Thursday, November 30, 2017

Lamb announces Ethics Reform in Government plan


LAMB ANNOUNCES ETHICS REFORM IN GOVERNMENT PLAN 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, November 30, 2017 – Republican gubernatorial candidate Todd Lamb announced today an ethics in government reform plan aimed at improving the efficiency, functionality and ethics of Oklahoma’s legislative and special election processes. In light of several special elections needed this year due to incumbents engaged in unethical and/or criminal behavior, and a special legislative session that has tested the trust and patience of Oklahoma’s citizenry, Lamb said reforms are needed to renew Oklahomans’ faith in their elected officials, and for state government to improve the manner in which it operates.

“A primary order of business is renewing the faith of voters in Oklahoma state government, and in their elected representatives,” Lamb said. “I believe fundamental reforms are desperately needed for Oklahoma taxpayers to be confident that their elected leaders are working for them, and not their own self-interest. There is a growing concern among Oklahomans that the state Capitol is in chaos, and that some members of the Legislature are too caught up in the politics of their positions rather than serving the best interest of their constituents.”

“My recommendations are the result of my service as a United States Secret Service agent, within the private sector, as a candidate, a state senator and lieutenant governor, as well as my experiences visiting with Oklahomans across all 77 counties. Nobody should undervalue the intense level of frustration Oklahoma voters of all ideologies, of all political persuasion and all socio-economic status feel at this time. Many of these proposals will be met with opposition from some legislators and lobbyists, however government is not about them. Government is about serving the people, and at this moment it is time to go above and beyond to restore Oklahomans’ faith in our state government.”


I. SPECIAL ELECTION/EARLY RESIGNATION 

  • A. Any legislator who resigns their seat before the end of their term will forgo any state retirement related to their term in elected office until the cost of the special election (with interest) to fill their unexpired term is repaid to the state. 
    • 1. Exceptions can be granted for extenuating personal situations at the time of resignation such as health or family crisis. 
    • 2. Exceptions will be granted for being called to military service. 
    • 3. Exceptions will be granted if voters elect a legislator to another office if the legislator is running for another office during their current term. 
  • B. Existing campaign funds (after any applicable Oklahoma Ethics Commission fines are paid) held by the campaign of a legislator who resigns mid-term will be transferred to the Oklahoma State Election Board to assist in offsetting the cost of special elections. 
  • C. Any legislator missing 40% or more floor votes one month or later into the regular legislative session will be expelled and the seat will become vacant 
  • and subject to special election laws. Exceptions will be granted for extenuating circumstances related to the health of the legislator and/or immediate family, as well as for missing votes related to military service or other similar professional duties or obligations. 
  • D. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission will determine the granting of any exceptions pursuant to the above proposals. 

“Resignation due to unethical and/or illegal behavior, or opportunity for personal gain, creates an undue hardship on taxpayers while leaving Oklahomans unrepresented. The simple fact is there should be a penalty for failing to meet a solemn obligation made to voters,” Lamb said.


II. SPECIAL SESSION REFORM 

  • A. Apply current restrictions on donations by lobbyists and lobbyist principals during regular session to any special legislative session. 
  • B. Per diem for qualifying legislators during a special stand alone legislative session will decrease by 20% per week during special session. For example, after two weeks of special session, per diem will be 60% of the normal rate, and after five weeks of special session, there will be no per diem. An exception will be granted should the stand alone special session be called as a result of an act of God or man-made disaster which would have been unforeseen during the regular legislative session. 

“Voters must have assurance that legislators are not living a lavish lifestyle at their expense, and especially during times when the Legislature is debating raising taxes on Oklahomans,” Lamb said.


III. SEXUAL HARASSMENT 

  • A. Required sexual harassment training for statewide and legislative elected officials to be conducted by the office of the Oklahoma Attorney General. 
  • B. Creation of a state ombudsman within the office of the Oklahoma Attorney General where those interacting with legislators or state employees can report concerns without fear of repercussions. 
  • C. Expulsion or resignation for sexual harassment will immediately result in loss of all state benefits, including retirement. 

“Little, if anything, sickens me more than hearing incidents of sexual harassment. They are even more appalling when they involve those who have been elected and exalted to positions of leadership. As a husband, and as the father of a young lady, this issue strikes at my core. We must stop this unacceptable behavior, which not only demeans individuals but undoubtedly discourages some of Oklahoma’s best and brightest from entering public service,” Lamb said.


IV. CAMPAIGN AND LOBBYING REFORMS 

  • A. Cooling-off period for elected officials and agency directors. Legislators, statewide elected officials and agency directors shall not assist or represent any private interest for compensation in a lobbying or consulting role on a matter that is the subject of legislative or executive action for a minimum of two years following the end of their state service, whether elected or appointed. For legislators, this change would affect all new terms in office. 
  • B. Institute quarterly random audits of a minimum percentage of all campaign and lobbyist filings and allow field investigations when there is a suspicion of a violation. Require Legislature to fund these efforts. 
  • C. During regular and/or special legislative session, require lobbyists to report expenditures to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission of gifts or meals exceeding $25 within two business days. 

“We must eliminate incentives and any perception that legislators and/or agency directors make decisions for their own personal gain instead of in the best interest of constituents and the state of Oklahoma,” Lamb said.


V. STATE CAPITOL CONDUCT 

  • A. Elimination of special legislative vehicle license tags. 
  • B. Enforcement of prohibition against consuming alcohol within the state Capitol. 

“There is no need for special legislative vehicle license tags, and alcohol consumption within the state Capitol is already prohibited. Both of these will lead to greater transparency in state government,” Lamb said.


VI. ENGAGEMENT OF STATE EMPLOYEES IN PROMOTING ETHICAL BEHAVIOR 

  • A. Create an ombudsman position within the office of the Oklahoma Attorney General where state employees can, with protection, expose corruption, report government waste and offer cost-saving ideas. This position will be paid by a portion of the cost savings generated from these efforts. 
  • B. Create non-cash Ethical Excellence Awards to recognize outstanding state employees who demonstrate ethical behavior. 

“We have to fundamentally change the culture within state government and we must be better stewards of taxpayer dollars. Empowering all state employees to be part of the solution can be a very powerful force,” Lamb said.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Music Monday: Joy to the World!

This week's Music Monday is  the 18th-century Christmas carol Joy to the World!, by prolific English hymnwriter Isaac Watts.


Enjoy!

Lyrics:
Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

See below for all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.


November 20th, 2017: We Gather Together
November 13th, 2017: Mansions of the Lord
November 6th, 2017: Träumerei
October 30th: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 23rd, 2017: In Christ Alone
October 16th, 2017: When I'm Knee Deep In Bluegrass
October 9th, 2017: I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb
October 2nd, 2017: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major (Brahms)
September 25th, 2017: Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C minor ('Pathétique')
September 11th, 2017: Have You Forgotten?
September 4th, 2017: Bach's Double Violin Concerto
August 28th, 2017: Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord
August 21st, 2017: The Heavens Are Telling The Glory of God
August 14th, 2017: Beethoven's 5th Symphony
August 7th, 2017: 'Lift High The Name Of Jesus' medley
July 31st, 2017: Fanfare for the Common Man
July 24th, 2017: Variations on 'Happy Birthday'
July 10th, 2017: Summer (Presto) from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
July 3rd, 2017: Freelance Fireworks Hall of Fame
June 26th, 2017: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
June 19th, 2017: A Christian Home
June 12th, 2017: Ol' Man River
June 5th, 2017: Choctaw Cowboy
May 29th, 2017: Armed Forces Salute
May 22nd, 2017: Double Bass Concerto No.2 in B minor
May 15th, 2017: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major
May 8th, 2017: The Army Goes Rolling Along
April 17th, 2017: He Is Alive
April 10th, 2017: Surely He Hath Borne/And With His Stripes/All We Like Sheep
April 3rd, 2017: Here Comes Carolina
March 27th, 2017: 'Spring' from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'
March 20th, 2017: Symphony No. 5 ("Reformation") Finale
March 13th, 2017: The Pigeon on the Gate
March 6th, 2017: Finlandia
February 27th, 2017: When I Can Read My Title Clear
February 20th, 2017: William Tell Overture - Finale
February 13th, 2017: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 6th, 2017: White Winter Hymnal
January 30th, 2017: Hail, Columbia
January 23rd, 2017: Hail to the Chief
January 16th, 2017: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
January 2nd, 2017: Auld Lang Syne
December 26th, 2016: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
December 19th, 2016: I Wonder as I Wander
December 12th, 2016: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 5th, 2016: A Christmas Festival
November 28th, 2016: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 21st: Beethoven's 'Hymn of Thanksgiving'
November 14th: Hymn to the Fallen
November 7th: This World Is Not My Home
October 31st, 2016: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 24th, 2016: 'Mars', from 'The Planets'
October 17th, 2016: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
October 10th, 2016: Spain
October 3rd, 2016: International Harvester
September 26th, 2016: 'The Imperial March' from Star Wars
September 19th, 2016: Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound
September 12th, 2016: Before the Throne of God Above
September 5th, 2016: The Hunt
August 29th, 2016: Liberty
August 22nd, 2016: Summon the Heroes
August 15th, 2016: Bugler's Dream
August 8th, 2016: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
August 1st, 2016: 'Prelude' and 'Parade of the Charioteers' from Ben-Hur
July 25th, 2016: How The West Was Won
July 18th, 2016: Six Studies in English Folk Song
July 11th, 2016: From Everlasting To Everlasting
July 4th, 2016: The Stars and Stripes Forever
June 27th, 2016: Rule, Britannia!
June 20st, 2016: Bugler's Holiday
June 13th, 2016: Ride of the Valkyries
June 6th, 2016: Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, Allegro Vivace
May 30th, 2016: Armed Forces Salute
May 23rd, 2016: Paid in Full (Through Jesus, Amen)
May 16th, 2016: Overture from 'Carmen'
May 9th, 2016: L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1 - Prelude
May 2nd, 2016: My God Is a Rock
April 25th, 2016: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
April 18th, 2016: Paganini's Caprice No. 24 in A Minor
April 11th, 2016: Fantasia on a 17th Century Tune
April 4th, 2016: Hark The Sound/I'm a Tarheel Born
March 28th, 2016: Rustle of Spring
March 21st, 2016: 'Ode to Joy' sung by a 10,000-voice choir
March 14th, 2016: Hard Times Come Again No More
March 7th, 2016: 'The Suite' from Downton Abbey
February 29th, 2016: Moonlight Sonata
February 22nd, 2016: Liebestraum No. 3
February 15th, 2016: Help Is On The Way
February 8th, 2016: God of Grace and God of Glory
February 1st, 2016: 'My Story'
January 25th, 2016: Israeli Concertino
January 18th, 2016: What Grace is Mine
January 11th, 2016: "Meditation" from Thaïs
January 4th, 2016: Praeludium and Allegro
December 28th, 2015: Appalachian Carol
December 21st, 2015: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 14th, 2015: O Holy Night
December 7th, 2015: Christmas Fantasy
November 23rd, 2015: Simple Gifts
November 16th, 2015: Preacher Tell Me Like It Is
November 9th, 2015: Armed Forces Salute
November 2nd, 2015: Amazing Grace
October 26th, 2015: The Harmonious Blacksmith
October 19th, 2015: Liberty Fanfare
October 12th, 2015: The Majesty and Glory of Your Name
October 5th, 2015: Elgar's 'Enigma' Finale
September 28th, 2015: Stayed on Jesus
September 21st, 2015: Great Gate of Kiev
September 14th, 2015: Nearer, My God, To Thee

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Coleman for Congress to hold two events with Reagan's Attorney General Meese


Coleman for Congress Announces Two District Town Halls with Former Reagan Attorney General Ed Meese

TULSA, OKLAHOMA:  The Coleman for Congress campaign announced today the following public events with President Ronald Reagan’s former Attorney General Ed Meese. 

Meese is currently a Distinguished Fellow Emeritus at The Heritage Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors for The Federalist Society.  He is a renowned national conservative leader and policy advisor.

Meese and Coleman will be making remarks at both events. Both events are open to the public. You are encouraged to register for the event at AndyColeman.org/rsvp.

Bartlesville Town Hall with Hon. Ed Meese & Andy Coleman
November 28, 2017 • 6:30 PM
Bartlesville Public Library Meeting Room
600 South Johnstone Avenue, Bartlesville OK

Tulsa Forum with Hon. Ed Meese & Andy Coleman
November 29, 2017 • 1:00 PM
Oral Roberts University, Learning Resources Center, Trustee's Room
7777 South Lewis Avenue, Tulsa OK

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Reps. Calvey, Cleveland, Gann Welcome Whistleblower Tips


Reps. Calvey, Cleveland, Gann Welcome Whistleblower Tips

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Reps. Kevin Calvey, R - Oklahoma City, Bobby Cleveland, R - Slaughterville, and Tom Gann, R - Inola, today invited whistleblowers among state employee and vendors to email them with tips about waste, fraud and misuse of funds in all state agencies.

"Our many hardworking and diligent state employees and vendors are as concerned about wasteful state spending as most Oklahomans," said the representatives.  "We encourage these whistleblowers to contact us at kevin.calvey@okhouse.gov, bobby.cleveland@okhouse.gov, and/or tom.gann@okhouse.gov with tips on exposing wasteful spending.  We imagine the House Special Investigative Committee as a whole will also invite such tips, and we look forward to working with other members of the committee."

Calvey noted that as a practicing lawyer for more than 23 years, and as a former Army officer with a secret security clearance, he is well aware of the importance of confidentiality.

"I will protect the privacy of all whistleblowers,” said Calvey. "That will be my priority concern, and I'm confident my colleagues will also keep sources confidential."

"In some cases a whistleblower might feel more comfortable getting information to one member of the committee rather than all 15 members," said Cleveland.  "It is in that spirit of cooperation that I make this invitation"

"Our state employees and vendors are in a great position to make state spending more cost-efficient for the taxpayers, and I am eager to gain the benefit of their experience in making our tax dollars work smarter," added Gann.

No waste left? Agencies spend on Facebook 'likes', social media ads


One idea discussed often by conservative Oklahoma legislators and groups this past year was putting the brakes on non-essential promotional spending ("swag") by state agencies. Measures carried by State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee) and State Sen. Rob Standridge (R-Norman) stalled in their respective chambers during the regular and special sessions, but Governor Mary Fallin unexpectedly issued an executive order along the same lines earlier today.

OCPA estimated "swag" spending at $39M, Rep. Faught and Sen. Standridge both estimated it at about $30M, while Fallin's favorite bureaucrat (Preston Doerflinger) said there is no "swag" spending at all... but the Governor's estimate in her executive order is "up to $58 million a year."

One common refrain by those who have advocated for raising taxes rather than cutting waste from state government has been that agencies are "cut to the bone", and that "there is no fat left to trim". That's simply not the case, as evidenced by the fact that the Governor believes "up to $58 million a year" can be saved by eliminating non-essential promotional spending.

Back in June, I saw the below advertisement on Facebook from the Oklahoma State Department of Education:

After continuing to periodically see ads from the State Department of Education, I reached out last week to the top-10 appropriated state agencies, asking for information about their social media spending levels during the last fiscal year (FY17) and the current fiscal year (FY18). Some responded, others did not.

These agencies reported spending nothing in FY17 or FY18 on social media advertising:

  • Department of Corrections
  • Office of Juvenile Affairs
  • State Regents for Higher Education

These agencies reported social media advertising spending (FY17 and FY18-to-date):
  • State Department of Education: FY17 - $4,794.65, FY18 - $1,129.32 (Facebook)
  • Department of Human Services:  FY17 - $1834, FY18 - $6285 (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for recruitment of Child Welfare Specialists)
  • Oklahoma Health Care Authority: FY17 - $299.58, FY18 - $259.94 (Facebook; mostly through federally funded grants)
  • Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: no state funds, but do periodically have federally-funded grants that include some social media spending


Is running Facebook ads an appropriate use of limited state funds, especially given the repeated claims of lack of funding by state agencies? I think not.

'Isn't this a minuscule amount, given the size of these agencies budgets?' you might ask. Yes, $14,600 is a drop in the bucket compared to the ~$7B in state appropriations or the ~$18B in total state spending. However, the fact that this type of spending has not already been eliminated bears witness to the fact that there remains spending that can be cut from state agencies.

Eliminating waste requires common sense and the will to actually do what needs to be done. Agencies need to take responsibility and eliminate what is not absolutely, fundamentally necessary to their function, and the Executive and Legislative branches need to exercise effective oversight of the state bureaucracy to ensure that that happens. 

In the meantime, perhaps average citizens and state workers can help expose waste and unnecessary spending in state government. If you have a tip or want to blow a whistle over wasteful spending that you are aware of, feel free to contact me.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Fallin issues executive orders to stop swag, begin education administrative consolidation


Governor Mary Fallin Takes Steps to Bring More Efficiency to State Government
Implementing administrative costs consolidation of colleges, schools included

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today took steps to address bringing more efficiency in state spending, as was listed in her recent special legislative session call.

The governor issued two separate executive orders dealing with the administrative costs consolidation of college campuses and public school districts.

A third order calls on agencies to stop spending state money on swag and unnecessary promotional items, which could save the state up to $58 million a year.

The governor’s special session call asked for the state to address the need for more consolidation and other efficiencies in all areas of state government. To help jump-start ideas, she provided the budget committee chairpersons in the Senate and the House of Representatives a list of efficiency proposals she had made during the past seven years as governor.

During the special session, many legislators who opposed a bipartisan, compromise bill to address Oklahoma’s repeated budgetary shortfalls and fund a teacher pay raise defended their “no” vote by claiming waste exists in state government, with some calling for agency audits. (Lawmakers have that authority based on 74 O.S. 450.1)

“While I have always and will continue to support eliminating waste and inefficiency in state government, I strongly believe that we need to continue these efforts while solving Oklahoma’s structural budget problem and fund a teacher pay raise,” Fallin said. “These two goals are totally compatible.

“As governor, I have requested the state auditor and inspector audit different state agencies 22 times. I have provided the Legislature with dozens of proposals to streamline state government and save our taxpayers money. While some of these proposals have been signed over the years into law, many never made it to my office for approval.”

Executive Order 2017-39 directs the state Board of Education, with the assistance of the state superintendent of public instruction, to compile a list by Sept. 1, 2018, of every public school district that spends less than 60 percent of its budget on instructional expenditures. School districts designated for administrative costs consolidation or annexation are to be notified by July 1, 2019, with the districts required to submit plans for administrative costs consolidation, such as human resources, purchasing, accounting, technology and maintenance, or annexation by Jan. 1, 2020. Implementation will begin with the 2020-21 school year.

“Oklahomans support additional dollars going into the classrooms, and we have to make sure those dollars make it there,” Fallin said. “According to a 2014 report, Oklahoma ranked sixth among states in the percentage of funds spent on district administration. This is unacceptable.

“The most important component of successful educational outcomes is an effective teacher in every classroom who has the instructional materials and technology needed to enhance student learning. It is important to send a greater percentage of taxpayer dollars to support classroom learning rather than non-instructive costs. It’s time we get serious about reducing administrative overhead.”

Executive Order 2017-38 directs Oklahoma’s higher education chancellor and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to develop a plan for the administrative costs consolidation of universities, colleges, centers and branch campuses by December 2018. The plan should be executed by December 2019. The governor’s executive order is compatible with efforts underway by the state regents’ Task Force on the Future of Higher Education   

“Administrative costs consolidation will allow for a more effective distribution of resources and educational programs throughout the state to better serve students,” Fallin said. “It also will allow higher education to focus on the areas that will strengthen career pathways and result in fewer dropouts and more students graduating on time. Administrative costs consolidation will also lead to significant administrative savings, such as personnel, payroll, purchasing, maintenance, IT and energy efficiency savings.”

“These two education reform directives will lead to better education outcomes and wiser use of existing resources,” Fallin said. “We owe it to our taxpayers and students to be good stewards of their money.”

Executive Order 2017-37 directs that directors of state agencies and departments not purchase nonessential items, or so-called swag items, such as pens, cups, trophies, bumper stickers and book bags. A bill proposing to eliminate such items was introduced during the past special session, but failed to win final legislative approval.

Fallin said it’s frustrating for citizens when suggestions aren’t considered or improvements aren’t made in a timely manner. Part of the problem is the hundreds of advisory boards, commissions and agencies that were created by law over the past several decades, and the lack of power given to the governor in the state constitution ties the governor's hands to make timely and needed changes.

“As a result, we’re left for the most part with an inefficient, slow-responding form of government,” Fallin said. “It’s difficult for constituents to find out who serves on a board of commission.”

Fallin said she will again ask lawmakers next year to pass legislation allowing voters to give more power to future governors by putting them in charge of appointing key agency directors.

“As it is now, Oklahoma’s governor appoints board members, and in most cases the House and Senate make board and commission appointments, too," she said. "The majority of these are staggered terms, and it can take many years before a governor can get a majority of appointments on a board or commission. A governor ought to be able to hire a director, and have the authority to fire that director. Let’s put more accountability in our state government.”

OCPA's Small: TSET Mission Creep


The Mission Creep
By OCPA President Jonathan Small

“In good times, I do think that it’s true that government is subject to ‘mission creep,’” my old boss Scott Meacham once sagely observed. “When the revenue is flowing maybe there’s a trend to drift into areas that are outside of the core mission or missions of government. What happens when things are going well is that things that are ‘nice to do’ become new programs.”

With state government spending at an all-time high, I think of that quote often.

Consider a recent report from The Oklahoman’s Brianna Bailey and Dale Denwalt. It turns out the Oklahoma State Department of Health has been shifting money around to fund programs it was never intended to fund.

“Now officials say the state Health Department faces a $30 million funding shortfall this year,” Bailey and Denwalt report. “In August, the state Health Department was forced to end an $8.5 million program with the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust that funded grants for things like lighted walking trails at city parks and school playground equipment across the state, records show.”

It’s not just the Health Department. The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is guilty of frivolous spending. TSET promotes smoke-free bars and nightclubs—including one that advertises to teenagers “15 and up”—and buys pricey billboard space in the metro areas for “water recipes.” Talk about a ‘mission creep.’

Sadly, this isn’t particularly surprising from a state agency with a billion-dollar endowment, $50 million in annual income from cigarette sales, $30 million-$40 million in earnings, and zero accountability to voters.

To its credit, however, TSET recently did make some healthier fiscal choices by choosing to shift some spending back to its core mission of supporting the health of the most vulnerable Oklahomans. TSET’s board voted to provide funds for senior nutrition services at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and mobile mental health crisis teams through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

That’s a trend that certainly needs to continue. I continue to recommend a vote of the people directing all future TSET payments to a rural health care infrastructure fund. The money could be used for reimbursement to rural areas that struggle with revenue stream diversity for their hospitals and have suffered actual dollar losses. It could also be used to fund the Physician Manpower Training Commission and shore up nursing home provider rates.

That’s certainly more mission-critical than promoting bars or harassing folks to drink water.

Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (www.ocpathink.org).

Lamb names Agriculture Advisory Committee


LAMB NAMES OKLAHOMA AGRICULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Oklahoma Ag Leaders to Support Efforts to Grow Farm, Ranch Economy

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – November 21, 2017 – Republican gubernatorial candidate Todd
Lamb announced today the formation of his Oklahoma Agriculture Advisory Committee. The
group of Oklahoma agriculture leaders will advise on issues to help strengthen Oklahoma’s
agriculture-based economy.

“Agriculture has been a long-standing backbone of the Oklahoma economy, and strengthening it
as governor will be one of my top priorities,” Lamb said. “There is no better time than
Thanksgiving week to reflect on how important agriculture has been to our state, and how we
can maximize its continued positive impact.”

“I am pleased to announce that Oklahoma agriculture business leader and 2017 Oklahoma
Cattleman of the Year, Tom Fanning of May, will serve as chairman of my Oklahoma
Agriculture Advisory Committee. Tom is extremely respected within agriculture circles across
Oklahoma, and I am privileged he has agreed to serve in this important capacity. I am excited to
begin a dialogue with him, and the other committee members on how best Oklahoma can
continue to advance its agriculture business entities.”

Fanning commented, “I am looking forward to assisting Todd Lamb with an advisory committee
that will singularly focus on creating more agriculture-based economic development
opportunities throughout Oklahoma and beyond. The goal of the committee is to showcase our agriculture economy, not only within our borders, but to the global business community outside Oklahoma. Todd Lamb is the only candidate with a broad, statewide vision for promoting agriculture business, and he understands the challenges farmers and ranchers face every day.”

Committee members include:
Blayne Arthur, Stillwater
Brent Bolen, Idabel
Jarold Callahan, Edmond
Tom Fanning, May
Joe Farris, Taloga
Jay Franklin, Vinita
Suzanne Gilbert, Tecumseh
Tom Gilliam, Newcastle
Britt Hilton, Knowles
Phyllis Holcomb, Kellyville
Jimmy Kinder, Walters
Keith Kisling, Burlington
Greg Leonard, Afton
Gaye Pfeiffer, Mulhall
Jeff Sanders, Hollis
Kenneth Sherrill, McAlester
Jack Sherry, Holdenville
Billy Sims, Mountain View
Monte Tucker, Sweetwater
Joey Meibergen, Enid
Barbara Jacques, Pawhuska

The committee is the second citizen advisory committee formed by Lamb. In August, Lamb
announced his Oklahoma Economic Diversification Committee whose goal is to create
opportunities for Oklahoma companies to showcase and export their products. Lamb said
additional Oklahoma leaders will be announced in the coming weeks to lead other advisory
committees.

Monday, November 20, 2017

Music Monday: We Gather Together

This week's Music Monday is We Gather Together, an old Dutch hymn of thanksgiving, written in 1597 by Adrianus Valerius to celebrate a Dutch victory over the Spanish in their war for independence. It's sung here by "Tennessee Ernie" Ford and the San Quentin Prison Choir in 1963.



Enjoy!

Lyrics:
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!


See below for all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.


November 13th, 2017: Mansions of the Lord
November 6th, 2017: Träumerei
October 30th: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 23rd, 2017: In Christ Alone
October 16th, 2017: When I'm Knee Deep In Bluegrass
October 9th, 2017: I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb
October 2nd, 2017: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major (Brahms)
September 25th, 2017: Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C minor ('Pathétique')
September 11th, 2017: Have You Forgotten?
September 4th, 2017: Bach's Double Violin Concerto
August 28th, 2017: Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord
August 21st, 2017: The Heavens Are Telling The Glory of God
August 14th, 2017: Beethoven's 5th Symphony
August 7th, 2017: 'Lift High The Name Of Jesus' medley
July 31st, 2017: Fanfare for the Common Man
July 24th, 2017: Variations on 'Happy Birthday'
July 10th, 2017: Summer (Presto) from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
July 3rd, 2017: Freelance Fireworks Hall of Fame
June 26th, 2017: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
June 19th, 2017: A Christian Home
June 12th, 2017: Ol' Man River
June 5th, 2017: Choctaw Cowboy
May 29th, 2017: Armed Forces Salute
May 22nd, 2017: Double Bass Concerto No.2 in B minor
May 15th, 2017: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major
May 8th, 2017: The Army Goes Rolling Along
April 17th, 2017: He Is Alive
April 10th, 2017: Surely He Hath Borne/And With His Stripes/All We Like Sheep
April 3rd, 2017: Here Comes Carolina
March 27th, 2017: 'Spring' from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'
March 20th, 2017: Symphony No. 5 ("Reformation") Finale
March 13th, 2017: The Pigeon on the Gate
March 6th, 2017: Finlandia
February 27th, 2017: When I Can Read My Title Clear
February 20th, 2017: William Tell Overture - Finale
February 13th, 2017: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 6th, 2017: White Winter Hymnal
January 30th, 2017: Hail, Columbia
January 23rd, 2017: Hail to the Chief
January 16th, 2017: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
January 2nd, 2017: Auld Lang Syne
December 26th, 2016: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
December 19th, 2016: I Wonder as I Wander
December 12th, 2016: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 5th, 2016: A Christmas Festival
November 28th, 2016: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 21st: Beethoven's 'Hymn of Thanksgiving'
November 14th: Hymn to the Fallen
November 7th: This World Is Not My Home
October 31st, 2016: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 24th, 2016: 'Mars', from 'The Planets'
October 17th, 2016: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
October 10th, 2016: Spain
October 3rd, 2016: International Harvester
September 26th, 2016: 'The Imperial March' from Star Wars
September 19th, 2016: Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound
September 12th, 2016: Before the Throne of God Above
September 5th, 2016: The Hunt
August 29th, 2016: Liberty
August 22nd, 2016: Summon the Heroes
August 15th, 2016: Bugler's Dream
August 8th, 2016: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
August 1st, 2016: 'Prelude' and 'Parade of the Charioteers' from Ben-Hur
July 25th, 2016: How The West Was Won
July 18th, 2016: Six Studies in English Folk Song
July 11th, 2016: From Everlasting To Everlasting
July 4th, 2016: The Stars and Stripes Forever
June 27th, 2016: Rule, Britannia!
June 20st, 2016: Bugler's Holiday
June 13th, 2016: Ride of the Valkyries
June 6th, 2016: Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, Allegro Vivace
May 30th, 2016: Armed Forces Salute
May 23rd, 2016: Paid in Full (Through Jesus, Amen)
May 16th, 2016: Overture from 'Carmen'
May 9th, 2016: L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1 - Prelude
May 2nd, 2016: My God Is a Rock
April 25th, 2016: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
April 18th, 2016: Paganini's Caprice No. 24 in A Minor
April 11th, 2016: Fantasia on a 17th Century Tune
April 4th, 2016: Hark The Sound/I'm a Tarheel Born
March 28th, 2016: Rustle of Spring
March 21st, 2016: 'Ode to Joy' sung by a 10,000-voice choir
March 14th, 2016: Hard Times Come Again No More
March 7th, 2016: 'The Suite' from Downton Abbey
February 29th, 2016: Moonlight Sonata
February 22nd, 2016: Liebestraum No. 3
February 15th, 2016: Help Is On The Way
February 8th, 2016: God of Grace and God of Glory
February 1st, 2016: 'My Story'
January 25th, 2016: Israeli Concertino
January 18th, 2016: What Grace is Mine
January 11th, 2016: "Meditation" from Thaïs
January 4th, 2016: Praeludium and Allegro
December 28th, 2015: Appalachian Carol
December 21st, 2015: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 14th, 2015: O Holy Night
December 7th, 2015: Christmas Fantasy
November 23rd, 2015: Simple Gifts
November 16th, 2015: Preacher Tell Me Like It Is
November 9th, 2015: Armed Forces Salute
November 2nd, 2015: Amazing Grace
October 26th, 2015: The Harmonious Blacksmith
October 19th, 2015: Liberty Fanfare
October 12th, 2015: The Majesty and Glory of Your Name
October 5th, 2015: Elgar's 'Enigma' Finale
September 28th, 2015: Stayed on Jesus
September 21st, 2015: Great Gate of Kiev
September 14th, 2015: Nearer, My God, To Thee

Samaritan Ministries adds new 'Basic' level

I've written over the past several years about Health-Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs) and our experience with Samaritan Ministries in particular. With health insurance enrollment upon us again, it's time to mention an alternative for people who are looking for something better.

If you're unfamiliar with how health-care sharing works, read my page entitled Health Care Sharing -- Our Experience.

Recently, Samaritan Ministries added a new membership level, called Samaritan Basic, which allows for less expensive monthly sharing and more individual responsibility. The graphic below illustrates the cost levels and differences between Samaritan Basic and Samaritan Classic:

(click image to view larger)

Unlike "traditional" insurance, there is no enrollment period with HCSMs, so people can join at any point of the year. Although it is not classified as health insurance, membership in a HCSM does exempt you from the tax penalty in ObamaCare.

Health-care sharing has worked well for my wife and I. In the past three years, we've submitted nearly $50,000 in medical needs, every penny of which was shared by fellow members across the country.

Last December, I did a survey of the main HCSMs which showed that well over 700,000 people are participating in health-care sharing ministries across the country. That number continues to increase every month, and is likely near one million by now. Will you join that number?

If you have any questions about Samaritan Ministries, and health-care sharing in general, feel free to contact me.

Jarrin Jackson will challenge Mullin again in 2018

Jarrin Jackson, former Army Ranger, has announced that he will again challenge 2nd District Congressman Markwayne Mullin in the 2018 GOP primary.

Jackson (no relation to Brian Jackson, also running against Mullin) received 36.6% of the vote in the 2016 GOP primary against Mullin, and was outspent about $1M to $155K by Mullin.



You can learn more about Jarrin Jackson's campaign by visiting his JarrinJackson.com or his Facebook page.

AFP-OK: Fallin Veto Drags Out Budget Dispute


AFP-OK disappointed in state’s leadership failures, tax increases still not the answer

Oklahoma City, OK – Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK) is disappointed in the surprise vetoes issued by Governor Mary Fallin on Friday. Her vetoes will bring the legislature back in to what has already been a costly special session. AFP-OK is a strong advocate of good stewardship of taxpayer dollars and hopes lawmakers push to resolve the threat of a continued budget crisis quickly and without raising taxes on hard working Oklahoma families and businesses.

Over the past several months, a steadfast group of legislators have repeatedly rejected the Governor’s desire to raise taxes on lower and middle-class families and AFP-OK continues to applaud that effort.

AFP-OK state director, John Tidwell released the following statement:

“I think Will Rogers was right when he said, ‘when you find yourself in a hole – quit digging.’ This largest tax increase in state history only digs that hole deeper.  Governor Fallin’s decision to veto large parts of a balanced budget deal and intention to drag out a special session is a raw deal for taxpayers. The governor should have signed the budget deal and accepted the tough budget cuts which would have balanced the budget.”

“Her insistence on raising taxes on Oklahoma families is just wrong,” Tidwell continued. “What’s worse, the Governor seems totally obstinate to truly cutting wasteful spending or reforms of any kind. Oklahomans should support those lawmakers who worked in a bi-partisan way to balance the budget and ask them to continue to stand strong against costly tax increases that will hurt families and small businesses.”

OCPAC's Michener: "Mary's Little Lamb"

The following column was submitted by OCPAC President John Michener. Michener is publicly supporting gubernatorial candidate Dan Fisher; OCPAC endorsed Fisher during the summer.

(cartoon provided)
Mary’s Little Lamb
by John Michener

During the 2016 legislative session, the Oklahoma Legislature passed Senate Bill 1552, which could have closed abortion mills across the state and prevented the opening of a new child sacrifice center in 2016 and another one in 2017.  This was a highly publicized bill which had the full attention of Republican Party leadership.  Even before session had begun, back on October 8, 2015, Governor Mary Fallin had pledged her support to the bill’s author.  However, when it finally hit her desk, Governor Fallin vetoed the bill.  Having condoned murder by abortion when she had a chance to stop it, Governor Fallin has innocent blood on her hands.  But this article is about another guilty party who shirked his responsibility on that same occasion.

According to Article 6 § 15 of the Oklahoma Constitution, “The Lieutenant Governor…shall be president of the Senate…”  A president is one who presides.  Most Oklahomans do not realize that the Lt. Governor is in charge of the Senate and has the right to preside in that body whenever he wishes.  This is made clear in Article 5 § 28 of the Oklahoma Constitution, which says in part:  “The Senate shall…elect one of its members President pro tempore, who shall preside over its deliberations in the absence or place of the Lieutenant Governor.”  The term pro tempore comes from the Latin and means temporary.  The President pro tempore is a temporary president for when the Lt. Governor is not present.  Therefore, it is abundantly clear that the Lt. Governor has the right to preside in the Senate.

In fact, in April 2000, as then Lt. Governor Mary Fallin was preparing to run for governor, she presided in the Senate for several days during the Right-to-Work battle.  At the time she was praised by political pundits for exercising leadership.

This point is extremely important, because in the 2016 struggle to abolish abortion, a struggle that was fought and lost in the Senate, Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, a self-proclaimed pro-lifer and the President of the Senate, was nowhere to be found.

On the last day of session, hundreds of citizens were at the Capitol calling for a veto override, and thousands of pro-life advocates across Oklahoma were praying for success.  Pastor Dave Mehlhaff was stationed just outside the Senate Chamber when he saw Senate President Todd Lamb walk by.  Mehlhaff reports, “I approached him in-stride, as he was walking past the chamber entrance, and we exchanged a few pleasantries.  Then I explained that we were at the capitol working to get an override of the Governor’s veto of SB 1552.  I asked him if he would be willing to speak to senate leaders to convince them to reconsider the bill.  His response was something like, ‘When I sponsored legislation as a senator, I preferred to carry my own bill, and I prefer to let those who sponsored this bill do the same.’”

If the Lt. Governor were the champion of life that he claims to be, he would have stepped into the Senate chamber to preside and ensure that SB 1552 was reconsidered.  Because he neither exerted influence, nor took up his leadership role as President of the Senate at this critical time, the Senate adjourned early for the year, leaving business on their desks, rather than record their votes for or against abortion.

You may be wondering if 2016 was an aberration, but Lamb has been conspicuously absent again in 2017 from the fight for life.  In a March 22 meeting with Oklahomans United for Life, Lamb was asked to provide needed leadership in the Senate.  Senator Nathan Dahm was carrying the same doctor-licensing bill that Lamb failed to support in 2016, and Senator Joseph Silk was carrying a bill that would have elevated the crime of abortion from a misdemeanor for the unlicensed, to a felony homicide for anyone.  Once again, Lamb chose not to offer public support.  Those bills never received a hearing in Todd Lamb’s Senate.

Maybe you believe Lamb will lead the charge once he is governor.  In the same meeting just referenced, Lamb was asked directly if he had a plan to end abortion as governor.  Instead of embracing this opportunity to share a bold vision of leadership, Lamb dodged the question completely, defensively saying he was not going to talk about the governor’s race.  “I’ll talk about my role as Lt. Governor,” he said, “but any political issues in the future, this is not the place for it.”  When pressed with the question, Lamb did allow that, “The best way to answer hypothetical in the future is to point to my track record in the past.”

So let us take Lamb’s advice and examine his record.  When Lamb was in the Senate, he was known for advancing typical pro-life bills that treat murder by abortion as healthcare, rather than a crime.  In 2009 he authored a bill to guarantee women “informed consent” before murdering their babies.  Since his ineffectual “pro-life” efforts eight years ago, he has been keeping quiet and running for governor.  In the meantime, murder by abortion has continued unabated, and two new abortion mills have begun operation in Oklahoma which Lamb might have kept from opening simply by performing his duty as the president of the Senate.

Todd Lamb has been employed by government for nearly his entire adult life.  Before taking up each of his Oklahoma offices, Lamb had to take this oath:  “I do solemnly swear…that I will faithfully discharge, according to the best of my ability, the duties of my office…”

Do the last dozen years in state government represent the best of Lamb’s abilities?  He has done nothing substantive for eight years, and he refused to preside in his Senate.  Perhaps his principles are not as strong as he proclaims.  Perhaps he does not understand his constitutional duties.  Perhaps he is afraid that a controversial stand might threaten his run for governor.  Whatever the reason, judging by his record, Todd Lamb is not the leader we should trust to defend the preborn.

The people of Oklahoma are beginning to see through the lies and deceit of so many of our officials who call themselves pro-life.  We must learn from past performance, or we are doomed to repeat it.  Todd is not a leader; he is a lamb…Mary’s Little Lamb.

John Michener is President of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee (OCPAC), and Director of Oklahomans United for Life.

Sunday, November 19, 2017

State Rep. Ownbey won't seek 6th term


State Rep. Pat Ownbey (R-Ardmore) announced today that he will not seek a sixth and final term in the State House next year.

Rep. Ownbey posted the following on Facebook:
To the people of House District 48:

Thank you for the honor of serving as your State Representative over the last nine years.

Today I am announcing that I will not seek re-election for a final term in office. My sincere thank you to everyone who has supported me for my time in office. This job has never been about one person, instead the emphasis has always been on serving those who reside in District #48 regardless of party affiliation.

My decision almost ten years ago to run for office was made with a lot of prayer and input from others. That's also the case with today's announcement. Kathy and I made this decision in late summer and we were planning on announcing the news at a luncheon meeting in early November, however the special session prevented that from happening.

As it turns out another special session is looming, so we believe today is the time to share this news with you. Frankly waiting any longer wouldn't be fair to the people of this great district. Instead, today's announcement should allow anyone who might consider running for this seat ample time to make an informed decision prior to the scheduled April filing date.

I'm sure most of you understand when I say the time has passed so quickly. In fact, during the initial primary election night our first grandchild, Anna Kate, was only 13 days old. Today our granddaughter is nine and we are now blessed with three beautiful grandchildren that we dearly love. Anyone who knows our family knows that being close to these kids during this time in their lives is so very important to us. More than anything, that is why we believe now is the time to make this commitment.

I want to say thank you to my beautiful wife Kathy who has sacrificed so much in order for me to serve our district and our state. I absolutely couldn't have done this job without her. We have been on the same team since day one walking to thousands of homes when this process began, listening to what the people felt was most important. Her unwavering support, despite the great sacrifice, has made this job so much more enjoyable. I love you Kathy.

Finally, when my term is completed next November the diamond that remains will be the relationships we have formed with so many people in our district as well as those who work at the Capitol. Whether it was going door to door, attending a volunteer fire department event or a community wide celebration, we have met so many wonderful people who are now and will always be personal friends.

I've also had the privilege to spend countless hours working on issues with other lawmakers and staff members whose desires are to only serve their districts and state to the best of their ability. I'm so proud to serve with these men and women. They are truly amazing individuals.

Once again, I want to say thank you so very much for the honor of serving as your state representative! I will continue to work on behalf of our great district and state until my term has been completed next November.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

UPDATE 2: GOP Gubernatorial Candidates on Fallin's Veto


I reached out to the Republican candidates for governor to get their comments on Gov. Fallin vetoing most of the budget passed during the end of special session this week, and her plans on calling the House and Senate back for a second special session to raise new revenue taxes.

I'll add their statements in the order that I receive them as I get them.

Gary Richardson: "The fact that the $30 million that Governor Fallin didn’t veto is being used to cover up the misappropriations going on at the Department of Health demonstrates that we need an outsider as our next Governor. I will repeat what I have said since the beginning of this year - We must audit every state agency, trust, and authority before considering ANY new tax increases and I urge the people of Oklahoma to contact their legislators and encourage them to oppose any new taxes."

Kevin Stitt: “This is a failure of leadership by career politicians. As chief executive, I would ensure a plan was agreed upon before I called for the Legislature to spend a single taxpayer dollar on a special session. The Legislature is under extraordinary pressure, and there are constraints on their power. It requires leadership to inspire, to negotiate, and to empower both chambers to accomplish their goals. I have done this in building my business. For nearly two decades I have led a team to create jobs, balance budgets, and thrive as a company in both good and difficult seasons. But it is also important to recognize that Oklahoma’s crisis didn’t happen overnight. Oklahoma has experienced multiple years of a budget shortfall, and we are going to face another one in 2018. If a football team is failing, you don’t get rid of the coach and then hire a replacement from your bench. You recruit a new, proven leader from the outside to bring real change. I believe we must do the same in order to achieve a brighter future for Oklahoma, which is why I am running as a conservative Republican for governor.”

Todd Lamb: "The governor’s veto is both flawed and untimely. Oklahoma can neither tax or cut itself to prosperity, but rather a complete reform of our budgeting process must occur. There are billions of dollars in tax incentives, credits and exemptions the state forgoes every year, and until an exhaustive review of those are complete, it is not good public policy to ask the taxpayers to increase their tax tab. As a lifelong, proven conservative, I believe it is imperative the legislative and executive branches continually examine each state agency so they are executing their core missions, and are being proper stewards of taxpayer funds. This is where the discussion should have begun last session, and I would prefer the governor focus her energies on the inefficiencies and bloat of state government rather that proposing new taxes on our citizens.”

Mick Cornett: "At the city level, we begin working on the budget early, with input from everyone, including citizens. Our leadership has brought Oklahoma City balanced budgets year after year, a 15 percent rainy day fund, and the highest bond rating available. This leadership is exactly what I will bring to the Governor’s office, and I would advise our state leaders do the same thing.”

Dan Fisher: (no response yet)

Gary Jones: (no response yet)

Friday, November 17, 2017

Sen. Schulz: veto doesn't help, 2nd special session "seems like a waste"


Senate leader comments on veto of revised budget

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, released the following comment on the governor's veto of the revised FY'18 budget:

"We are surprised by the governor’s veto. The governor’s office was involved in the negotiation of the revised budget agreement, but did not indicate the agreement was insufficient and would be vetoed. The revised budget agreement was not the Senate’s first choice to resolve the budget crisis but it was the only option after the House showed it was not able to meet the constitutional standards of raising revenue. Bringing the Legislature back into special session at this point seems like a waste of time and taxpayer dollars. The governor’s veto doesn’t help Oklahoma thrive, it only serves to throw our budget further into chaos.”

BREAKING: Fallin Vetoes Most of Revised Budget Bill, plans Second Special Session

Governor Mary Fallin on Friday evening signs paperwork vetoing most of House Bill 1019X, a revised budget bill approved by legislators in special session. She kept intact parts of the bill that temporarily preserve funding for key health and human services until lawmakers return in another special session to approve long-term funding solutions.

Governor Mary Fallin Vetoes Most of Revised Budget Bill, Preserves Funding for Core Health, Human Services

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin this evening vetoed most of the revised budget bill approved by legislators in special session. She kept intact parts of the bill that temporarily preserve funding for key health and human services until lawmakers return in another special session to approve long-term funding solutions.

Lawmakers failed to act on other requests the governor made in her call for a special session, such as addressing a long-term solution to continuing budget shortfalls; the need for more consolidation and other efficiencies in all areas of state government; clarifying intended exemptions to the new 1.25 percent sales tax on vehicles; and a pay increase for K-12 public school teachers.

The governor vetoed all but five of the 170 sections contained in House Bill 1019X, which was passed earlier in the day by the state Senate and approved earlier this week by the House of Representatives.

“House Bill 1019X does not provide a long-term solution to the re-occurring budget deficits, and within three months we will come back facing an estimated $600 million shortfall,” she said.

Fallin said her action results in amending the general appropriations bill approved in May by lawmakers during the regular legislative session.

“This will preserve a safety net for core health and human services until legislators come back for a second special session, which I intend to call in the near future,” said Fallin.

Fallin’s action keeps intact a $30 million emergency appropriation to the Department of Health, which will allow the agency to make its next payroll and be funded without cuts through the remainder of this fiscal year, which ends June 30.

Her action will provide funding for the short term for three health care agencies that were facing severe cuts because they were to receive most of the $215 million earmarked in a proposed cigarette cessation fee, which was struck down as unconstitutional earlier this year. The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority were facing cuts unless revisions were made in the current fiscal year budget.

 “My action avoids immediate health and human services cuts and provides time for legislators to come back and approve revenue proposals that can provide a permanent fix,” Fallin said.

“As governor, I would like nothing more than to adequately fund agencies. The constant budget crisis has put us in survival mode. I want us to thrive. We will thrive when we can adequately and consistently fund our core services. That will happen when we find sustainable and predictable revenue sources.”

Fallin said she vetoed most of HB 1019X because it came perilously close to using most of the state’s available one-time funds in various accounts and drawing down on available savings in the Rainy Day Fund. Signing the measure would have left the state with few available funds to deal with an estimated shortfall of more than $600 million in the next regular legislative session, which begins in February.

The governor’s action will result in doing away with $60 million in cuts to state agencies and using $60 million from revolving funds, as called for in HB 1019X. The measure also called for using more than half of the state’s $83 million in cash reserves; a smaller amount will be used as a result of the governor’s line-item veto.

“Our inability to find a long-term solution to our budget problem puts our citizens and our economy at risk,” said Fallin. “We cannot give up. We must find solutions. Our citizens want a state government that works for them. They are tired of gamesmanship and want leadership. As difficult as it might be to return to the state Capitol, we must do so. As governor, I pledge, as I have done throughout this difficult period, to work with the Legislature. We came so close, with over 70 percent of the House and over 75 percent of the Senate voting for a viable budget plan.

“Some legislative leaders have stated that revenue measures will be taken up in February when lawmakers return in regular session,” Fallin said. “But I am very skeptical because next year is an election year and the pressure not to do anything will be greater.

 “We must find sustainable, predictable recurring revenue to fund our core services and get us out of the constant crisis. Let’s finish our work for the sake of our great state and our hardworking people. I love this state and her people, and I will continue to work tirelessly with the Legislature for them.”