Oklahoma Voter fraud law takes effect

A measure that significantly increases election fraud penalties is intended to deter election and voter registration irregularities in the state.


Senate Bill 1921, by former Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, takes effect today.

Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, said SB 1921 was requested by state Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax.

The measure passed 91-7 in the House of Representatives and 33-10 in the Senate, both controlled by Republicans, Democratic Gov. Brad Henry signed the bill into law.

The measure increases the maximum punishment for felony violations of election laws from a fine of $5,000 to $50,000 and from two years in prison to five years.

It also increases the penalty for misdemeanor violations of the election code from a fine of $1,000 to $10,000.

The law also makes it a felony to vote with and submit an absentee ballot issued to another person, make false application for an absentee ballot, cause the cancellation of a qualified voter’s registration, cause the submission of voter registration forms with false information, and conspire to commit election fraud.

"We had not increased our fines in a number of years," Coffee said. "They were not conforming with other states for similar crimes."

"Although there are not very many problems with voter registration fraud or election fraud in Oklahoma, our state is not totally immune to such allegations." Ziriax said. "As secretary of the state Election Board, I believe Oklahoma has the best election system in the nation. By deterring fraud through tougher criminal penalties, SB 1921 improves the public's faith and confidence that our elections in Oklahoma are fair, honest and accurate."

An Adair County man who had previously been investigated for voting irregularities was charged in July with falsifying ballots.

Court proceedings are pending against Darryl Cates, of Westville, who is charged with two counts of false affidavit in voting registration and two counts of false notarization of an absentee ballot.

He is accused of signing the names of Sherri Eagle and Michael Cooksey in absentee voting for the Cave Springs school election in February 2009.

Maybe some 'Print Media' and so call Blogger should understand how things work...

Maybe some 'Print Media' and so call Blogger should understand how things work at the Oklahoma State Capitol. They probability think Conference Committee have real meeting. LOL

When a bill go to a Conference Committee, only the people on the Conference Committee and Staff can add or take out language on that bill.
And it look like Demo Scott Meacham hand pick boy, Rep. Ken Miller (Who want to be our 'Republican' State Treasurer) is out campaigning for GOP votes.Rep. McDaniel, Trust the House Staff?

Most of the Lobbist, Media, and other insider at the Oklahoma State Capitol think that, unlike the State Senate Staff, the House Staff RUN the House and control the flow of information in the House.

VOTER FRAUD PENALITIES MAY INCREASE!

Hat Tip to Steve Fair

Weekly Opinion/Editorial

VOTER FRAUD PENALITIES MAY INCREASE!
by Steve Fair

Mickey Mouse, the Disney creation born in 1928, will not be able to register to vote in Oklahoma if a bill by House Speaker Chris Benge, (R-Tulsa) and Senate Pro Temp Glenn Coffee, (R-OKC) gets through the State House and is signed by the Governor. The bill seeks to deter election and voter registration fraud. Senate Bill #1921 passed the Senate by a vote of 33-10 back on March 9th. Last week, the bill passed out of the House Public Safety Committee by a vote of 6-1 and goes to the full House. It is expected to pass the House by a wide margin. It remains to be seen if the Governor will sign the legislation. He vetoed a Voter ID bill back in April 2009.

SB 1921 would increase the maximum punishment for felony violations of Oklahoma election law from fines of $5,000 to $50,000. It would increase the jail time from two years to five years imprisonment.

"We have seen in recent years groups inflating the voter registration rolls with the likes of Mickey Mouse to the benefit of certain candidates," said Benge, R-Tulsa. "It is our duty to ensure the people of Oklahoma trust our election outcomes."

The measure also adds fraudulent use of an absentee and making a false application to an absentee ballot a felony. It would also make it a felony to knowingly collect or submit voter registration forms that contain false information.

"Clearly the current law was not enough to deter ACORN and groups like it from committing voter fraud. Our hope is that this legislation and stricter penalties will help restore voter confidence in our democratic system," said Rep. Rex Duncan, (R-Sand Spring) who presented the bill in committee. "Free and fair elections are the backbone of our democracy, and it is important that those who would deliberately and purposely sabotage the voting process be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," Duncan concluded.

Oklahoma’s colorful political history is littered with scandals. Most Oklahomans remember the County Commissioner scandal of the 1980s, which had over 200 people indicted/convicted, and the recent McMahan/Stipe/Phipps scandal, but few remember a voter fraud scandal that rocked Oklahoma in the early 80s?

Back in 1983, then Oklahoma State House Speaker Dan Draper and House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon- both Democrats- were convicted of vote fraud. The convictions were later overturned, but it did force Draper to leave office. Draper and Fitzgibbon were accused of mailing illegal absentee ballots in an effort to get Draper’s dad elected to the legislature.

Debates over election fraud are not new. They have been a staple of discussions about elections and democracy in the United States for more than a century. But in recent years, issues of fraud and voting integrity have increasingly come to the forefront of public policy discussions over the health of America’s democracy. With the consistently low voter turnout rates and obstacles to citizen participation motivated various efforts to increase voter registration and turnout—efforts that in turn raised questions about voting integrity. Critics of some reforms—such as Oregon starting mail-in voting, the loosening of guidelines for absentee ballot use, and, most notably, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (also known as NVRA or the “motor voter” law)—have charged that these reforms increase the potential for voter fraud. Other frequently proposed reforms, such as Election Day Registration, continue to be criticized on the same grounds. Implemented with the pretense they will make voter registration more convenient, they also make it easier to commit voter fraud.

Benge and Coffee have the right idea- punish those who cheat in elections by increasing the fines and jail time, but they need to take another run at Voter ID. When he vetoed the ID bill in April, Governor Henry said, “At a time when it is difficult to attract more than half of the registered voters to the polls at any given election, we must make voting easier and more convenient for registered voters, not more difficult and confusing.” How is it confusing for a voter to have to show an ID to vote? It has never been easier to cast your vote. Most elections have early in person absentee balloting which has expanded the hours to vote by twenty hours. Twenty! Mickey Mouse said, “Arithmetic is being able to count up to twenty without taking off your shoes.”

Walt Disney famously said about his creation, “When people laugh at Mickey Mouse, it’s because he’s so human; and that is the secret of his popularity.” But he’s not human and while Mickey may be popular, if Senate bill #1921 gets signed into law, Mr. Mouse won’t be voting in Oklahoma elections because those that got him on the voter rolls will be in jail.

In a partisan move, Senate Democrats put political posturing over "Doing the Right Thing"!

Democrats Lock Up on Program
They Didn’t Fund During Last Budget Crisis

In a partisan move, Senate Democrats put political posturing over jobs for employees in the Departments of Corrections, Highway Patrol, and common education today, as well as other vital state services today, in direct opposition to Governor Henry, who negotiated the bipartisan budget agreement which they opposed today.

“It’s a curious decision by the Democrats today,” said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee. “They are fighting for restoration of a line item, senior nutrition, which they cut in the 2003 budget crisis.”

In a budget vote on the Senate floor today, Democrats locked up to deny funding for common education, corrections, the state Emergency Fund which pays cities and towns after ice storms, tornadoes and other natural disasters, the state School for the Deaf, state School for the Blind, Department of Public Safety, Military Department, Agriculture, Conservation and other agencies.

“I find it curious that these Democrat political leaders will jeopardize the jobs of troopers, prison guards and education in an election year, under the guise of protecting Oklahoma’s seniors, yet forgot all about those same seniors in a past budget crisis when they had unfettered control of the Oklahoma legislature,” Coffee continued. “The hypocrisy meter is spinning out of control.

“They complain about not having a seat at the negotiating table, yet the governor and his budget negotiator, the Democrat State Treasurer, negotiated this bipartisan agreement on their behalf,” Coffee added.

“And I recall the Senate Democrat Leader saying earlier this session that he would stand with his governor on matters such as this during the budget crisis.

“The Democrat Leader and his caucus have been unwilling to stand by the governor on this deal,” Coffee concluded.

Coffee pointed out that the Democrats’ demand of “only $2.5 million” in the budget for senior nutrition is a blatant act of deficit spending, modeled after their Democrat counterparts in Washington.

“Senators Laster and Corn say all they want is a mere $2.5 million for senior nutrition, yet it would require another $7.5 million next year, creating a $10 million hole in the 2011 budget,” Coffee said. “As the governor recognizes, this is irresponsible.”

It is disappointing that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are adopting the partisan approach of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid in that they need to come to grips with the fact that our state is in an unprecedented budget crisis, and that more tough decisions will be made before this is over,” Coffee continued.

“I hope they join the governor’s bipartisan approach and abandon the election year grandstanding.

“I urge them to do the right thing for Oklahoma taxpayers,” Coffee concluded.

Budget agreement keeps corrections workers on job

Op Ed

Published January 29, 2010

Legislative leaders can get a lot accomplished if some members didn't spend time grandstanding. Even before they start the session next month, some lawmakers have been hard at work trying to forestall state employee furloughs.

We appreciate the work of central Oklahoma legislators Sen. Anthony Sykes and Rep. Randy Terrill in helping craft an agreement with the governor on a $7.2 million cash infusion into the Department of Corrections budget.

State Corrections Director Justin Jones had started the process of requiring prison guards to schedule furlough days this spring. That means prisons, already short-staffed with high turnover, will be able to maintain security levels. This is helpful to the guards and the inmates.

The state's public employees association has commended Sen. Sykes and Rep. Terrill as well as House Speaker Chris Benge and Senate Pro Tem Glenn Coffee.

The agreement also is a tribute to state workers who helped demonstrate the need to keep the agencies at full staff. Corrections employees are kind of like the offensive line in football. They don't get noticed until something goes wrong.

OKLAHOMA SENATE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS CALLS ON GOV BRAD boy TO BRING LEGISLATURE IN FOR DECEMBER SPECIAL SESSION

More Cuts ‘Inevitable,’
Better to Act Sooner Rather than Later

The Oklahoma Senate Republican Caucus today called on Governor Brad Henry to call the Legislature into special session in December, rather than waiting until January, as he suggested earlier this week.

“It’s very clear that more reductions in spending are inevitable,” said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, “and agency heads are awaiting our direction as to how much their budgets will be reduced.

“We believe it is prudent, given the fiscal crisis facing all state agencies, to come in, examine the numbers as an entire body, and make the hard decisions sooner rather than later,” he continued. “We have a good feel for the direction revenues are heading, so why wait any longer?”

Coffee pointed out that Senate Appropriations Subcommittees have been meeting over the past weeks, and getting reports from agency heads projecting how cuts of 5%m 7.5% and 10% would impact their agencies.

“Agency heads are willing to make the tough calls,” Coffee said. “They just need to know when and how much. It’s not a pleasant task, but we all understand the reality of the times in which we’re operating.”

Coffee said that families across the state are prioritizing their needs and making hard personal budget decisions around their kitchen tables, and government needs to act accordingly. “This won’t be easy or fun, but this is an opportunity for Oklahoma’s elected leaders to assess our needs alongside our available resources, and look at state spending through critical eyes.”

Under the Oklahoma Constitution, the Governor can call a special meeting of the State Equalization Board, who would declare a budget failure, at which time the Governor could call a Special Session of the Legislature.

“We hope the Governor will act with great urgency on this matter,” Coffee said. “Our caucus will stand with him in support of his call, and will take on this important matter with equal urgency.”

State Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee named in a federal tax lien filed by IRS

State Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee is named in a federal tax lien filed by the Internal Revenue Service last year that sought $28,822 in federal taxes owed for almost two years.

The documents indicate that Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, paid off his over IRS due tax bill within one month after the lien was issued by the government. The lien was prepared on Oct. 27, and a certificate of release of the lien was issued on Nov. 26, according to documents on file in the Oklahoma County clerk's office.

"I think he should step down as pro tem of the Senate," Sen. Richard Lerblance, D-Hartshorne, said Friday.

Coffee, an attorney, knows the importance of paying personal income taxes on time, said Lerblance, assistant Democratic floor leader in the Senate.

"He's the elected pro tem of the Senate and he hasn't paid his taxes on time," Lerblance said. Although the taxes have been paid in full, there was a period of time in which Coffee maintained a tax debt with the federal government, he said.

"I think he still has an obligation to make sure it gets paid on time. The responsibility lies with the taxpayer."

Coffee, the first Republican leader of the Senate in state history, declined to comment on whether his private tax issue should reflect on his public leadership.

"That's for others to decide," Coffee said.

Coffee, who is affiliated with the Phillips Murrah law firm in Oklahoma City, said he takes responsibility for the matter.

"I did owe the money. There were extenuating circumstances. I borrowed the money to pay it off," said Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.

The lien was filed the same year that former House Speaker Lance Cargill resigned from the House's top job following a series of embarrassing revelations that included submitting late property tax payments and not filing state personal income tax returns.

A lien is a legal claim on property that makes it collateral against money that is owed. Property that carries a lien can be forced into sale in order to collect.

The tax lien lists Coffee's residence and names himself and his wife, Lisa. It is for the tax period that ended on Dec. 31, 2006. The taxes were assessed in November 2007.

Coffee, who cannot run for re-election next year due to term limits, said he sought an extension of time in which to file his income tax return but that the time lapsed before the taxes were paid.

"Taxes are due on April 15," Coffee said. "I got an extension and it didn't get done on time."

He said he was attempting to secure a bank loan to pay the $28,822 tax bill when the lien was filed.

Coffee indicated he works with an accountant to prepare his taxes but that he takes responsibility for the tardiness.

"I am always personally responsible for my own taxes," Coffee said.

The Senate's Democratic caucus chairman, Sen. Kenneth Corn, said Coffee's tax problems reflect on his leadership of the Senate.

"I think it calls into question the standard of leadership which he offers," said Corn, of Poteau. But Corn stopped short of calling for Coffee's resignation.

"We do have a responsibility as policymakers to set an example for the rest of the state. But we are human and make mistakes," Corn said. "It sounds like Senator Coffee tried to correct it."

Several Democratic senators declined comment. Senate Democratic Leader Charlie Laster of Shawnee said he would withhold comment until he gets all the facts.

"That's the first I've ever heard of that," Laster said. "Sometimes there are tax disputes and the IRS files tax liens."

OFFICE OF ACCOUNTABILITY PASSES SENATE TODAY

Another Major Step Toward Bringing Greater Efficiency to State Government

The State Senate passed SB646, the State Office of Accountability and Innovation, the second step toward greater efficiency in state government as proposed by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee

“Similar offices in other states regularly conduct performance audits of state agencies and boards with great success, and offer recommendations on how to more efficiently conduct the business of the state, bringing more innovative practices and technologies to government,” said Coffee. “The office will more than pay for itself in savings to the state.”

Coffee noted that the new office would not conflict, but would complement, the office of the State Auditor and Inspector, as the two entities would conduct entirely different functions for the state.

“With the passage yesterday of the Central Information Office to oversee and bring efficiency and cost savings to state government technology services, I’m pleased to send these two government reform bills to the House and to ultimately see them signed into law by Governor Henry,” Coffee continued. “We are bringing a new, more efficient and cost-effective era to state government.”

SENATE APPROVES PRO-LIFE MEASURE

Senate Bill 1103 by President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee unanimously passed the Senate today, providing protections for pregnant women subject to domestic violence abuse.

Senate Bill 1103 creates the “Use of Force for the Protection of the Unborn Act.” The provisions in Senate Bill 1103 include circumstances under which a pregnant woman is justified in using force or deadly force against another to protect her unborn child. This includes reasonable beliefs that the unborn child is threatened and the use of force is immediately necessary for the child’s protection.

“Unfortunately, the unborn child is often the primary target of domestic violence,” said Pro Tem Coffee. “Domestic violence has been acknowledged as a primary cause of stillbirths and miscarriages. Senate Bill 1103 puts vital safeguards in place for a woman to not only save her life, but her unborn child’s as well.”

Senate Bill 1103 will now to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Brogdon number 2 in TMRO Governor's Race Poll

Hat Tip to Mike @ The McCarville Report Online

From TMRO:

Jari Askins topped Drew Edmondson among those who voted for the two Democrats. Askins got 67.2 percent to 32.8 for Edmondson.

Among Republicans, Mary Fallin got 40.4 percent, Randy Brogdon 29.8 percent, J. C. Watts 18.2 percent, Tom Cole 10.2 percent and Glenn Coffee 1.5 percent.

Fallin has declared she's running, Brogdon has signaled he may, Watts is known to be considering the race as is Cole, while Coffee has not indicated any interest.

SENATOR SYKES TAKE EXCEPTION TO PEW CENTER STUDY ON PUBLIC SAFETY, CORRECTIONS

Responding to a study reported Wednesday by the Associated Press, Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee and Senator Anthony Sykes said the Pew Center’s Public Safety Performance Project uses flawed data and is affiliated with an organization that is proven soft on criminals.

“The lead story in today’s Oklahoman cites a study that ranks Oklahoma number two in percentage of population behind bars, with an enormous rate increase over the past 25 years,” said Coffee. “But there are several problems with their statistics.”

Coffee says the Pew study was done in conjunction with the Vera Institute of Justice – a liberal organization known to endorse leniency toward law-breakers.

“A predecessor of Vera brought us Cal Hobson’s notorious sentencing grid – ten DUI’s before you go to jail…release violent offenders – the greatest hits of the ‘can’t we all just get along’ crowd,” said Coffee, “and now they presume to tell Oklahoma that we incarcerate too many of our bad guys.”

“Further, the figures they cite cover the past 25 years. What they don’t acknowledge is the great progress we’ve made in the past ten years,” he continued.

“What the Pew Center and Vera don’t want you to know is that since the reforms enacted during the Keating administration, incarceration rates in Oklahoma have dropped, while many other states have increased in that same time period, particularly those that followed Vera’s recommendations.” Coffee said.

Senator Sykes, a former public defender and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary, said “I am committed to ensure that the recent positive indicators within the Department of Corrections continue.

“In the current fiscal year, the inmate population has actually declined in Oklahoma,” he continued. “Recent data proves that Oklahoma’s DOC is now among the most efficient in the nation.”

Coffee noted that while Oklahoma’s incarceration rate has dropped, violent offenders’ rate has increased, which has lowered the cost to victims, potential victims, and society in general.

“James Q. Wilson, one of America’s preeminent social scientists, was quoted in a recent Washington Post, observing that the typical criminal commits from 12 to 16 crimes a year – not counting drug offenses,” Coffee said, “and Wilson points out that sending a higher fraction of convicts to prison resulted in lower rates of crime, and a resulting savings to victims and our society. A high risk of punishment reduces crime, and deterrence works,” said Coffee.

“In addition, Oklahoma is far below the national average in average cost per prisoner per day,” Coffee added. “Oklahoma is being more fiscally responsible than most states when it comes to corrections, while keeping our citizens safer.

“But talk is cheap,” Coffee said. “Facts tend to get in the way of a good story, so let me offer a few facts not mentioned in the Pew report or by those quoted in yesterday’s AP story…”

· Ranking 7th in the nation, Oklahoma is one of 12 states since 2000 whose incarceration rate has dropped. Since 2000, our incarceration rate has declined by nearly 25 inmates per 100,000 residents. The national average is a growth rate of 28 inmates per 100,000 residents.

· Only 5 states' prison population decreased as a percentage more than Oklahoma's (1.5%) between 2006 and 2007. And we are one of only 13 states whose inmate population decreased from 2006 to 2007. (Source Bureau of Justice Statistics, "Prisoners in 2007")

· Oklahoma ranks 41st in the USA in spending per inmate per day. Our costs are 33% below the national average per diem costs for correctional systems.

(Source, MGT Audit)

· In the current fiscal year, the inmate population has actually declined.

· Last year, the inmate population was projected to increase by 1238 and grew by only 219.

“Some of this decrease is due to the recommendations adopted from the MGT Audit requested by the Legislature which has led to better internal efficiency practices of inmate processing and management at DOC,” said Coffee. “What the MGT Audit really highlighted was the fact that inefficient management at DOC not only led to a bloated Department budget but a bloated state prison population.”

“Further, the Legislature has invested heavily in drug courts, which continue to show positive results of diverting drug offenders from prison,” Coffee added. “The current allocation to drug courts is $21 million.”

Coffee also noted the increase in appropriations to the Department of Mental Health and drug courts. Appropriations in FY'05 totaled $155.4 million. The budget increased by $8 million in FY'06 and again in FY'07 for drug court expansion. The FY'09 appropriation is $209.5 million.

“The expansion in drug courts is believed to have led to a reduction in drug offender admissions at DOC and saved the State prison costs,” said Coffee. Considering a drug court offender's annual cost averages about $5k a year vs the $18k a year in a DOC facility, we’re pleased with the results in terms of public safety and fiscal responsibility.

“Finally, it should be pointed out that a DOC official bemoaned the small reduction in the Community Sentencing program’s appropriations last year,” Coffee said. “This has been a bonus to the citizens, however, as the DOC is now doing a better job of management internally, which is leading to a decline in the state incarceration rate.”

Coffee also points out that Oklahoma’s investment in private prisons is a key component in the lower cost of corrections.

RESTRUCTURING OF THE STATE MEDICAL EXAMINER’S OFFICE PASSES STATE SENATE TODAY

The Oklahoma State Senate passed SB 738, a bill which would significantly restructure the office of the Chief Medical Examiner, bringing long overdue professional management to the office, and providing for greater accountability from the office.

“This office has been floundering in a dysfunctional morass for some time,” said Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, author of SB 738. “This legislation will bring this vital office back to the highly performing operation we need it to be, serving the needs of the citizens of Oklahoma.”

When signed into law by the Governor, the new Medical Examiner’s office will be renamed the Oklahoma Department of Forensic Sciences, and will be headed by a professional administrator appointed by the governor and subject to Senate confirmation, leaving medical professionals to practice good science, rather than concerning themselves with budgets, personnel issues and politics.

The Chief Operating Officer will establish qualification requirements for all staff, and establish continuing education requirements for the any staff charged with investigating deaths. Further, the new COO will establish policy and procedures for background checks for all prospective hires within the department.

Also of significant note, a new governing board over the department will be comprised of the Director of the OSBI; State Commissioner of Health; Secretary of Health; Chairmen of Pathology at University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine; Director of the Forensic Science Institute at the University of Central Oklahoma; President of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association; President of the Oklahoma State Medical Association; and a funeral director, appointed by the Oklahoma State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.

“I’m proud of the Senate for moving these important reforms forward today,” said the Pro Tem. “We look forward to a new era of effectiveness and professionalism from this currently embattled office.”

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER BILL PASSES SENATE

First Step Toward Bringing Greater Efficiency to State Government

The State Senate approved one of President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee’s government reform measures today, moving Oklahoma toward a more efficient and effective government. SB 980 provides for a state Chief Information Officer, overseeing and consolidating state information technology services under one roof.

“I’m very excited about this very common sense reform passing the Senate today,” said Coffee. “This new office will greatly enhance the efficiency of state government.”

“The Chief Information Officer will get our state agencies and departments speaking in one language technologically,” he continued. “For too long, state government has had multiple techno-kingdoms that cost us in real dollars and lost productivity,” Coffee added. “The CIO will be a giant step toward moving our state further into the 21st century.”

“I look forward to seeing this bill move through the House and on to the Governor’s desk, and leading our state into greater efficiency -- and ultimately, better service and greater savings to the taxpayers of Oklahoma,” Coffee concluded.

Coffee Talk

This past week, the Senate Appropriations Committee received briefings from several agency heads about how the recently approved federal stimulus package will impact Oklahoma. What we know at this point is that Oklahoma’s share will be $2.7 billion dollars, and it will be spread out over two budget years. The money will be funneled to approximately 20 state agencies as well as county governments and municipalities.

I am very concerned about the amount of debt being created, and the fact that many of the designated projects seem to have little or nothing to do with economic recovery. On the other hand, there are portions that make sense, including funding for roads and bridges, resources for indigent healthcare, and funds to support education.

With that said, we must proceed very cautiously. There are some things that could have a short-term positive effect, but long-term negative impact by costing our state more money. One concern I have is trying to determine what strings may be attached to these federal dollars. If they require us to expand programs, what happens when the stimulus package runs out, especially if the economy has not turned around? And we’re still analyzing the impact of tax cuts and credits that could adversely impact revenues in the future—that, coupled with forced expansions of programs would be disastrous, not only for Oklahoma, but for our entire country.

It is crucial that agencies and entities in Oklahoma receiving stimulus funds must allocate them very carefully, keeping in mind that there really is no guarantee these funds will be continued beyond this two-year package. I found it very troubling when one agency head announced plans to use the funds to expand programs which would result in recurring costs that could leave Oklahoma holding the bag for hundreds of millions of dollars in expenditures—money we simply may not have in two years.

Rest assured that if there are strings attached, we’re going to find out what they are before we accept those dollars. Furthermore, agency heads who think the legislature has no role in how the money is spent are misinformed. As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to ensure these funds are not obligated in ways that will actually make our budget worse down the road.

Coffee Appoints Ethics Commissioner

President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee announced Thursday that he is appointing Bob McKinney as a new Ethics Commissioner.

McKinney and his wife Marguerite have been married for 21 years and have three sons. He is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a degree in Finance. McKinney has served as Senior Executive Vice President at RCB Bank in Claremore since 2002, with over 41 years of banking experience.

McKinney is a community leader in Claremore, including Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Claremore Regional Hospital.

“I am proud today to announce the appointment of a new Ethics Commissioner,” said Coffee. “Commissioner McKinney brings a wealth of experience to the Ethics Commission and we are glad he has agreed to offer his time and talents for the betterment of our state.”

Ryan Leonard announce run for AG

Ryan Leonard announce, He is intending to run for Oklahoma Attorney General.

Leonard, an Oklahoma City attorney, former state prosecutor and former legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Don Nickles, is a Republican.

"I intend to be a candidate for the office of attorney general in 2010," Leonard said in a statement. “My top priority will be to keep Oklahoma families safe. Oklahoma needs an effective advocate who will work tirelessly to fight illegal drug use, keep our children safe from internet predators and stand up for victims of crime.”

A Beaver native, Leonard recently served on the executive committee of the anti-methamphetamine "Crystal Darkness" campaign. Leonard also serves as one of Oklahoma's national commissioners on the Uniform Law Commission.

He is a member of the Oklahoma and American Bar Associations, and has served on the boards of the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Central Oklahoma Red Cross and the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals.

Leonard is a past president and co-founder of the Downtown Club of Oklahoma City, and a member of Leadership Oklahoma.

In 2008, Leonard co-chaired the finance team for Sen. John McCain in Oklahoma, and co-chaired Lawyers for McCain.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, is also said to be looking at running.

SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM COFFEE RESPONSE TO REPORT OF STATE EQUALIZATION BOARD

“As one would have suspected, the revenue picture of the State of Oklahoma has not improved since the last figures certified by the State Equalization Board, but our response is the same.

“Clearly, we will look at state agencies and programs to identify areas in which savings and greater efficiencies can be found.

“It is small consolation to be sure, but I’m thankful for our conservative spending practices of the past, which place us in a more enviable position than a vast majority of state find themselves today.

“And finally, I still hold to the conviction that we should stay away from the Rainy Day Fund and save those monies for two years down the road, when the fiscal picture will likely be bleaker.”

Coffee Talk - Senator Glenn Coffee, President Pro Tempore

We all know there are disagreements about what government should and should not do. I come down on the side of leaner, more efficient government—one that encourages personal responsibility. But in particular, there is a function that I believe government has a moral obligation to fulfill—that is to protect law abiding citizens and their families from the criminals who seek to exploit and harm them.

We use local and state revenue sources to fund local police departments, county sheriff’s offices, and at the state level, law enforcement entities like the Highway Patrol and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. In the legislature, we’ve worked to provide these officers and agents the latest in crime solving technology and forensics—the new OSBI lab in Edmond is a prime example. Lastly, we make sure those who have robbed, raped, or murdered innocent men, women and children can locked away so that they are no longer a threat to society. But what if a liberal court ordered our state to let tens of thousands of those criminals free, well before they had paid their debt to society? If you think it can’t happen, think again.

This past week, a federal judicial panel ordered the State of California to reduce overcrowding by as many as 55,000 prisoners. In supporting their finding, they argued it would not “adversely affect public safety.” As someone who has spent the last ten years in the Oklahoma Senate working to make our communities and state safer, I am appalled by their decision. Even California’s liberal attorney general and former governor, Jerry Brown, was shocked by ruling, say it was an intrusion by the federal judiciary that failed to recognize the imperatives of public safety and the challenges of incarcerating criminals.

One analyst concerned by the California court ruling said the early release would not result in any real savings to the state due to the subsequent crimes that would be committed by freeing the inmates early. It is estimated violent crime would be six percent higher in California, with 150 additional murders, 500 more rapes and 4,500 more robberies than there would be if these criminals had been left in prison.

With Oklahoma’s prisons nearly at maximum capacity, there is a very real threat that an organization such as the A.C.L.U. could pursue such actions in our state, as they have in others. That’s why it is imperative we move to more fully utilize private prison space—a solution that will result in true savings for taxpayers, and offer far greater protection for law abiding citizens than if the federal courts step in.

First Step Toward Bringing Greater Efficiency to Oklahoma State Government

OFFICE OF ACCOUNTABILITY, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER BILLS PASS SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE TODAY

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed two bills which are part of the Senate Republican legislative agenda today. SB646 and SB980, which would form the state Office of Accountability and Innovation; and a state Chief Information Officer respectively, are authored by Senate President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee.

“When passed and signed into law, these two new offices will greatly enhance the efficiency of state government,” said Coffee.

The Office of Accountability will, as it has successfully in other states, be charged with performance audits of state agencies and boards, and offering recommendations in how to more efficiently conduct the business of the state, and to bring more innovative practices and technologies to government. The office would more than pay for itself in savings to the state,” he continued.

“The Chief Information Officer will get our state agencies and departments speaking in one language technologically.

“For too long, state government has had multiple techno-kingdoms that cost us in real dollars and lost productivity,” Coffee added. “The CIO will be a giant step toward moving our state further into the 21st century.

“I look forward to taking these bills to the Senate floor and on to the House and ultimately seeing them signed into law by Governor Henry,” Coffee concluded.

Legislation Protecting Injured Workers Passes House

Legislation ensuring injured workers are not forced into the political process by unethical attorneys deceptively withholding donations from workers’ compensation checks passed the House today.

House Bill 1601, by Rep. Dan Sullivan, would make it illegal for an attorney to deduct or withhold any portion of a client’s judgment or settlement proceeds “for the purpose of donating or contributing funds or monies to a political fund, political action committee, campaign of any kind, or candidate for state, federal or local office.”

“Injured workers should receive all the money they are due without worry that their lawyers will take a portion of the claim to fund political operations,” said Sullivan, R-Tulsa.

Last August, The Oklahoman reported that roughly $1 million had been donated to the Working Oklahomans Alliance PAC over the last decade with most of that money coming from injured Oklahoma workers, including several who told the paper they did not know they had “donated” the money to the PAC.

The Working Oklahomans Alliance PAC is run by workers compensation attorneys. The Oklahoman reported that the lawyers involved with the fund raised money for the PAC by withholding a portion of their clients' workers' compensation awards.

Several injured workers interviewed by The Oklahoman said they had no knowledge of the donations.

“I consider this legislation to be critical to protecting the trust Oklahomans have in the political process,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “The decision to donate to political activities is one that must be made by each individual, not a group of lawyers seeking to take advantage of a worker in a vulnerable position.”

The bill passed the House with a vote of 62-36 and will now move to the Senate, where the measure is co-authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.