's Office, Edmondson said. Brian Adler, director of public relations at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, said Thursday that the information was false and that there is no ban on Christmas at the school. Read more... Related: FreePaulJacob.com: More phony arguments from AG Edmondson Labels: AG, Drew Edmondson Posted at 12/21/2007 09:24:00 AM |
Vice President JC Watts? Californians for Mitt Ronmey: "Besides winning our Vice Presidential poll question 3 times, there are many reasons for the Romney-Watts ticket. In the classical political sense, Watts helps Romney get votes he otherwise wouldn't get. Watts allows Mitt to run with a former Baptist preacher (not named Huckabee), and gives him a running mate with rock solid conservative credentials. He also brings in what is likely to be an unprecedented percentage of the black vote for the GOP, forcing the Dems to spend money in places they otherwise wouldn't have to. After he's in office JC would be the natural person to put in charge of Romney's education reform policies that include: school choice vouchers, more testing, and more emphasis on math and science. Read more... Labels: Decision '08, J.C. Watts Posted at 12/21/2007 09:18:00 AM |
Follies of the FHA; Coburn Criticizes Bailout By John Berlau “How could they have been so stupid?” That’s the million-dollar question being asked as mortgage defaults have increased on loans that carried much more risk then lenders, borrowers, and investors anticipated. But this question may be overtaken by one with a multibillion -dollar price tag years from now. That may be, “How could our elected representatives have been so stupid?” Despite the valiant efforts of fiscal hawks such as Sen. Tom Coburn (R., Okla.), and several House members in the conservative Republican Study Committee, both bodies of Congress have passed bills to put taxpayers on the hook for more risky loans from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The Senate’s chief fiscal hawk, Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, was so concerned about the effects of both bills on taxpayers and the mortgage market that he put one of his famous “holds” on the Senate legislation to slow down its passage. “This bill only creates more opportunities for borrowers to receive government-backed loans, increasing the liability on American citizens, but not preventing the possibility of delinquency or default,” Coburn said in a statement. Read more... Labels: Congress, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 12/21/2007 09:00:00 AM |
W.A.D. Edmondson A Grinch?
Email we received today from redstate.com:
Dear RedState Reader, Drew Edmondson is the Oklahoma Attorney General. Recently he rounded up conservative activists and threw them in jail for circulating petitions to get conservatives on the ballot. Now, however, Oklahoma Atty Gen. Drew Edmondson has done something even nuttier. He has issued an advisory opinion from the Attorney General's Office directing universities and public employees in Oklahoma to refrain from using or writing the word "Christmas." Mark Tapscott with the Washington Examiner has the details. Mark notes, "Edmondson issued an advisory opinion to officials at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford advising them that the word "Christmas" should not be spoken by any employee of the state school, not written in any official holiday decorations." Attorney General Edmondson can be reached at 405-521-3921. Please call and wish him a Merry Christmas and ask why he banned Christmas. All the best and Merry Christmas to you,
ChristianNewsWire.com: Southwestern Oklahoma State University Bans the Word 'Christmas' Labels: AG, Drew Edmondson, Paul Jacob TABOR Posted at 12/20/2007 02:05:00 PM |
Video: Ed Kelley - Inhofe Interjects
Ed Kelley, editor of The Oklahoman, comments on the recent decision by Senator Inhofe to "interject" himself into the standoff between the Attorney General and the poultry industry.
Labels: AG, Drew Edmondson, Poultry Lawsuit, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 12/19/2007 03:46:00 PM |
Video: Randy Terrill vs Rev. Miguel Rivera on CNNMr. Rivera represents the National Coalition of Latino Clergy & Christian Leaders. Labels: HB 1804, Immigration Reform, Rep. Randy Terrill Posted at 12/19/2007 08:29:00 AM |
Video: State Rep. Charles Key Endorses Ron PaulCoburn Seeks Probe of Coconut Road Earmark, May Opt to Hold Up Legislation
By Susan Crabtree Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) is threatening to withhold support for legislation making technical corrections to the 2005 highway bill if it does not require a “full and open” investigation into the now-notorious Coconut Road earmark. Coburn wrote a letter to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) Tuesday informing him that he would object to any effort to “hotline” the technical corrections bill if it did not include language calling for the appointment of a select committee to probe an unorthodox change to an earmark made after both chambers passed the highway bill but before it reached President Bush’s desk. Read more... Related: Foxnews.com: Controversial Earmark From Two Years Ago Rears Its Head Again in Congress Redstate.com: The GOP Should Stand Behind Senator Tom Coburn Labels: Earmarks, Pork, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 12/19/2007 08:07:00 AM |
Bully Pulpit Gone WrongThe Illegal Immigration lobby is at it again attacking a man who stood up for America and Oklahoma to stop ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. Apparently Senator Morgan does not believe in following the law. If Mr. Massey is running a tight ship, a performance audit shouldn't be a problem. However, most lawmakers who do their homework know just the opposite. We have a new bully in town in state Rep. Randy Terrill, propped up only by publicity and talk show attention. He is primarily driven by his single-minded, over-the-top rhetoric about illegal immigration. All the publicity and talk show attention has gone straight to his head, so much so he lambastes anyone who dares to criticize his ideas on the subject, including members of his own party and prominent business leaders. Continuing his ego trip and bullying ways, Terrill recently moved on to lashing out at a volunteer member of the state Regents for Higher Education for discussing changes made to the Oklahoma's Promise scholarship program. He threatened to use a performance audit to silence the objections Regent John Massey voiced over recent legislative changes to the program. I authored the bill, which provided a dedicated funding source for Oklahoma's Promise as well as the legislative changes with which Massey disagrees. I welcome any comments, criticisms and suggestions he or anyone else might have over the bill. Reasonable debate and discussion is what makes our democratic process strong and what our Founding Fathers envisioned for a strong, secure and free nation. But for reasons I do not comprehend, Terrill attacked John Massey's critical review of the legislation and even threatened Massey's "griping” would lead the regents right into a performance audit. Does Terrill not understand Oklahoma has laws governing how audits are initiated and conducted? He apparently intends to warp an audit into his own instrument of retaliation. This will not happen. Read More Labels: Immigration Reform, OK Legislature, Rep. Randy Terrill, Sen. Mike Morgan Posted at 12/19/2007 07:52:00 AM |
Quote Of The Day“President Bush was wise to challenge Congress to scale back what has become known as the ‘earmark favor factory’ in Washington. Special interest earmarks divert billions of dollars from higher priority needs and undermine public confidence in Congress, which is at an all-time low. President Bush should veto this bloated spending bill and force members of Congress to sacrifice some of their pet projects for higher priorities. For instance, few Americans would support spending $213,000 for olive fruit fly research in France ahead of spending that same sum to support our troops, repair dangerous bridges or provide health care for kids,” Read more... Labels: Pork, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 12/18/2007 11:38:00 AM |
Putting The Government On Television
 By Senator Jay Paul Gumm, D-Durant
Getting ready for the holiday and preparing for the challenges of a new year can consume our time and wear away at our patience. No matter how busy we get this time of year, it is important that we remember the meaning of Christmas: the birth of our Lord and Savior and what His life and His sacrifice gave to us. Read more... Putting The Government On Television By Rep. Jason Murphey During recent weeks, State Representatives have been required to meet several deadlines regarding submission of new legislation. This is a time of opportunity for us to advocate for legislative efforts important to our constituents. One issue I campaigned for and about which I feel strongly, is requiring state government to televise its proceedings so people can see what is really going on. I have observed that without televised proceedings, it is more difficult for citizens to view legislative events in their proper context. The number of procedural votes and other complicating issues create a cloud of confusion that sometimes allow politicians to take public positions on controversial issues that they in actuality are voting to sabotage. Read more... Labels: OK Legislator's Blog, Rep. Jason Murphey, Sen. Gumm Posted at 12/18/2007 11:10:00 AM |
Picture of the DayInhofe Suggests Mediation In Poultry-Waste SquabbleU.S. Senator Jim Inhofe says an amendment that he proposed addressing the issue of poultry waste in Oklahoma has been included in a key piece of farm legislation. The Tulsa World reports from its Washington bureau that the Oklahoma Republican says he hopes his amendment will help the parties involved in an ongoing dispute over the issue to find common ground. The $286 billion farm bill passed yesterday on a 79-14 vote, with both Inhofe and Oklahoma's other senator, Republican Tom Coburn, voting for the bill. The bill now goes to a House-Senate conference committee. President Bush has threatened to veto the legislation, saying it costs too much. Read More Labels: AG, Drew Edmondson, Poultry Lawsuit, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 12/17/2007 10:09:00 AM |
New SLIME Inductee: Mayor Kathy Taylor and the Tulsa Police Department OKPNS is sad to announce our new SLIME Inductee is none other than Mayor Kathy Taylor and the Tulsa Police Department. Since the passage and enactment of HB 1804 Mayor Taylor's police department hasn't made a single arrest related to ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. OKPNS knows that it isn't hard to find an Illegal either.
Why Not? Crime victims protected: One misconception is that illegal immigrants who are victims of crime will automatically be deported if they notify authorities. That's not true, Albin said. He cited as an example a case that led Tulsa deputies to arrest two illegal immigrants, Pedro and Rosalio Morin, last month on complaints alleging that they sexually assaulted a female relative, who is 11. The girl -- who told detectives that she had been molested since she was 7 -- and her family are also in this country illegally, he said. Charges have not yet been approved against the Morin brothers, who remain in custody. If charges are approved, county detectives and ICE agents can start considering what they can do to help the girl and her family obtain legal status while the case progresses through the courts.
Labels: Immigration Reform, Kathy Taylor, SLIME Posted at 12/17/2007 09:30:00 AM |
Who’s Afraid of Competition?by Tom Coburn
As this year’s congressional session comes to a close, the American people should pay special attention to not just what was added at the last minute, but what was taken out.
While Congress was siphoning billions of dollars from accounts that train and equip our troops to fund billions of dollars of their own pet projects, members were simultaneously, and behind closed doors, gutting an amendment that I offered to the Defense Authorization Bill (which the Senate accepted) that would force competition for earmarked no-bid contracts and grants. In a time of war, our troops deserve the best equipment, which isn’t necessarily the equipment a politician in Washington thinks will create jobs in his or her state. My amendment would have helped ensure that defense dollars were allocated on the basis of merit, not political connections.
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Labels: Defense Earmarks, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 12/17/2007 09:22:00 AM |
Spending Hikes: A Guide To The Gimmicksby Ernest Istook
Good football teams use misdirection--because it works. One trick is to fake a quarterback kneel-down in the last seconds of a half, then throw long. The same trickery happens in politics. As this year's Congress winds down, Democrats have announced they are lowering their planned spending to the $933 billion that President Bush insists is the maximum for appropriations. The headlines read, "Dems cave on spending"[1] and "Democrats Yield on Spending Impasse."[2] This is political misdirection. The omnibus appropriations bill exceeds the advertised $933 billion figure because it is stuffed with billions more in budget tricks and gimmicks.[3]
Tricks and Gimmicks
Ample time to review this bill is a necessity, because it's massive, complicated, and still being revised.[4]But early analysis by the conservative House Republican Study Committee concludes that congressional trickery will add an extra $23 billion to that $933 billion.
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Labels: President Bush, Spending Hikes Posted at 12/17/2007 09:15:00 AM |
Quote Of The Day"Conservatives are looking for a Republican presidential candidate anxious to stand-up and reject global warming alarmist's claims advocated by liberal elites like Al Gore and his friends in Hollywood." Senator Jim Inhofe on global warming and the Republican base Labels: Decision '08, Global Warming, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 12/14/2007 07:18:00 AM |
House Bill 1804: Legal vs. moral?
By Tony Waggoner Staff Writer
It has been more than a month since a strict immigration bill went into effect in Oklahoma, and members of the community are speaking out on both sides of the fence.
The legislation, House Bill 1804, has created a bitter battle over whether its provisions are morally sound. Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson recently stated he believes the bill is legally sound, but fears it may be immoral.
Tillie Sewell, of Enid Hispanic Council, said the law has made many Hispanics more reserved and reclusive within the community.
“They now feel that they don’t need to draw attention to themselves,” Sewell said. “Many feel that they can’t be active in the community. They are turning to the church for sanctuary.”
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Related News: Judge Dismisses HB 1804 Lawsuit
Labels: HB 1804, Immigration Reform Posted at 12/14/2007 07:13:00 AM |
Illegals Lose Medicaid Coverage....Mostly WhiteWell it seems as though Rep. Terrill's bill is working. Now some of you may call me a cold hearted b*stard, but the fact of the matter is people knew the law was going into effect on December 1. Ignorance of the law is no excuse in this day and age. Maybe people will get serious about complying with the law and stop whining and show proof of citizenship. If its good for the goose, its good for the gander too. OKPNS can prove that it is an actual citizen can you?
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Almost 6,000 Oklahoma residents -- most of them white and most of them children -- lost Medicaid coverage on Dec. 1 because of a failure to prove citizenship, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority said Thursday.
The OHCA said 5,841 people were dropped from SoonerCare -- Oklahoma’s version of Medicaid -- because they failed to meet federal proof-of-citizenship requirements. Of those, 58 percent are white, 18 percent black, 13 percent American Indian, 10 percent Hispanic and 1 percent Asian.
Sixty-two percent of those losing coverage were children, according to an OHCA press release.
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Labels: Healthcare, Immigration Reform Posted at 12/14/2007 02:14:00 AM |
Federal Spending Site Launched,Thank You Tom CoburnThis is a win for every Oklahoman and American. With leaders like Senator Tom Coburn leading the charge against pork barrel spending, maybe we can get our country on track.
Sen. Tom Coburn and the Office of Management and Budget this morning announced the launch of a new government website that will provide Americans with easier access to federal spending data. "This is a website that will ensure our liberty, because it will give us more transparency," Coburn said at a press conference to announce the launch of the site, which he fought for in the Senate along with Barack Obama. "An informed public is a free public, and a public that can hold us all accountable." Coburn said that bloggers were the "key group" who helped spearhead this effort, and he said he hopes now that it is operational they will use the site (http://www.usaspending.gov/) to expose Congress. "I think this is going to be a wildfire," he said. Labels: Pork, Sen. Tom Coburn Posted at 12/14/2007 02:08:00 AM |
Update: Boy Wonder Plans On Using The McCaskill, Webb, Tester ModelState Senator Andrew "Boy Wonder" Rice the lone announced Democrat challenger to Senator Jim Inhofe discussed his 77 County strategy for beating Senator Inhofe.
We have a 77 county strategy like the national 50 state strategy....we have counties that will be tough to win, but we can increase our numbers in those counties, like Webb, MaCaskill, and Tester did in 06. We can and are raising the money. - State Senator Andrew Rice The liveblog was nothing more than a bunch of pot smoking tree huggers (Mostly out of state and in San Fransisco) patting the Boy Wonder on the back as a fellow liberal and imbecile. Most Oklahomans can see that A) Global Warming is a hoax B) We have two of the best Senators in the country C) Andrew Rice is wasting a lot of peoples hard earned time and money. Andrew Rice represents the worst of the Democrat party and it would be a detriment to Oklahoma if he is elected to the US Senate. Could you imagine a world with Hillary Care or Obama Care? What sense does it make to tax cigarettes if that is being used to pay for SCHIP? This is the type of logic that the Boy Wonder represents. He is nothing more than a Nancy Pelosi Democrat. Just take a look below at why Andrew Rice shouldn't be elected and why we should keep Jim Inhofe.
Labels: Andrew Rice, Decision '08, Sen. Inhofe Posted at 12/14/2007 01:39:00 AM |
Boy Wonder to liveblog on Daily KosState Senator Andrew Rice, the lone challenger to our Senator Jim Inhofe is slated to blog on Daily KOS tomorrow at 3pm. In an effort to try and raise funds for this liberal Democrat the DSCC sent Sen. John Tester and Sen. Blanche Lincoln in to raise funds for the boy wonder. When will the Democrats get that Andrew Rice is no John Tester or Jim Webb. He is a Bleeding heart liberal who like most in the Daily Kos crowd hate God, Freedom, and America. Andrew you are too out of touch with Oklahoma and you should go back to doing what you do best, NOTHING. Labels: Andrew Rice, Boy Wonder, DSCC Posted at 12/12/2007 01:02:00 PM |
OK Legislators' Blog: Immigration & Pro Life
Immigration Reform Part 2 By Rep. Jason Murphey One concern I recently heard about from District 31 has been that of the attempt to reverse last year's successes in implementing immigration reform. When the Governor signed House Bill 1804 earlier this year, it appeared as if most of the debate surrounding illegal immigration would come to a close. However, in the last few weeks, it has become obvious that this is not the case and the issue will again be significant in the upcoming legislative session. Known as the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizens Act, HB 1804 provided a clear series of reforms to the illegal immigration problem and made Oklahoma the leader in the application of immigration reform. Read more... An Extension of My Unshakeable "Pro-Life" Belief
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