Measure Would Make Voting Easier for Returning Soldiers

Military personnel returning from overseas service would have an easier time voting under legislation approved unanimously Monday by the Senate Rules Committee. SB 718, authored by Sen. Don Barrington, would allow those who return up to three months before an election to still be able to vote even without being registered.

“We should do all we can to make it easier for our military men and women to be able to vote when they return home,” said Barrington, R-Lawton. “Voting is our greatest freedom; and they above all should have the right to participate in the process given it’s what many of them are fighting to give people in Iraq and other countries.”

Barrington said the legislation stemmed from a recent report by the Pew Center on the States that criticized Oklahoma for not providing enough time to vote for our military personnel serving overseas.

Barrington explained that currently, military personnel who are not registered to vote and return home after the voter registration deadline, which is 25 days before an election, are allowed to cast a provisional ballot. His bill extends the grace period for returning military personnel to ninety days. Therefore, any military personnel who return home within ninety days of an election will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot, without being registered to vote prior to the deadline.

“When our soldiers return from overseas, the last thing on their mind is registering to vote. Many of them haven’t seen their families and friends anywhere from six months to a year, and maybe more,” said Barrington. “They have so many things to get in order when they return and we don’t want to punish them because they happen to forget to register to vote in time. This will give them a little leeway, and let them still participate in one of their greatest freedoms as an American.”

The bill would apply to any service member and their spouse who has been honorably discharged, is on officially authorized leave, or whose service or overseas employment has been terminated.

SB 718 will next be heard by the full Senate.

Judicial Reform Praised in Committee

Senate Bill 609 by Senator Todd Lamb, passed out of the Judiciary committee today.

The provisions in Senate Bill 609 reduce the number of judges on the Workers’ Compensation Court from ten to seven. Four of the judges will be permanently assigned to the Oklahoma City Workers' Compensation Court, and three permanently assigned to the Tulsa Workers' Compensation Court.

Senate Bill 609 also brings reform to the judicial nominating process by requiring Senate confirmation of appointments to the Workers Compensation Court and appellate courts.

“Senate Bill 609 will remove politics from the judicial nominating process by promoting a system that reflects more checks and balances just as our founding fathers intended,” said Lamb. “One of the goals of Senate Republicans this session was to bring reform to Oklahoma’s legal system. Through the support of Senate Bill 609 today, I am encouraged to see the beginning of that process and the accomplishment of that goal.”

“Within the first year, the provisions in Senate Bill 609 will yield a cost savings to the taxpayers of over $400,000,” added Lamb.

Senate Bill 609 will now go before the full Senate for consideration.

House Speaker Responds to State Board of Equalization Certification

House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, responds to the final certification for fiscal year 2010:

“It has become increasingly apparent that Oklahoma is feeling the effects of the national recession, as proven with this certification. We will have tough choices to make this year as we craft a state budget, but we also see this financial challenge as an opportunity to make more efficient use of the money we are currently spending. We plan to treat this shortfall just like every other Oklahoma family would in the event of decreased income—by tightening our belt, cutting out frivolous spending and waste and working to ensure the vital functions of government are protected as much as possible.”

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.”

House Passes Legislation to Protect EMTs

Legislation passed by the House would protect the men and women who save lives daily, according to state Rep. Marian Cooksey.

House Bill 1360, by Cooksey, R-Edmond, would allow prosecutors to bring felony charges against anyone who assaults an emergency medical technician (EMT) while they are performing medical care duties.

“Why would anyone want to attack the very people who save our lives,” Cooksey said. “We need to ensure our EMTS are given better legal protections.

According to medicinstitute.org, there were 14 assaults on EMTs last year that resulted in serious injury in Oklahoma. There were six assaults in Oklahoma City and eight in Tulsa.

A study conducted in 1999 concluded that during 12 years of service, EMTs received an average of nine assaults each year; and 92 percent of responding EMTs had been assaulted at some point while performing their duties.

Cooksey said that number should be zero and hopes her bill will put an end to the assaults.

HB 1360 increases the penalty for assaulting an emergency care provider to up to two years in prison.

HB 1360 was approved unanimously by the House and will now proceed to the Senate.

American Minute - Feb. 18 - John Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

Pilgrim's Progress was published FEBRUARY 18, 1678.

An allegory of a pilgrim's journey to the Celestial City, it was written by John Bunyan, born in Bedford, England.

At age 29, Bunyan became a Baptist minister and was imprisoned over 12 years for preaching without a license.

While in jail, he supported his family by making shoelaces.

His book, found in nearly every colonial New England home, was the world's best-seller for centuries.

Benjamin Franklin wrote in his Autobiography:

"From a child I was fond of reading, and all the little money that came into my hands was ever laid out in books. Pleased with the Pilgrim's Progress, my first collection was of John Bunyan's works in separate little volumes."

Franklin continued:

"My old favorite author, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress...has been translated into most of the languages of Europe, and suppose it has been more generally read than any other book, except perhaps the Bible."

In it, John Bunyan wrote:

"Christian ran thus till he came at a place somewhat ascending, and upon that place stood a cross...

So I saw in my dream, that just as Christian came up with the cross, his burden loosed from off his shoulders, and fell from off his back."

American Minute - Feb. 17 - Billy Sunday

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

A baseball star, Billy Sunday played for the Chicago White Stockings (Sox) in the 1890's.

Born during the Civil War in a log cabin in Iowa, his father, a Union Army soldier, died of pneumonia when Billy was a month old.

At age 15, he struck out on his own, working several jobs before playing baseball.

His career took off and he became one of the most popular athletes in the nation.

While recovering from a baseball injury in 1887, he heard a group of gospel singers after leaving a Chicago saloon.

They invited him to their mission where he experienced a conversion.

He began attending YMCA meetings, quit drinking and got married. A national sensation occurred FEBRUARY 17, 1889, when Billy Sunday preached his first sermon as an evangelist in Chicago.

He went on to pioneer radio broadcasting so enthusiastically that the FCC was formed in response.

During the next 46 years, till his death November 6, 1935, over 100 million people would hear him.

In his animated style, Billy Sunday said:

"Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile."

Full Senate Next Stop for Voter ID Bill

The Senate Rules Committee has approved a pro-active bill designed to strengthen the integrity of Oklahoma's elections. Senate Bill 4, by Sen. John Ford would require anyone voting in person to show proof of identity.

Ford said voters could use a photo ID issued by the United States, the State of Oklahoma or a federally recognized Indian Tribe or Nation. Voters without a government issued photo ID could simply show their county issued Voter ID card.

"I believe that we have a right and a responsibility as citizens to vote, but as a state, we have a responsibility to make sure that every vote that's cast is a legitimate, valid vote," Ford said. "That's all this bill does."

Ford, who represents Nowata, Craig and Washington Counties, said providing identification is a part of every day life, and is required for writing checks, boarding a plane, as well as many other routine transactions.

"I truly believe that this enhances the quality of our election process. In no way will it disenfranchise any group--it doesn't keep anyone from voting, and it is not a poll tax because there is no expense to the voter. It simply gives greater protection to our system against the possibility of fraud."

Education Committee Approves School District Empowerment Program

State Senator John Ford has won committee passage of a bill designed to give greater local control to Oklahoma public school districts. Senate Bill 834, the School District Empowerment Program, would remove many of the unfunded state mandates currently restricting the ability of local school districts to best decide how to use resources to benefit their students.

"We pump billions of dollars into education every year, but schools are saddled with so many unfunded mandates they are extremely limited as to how those funds are used," said Ford, who represents Craig, Nowata and Washington Counties in the State Senate. "This will free up our local school districts so that the teachers, parents, school boards and administrators can develop innovative approaches and programs to give our children a better education."

Ford, who is the chairman of the Senate Education Committee, said regulations dealing with health, safety, civil rights and testing would still remain in place.

"What we are simply saying is that we entrust our local parents and schools to determine what will work best for their district and allow them the freedom and creativity to achieve the best results for their students," Ford said.

SB 834 will now move to the full Senate for consideration.

Lawmakers Target Domestic Violence, Child Abusers

Legislation that would increase protection of abused spouses and children during a custody dispute is headed for the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
House Bill 1739, by state Rep. Ron Peters, requires state courts to presume a child should be placed with a non-abusive parent in any case where there is clear evidence the other parent has engaged in domestic violence, stalking, or harassment.

“During divorce or custody disputes where domestic violence has previously occurred, the violence often escalates to the point of murder,” said Peters, R-Tulsa. “We don’t want the state of Oklahoma to force any woman or child to risk their lives.”

According to the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, 50 percent of domestic violence homicides in 2002 occurred during a child exchange.

According to the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, Oklahoma averages 75 deaths per year from domestic violence and children witnessed the death of a parent as the result of domestic violence in 37 percent of cases in 2004.

Oklahoma has been ranked fourth in the nation in intimate partner homicides.

“The data clearly show that violent spouses or partners remain a threat to the safety and well-being of both the child and non-abusive parent,” Peters said. “It’s time we require the courts to take violent behavior into greater account during custody disputes.”

Peters said House Bill 1739 would create a standardized approach in custody and visitation cases where one parent has been show to engage in domestic abuse

If visitation is allowed, the bill requires the court to “provide for the safety of the minor child” during the event.

Under the bill, the court cannot order a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment to be present during a child visitation exchange.
In cases where evidence “tending to substantiate suspected or confirmed child abuse” is identified by the Department of Human Services, the bill requires the suspension of visitation rights.

The legislation also requires the abusive parent to pay the non-abusive parent’s court costs for divorce and custody proceedings if there is “a showing by a preponderance of evidence that the party is currently being stalked or has been stalked or is the victim of domestic abuse.”

Peters said the legislation could dramatically reduce the occurrence of abuse in Oklahoma.

“Research indicates as many as 60 percent of men who abuse women also abuse children,” he said. “Once we know a man has engaged in domestic violence, we also know there is a very good chance he will abuse his child. This bill will provide additional safeguards to protect those children in future custody and visitation cases.”

House Bill 1739 has been approved by the House Judiciary Committee and
now goes before the entire Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Senate Committee Passes Pro-Transparency and Accountability Reform

Senator Clark Jolley’s Senate Bill 1111 was approved by the Senate Education Committee today with a bipartisan 8-5 vote.

Jolley is encouraged by the passage of the “Educational Accountability Reform Act” and is pleased the committee saw fit to advance the measure.

“The provisions in Senate Bill 1111 are not about politics but about good policy,” said Jolley. “The focus of this legislation needs to be on transparency and accountability and not a defense of the status quo. I hope members will continue to look at the bill and give it the positive consideration on the Senate floor that the committee did today.”

Senate Bill 1111 restructures Oklahoma’s education system to create improved oversight on testing. The current Office of Accountability will be restructured into the Education Quality and Accountability Office.

SB 1111 will now go to the full Senate for consideration.

Tuition Reimbursement for Soldiers Passes Committee

Oklahoma soldiers called to duty may get tuition reimbursement thanks to state Rep. Fred Jordan.

House Bill 1301, by Jordan, provides for a 100 percent refund of tuition and fees if a member of the Oklahoma National or Air Guard or the five branches of military reserves gets deployed during the school year.

“It is not fair to make these young men and women pay for classes they never got to finish because they were called to fight for our country,” said Jordan, R-Jenks. “This bill is a small way to show our appreciation to these men and women for their service during difficult times. They are great Americans that all legislators can be proud to support.”

Jordan, who served as a Captain in the Marine Corps, filed legislation last year that would have increased the income tax deduction for military income from $1,500 to $5,000 for all active, reserve, and National Guard service members. The bill passed the House but did not pass the Senate.

HB 1301 passed out of House Appropriations and Budget Committee today.

Replacing Worn Out C-17s

The U.S. Air Force has ordered another fifteen C-17 transports, paying $194 million for each of them. This purchase was prompted by the fact that the current C-17 fleet is being worked to death.

The problem is that the C-17 is more in demand during the war on terror than are air force combat aircraft.

Only the two dozen AC-130 gunships, and a hundred or so A-10 ground attack aircraft and F-16 fighter-bombers are getting steady work these days. But their workload is nothing compared to the C-17s, which are in constant demand to deliver personnel and material to American troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and many other places where the war on terror is being fought.

The C-17 entered service 14 years ago, and those first few aircraft quickly compiled 3,000 flight hours supporting peacekeeping operations in Bosnia. Each C-17 has a useful life of 30,000 flight hours, but the current force is flying such long, and hard (landing on rough fields) flights that many of the early model C-17s will be worn out within 5-10 years. This attrition is accelerated by the fact that the early model C-17s are structurally different, and weaker, than the later model C-17s. The wing box in the center of the fuselage, on early models, was insufficiently strong for the loads placed on it. This was corrected later in the production run, but those early planes are going to wear out faster than later model planes of the same flight hours.

Adding to this problem is the fact that many C-17s are landing on rough fields with heavy loads and are taking life time shortening structural damage. We have flown a lot of C-17s into northern Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and a bunch of other stans with rough/short strips in 2001 and 2003. The C-17 was built for this sort of thing, but lots of these landing come at the price of shorter useful life.

It's always been an uphill fight getting new air transports built. There were so many delays in the C-17 program that, when the 1991 Gulf War came along, the C-17 was not available and the C-141 transports, that was supposed to keep flying until 2010, were basically worn out by heavy use, and had to be retired early.

Now the C-17s are doing more work, to make up for the missing C-141. Originally, there were to be 120 C-17s (at $135 million each), with production ending in 2004. After September 11, 2001, it was realized that more air transports would be needed, and the production run of the C-17 was increased to 180. It was then proposed to increase it again to 222 aircraft. But logistics planners insist that 300 will be needed, if wartime needs are to be met. Moreover, the rapid deterioration of the early model C-17s means that eventually 350, or more, will have to be built to maintain a fleet of 300 transports. So far, 190 have been ordered, including 14 sold to foreign customers.

The major problem is that the air force is run by combat pilots. Although they recognize the importance of the C-17, they tend to focus on getting warplanes built. Additional C-17 construction comes at the expense of building new combat aircraft, and that's a hard sell inside the air force. Usually, it lobbying by the army, and other branches of the government, that compels Congress to strong arm the air force generals to build the needed C-17s. It's an ugly, messy and time consuming way to get aircraft built, but it works.

Cost of Operation Cast Lead

Israel has put a price on their recent Operation Cast Lead. This was the 22 day campaign in Gaza, and the Israelis are spending $590 million to replace damaged or destroyed equipment and supplies used, and restore troops to their pre campaign readiness.

The Israelis expended over a thousand smart bombs and missiles, and used vast quantities of fuel and spare parts to operate the aircraft and vehicles.

Reserve troops had to be paid and casualties (several hundred, although only 13 dead) taken care of. The $590 million is not the total cost of Cast Lead, but it is the bulk of it.

American Minute - Feb. 16 - Muslim Barbary Pirates of Tripoli

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

"From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli"-the Marine anthem recalls when Muslim Barbary Pirates of North Africa committed terrorist acts on American ships, selling crews into slavery.

Tripoli demanded tribute and a treaty was attempted, but it was not honored as the Koran prohibited friendship with infidels:

"Infidels are those who declare 'God is Christ, the son of Mary'"-Surah 5:17;

"Infidels are those that say 'God is one of three in a Trinity'"-Surah 5:73;

"Infidels are your sworn enemies"-Sura 4:101.

The Koran continued:

"Make war on the infidels"-Sura 9:123;

"When you meet the infidel in the battlefield strike off their heads"-Surah 47:4;

"Muhammad is Allah's apostle, those who follow him are ruthless to the infidels"-Surah 48:29;

"Take neither Jews nor Christians for your friends"-Surah 5:51.

President Jefferson finally sent in the Marines, and in what Admiral Horatio Nelson described as the "most bold and daring act of the age," Lieut. Stephen Decatur sailed his ship, the Intrepid, on the night of FEBRUARY 16, 1804, into the pirate harbor, burned a ship and escaped unharmed amidst fierce enemy fire.

The Marines captured Tripoli and forced the Pasha to make peace on U.S. terms.

American Minute - Feb. 15 - USS Maine blew up in Havana Harbor

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

Slave trade in Cuba began earlier and lasted longer than anywhere else in the Americas, 1521 to the late 1870's.

In 1868, a Creole farmer began a revolt for racial equality, freedom of speech and association. Spain spent ten years putting down the insurgency.

The independence movement grew and in 1895 Spain sent 200,000 soldiers who put tens of thousands of Cubans in concentration camps.
Many died of starvation, disease and exposure.

The American public demanded President William McKinley intervene for peace, but on FEBRUARY 15, 1898, the U.S.S. Maine blew up in Havana Harbor.

President McKinley approved the Resolution of Congress:

"Whereas the abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than three years in the island of Cuba, so near our own borders, have shocked the moral sense of the people of the United States, have been a disgrace to Christian civilization, culminating, as they have, in the destruction of a United States battle ship, with 266 of its officers and crew, while on a friendly visit in the harbor of Havana, and cannot longer be endured...

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives...That the people of the island of Cuba are and of right ought to be free."

Sen. (Dr.) Tom Coburn talking about the so call "Stimulus" bill (Feb 13, 2009)

Oklahoma U.S. Senator (Dr.) Tom Coburn talking about the so call "Stimulus" bill.

Dr. Coburn rebuts Obama's "no earmark" fiction

RNC Chairman Michael Steele's Lincoln Day Address

American Minute - Feb. 14 - Saint Valentine's Day

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

In the 3rd century, Emperor Claudius II was faced with defending the Roman Empire from the invading Goths.

He believed single men made better soldiers so he temporarily forbade marriage.

He also forced the Senate to deify the former Emperor Gallienus, including him with the Roman gods to be worshipped.

Legend has it that Valentine was a bishop in Italy who risked the Emperor's wrath by refusing to worship idols and for secretly marrying young couples.

Saint Valentine was dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and have his head cut off, FEBRUARY 14, 269AD.

While awaiting execution, it is said he prayed for the jailers' sick daughter, who miraculously recovered.

He wrote her a note and signed it, "from your Valentine."

In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius designated February 14th as "Saint Valentine's Day."

Signing an X for a kiss began in Medieval times where those who could not write marked a criss-cross or "Christ's cross" in the presence of witnesses and kissed it to show sincerity.

The X, or Chi symbol, was the Greek letter used to represent the name of Christ, as X-Mas for Christmas, and was used as a written form of the oath "So help me God."

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.

okcommerce.gov got hacked last night

Hat Tip to elmofromok from Twitter

This was the pic from about 10 hour ago on the
Oklahoma Department of Commerce website:

It look like OneNet has it back up click here

Homosexual Pastor Prays for Oklahoma State House

I am VERY SAD that my State Rep, Scott Martin voted to let this happen !

This and other things that Mr. Martin is doing this week at the Oklahoma State Capitol is making think what kind of Republican he is !

Hat Tip to Jamison @ The Musings of a Muskogee Politico

Homosexual Pastor Prays for House Session

Yesterday, State Rep. Al McAffrey (the only openly homosexual member of the legislature) sponsored the 'Pastor of the Day', the Reverend Dr. E. Scott Jones, Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ, Oklahoma City.

Before praying, Dr. Jones made the following comments:

Mr. Speaker and esteemed representatives, I thank you for the opportunity to be present with you today as chaplain for the day. I want to thank my representative and good friend, the Honorable Al McAffrey for the invitation. I would also like to acknowledge guests who are present in the gallery – members of my congregation, the Cathedral of Hope, United Church of Christ. Joining them are dear friends, my wonderful parents, and my loving partner, Michael Cich.

Dr. Jones is openly homosexual. And to my knowledge, he is the first openly homosexual pastor to become Pastor of the Day at the State House.

Later in the session, Rep. McAffrey moved to place Jones' prayer in the House Journal, a common practice, but State Rep. John Wright (R, Broken Arrow) objected. In my observations of the state legislature, I have never seen a legislator object to placing a prayer in the Journal, but then again, I have never heard of a homosexual pastor become Pastor of the Day.

A vote then ensued, and the prayer was placed in the Journal by a vote of 64-20, with 17 excused. The vote was as follows, with Republicans italicized:

* Aye: Armes, Auffet, Bailey, Banz, Billy, Brannon, Brown, Cannaday, Carey, Collins, Cooksey, Cox, Denney, Derby, DeWitt, Dorman, Fields, Glenn, Hamilton, Harrison, Hilliard, Holland, Hoskin, Inman, Jones, Jordan, Joyner, Kiesel, Kirby, Lamons, Luttrell, Martin (Scott), Martin (Steve), McAffrey, McDaniel (Jeannie), McMullen, McNiel, McPeak, Miller, Morgan, Morrissette, Nelson, Peters, Peterson, Pittman, Pruett, Renegar, Richardson, Roan, Rousselot, Schwartz, Scott, Sears, Shannon, Shelton, Sherrer, Shoemake, Shumate, Smithson, Steele, Thompson, Watson, Williams, Mr. Speaker. -- 64

* Nay: Blackwell, Christian, Coody, Duncan, Enns, Faught, Johnson, Kern, Key, Liebmann, Moore, Murphey, Osborn, Ownbey, Reynolds, Ritze, Sanders, Terrill, Thomsen, Wright (John). -- 20

(Okie Campaigns here, Have to ask how many of the "Excused" just ran out of the House Chamber for the Vote ?

We all know that Shane Jett like to do that !

And I think it's very odd that "Pit Bull" Wesselhoft was AWOL from the Vote !)

* Excused: Buck, Dank, Hickman, Jackson, Jett, Kouplen, McCullough, McDaniel (Randy), Nations, Ortega, Proctor, Sullivan, Tibbs, Trebilcock, Walker, Wesselhoft, Wright (Harold). -- 17

Dr. Jones has a blog, and posted about the incidient here, here, and here. The Daily Oklahoman had an article here.
The House Journal is here (the vote occurs at the end).

VIRGINIA BEATS THE CHIP!!

Hat Tip to BEAT THE CHIP






VIRGINIA BEATS THE CHIP!!
HEY TEXAS AND NORTH CAROLINA ... YOU'RE NEXT!!

Virginia’s General Assembly rejects REAL ID provisions

By David Sherfinski
DC Examiner Staff Writer 2/12/09

The Virginia House and Senate have overwhelmingly passed legislation rejecting elements of the federal government’s Real ID law, which requires states to issue federally mandated drivers’ licenses or similar forms of identification that would become part of a national database.

The House approved Del. Robert Marshall’s, R-Prince William, bill 88-10 on Tuesday, and the Senate passed legislation from Ken Cuccinelli, R-Fairfax, 30-9.

“I was obviously pretty pleased with that,” said Cuccinelli, noting that the bill survived a close 8-6 vote in committee. “Right and left were aligned on this thing. Consistent, steady, grassroots support for it, combined with no opposition … paved the way.”

Critics of the program argue that the law is an invasion of privacy.

“There’s [absolutely] no reason that we should link our data to another database that’s going to be broken into,” said Mike Stallenwerk, chairman of the Fairfax County Privacy Council. “That’s happened time and time again.

“This is fake security,” he added. “It’s not real security.”

The Virginia law, if signed by Gov. Tim Kaine, would not overtly reject Real ID. Rather, it would prohibit the state from complying with any element of the act that would compromise economic privacy, such as residents’ tax returns, financial transactions and investment transactions, or the security of biometric data, like fingerprints, retinal scans and DNA samples.

“This is not only a very important step forward for privacy rights in the state, but it looks as if Virginia will soon join 21 other states that have expressed opposition to some aspects of the federal Real ID law,” said Kent Willis, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Virginia chapter.

Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 in response to the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the U.S. improve its system for issuing ID documents.

“I’d like to see them repeal it straightway,” Cuccinelli said.

The program, whose purpose is to make it more difficult for terrorists to obtain fraudulent state-issued identification, is run by the Department of Homeland Security. Calls and e-mails placed to the agency were not immediately returned Wednesday.

Bill Would Overhaul Appointment of Replacement Officeholders

Lawmakers have voted to change the way vacancies in statewide offices are filled.

House Bill 1322, by state Rep. Mike Reynolds, would allow Oklahoma voters, not the governor, to choose the person who fills any vacated statewide office.

Reynolds filed the legislation to prevent any scandals from occurring similar to the one experience recently in Illinois, where Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was accused of trying to “sell” an appointment to the then-vacant U.S. Senate seat.

“The appointment power can easily be abused and Oklahoma has seen more than its share of corruption already,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. “My bill will simply remove that temptation and ensure the people of Oklahoma choose the people they want to serve in office.”

If any major office is vacated before the end of the officeholder’s current term that position would remain unfilled until the next general election under the proposal. Currently, the governor is allowed to appoint a successor.

Reynolds noted that Gov. Brad Henry actually endorsed a similar course of action when former State Auditor Jeff McMahan was under federal investigation. During that controversy, Henry urged McMahan to step aside during the investigation. McMahan later resigned from office after being convicted.

Reynolds also noted that vacancies in the state Legislature are filled through the election process and not by gubernatorial appointment.
In recent years, two major statewide officeholders have resigned due to legal troubles: McMahan and former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. Other vacancies have occurred in the offices of State Treasurer and Corporation Commissioner.

House Bill 1322 passed out of the House Rules committee and now proceeds to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Contingency Fee Cap Bill Passes House Committee

Legislation amending the state Constitution to reduce plaintiff attorney contingency fees to a maximum of 33 percent of the amount recovered on behalf of the injured party passed a House committee today.

Currently, contingency fees are capped at 50 percent, in addition to attorney expenses and costs. Because of that, many plaintiffs often receive less than half of the final recovery in a lawsuit.

If House Bill 1602 is approved by the Legislature, the change would go to a vote of the people.

The limit on contingency fees would be set at 33 percent of the first $1 million recovered, and 20 percent on awards above that amount. Attorneys would still be able to collect costs and expenses on top of the contingency fees collected in a case.

“This legislation would ensure injured parties receive more money than their attorneys,” said Rep. Dan Sullivan, House author of the bill. “We have a responsibility as legislators to look at what is a reasonable level for these fees, and this bill lets the people of Oklahoma ultimately decide.

“A vote ‘no’ on this bill is a vote for upholding the interests of attorneys over those who have been injured. It is as simple as that,” said Sullivan, R-Tulsa.

Contingency fees are often used in cases where clients cannot afford to pay for an attorney up front, and instead must commit to giving the attorney a large portion of any award recovered in the case.

House Speaker Chris Benge said this legislation is part of the House Republican agenda to build a pro-growth business climate in Oklahoma.

“We have made no secret that lawsuit reform is one of our top priorities this session,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “Reducing frivolous lawsuits is critical to attracting business to our state and also reducing the cost of health care for working families. We hope this is the year we can get meaningful tort reform into law.”

The bill passed the House Judiciary Committee today and now moves to the full House for a vote.

Rep. Ritze Bill Would Allow Open Carry

Oklahomans would be allowed to carry a visible rifle, shotgun or pistol without a handgun license under a bill filed by state Rep. Mike Ritze.

“In Oklahoma, carrying a rifle or shotgun in your pickup is an accepted practice and most Oklahomans believe they should have the right to carry their guns openly if they have not been convicted of a crime,” by Ritze, R-Broken Arrow. “I hope my fellow lawmakers will approve this bill in committee. It is an affirmation of their belief in our Second Amendment rights.”

House Bill 1414 specifies that the firearm would have to be carried in a belt holster, a scabbard or a case designed for carrying firearms that is “wholly or partially visible.” Currently, Oklahomans by law may carry an unloaded, visible rifle, shotgun or pistol to hunt, in a class, at a sporting event or in a police or military function without a handgun license.

“I believe House Bill 1414 will make it crystal clear that you can have a hunting rifle in your vehicle under most circumstances,” Ritze said.

Ritze noted that he planned to support several gun bills filed by other lawmakers during the 2009 legislative session including a bill that would create lifetime concealed carry licenses.

“Oklahomans oppose most gun restrictions with the exception of preventing convicted felons from purchasing firearms,” Ritze said. “The Second Amendment guarantees our right to bear arms, however, and as I was elected to uphold our rights, I will do my best to eliminate gun restrictions I see as unreasonably restrictive.”

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.

Committee Votes to Streamline Livestock Regulations

State lawmakers voted today to streamline regulation of livestock operations in Oklahoma and prevent radical groups from wreaking havoc with a vital state industry.
House Bill 2151, by state Rep. Don Armes, would simplify regulation of livestock producers by making the state the single-source regulator in Oklahoma (other than the federal government).

The bill would eliminate the compliance problems created by patchwork-quilt regulation while also preventing fringe groups from imposing excessive regulations through local ordinances, Armes said.
“Unfortunately, there’s been a trend of over-reach by fringe groups who don’t know much about animals, agriculture production, or the free market, yet still feel the need to impose their version of ‘animal Nirvana’ on local farmers and ranchers through arbitrary regulations,” said Armes, R-Faxon. “This bill will simply ensure that livestock regulations are developed by experts at the state level who know what they’re doing.”

One recent example of regulatory overload occurred last fall in California, where a ballot question actually created new regulations on the size of pens for egg-laying hens, veal calves, and pregnant sows.
Armes noted many urban voters have little practical knowledge of agriculture or animal welfare.

“Let’s be honest: The majority of people in San Francisco probably think the chicken just magically appears ready to eat next to the arugula and tofu in the grocery aisle,” Armes said. “In a place like Oklahoma, where there are literally more cattle than people and agriculture production generates billions of dollars in gross state product, it just makes sense to have trained experts making regulatory decisions.”

House Bill 2151 passed out of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee today and now proceeds to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Similar legislation has also advanced in the state Senate.

American Minute - Feb. 13 - Alexander Solzhenitsyn's warning

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

"Man has forgotten God, that is why this has happened" was Solzhenitsyn's response when questioned about the decline of modern culture.

A Russian author, Solzhenitsyn was imprisoned for eight years by Joseph Stalin, as he described in his autobiography, Les Prix Nobel:

"I was arrested on the grounds of what the censorship had found in my correspondence with a school friend, mainly because of certain disrespectful remarks about Stalin, although we referred to him in disguised terms.

A further basis for the 'charge' were drafts of stories and reflections which had been found in my map case."

He wrote "The Gulag Archipelago" for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, 1970, but the Communist government did not allowed him to leave the country to accept it.

Finally, under international pressure, the Soviet Union expelled him on FEBRUARY 13, 1974.

The following year in Washington, D.C., Alexander Solzhenitsyn warned:

"I...call upon America to be more careful...because they are trying to weaken you...to disarm your strong and magnificent country in the face of this fearful threat-one that has never been seen before in the history of the world."

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.

Committee Approves Bill to Create Task Force on Internet-Based Instruction

The Senate Education Committee approved a measure Monday to study the efficiency of Internet-based instruction in Oklahoma. Senate Bill 604, by State Sen. Gary Stanislawski, would create a task force to review such programs and make recommendations regarding necessary changes to ensure accountability for those in public schools.

“Internet-based instruction is becoming more and more popular for our middle and high school students. For many, because of time constraints or problems at school, it’s simply easier to get their school work done through this type of program,” said Stanislawski, R-Tulsa. “Because of its growing popularity, I want to ensure that these programs are providing just as good an education as is available in the classroom, and that there is accountability to make sure students are really doing the work they’re supposed to be doing.”

The task force would consist of seven members including the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and two district superintendents from districts that provide students with Internet-based instruction. The task force’s findings would have to be submitted by November 10, 2009. The report could include findings and recommendations for any statutory or regulatory changes necessary to improve the accountability, finding, and effectiveness of Internet-based instruction.

The United Suburban Schools Association requested the bill, which will now go before the full Senate for further consideration.

Election results for February 10, 2009

ATOKA COUNTY
Commissioner District 1: Marvin Dale 259 (54.1%); Chris Edgar 220 (45.9%)

BEAVER COUNTY
2 mill ad valorem property tax to fund and maintain the Beaver County Emergency Medical Service. Yes: 688 (83.5%); No: 136 (16.5%) Passed.
Beaver Schools
Proposition 1: $275,000 bond to replace bleachers and add a building for a concession stand, bathrooms and weight room to the school’s football/track area. Yes: 257 (82.4%); No: 55 (17.6%) Passed.
Proposition 2: $225,000 bond for two buses, one vocational agriculture pickup and two sports utility vehicles. Yes: 244 (80%); No: 61 (20%) Passed.

CADDO COUNTY
Hydro-Eakly Schools
$6.2 million for a new middle-high school with 19 to 21 classrooms. Yes: 507 (82.7%); No: 106 (17.3%) Passed.
Boone Apache Schools
Proposition 1: $2 million for a new middle school and renovations to the elementary school rest room. Yes: 274 (92.9%); No: 21 (7.1%) Passed.
Proposition 2: $170,000 for two buses. Yes: 270 (92.5%); No: 22 (7.5%) Passed.
Cyril Schools
Proposition 1: $585,000 for a new roof for the elementary school. Yes: 115 (92%); No: 10 (8%) Passed.
Proposition 2: $150,000 for two school buses. Yes: 112 (91.1%); No: 11 (8.9%) Passed.

CLEVELAND COUNTY
Moore Schools (13 or 16 precincts reporting)
Office 4: Jon Painter 281 (74.5%); Steve C. Adamo 96 (25.5%)
Norman Schools
Office 4: Kim Gaddie 364 (26.9%); Brooks Hull 781 (57.8%); Debra Stuart 205 (15.2%)

CREEK COUNTY
Town of Depew
Proposition 1: To increase the number of trustees on the municipal board from three members to five: Yes: 33 (66%); No: 17 (34%) Passed
Proposition 2: To change the status of the town clerk/treasurer from an elected official to an appointed position: Yes: 28 (60.9%); No: 18 (39.1%) Passed.

DELAWARE COUNTY
Kansas Schools
Proposition 1: $1.7 million bond to build seven or eight new classrooms in the district’s early childhood center. Yes: 332 (66.8%); No: 165 (33.2%) Passed.
Proposition 2: $1.1 million bond to build one large classroom for special services and two or three smaller classrooms. Yes: 324 (65.2%); No: 173 (34.8%) Passed.
Proposition 3: $1 million bond to build a field house. Yes: 280 (56.5%); No: 216 (43.5%) Failed.

GREER COUNTY
Granite Schools
$300,000 bond to build a new roof on the school building that houses upper elementary, middle school and high school classes. Also would pay for remodeling bathrooms and updating electrical wiring and plumbing. Yes: 147 (63.9%); No: 59 (36.1%) Passed.

HUGHES COUNTY
Calvin Schools
$590,000 bond for new buses. Yes: 78 (64.5%); No: 43 (35.5%) Passed.

JACKSON COUNTY
Duke Schools
$200,000 bond for new buses. Yes: 116 (83.5%); No: 23 (16.5%) Passed.

KINGFISHER COUNTY
Proposition 1: Property tax increase of three mills on the dollar of the assessed value of all taxable property to establish an emergency medical service district for the Kingfisher, Dover, Lomega and Okarche school districts. Yes: 533 (55.9%); No: 421 (44.1%) Passed.
Cashion Schools
Proposition 1: $3.1 million bond to make general repairs and renovations at the district’s old high school, elementary school and gymnasium, including work on roofs, foundations, rest rooms, windows and gymnasium seating. Some money also will be used to buy band equipment and uniforms. Yes: 149 (78.8%); No: 40 (21.2%) Passed.
Proposition 2: $185,000 to buy an activity bus and school vehicle. Yes: 146 (76.8%); No: 44 (23.2%) Passed.

LATIMER COUNTY
Wilburton Schools
$1.5 million bond to build and equip a new high school gymnasium. Yes: 278 (73%); No: 103 (27%) Passed.

LOGAN COUNTY
Mulhall-Orlando Schools
$495,000 bond for anew band room, a new gym roof, renovation of the current band room into an above-ground safe room and new gym lockers. Yes: 172 (89.6%); No: 20 (10.4%) Passed.

MURRAY COUNTY
District 3 Commissioner, Democrats: Darrell Hudson 608 (82.1%); Bobby J. Lee 33 (4.5%); Gary D. Fullerton 78 (10.5%) Curtis Jones 22 (2.9%)

OKLAHOMA COUNTY
Oklahoma County results unavailable due to storm-related power outages. Doug and his team will count the votes today.

OSAGE COUNTY
Pawhuska
Proposition 1: Three-quarter cent sales tax for the construction and repair of roads, curbs and sidewalks and repairing/replacing water works system and sewer system. Yes: 357 (75.2%); No: 118 (24.8%) Passed.
Proposition 2: One-quarter cent sales tax for an economic development program. Yes: 318 (66.8%); No: 158 (33.2%) Passed.

PAYNE COUNTY
Cushing special election
Proposition 1: Would make permanent eight-tenths of a cent sales tax, set to expire on June 30, to provide money for capital expenditures. The first project would be building a new police/fire headquarters. Yes: 455 (79.4%); No: 118 (20.6%) Passed.
Proposition 2: Authorizes a city hotel/motel sales tax of 4 percent to finance economic development and other projects. Revenue could pay for installing utilities in 240-acre city-owned property on east edge of town. Yes: 424 (73.6%); No: 152 (26.4%) Passed.

PONTOTOC COUNTY
Pickett Center Schools
$300,000 bond for updating rest rooms and to build one classroom, two dressing rooms, and a concession area. Yes: 50 (90.9%); No: 5 (9.1%) Passed.

PUSHMATAHA COUNTY
Rattan Schools
$1.5 million bond to build a multi-function gymnasium designed to hold up to 1,000 people. Yes: 267 (33.7%) No: 525 (66.3%) Failed.

ROGERS COUNTY
Oologah-Talala Emergency Medical Services
Proposition 1: $1 million bond issue for the Oologah-Talala Emergency Medical Services to purchase emergency vehicles and equipment by collecting a special annual tax. Yes: 592 (62.3%) No: 359 (37.7%) Passed.

TULSA COUNTY
Union Schools
$20 million bond issue for remodeling Grove Elementary School and updating the Union Performing Arts Center; roof replacements at Clark Elementary, Eighth-Grade Center gym, Intermediate High School’s north classrooms and media center and Union High School’s Performing Arts Center, stage and gym; the second phase of the softball/baseball complex remodel, including reconfiguring playing fields; upgrading the eighth-grade gym and outside basketball courts; purchase of books and interactive white boards; upgrading computers and replacement of lighting. Yes: 1,829 (83.9%); No: 252 (16.1%) Passed.

WASHITA COUNTY
A five-year, five-eighths of a cent sales tax increase to provide $118,190 for Washita County Cooperative Service and 4-H; $21,510 for Washita County Free Fair and Junior Livestock Show; $31,185 for Washita County Health Services; $32,265 for Washita County Senior Citizens and $35,850 for Washita County maintenance for county jail, legal county documents, county fair facilities and courthouse. The sales tax would be limited to five years. Yes: 920 (81.4%); No: 210 (18.6%) Passed.

WOODS COUNTY
Alva Schools
Proposition 1: $2.8 million bond issue for renovation of Alva High School track, replacement of air-conditioning units at several sites, replacement of high school auditorium seats, installing new windows at Lincoln Elementary School, buying intercom system and surveillance equipment for high school. Yes: 470 (79.3%); No: 123 (20.7%) Passed.
Proposition 2: $150,000 for buses. Yes: 465 (78.3%); No: 129 (21.7%) Passed.

American Minute - Feb. 11 - Abraham Lincoln left for Washington, D.C.

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

On FEBRUARY 11, 1861, newly elected President Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois for Washington-never to return.

In his Farewell Speech he said:

"I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington.

Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail.

Trusting in Him who can go with me and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well...

Let us all pray that the God of our fathers may not forsake us now.."


Forty-five days before his assassination, Lincoln stated in his Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1865:

"Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God...The prayers of both could not be answered...

If God will that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsmen's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said 'the Judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.'"

Ten Commandments Bill Headed to House Floor

Legislation allowing the placement of a privately funded Ten Commandments monument at the Oklahoma Capitol received committee approval today.

House Bill 1330, by state Rep. Mike Ritze, would create the “Ten Commandments Monument Display Act.” The bill would allow for a Ten Commandments monument to be displayed on the Capitol grounds in accordance with existing U.S. Supreme Court rulings.

“The Ten Commandments laid the foundation for modern law and their importance in the development of our legal system should be recognized,” said Ritze, R-Broken Arrow. “The monument is in no way an endorsement of any religion, but simply acknowledges the roots of our system of justice in this state and country.”

Under the bill, the monument would be privately funded and no taxpayer expenditures would be required.

House Bill 1330 notes that the Ten Commandments are “an important component of the moral foundation of the laws and legal system of the United States of America and of the State of Oklahoma” but also states that the monument “shall not be construed to mean that the State of Oklahoma favors any particular religion or denomination …”

“Some critics have argued the budget shortfall makes all other legislation a ‘distraction’ this year,” Ritze said. “I am confident lawmakers are capable of passing a simple Ten Commandments bill and also writing a state budget.

Furthermore, it is ridiculous to suggest that Oklahomans cannot honor our state’s history in years when tax revenues decline, especially if there is no new expenditure of tax dollars required.”

House Bill 1330 passed out of the House General Government Committee and now proceeds to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

American Minute - Feb. 10 - Cortez & Mexico City

American Minute
with
Bill Federer

Cortez ordered his ships sunk.

There was no turning back. With 500 men Cortez set out FEBRUARY 10, 1519, toward Mexico City.

Cortez' secretary, Francisco Lopez de Gomara, recorded that after they triumphantly entered the city, Montezuma proudly showed them the grand buildings, including a theater made of human bones, wherein was counted 136,000 skulls... a tower was made of skulls too numerous to count...walls and steps covered with human blood, pits where the human bodies were thrown after people had eaten off the arms and legs ... black-robed priests with hair matted down with human blood.

Soldier Bernal Diaz del Castillo recorded that Cortez' remarked:

"'Senor Montezuma, I do not understand how such a great Prince and wise man as you are has not come to the conclusion...that these idols of yours are not gods, but...devils'...

He explained to him very clearly about creation of the world, and how we are all brothers, sons of one father and one mother who were called Adam and Eve....

That a cross (when they asked why we worshipped it) was a sign of the other Cross on which our Lord God was crucified...for the salvation of the whole human race."

Oklahoma vote Today !

ATOKA COUNTY
Commissioner District 1 race
Marvin Dale, Democrat, and Chris Edgar, Republican

BEAVER COUNTY
2 mill ad valorem property tax to maintain the Beaver County Emergency Medical Service. The tax will be levied for the fiscal year 2009-2010 and remain in effect unless county residents vote to repeal it.
Beaver Schools
→Proposition 1: $275,000 bond to replace bleachers and add a building that would house a concession stand, bathrooms and weight room to the school’s football/track area.
→Proposition 2: $225,000 bond for two buses, one vocational agriculture pickup and two sports utility vehicles.

CADDO COUNTY
Hydro-Eakly Schools
Proposition 1: $6.2 million for a new middle-high school with 19 to 21 classrooms.
Boone Apache Schools
→Proposition 1: $2 million for a new middle school and renovations to the elementary school restroom.
→Proposition 2: $170,000 for two buses.
Cyril Schools
→Proposition 1: $585,000 for a new roof for the elementary school.
→Proposition 2: $150,000 for two school buses.

CLEVELAND COUNTY
Norman Schools, Office 4
Kim Gaddie, Brooks Hull and Debra Stuart

CREEK COUNTY
Town of Depew
→Propostion 1: To increase the number of trustees on the municipal board from three members to five.
→Proposition 2: To change the status of the town clerk/treasurer from an elected official to an appointed position.

DELAWARE COUNTY
Kansas Schools
→Proposition 1: $1.7 million bond to build seven or eight new classrooms in the district’s early childhood center.
→Proposition 2: $1.1 million bond to build one large classroom for special services and two or three smaller classrooms.
→Proposition 3: $1 million bond to build a field house.

GREER COUNTY
Granite Schools
$300,000 bond to build a new roof on the school building that houses upper elementary, middle school and high school classes. Also would pay for remodeling bathrooms and updating electrical wiring and plumbing.

HUGHES COUNTY
Calvin Schools
$590,000 bond for new buses.

JACKSON COUNTY
Duke Schools
$200,000 bond for new buses.

KINGFISHER COUNTY
Proposition 1: Property tax increase of three mills on the dollar of the assessed value of all taxable property to establish an emergency medical service district for the Kingfisher, Dover, Lomega and Okarche school districts.
Cashion Schools
→Proposition 1: $3.1 million bond to make repairs and renovations at the district’s old high school, elementary school and gymnasium. Some money also will be used to buy band equipment and uniforms.
→Proposition 2: $185,000 to buy an activity bus and school vehicle.

LATIMER COUNTY
Wilburton Schools
Proposition 1: $1.5 million bond to build and equip a new high school gymnasium.

LOGAN COUNTY
Mulhall-Orlando Schools
$495,000 bond for a new band room, a new gym roof, renovation of the current band room into an above-ground safe room and new gym lockers.

MURRAY COUNTY
District 3 Commissioner, Democrats
Darrell Hudson, Bobby J. Lee, Gary D. Fullerton, and Curtis Jones

OKLAHOMA COUNTY
Deer Creek Schools
Office 4
Danny Barnes (i), Suzanne McGraw, and Rob Talbot
Edmond Schools, Office 4
George Cohlmia (i), Susan Adams, and Dorothy Ray
Oklahoma City schools
School board chairman
Kirk Humphreys (i), and Angela Monson
District 1
Sherry Barton, Cordell Jordan, and Lyn Watson
Putnam City
Office 2
Mark Bledsoe (i), Bob Coursey, and Kevin Fleharty

OSAGE COUNTY
Pawhuska
→Proposition 1: Three-quarter cent sales tax for the construction and repair of roads, curbs and sidewalks and repairing/replacing water works system and sewer system.
→Proposition 2: One-quarter cent sales tax for an economic development program.

PAYNE COUNTY
Cushing special election
→Proposition 1: Would make permanent eight-tenths of a cent sales tax, set to expire on June 30, to provide money for capital expenditures. The first project would be building a new police/fire headquarters.
→Proposition 2: Authorizes a city hotel/motel sales tax of 4 percent to finance economic development and other projects. Revenue could pay for installing utilities in 240-acre city-owned property on east edge of town.

PONTOTOC COUNTY
Pickett Center Schools
$300,000 bond for updating restrooms and plumbing and to build one classroom, two dressing rooms, and a concession area.

PUSHMATAHA COUNTY
Rattan Schools
$1.5 million bond to build a multi-function gymnasium designed to hold up to 1,000 people.

Oologah-Talala Emergency Medical Services
Proposition 1: $1 millionbond issue for the Oologah-Talala Emergency Medical Servicesto purchase emergency vehicles and equipment by collecting a special annual tax.

TULSA COUNTY
Union Schools
$20 million bond issue for remodeling Grove Elementary School and updating the Union Performing Arts Center; roof replacements at Clark Elementary, Eighth-Grade Center gym, Intermediate High School’s north classrooms and media center and Union High School’s Performing Arts Center, stage and gym; the second phase of the softball/baseball complex remodel, including the reconfiguration of playing fields; upgrading the eighth-grade gym and outside basketball courts; purchase of textbooks, media books, and interactive white boards, and the upgrading of computers and replacement of standard bulbs with T8 fluorescent lighting.

WASHITA COUNTY
A five-year, five-eighths of a cent sales tax increase to provide $118,190 for Washita County Cooperative Service and 4-H; $21,510 for Washita County Free Fair and Junior Livestock Show; $31,185 for Washita County Health Services; $32,265 for Washita County Senior Citizens and $35,850 for Washita County maintenance for county jail, legal county documents, county fair facilities and courthouse. The sales tax would be limited to five years.

WOODS COUNTY
Alva schools
→Proposition 1: $2.8 million bond issue for renovation of Alva High School track, replacement of air-conditioning units at several sites, replacement of high school auditorium seats, installing new windows at Lincoln Elementary School, purchase of intercom system and surveillance equipment for high school.
→Proposition 2: $150,000 for buses

Sen. (Dr.) Tom Coburn talking about the so call "Stimulus" bill

Oklahoma U.S. Senator (Dr.) Tom Coburn talking about the so call "Stimulus" bill.

Dr. Coburn rebuts Obama's "no earmark" fiction: "That's an out and outright untruth."

He is so right, It spends money we don't have, on things we don't need now