Murdock wins SD27 GOP Primary

State Rep. Casey Murdock (R-Felt) emerged victorious in the field of six Republican candidates seeking the nomination in the Senate District 27 special election primary held today.

Preliminary results from the Oklahoma Election Board:

1. Casey Murdock - 33.17%
2. Travis Templin - 28.23%
3. Carolyn McLarty - 23.12%
4. Jeff Hall - 12.81%
5. Tommy Nicholson - 1.78%
6. Michael Medill - 0.9%

Murdock will face Democrat Amber Jensen in the February 13, 2018 general election. If Murdock defeats Jensen, no special election will be held for the HD61 seat he currently holds, and the seat will remain vacant until the winner of the November 2018 election is sworn in.

Coburn and Keating endorse McLarty in SD27 Special Election

In the Senate District 27 special election triggered by State Sen. Bryce Marlatt's resignation after being charged with felony sexual battery, the race appears to be between State Rep. Casey Murdock (Conservative Performance Index score of -15.6 in 2016, by far the worst among all GOP legislators) and OKGOP National Committeewoman Carolyn McLarty.

This week, McLarty scored some huge news in gaining the endorsements of former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn and former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating.

The primary for this race is Tuesday, December 12th.

Frank Keating, Dr. Tom Coburn Endorse Dr. Carolyn McLarty for State Senate

(Woodward, OK, November 27th, 2017): Dr. Carolyn McLarty this morning announced that her State Senate campaign in the District 27 special election has been endorsed by former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating and former U.S. Senator Dr. Tom Coburn.

"Carolyn McLarty has long embraced the family focused, free market and public integrity agenda of true Republican conservatives," said former Governor Keating. "She will be an excellent and admired legislator. Her win is a win for Oklahoma."

"For as long as I’ve known her, Carolyn McLarty has worked each day to remind us what it means to be a Republican. Carolyn's conservative principles are rock solid," said Dr. Coburn. "Less government in our daily lives. Local control of our local schools. Lower taxes on working families and small-business employers. Keep government decision-making close to home, rather than in the hands of bureaucrats in Washington, D.C."

"I’m proud to support Carolyn McLarty for state Senate, and I ask Republicans in Northwest Oklahoma to join me," Coburn continued. "Common-sense conservatives like Carolyn are needed at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City."

Governor Keating and Dr. Coburn join a growing list of Oklahomans who have endorsed Carolyn McLarty in her bid for State Senate.

"I am pleased to have the support of these leaders in the conservative movement," said McLarty.  "As a State Senator, I will work for limited government, a balanced budget, and protection of individual liberty, natural rights, and personal moral responsibility."

Dr. Carolyn McLarty owned the Animal Care Clinic in Woodward from 1988-2007.  She has represented Oklahoma on the Republican National Committee since 2008, and is a former Chairman of the Woodward County Republican Party and the Woodward County Republican Women.  The Eagle Forum honored Carolyn as the Oklahoma Eagle of the Year in 2012.

Dahm comments on voting against tax increase bill

State Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow) posted a column the other day explaining why he voted against HB 1035X (the bill I argued was unconstitutional), which had the same $455M tax-hike language as was placed into HB1035X (that failed to receive 3/4ths in the House). Here it is:

This week I voted no one of the largest tax increases in state history. Why? Because I don’t believe the answer to our state’s budget woes is raising taxes.

Where are the reforms?

Every program that is currently being used as a bargaining chip with claims that the program will be eliminated could be fully funded WITHOUT raising taxes if reforms were made.

The majority of the legislature seems willing to raise almost half a billion dollars in taxes on nearly every single Oklahoman without passing any reforms.

Why is it that they will raise taxes on the oil and gas industry which creates tens of thousands of jobs in our state while at the same time cutting checks for tens of millions of dollars to subsidize the wind industry (and their dozens of jobs) every year?

Why is it that the entire state is forced to subsidize the Amtrak between OKC and Dallas? Why can't people pay the full price of a ticket? Why do people in Tulsa or the panhandle or Enid have to pay for others to take a joy ride to go shopping and spend their money (sales-tax free on certain items!) in Texas?

Why is it that the taxpayers had to subsidize over $4,000,000 to line the pockets of sleaze-ball Harvey Weinstein with his movie that made Oklahomans look backwards?

Why is it that we have to pay sales tax on groceries and necessities but not to buy a newspaper or magazine to read the fake news?

Why is it that state agencies can use taxpayer funds to foment raising taxes to take even more money from the taxpayers?

The reason is because those select few have extra influence at the Capitol. If you go after the newspaper carve out, they'll smear you for trying to eliminate freedom of the press (and they'll endorse your future opponent). If you go after the wind credits, they'll fund your opponent (tens of millions of dollars goes a long way in campaign contributions). And on and on it goes.

So what’s the result? The state budget is balanced on the backs of average Oklahomans. Because the average joe doesn't have a huge force of lobbyists and government affairs directors canvassing the Capitol on their behalf. All they have is two people who are supposed to be fighting for them: their Representative and their Senator.

Our focus should not be on the next election, but on the next generation. Elected officials must remember the purpose for government as outlined in our Declaration of Independence: "that to secure these RIGHTS, governments are instituted among men, deriving their JUST powers from the consent of the governed."

Nathan Dahm represents District 33 in the Oklahoma State Senate, and is a candidate in the 1st Congressional District GOP primary.

Travis Templin announces for SD27 special election

Former Teacher of the Year & Small Businessman Announces for State Senate District 27

Seiling, Oklahoma – Travis Templin has announced his candidacy for State Senate District 27. A special election will be held on December 12th, 2017 to fill the open seat. Templin, a teacher and coach at Seiling Public Schools, believes it is time for a State Senator to step up and start doing what’s right. Northwestern Oklahoma has always been Templin’s home. He was born in Alva, attended Woodward and Gage Public Schools, graduated from Boise City High School, and then Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 1998 where he received his Bachelor of Science in Education.

“Growing up in Northwestern Oklahoma taught me the values of hard work, family, & a strong
community. We have got to have a strong voice to represent our district – not the out of state special
interest groups trying to control our government. We also don’t need to elect another career politician,” said Travis Templin. Templin was awarded “Teacher of the Year” in 2016 and his wife, Amanda, also a school teacher, received the award in 2017.

“I’ve known Travis and his family for a long time. You never really know what will go across a legislator’s desk, but you can get to know their heart and what motivates them – Travis Templin is a man of integrity, honor, and character and I know we can count on him to do the right thing,” said Kirk Pittman, a member of Travis Templin’s Advisory Council.

Travis and Amanda, have two children – Kylie and Kaden and one grandson, Karter. While Templin has spent most of his life in public education, he also has experience in agriculture and oil & gas, with oversight of large budgets. “There is no reason for our state to be creating new taxes. We are taxed too much already. The private sector creates jobs, opportunities, and the best path for success – not the government,” says Templin, “It is time we start prioritizing our resources and best appropriating the funds our state is given by its taxpayers.”

Templin is a Conservative Republican who believes in cutting wasteful spending and stopping
corruption. He believes in balancing a better budget for years ahead so businesses can thrive and the
economy can grow. “Agencies need audited and held accountable for the funds they receive. Wasteful
spending should stop. We must reform education and invest in infrastructure. We must also take care of rural healthcare and emergency management services,” stated Travis Templin.

For more information, please visit TravisTemplin.com.

So far, the other announced candidates are State Rep. Casey Murdock and OKGOP National Committeewoman Carolyn McLarty.

OKGOP's Carolyn McLarty announces for SD27 special election

Hat-tip to Kenny Bob Tapp for this great news:

Carolyn McLarty Announces Run For State Senate District 27

“It’s time to stop talking and start DOING! It is time to put the principles of good government to work. I am prepared to do this; I have the knowledge, experience and the proven conservative track record needed to be an effective State Senator. I am reliable and I am passionate about what is best for the people of District 27. With the current budget crisis in our state and multiple challenges in the economy, education, and health care, we need assertive and faithful leadership to bring opportunities for stability and prosperity back to Oklahoma,” McLarty said.

Dr. Carolyn McLarty is a retired veterinarian, who operated the Animal Care Clinic in Woodward for 20 years. Since 2008 she has served as the Republican National Committeewoman for Oklahoma. In this position, she has represented our state’s conservative values consistently. She has demonstrated her ability to effectively lead while serving on the RNC Executive Committee and as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee.

She believes that upholding conservative principles is vital for our leaders. “Leading based upon our moral compass and guiding faith can thwart pressure from outside influences. When we make decisions based upon our faith and values, we can build a safer more prosperous state for our children; a state where they can thrive and raise their own families with a higher quality of life,” McLarty said.

A strong proponent for education, and the quality of education our children receive, McLarty fought to encourage development of excellent new standards for Oklahoma education to replace Common Core. “It is vital that we provide our children the best education that we can. Education for good citizenship is imperative for a government “by the people.” Further, quality education ensures that our children can aspire to higher goals, and enrich the State with their talents,” McLarty said.

“Through my experience in the Republican National Committee, I have worked hard to create win-win outcomes between the establishment and the grassroots. I can work in the State Senate to pass legislation that ensures that our state government serves the people of the entire Senate District 27 from Northwestern Oklahoma to the end of the Panhandle. I will fight hard to encourage legislation that enables our conservative principles and values to bring security, liberty, and prosperity to the District. As a sovereign state, we must push back the encroachment of the Federal Government into state government functions,” McLarty emphasized.

Carolyn McLarty has been married to Tom for 42 years. Together they have three children and three grandchildren. She served on the Board of Directors at the Pregnancy Center in Woodward for nine years. She also served as President of the Northwest Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association, was Chairman of the Board of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority Board, Board Member of Eagle Forum, a national conservative pro-life organization and was a delegate/alternate to the Republican National Conventions for the past five Presidential elections.

Democrats take another legislative seat in HD46 special election

In the special election held in House District 46 today, Democrats once again emerged victorious, snatching another Republican-held seat away and continuing their recent success in special elections. Democrats have lost only one legislative special election since April 2015, flipping two House seats (HD85 and HD75) and two Senate seats (SD34 and SD44). The "one that got away" was HD28, which Republican Zach Taylor held for the GOP by a mere 56 votes.

Democrat Jacob Rosecrants defeated Republican Darin Chambers 60.41% to 39.59%. Ironically, that's the exact same percentage that Scott Martin defeated Rosecrants by in 2016,  four and a half months before Martin announced his resignation to take a job with the Norman Chamber of Commerce.

House District 46 has a Republican District Rating (RDR) of 48.7, making it the 13th-most Democrat Republican-held seat (36th most Democrat out of 101 seats). Still, past elections have been heavily weighted to the Republican side; 60.41% in 2016, 64.4% in 2014, unopposed in 2012, 80.3% in 2010, 65.76% in 2008.

Until the continued drip, drip of scandals coming from Republicans at the State Capitol is stopped, Republicans can likely expect more losses in the future. The Democrats were unable to turn special election success into general election success in 2016, but 2018 may be different.

Gov. Fallin plans to call Special Session beginning Sept. 25th

Governor Mary Fallin Statement on Plans to Call Special Session to Adjust Budget for Current Fiscal Year

OKLAHOMA CITY - Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement on her plans to call a special legislative session for lawmakers to adjust the current fiscal year budget:

“I am planning on calling a special session beginning September 25 for legislators to adjust the current fiscal year budget. A formal call for a special session will be issued in the next few days, but I wanted to announce my intention to call a special session for planning purposes. I also want Oklahomans to know we are working diligently to address the fiscal matters of our state.”

EDITOR’S [Press Office] NOTE:  The state’s 2018 fiscal year budget has a shortfall of $215 million as a result of last month’s Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling, which struck down a proposed smoking cessation fee that was estimated to raise that amount. The $215 million represents just state funds. With the loss of matching federal funds state agencies estimate the total is nearly $500 million.

Bridenstine to NASA? Rumors heat up

NASA Watch, a news site focused on the space agency, and Arstechnica, a tech/science news site, are both reporting that Oklahoma Congressman Jim Bridenstine will likely be announced in the coming weeks as the Trump administration's pick for NASA Administrator.

The Deputy #NASA Admin position was decided a month ago. Administrator was decided upon a week or so later. Formal announcement in Sept

— NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) August 15, 2017

Oh yes Jim Bridenstine = #NASA Administrator and John Schumacher = Deputy Administrator

— NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) August 15, 2017

From NASA Watch:

The exact date and venue for the formal announcement of these NASA leadership nominations has not been set. NASA HQ has liked to do events with a lot of pomp and flair so we'll see what they do for this announcement. Sources have told me that a post-Labor Day announcement was being planned but it may be moved up now. Or maybe it won't.

Looking at where NASA is - and where the Trump folks seem to want it to go - a pairing of Jim Bridenstine with John Schumacher make a lot of sense. Bridenstine's views seem to resonate well with a lot of what seems to be buzzing around inside the heads of TrumpSpace people. Schumacher has a long resume in senior positions at both NASA - so he'll give Bridenstine a lot of managerial support. Bridenstine has a lot of interest in emerging space commerce opportunities while Schumacher has a solid aerospace background - another way that their skillsets complement one another.

From Arstechnia:

John Logsdon, a noted space historian and author of several books, including After Apollo? Richard Nixon and the American Space Program, said he has been hearing the same names. "Appointing [US Representative] Jim Bridenstine and [Aerojet Rocketdyne Vice President] John Schumacher as the top two NASA officials is an intriguing and potentially very productive move," Logsdon told Ars, via e-mail. "Bridenstine, for several years, has been conceptualizing what is needed for, as he suggests, an 'American Space Renaissance' and has been testing his ideas with multiple audiences. Schumacher is a Washington space community veteran, with years of both senior NASA and space industry executive experience. Together, they can bring both fresh ideas and a sense of political and policy realism to the space agency."

The Arstechnia article goes into more interesting details about both men as it relates to potential space policy, as well as implications of the picks. Read more here.

A Bridenstine appointment would mean a special election in the 1st District, which already has at least five candidates vying for the seat, which Bridenstine was vacating to his self-imposed term limit (you know, actually keeping his word, unlike another Oklahoma congressman). A special election would likely take place at the end of this year or beginning of next year, leaving the eventual victor a mere three or four months before turning around to run for the full term.

Rosino gains GOP nomination in SD45, Ford in HD76

Primaries were held today for the special elections in House District 76 and Senate District 45.

In HD76, vacated by the death of Rep. David Brumbaugh, Republican Ross Ford eeked out a 19-vote victory over Rep. Brumbaugh's widow Shelley, winning 30.76% to 29.85%. A third candidate received 28.52%, with two others in single digits. Democrat Chris VanLandingham took 54.18% in a two-way Democratic primary.

In SD45, vacated by Sen. Kyle Loveless, Paul Rosino emerged victorious out of 7 GOP candidates, gathering 32.61% to the nearest competitor's 21.12%. He will face Democrat Steven Vincent, who defeated his one opponent with 92.22% of the Democratic primary vote.

The general election for both races will be held on November 14th.

Cole endorses Chambers in HD46 special election

CONGRESSMAN TOM COLE ENDORSES DARIN CHAMBERS IN HD-46 RACE

August 7, 2017 -- Congressman Tom Cole, United States Representative for Oklahoma's Fourth District, is endorsing Republican candidate Darin Chambers in the upcoming House District 46 special election.  Cole is encouraging voters on both sides of the political aisle to join him in supporting Chambers on September 12th.

"The legislature desperately needs the expertise of a successful businessman and Darin Chambers is the answer," says Congressman Tom Cole.  "His conservative credentials, as both a military veteran and a Fortune 500 efficiency expert, make him the ideal candidate to represent House District 46."

Darin Chambers considers this endorsement an honor because of Congressman Cole's long history of bipartisan support from the voters of HD-46.

"I am reaching out to all conservative voters regardless of political affiliation,"  Darin Chambers says.  "I want to take my business experience and expertise, along with the values of our district, to the State Capitol. Business problems call for business solutions and the voters of HD-46 know how badly Oklahoma needs that right now. Solid business sense is what I will deliver."

"Darin Chambers has the experience, integrity and vision Oklahoma needs right now," Congressman Cole says.  "I am holding a fundraiser for Darin on August 17th because, even if you don't live in his district, he still needs your support. I'm asking every voter in HD-46, both Republican and Democrat, to get to the polls on September 12th and vote for Darin Chambers.  The stakes are too high to stay home."

Darin Chambers is a Navy veteran, graduated from OU with an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1991, and earned his MBA from UCLA in 1999.  Chambers now teaches upper-level engineering classes at OU, drawing on his experiences as a general manager for a global services firm working with top executives to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase productivity.  He and his wife, Dianne, live in Norman with their two daughters and two foster children.

The House District 46 special general election will be September 12th.

For more information on Darin Chambers visit his Facebook page at Darin Chambers for State Representative District 46 or www.ChambersforStateRep.com.

State Chamber endorses Chambers in HD46 special election

STATE CHAMBER ENDORSES DARIN CHAMBERS IN HD-46 RACE

July 6, 2017 -- The Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce is encouraging voters to elect conservative Republican Darin Chambers in next week's special election primary for House District 46.

"Darin Chambers will be a champion for Oklahoma businesses," says State Chamber spokesman, Jonathan Buxton.  "We know he will be a pro-business legislator focused on making Oklahoma a better place to live and do business.  He will support meaningful reforms that help create quality jobs and opportunities for hardworking Oklahomans.  Darin Chambers understands the issues facing Oklahoma businesses and has the experience needed to lead on these issues."

Darin Chambers believes voters will take this endorsement seriously because, in light of our current budget crisis, the legislature desperately needs the insight of an experienced and successful businessman.

"I have spent my post-military career teaching businesses how to increase efficiency and eliminate wasteful spending," Darin Chambers says.  "I want to bring my business experience to the State Capitol  because we need it now more than ever.  The Oklahoma legislature already has plenty of former State employees voting on how to spend our tax money and we have seen the results.  I will demand strict fiscal accountability for every dollar just as I do for my business and my home."

Darin Chambers is a Navy veteran, graduated from OU with an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1991, and earned his MBA from UCLA in 1999.  Chambers now teaches upper-level engineering classes at OU, drawing on his experiences as a general manager for a global services firm working with top executives to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase productivity.  He and his wife, Dianne, live in Norman with their two daughters and two foster children.

The House District 46 special primary election is July 11th and the general election will be September 12th.

For more information on Darin Chambers visit his Facebook page at Darin Chambers for State Representative District 46 or www.ChambersforStateRep.com.

Cong. Bridenstine endorses Brian O'Hara for SD37 special election

Congressman Jim Bridenstine sent out the following email this evening, endorsing his Deputy District Director Brian O'Hara's run for Dan Newberry's newly-vacated State Senate seat:

I am happy to support and endorse Brian O'Hara in his run to serve the people of State Senate District 37. Brian O'Hara is a friend, a conservative, and a man of integrity. I am confident he will serve his constituents with honor in the Oklahoma State Senate, and I am proud to endorse him.

Please join me for a O'Hara for Oklahoma kickoff event at Los Cabos in Jenks on Monday, June 19th, at 6:30 PM.

With Brian O'Hara, we will be electing a conservative that we can trust to get the job done in Oklahoma City.

God Bless,

Jim Bridenstine

State Rep. Chuck Strohm is the only other publicly-announced candidate that I'm aware of.

Chambers gains business endorsements in HD46

NORMAN BUSINESS LEADERS ENDORSE DARIN CHAMBERS IN HD-46 RACE

June 12, 2017 -- Two prominent business leaders in Norman, Todd Booze and Scott Bauman, are encouraging their colleagues in the business community to vote for Darin Chambers in the upcoming special election for House District 46.

"Darin Chambers has the real-world experience to apply reasonable, workable solutions to improve the way Oklahoma government operates," says Todd Booze, founder of Ideal Homes Construction.  "Chambers will work to put money back into the real economy created by working Oklahomans, business owners & operators, and educators inspiring the next generation to meet market needs."

A smart business approach to State Government is exactly what we need, according to Scott Bauman, owner of IMMY, an international medical equipment manufacturer based in Norman.

"Chambers is a fiscally responsible, conservative Republican," says Bauman. "He has the real-world business experience most elected leaders don't have. He is a man with strong character, not beholden to any special interests, and I know he will always look out for the best interests of both Norman and the State of Oklahoma."

Darin Chambers is a Navy veteran, graduated from OU with an Electrical Engineering Degree in 1991, and earned his MBA from UCLA in 1999.  Chambers now teaches upper-level engineering classes at OU, drawing on his experiences as a general manager for a global services firm working with top executives to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase productivity.  He and his wife, Dianne, live in Norman with their two daughters and two foster children.

The House District 46 special primary election is July 11th and the general election will be September 12th.

For more information on Darin Chambers and his practical solutions for Oklahoma’s success, please visit his Facebook page at Darin Chambers for State Representative District 46 or www.ChambersforStateRep.com.

State Rep. Chuck Strohm Announces for Senate District 37

Representative Chuck Strohm Announces Candidacy for State Senate District 37

TULSA, OK- Representative Chuck Strohm has announced his candidacy for State Senate District 37. The seat is being vacated by Senator Dan Newberry who is resigning. Strohm currently represents Jenks, Bixby and areas of Tulsa in House District 69 and was first elected to serve in the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2014. Strohm and wife Angela have four children and are members of Victory Christian Center in Tulsa. Strohm is a graduate of Oral Roberts University, a research and development engineer of over 27 years, a small business owner and an author.

Strohm serves on the House Education Committee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and the Government Modernization Committee. During his time as State Representative, Strohm has supported legislation to increase teacher’s salaries (HB 1114), protect the life of the unborn (HR1004), and to call for performance audits to promote transparency and government efficiency (HB 1511). Strohm has a strong record of supporting conservative Oklahoma values through positions of leadership in the State House. Strohm currently holds a 97% lifetime conservative rating from The Oklahoma Constitution. Additionally, Strohm was one of the founding members of the Oklahoma Republican Platform Caucus in an effort to hold elected officials accountable to the platform they were elected to represent.

“For the last three years I have been honored to serve my constituents in Jenks, Bixby, and Tulsa. During that time I have worked to uphold our conservative values by limiting government, opposing tax increases, and supporting the Constitution. Now it is more important than ever to have strong voices in the State Senate that will stand up for the people against government waste. I have a proven track record of doing just that. If elected, I would be honored to represent the people of Senate District 37,” Strohm said.

The date for the special election for Senate District 37 has not yet bet set. For more information about the campaign and how to get involved visit www.ChuckStrohm.com

Gov. Fallin Signs Budget Bill, Highlights 2017 Legislative Session

Governor Mary Fallin Signs Budget Bill, Highlights Successes in 2017 Legislative Session

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed the Fiscal Year 2018 budget bill (Senate Bill 860) into law, which closes an $878 million shortfall, maintains common education funding at current levels, and prevents the closings of hospitals and nursing homes. The 2018 fiscal year appropriated budget will be $6,830,177,825. It is $37,782,641, or 0.55 percent less than the revised fiscal year 2017 appropriated budget, which includes supplementals and the revenue failure.

“Developing a budget in this difficult fiscal and political climate is never easy,” said Fallin. “This plan keeps our government from shutting down and, despite challenging circumstances, funds our core mission services. We worked hard to protect key core services – common education, health and human services and public safety. This budget minimizes cuts and puts some recurring revenue on the table. It repeals certain exemptions in the sales tax code.

“It also modifies the incentives on the gross production tax from 1 percent to 4 percent on current producing wells that were drilled between July 1, 2011, and July 1, 2015,” the governor said. “That will provide about $92 million for the 2018 fiscal year budget. Various rebates for the oil and gas industry that cost the state about $46 million a year have been suspended next year. Of the $878 million shortfall facing lawmakers this session, about $140 million is being made up from the oil and gas industry.

“My top priorities remain strengthening education and workforce, reducing the state’s incarceration rates and improving health outcomes.  Whether it’s improving public safety, fixing our roads and bridges, boosting education or raising our health outcomes and indicators, the successes of this session to protect core services in the midst of an energy crisis will help to make Oklahoma a better place to live, work and raise a family,” Fallin said.

“But we missed an opportunity to do more to reform our budget process and find efficiencies,” she said. “We still need to do more to address structural imbalances in the state’s budget, fix problematic tax policies and make available more recurring and stable revenue.

“As this year’s session ends, I’m pleased that legislators approved a fee on cigarettes. Smoking is Oklahoma’s leading cause of preventable death. Lawmakers approving an additional $1.50 per pack is the most important thing they could do to improve Oklahoma’s health ranking,” Fallin said.

2018 Fiscal Year Budget

A Budget that Protects Core Government Services

“It is not an ideal budget, but it avoids draconian cuts to our core services such as education, health and human services, and public safety; unfortunately it leaves many agencies facing cuts for the 6th year in a row. It puts some recurring revenue on the table, but does not address the structural budget challenges that I have been working to fix since I took office. Year after year, I have repeated my warning about our reliance on one-time funding and our eroding tax base, and yet again we have crafted a budget that only fixes some of the defects in our funding formula.

“There is still work to do. When legislators return next year, they will already face a $400 million hole caused by one-time funds and $100 million of obligations coming due over the next 12 months that will need to be paid. Hopefully, in the months that follow they will begin putting together a plan to address the budget and fill that hole.” – Governor Mary Fallin

2017 Policy Highlights

Criminal Justice Reform

• Senate Bill 603: Requires all offenders receive a validated risk and needs assessment that will guide providers to programs available to offenders, and mandates the Department of Corrections to create an individualized case plan for each offender.
• SB 604: Provides training for law enforcement relating to domestic violence victim safety at the pretrial stage. (pending governor’s signature)
• House Bill 2284: Provides training for public defenders, district attorneys and judges. Training is to include substance abuse, behavioral health, and impact and dynamics of domestic violence.

These three measures were the result of recommendations from Governor Fallin’s Oklahoma Justice Reform Task Force. The task force recommended nine other bills, but they failed to win passage, mostly because of resistance from the chairman of the House of Representatives Judicial Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee.

“Our prisons are way over capacity, and our prison population is expected to grow by 25 percent in the next 10 years. Oklahoma’s overall incarceration rate is the second-highest in the country, and we lead the nation in female incarceration – incarcerating women at two-and-a-half times the national average. By 2018, we will have the highest incarceration rate in the country.

“By failing to address these issues, Oklahoma could be forced to build three new prisons over the next decade, at a cost of almost $2 billion to taxpayers if no further action is taken. One of the bills, House Bill 2281, included important sentencing changes to low-level property crimes, and would have had a particularly important impact on our female prison population. Without jeopardizing public safety, with these bills, we could have implemented  smart, data-driven solutions to safely and prudently fix our criminal justice system.” – Governor Mary Fallin

Educational Attainment and Improving Oklahoma’s Schools

“A thriving, prosperous economy must have a skilled, educated workforce. That starts with good teachers in the classrooms providing our children a quality education five days a week. We have to ensure more existing dollars are reaching every classroom by tackling administrative inefficiencies head-on.” – Governor Mary Fallin, 2017 State of the State Address

• House Joint Resolution 1028: Approves in whole the Assessment and Accountability Report prepared by the state Department of Education and approved by the state Board of Education.
• HB 1576: Directs the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability to adopt rules requiring coursework or training in the use of digital and other instructional technologies as a requisite for teacher program accreditation by Nov. 1. The bill also requires public schools to offer professional development training to teachers on the use of digital resources in classrooms.
• HB 1578: Creates a task force of a cross section of educators, business and political leaders to study multiple facets of the State Aid Funding Formula including formula structure, efficiencies and cost saving measures regarding the footprint of school districts. In addition, it creates the School Finance Review Commission for ongoing oversight of school finance including the school funding formula, teacher compensation, benefits and administration costs. (pending governor’s signature)
• HB 1693: Revises the A-F school grading system and brings the state into compliance with Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) standards.
• HB 2155: Allows local schools to create the Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP) for students in grades 6-12 to strengthen college and career goals through various activities.
• SB 84 and HB 1760: Increases the accountability measures in the Reading Sufficiency Act (RSA) by requiring a study of students who do not achieve the academic level required to be promoted to the fourth grade; it also makes RSA parent committees permanent and raises the reading level required to pass from limited-knowledge to proficiency in the 2017-18 school year.
• SB 301: Expands the Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship program, which provides a scholarship for students to a private school of choice, to children who are in an out-of-home placement with the Department of Human Services (DHS) or Office of Juvenile Affairs; or who were adopted while in the permanent custody of DHS.
• SB 563: Authorizes school districts, including technology centers, to participate in or administer a cooperative purchasing agreement with one or more public agency.

Improving Health Outcomes

“Our overall health ranking has improved from 49th in the country at the beginning of my term, to 46th today. That’s progress, but none of us are going to settle for a ranking of 46th. Together, we can continue to improve our health. As Oklahomans, we can do better. We all know that we’re facing a tight state budget in the upcoming fiscal year. But that doesn’t mean we shift our focus from our health and wellness. It helps all of us – who are able – to be physically active. It keeps us in shape, helps us deal with stress and improves our chances of being healthy. – Governor Mary Fallin

• HB 1703: Establishes a program to promote, incentivize and provide support for pregnancy resource centers, also known as “crisis pregnancy centers,” which assist pregnant women by providing counseling, ultrasounds, prenatal care, parenting classes, maternity clothes, adoption options, and other goods and services.
• HB 2039: Allows for Naloxone, a drug that can save lives from opioid overdose, to be prescribed and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. It also allows pharmacists to dispense medication so as to save people from taking numerous trips to the pharmacy.
• HB 2406: Authorizes the development of health insurance stabilization tools in order to reduce or maintain individual premiums, increase health insurer competition in the marketplace, and stabilize the individual market to enable Oklahomans to continue to access health insurance. (pending governor’s signature)
• HB 2389: Authorizes a bond issue to finance the construction of a new Department of Health laboratory to replace the department’s antiquated and dilapidated laboratory, which is in danger of losing accreditation.
• SB 748: Allows the Department of Human Services (subject to funding) to create a pilot program to improve socioeconomic outcomes for children in state custody.
• SB 229: Allows juveniles in the care of the Office of Juvenile Affairs to receive appropriate treatment for mental illness where applicable.
• SB 632: Streamlines the process for transfer and/or enrollment of students in state care, including timely delivery of records. It also establishes the Education Compact for Students in State Care Advisory Committee.
• SB 773: Directs the development of a Request for Information (RFI) for care coordination models for newborns through children 18 years old who are in the custody of the Department of Human Services.    
• SB 734: Expands the entities that can employ behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to include tribal facilities and Department of Veterans Affairs facilities. Also removes the two-year history of addiction time limit placed on an opioid substitution treatment program.
• SB 816: Directs medical education residency programs to give priority to in-state students with good academic standing when assigning clinical rotation.
• SB 845: Smoking Cessation and Prevention Act of 2017 - The purpose of this legislation is to prevent people, especially children, from taking up smoking.
• SB 870: Adds outcome incentive payments to the list of services a parent or legal guardian must pay if a court orders such for their child who is in the custody of the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Public Safety

• HB 1845: Brings Oklahoma into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act while protecting the privacy and freedom of our citizens. Those Oklahomans who are concerned about privacy and liberty will be allowed to opt out and receive a state-compliant ID, but those citizens who need access to federal installations or who desire to travel uninhibited can receive a federally compliant ID.
• HB 1468: Creates the hidden predator act; modifies the statute of limitations for rape and forcible sodomy against children to be at the 45th birthday of the alleged victim.
• SB 35: Allows for concealed or unconcealed carry for individuals 21 or older with a handgun license or valid military ID or honorably discharged service members. 
• SB 397: Makes exceptions for firearms carried for self-defense in regards to bus transportation.
• SB 643: Improves statewide law enforcement ability to fight impaired driving, per recommendation from the Governor’s Impaired Driving Prevention Advisory Council (GIDPAC). (pending governor’s signature)

Veterans and Military

• HB 1198: Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a registry of all veterans in the state, which will include any person who served on active duty in the armed forces, was discharged, or released with an honorable discharge. This creates an accurate listing of veterans in the state, which could have numerous advantages, including more efficient provision of services, reducing fraud, and accurate statistics.
• SB 543: Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish and maintain a State Veterans Cemetery. Funding will be sought through the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program provided for by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Such grants will be used by the state of Oklahoma to provide a final resting place for Oklahoma veterans in commemoration of their service to our nation.
• SB 690: Instructs the State Regents for Higher Education, Oklahoma Military Department, and schools of social work to develop a Guard advocacy program for Oklahoma National Guard soldiers and airmen.  The program will allow Oklahoma universities with social work programs to partner with the Oklahoma National Guard to allow social work students to assist National Guard soldiers and airmen through behavioral health issues while working on their required social work practicum.

Government Efficiency

“Government can always find ways to save taxpayer dollars by operating more efficiently and effectively. The reforms we continue to pursue on a state level will help to produce more flexible and responsive state agencies, eliminate government waste and save money.” – Governor Mary Fallin

• HB 1533: Requires the state bond adviser office and the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to create a debt affordability study to analyze Oklahoma’s debt position.
• HB 1720: Allows insurance companies to provide a discount, rate reduction or other related adjustment for new insurable property built to resist loss due to tornado or catastrophic windstorm events, only when the company determines the discount or reduction to be actuarially justified.
• HB 1833: Abolishes the Council of Firefighter Training and transfers those duties to the state fire marshal’s office.

Energy

• HB 2298: Sunsets the tax credits for the wind industry on July 1, 2017.
• SB 867: Expands laws for horizontal drilling, adds rights for vertical well owners and creates protections for mineral rights owners.

Agriculture

• HB 1388: Modifies the nuisance provisions for agricultural operations.  The purpose of modifying these provisions is to provide protection to farmers and ranchers from frivolous and malicious lawsuits against their operations should they expand or introduce new technology to the operation.
• HB 1431 and HB 1994: Completes the process or privatization for the Oklahoma Sorghum Commission and the Oklahoma Oilseed Commission. Privatizing the commissions to a non-appropriated agency saves money in the state budget and gives the commission freedom to retain any earned income.
• SB 326: Prohibits the possession or importation of exotic swine. This bill protects Oklahoma’s domestic livestock and native wildlife from foreign diseases. In addition, it guards against the potential threat exotic swine pose to private and public property, historic landmarks and the ecosystem by rooting near waterways, causing increased erosion and contamination of water sources.
• SB 595: Provides protection to farmers' markets registered with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry.  It also adds an assumption of risk for farmers’ market attendees so they cannot hold the market responsible for inherent risks.

Tourism

• SB 153: Removes the requirement that the Tourism and Recreation Department use monies collected from entrance or day-use charges at state parks for capital improvements.  This allows the revenue to be used for operations in parks where the fees are generated.
• SB 872: Moves ownership of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum to the city of Oklahoma City, relieving the state of its future financial responsibility.

Economic Development and Commerce

• HB 1681: Directs the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission to administer an airport inspection program for all public-use airports in the state of Oklahoma.
• HB 2351: Allows every county, not just those with populations of 500,000 or more, to establish a tax incentive district. This helps level the playing field for suburban and rural counties seeking to attract new industries.
• SB 120: Maintains the job-generating tax incentive to employers and employees in the aerospace industry by extending sunset date on the tax credit until Jan. 1, 2026.

Lt. Gov. Lamb to headline Shelley Brumbaugh for HD76 fundraiser

LT. GOVERNOR TODD LAMB TO HEADLINE KICKOFF FUNDRAISING RECEPTION FOR SHELLEY BRUMBAUGH FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 76

May 30, 2017 -- Shelley Brumbaugh, candidate in the special election for House District 76, is kicking off her campaign with a fundraising reception this Thursday, June 1, with special host Lt. Governor Todd Lamb.

She stated, "Directly after I announced my candidacy at the State OK GOP Convention, I was honored to receive a public announcement of support from Lt. Gov. Lamb to the crowd. I am thankful to him for not only offering his verbal support, but also rolling up his sleeves and working alongside me on the campaign trail as we share our principles and invite our community and friends to join the campaign."

Lt. Governor Todd Lamb stated, "I am pleased to give my support to Shelley Brumbaugh, as she seeks to continue the fine service her late husband gave our state. Shelley is a businesswoman who has a demonstrated history of service to her community, integrity in her actions, and a work ethic that will ensure that her district will have continued stability in quality representation for their priorities."

The Shelley Brumbaugh for State House campaign fundraiser kickoff will take place Thursday, June 1, 2017, from 5:00pm-6:30pm, at  Indian Springs Country Club, 16006 E. 131st Street South, Broken Arrow. To attend please RSVP either online or at 918.833.1400. Please consider a generous donation to advance her conservative cause.

For more information on Shelley Brumbaugh, please visit her Facebook page.

Sine Die: Legislature passes budget, new taxes, adjourns

"There is nothing that will upset a state economic condition like a legislature. It's better to have termites in your house than the legislature [in session]."

"The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets."

"Never blame a legislative body for not doing something. When they do nothing, they don't hurt anybody. When they do something is when they become dangerous."

The above quotes from Will Rogers, Oklahoma's favorite son, come to mind when thinking about the potential from the 2017 legislative session that adjourned sine die today.

The House passed the $6.8B FY2018 budget by a vote of 57-42, with 16 House Republicans (mostly from the conservative wing) and all 26 Democrats voted against it. The Senate had previously passed the appropriations bill on Wednesday. Shortly after that vote, the House narrowly passed a $257M cigarette tax smoking cessation fee 51-43. 18 Republicans and 25 Democrats opposed that measure, which I believe fails to meet constitutional muster.

On the Senate side, they passed a $123M tax hike on vehicle sales, which also likely fails the constitutionality test. 14 Republicans and 4 Democrats voted against that bill, which passed 25-18.

Conservative think-tank OCPA had fairly positive comments about the end of session, noting that "the Legislature deserves credit for passing a budget that minimizes damaging tax increases on Oklahomans compared to what was called for at the start of session."

Governor Mary Fallin kicked off the year with proposals to raise a variety of taxes by nearly 2.6 billion dollars. While she did get her cigarette tax smoking cessation fee increase of $257M, she didn't get her $635M fuel tax increase, or her $1.7B sales tax hike. That is a positive that we can take from this session.

However, a real and very dangerous question must be answered by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. The Legislature very clearly and brazenly defied Article 5, Section 33 of the Oklahoma Constitution, which states that "No revenue bill shall be passed during the five last days of the session," as well as "Any revenue bill originating in the House of Representatives may become law without being submitted to a vote of the people of the state if such bill receives the approval of three-fourths (3/4) of the membership of the House of Representatives and three-fourths (3/4) of the membership of the Senate and is submitted to the Governor for appropriate action." The aforementioned tax/fee hikes were passed within that 5-day window and without 3/4ths approval, clearly breaking the spirit and letter of the law, which is in the State Constitution by virtue of the Oklahoma voters passing State Question 640 in 1992 in response to the Legislature passing tax increases.

If the courts do not clearly respond to this action, future legislatures will be able to raise revenue at any time and in any manner with complete impunity.

Three takeaways:

1. It was not a good legislative session. There were difficulties resolved in poor ways.
2. It could have been much worse. Even greater damage was averted.
3. It could be much worse in the future if Article 5 Section 33 of the Oklahoma Constitution is not properly enforced.

OCPA comments on the Legislature passing the state budget

Statement from Jonathan Small on the Legislature passing the state budget:

OCPA President Jonathan Small

"We appreciate the Legislature's efforts this session, as lawmakers were under intense pressure to massively raise taxes on Oklahomans. Using one-time revenues during recessionary periods is never ideal, but it is preferable to permanent tax increases that cement unreformed spending. Given that total state spending is at an all-time high, many opportunities for additional spending reforms still exist. However, the Legislature deserves credit for passing a budget that minimizes damaging tax increases on Oklahomans compared to what was called for at the start of session.”

Session ends today; votes on cigarette "fee", vehicle sales tax, state budget

As the Oklahoma Legislature prepares to adjourn sine die by 5:00pm, there is still unfinished business to vote on. The House will take up the $6.8B FY2018 budget, as well as the $257M cigarette tax "smoking cessation" fee.

According to Article 5, Section 33 of the Oklahoma Constitution, passing measures that raise revenue is clearly unconstitutional, per passage of State Question 640 by Oklahoma voters in 1992. Legislative leadership thinks they can get around that ban by calling the cigarette tax (and other measures) a fee instead. That is simply wrong, and the Oklahoma Supreme Court will likely get a chance to weigh in on the matter.

Whether it's a tax or a fee, it has the same effect on whomever pays it: more money is taken from their wallet by the government. Whether it's a tax or a fee, it has the same effect on state government: more money is taken from citizens and placed in state coffers.

The State Senate will be taking up HB2433, which raises $123M by charging a 1.5% sales tax on the sale of vehicles. This measure passed the House 52-47 on Wednesday.

Oklahoma voters clearly spoke in 1992 that they don't want new revenue, be it taxes or fees, passed in the final week of the legislative session, or passed with less than 3/4ths of the Legislature voting in favor. Further, Oklahoma voters clearly spoke just six months ago by shooting down a $615M tax increase that would have been dedicated to education, which most voters consider to be the top state funding priority.

The Oklahoma Legislature should honor and uphold the letter and spirit of the people's will, and not increase taxes, or fees (as the late Labor Commissioner Mark Costello said, "A fee is nothing more than a tax by another name").

Gov. Fallin comments on FY2018 Budget Agreement

Governor Mary Fallin Statement on 2018 Fiscal Year Budget Agreement

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the budget agreement that has been reached for the 2018 fiscal year:

“Developing a budget in this difficult fiscal and political climate is never easy. This plan keeps our government from shutting down. It is not an ideal budget, but it avoids draconian cuts to our core services such as education, health and human services, and public safety; unfortunately it leaves many agencies facing cuts for the sixth year in a row. It puts some recurring revenue on the table, but does not address the structural budget challenges that I have been working to fix since I took office. Year after year, I have repeated my warning about our reliance on one-time funding and our eroding tax base, and yet again we have crafted a budget that only fixes some of the defects in our funding formula.

“Let there be no mistake, there is still work to do. When legislators return next year, they will already face a $400 million hole caused by one-time funds and $100 million of obligations coming due over the next 12 months that will need to be paid. Hopefully, in the months that follow they will begin putting together a real plan to address the budget to fill that hole when they return in February of 2018 – an election year when we know it is difficult to pass revenue measures."