OK2A, 36 legislators file challenge against anti-Constitutional Carry petition

Earlier today, the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite!, the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee, 22 GOP members of the State House and 14 GOP members of the State Senate filed a challenge in the State Supreme Court aimed at tossing out the initiative petition being circulated by anti-gun groups that aims to send permitless carry to a state vote in hopes of overturning the new law.

Specifically, their brief states that 'The “gist” of the referendum effectively contains six separate clauses, two of which are blatantly false, inaccurate, misleading, and inflammatory, and the remaining four of which are inaccurate, misleading and inflammatory.' If their challenge is confirmed, the petition could be thrown out.

The cover sheet of the brief is below, listing the names of the 36 legislators that signed on, including House Speaker Charles McCall and House Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols (and yet, now that I look at it again, notably missing Senate President Greg Treat). Of interest to Muskogee area residents, State Sen. Kim David (R-Porter), State Sen. Roger Thompson (R-Okemah), State Rep. Avery Frix (R-Muskogee), and State Rep. Kevin McDugle (R-Wagoner) are on the list; none of the other legislators in or touching Muskogee County signed on to the brief.

More information:

• Read the 13-Page Protest Brief here. 
• Read  31-page SQ 803 here (the anti-Constitutional Carry initiative petition). 
• Read the Cover Sheet of the Supreme Court Brief here. 
• Visit the OK2A YouTube Channel for more videos on the topic.

Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite responds to Supreme Court ruling

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Today’s Supreme Court decision has provided a major setback in the effort to protect Oklahomans' tax dollars. For months, Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite! has struggled with media and unions reporting lies about the petition by falsely stating it was a repeal on teacher pay raises. The effort to REPEAL HB1010XX is to relieve the people from unnecessary and burdensome taxes and had nothing to do with the teacher pay raise. The Supreme Court agreed with that sentiment in their ruling. If the taxes are repealed, the raises remain sacrosanct, as the supremes state on pages 4-5 in their decision.

Because of oversight in communications, scrivener errors and legislative gymnastics, the petition has been ruled invalid in the current form.

Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite! believes in the protection of the taxpayer. At every turn we must ask: who is standing up for us? Our DNA is to fight for injustice perpetrated by all forms of government, after all a government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything you have.

We are, at our core, conservatives; and we want the conservation and protection of our money to be our civic leaders’ highest priority. It clearly is not. Governments and politicians have long ago decided that plunder of the taxpayer is acceptable, so they grow government at a rapid rate. As Jefferson states, "The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground." We must fight against this natural progression.

We want to be remembered as men and women who cared too much rather than cared too little, even if that means our grassroots organization makes mistakes along the journey.

Given today’s decision of the OK Supreme Court, our fight is not over, our battle has just begun.

The people did not support this egregious and unnecessary, burdensome tax hike. The people will have their say.

Our mistakes will be corrected. Our motivation has been renewed. Our taxes are OUR money, they are not the governments’ money, and it’s time for all of us to declare that together from our rooftops.

Thank you to all Oklahomans who supported our initial effort. We appreciate all you've done to stand up for the Oklahoma taxpayer, the Forgotten Man.

Schulz and Hofmeister respond to veto referendum ruling

Senate Pro Tem comments on court's ruling on SQ 799 referendum petition

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, released the following comment regarding the Oklahoma Supreme Court's ruling on State Question 799 and referendum petition:

“I am pleased the Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected the effort to repeal HB 1010xx. The Legislature took extraordinary steps in passing HB 1010xx and it is absolutely necessary to fully fund the largest teacher pay raise in state history and the significant increase in education funding passed this session. We should all now turn our focus toward working for the resources and reforms necessary to support our teachers and ensure our children get the best education possible.”

Hofmeister hails court decision clearing way for teacher pay raise

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister made the following remarks after today’s decision on State Question 799 by the Oklahoma Supreme Court:

”The bipartisan passage of House Bill 1010xx was a significant step forward for all Oklahomans. I commend the Oklahoma Supreme Court for rejecting a repeal effort of this landmark legislation. At long last, we can reward our dedicated, hardworking public school teachers with the competitive pay they deserve. On the heels of a school year in which 1 in 7 students was taught by an untrained teacher, we can, and we must, now begin stemming the tide of Oklahoma’s crippling teacher shortage. Today’s decision clears the way for funding regionally competitive teacher pay, ushering in a new era of stability that is not only a win for public education, but for our kids and the future of our state.”

Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite: "Game on!"

TAXPAYERS RESPOND: GAME ON!

Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite! is dismayed, but not surprised by yesterday’s State Senate vote to pass HB1010XX. We will respond!

In an era of big spending, big government, big egos and big lies, the passage of HB1010XX is a shameful slap in the face of Taxpayers and for many, a betrayal of their word of honor when they signed pledges NOT to raise taxes. Untrustworthy oath-breakers lead our state.

For eight years, Governor Fallin and the GOP have had super majorities in the both the state Senate and House. They’ve squandered their opportunity to make structural reforms and institute real fiscal responsibility in state government. Now we’ve been subjected to the obscene applause and joy as they celebrated their abject failure of leadership while violating the very principles of their own Oklahoma GOP Platform.

Governor Fallin and the legislative leaders who pushed this are an embarrassment to their party, bring national shame to our state, and have betrayed Taxpayers who elected them. State Question 640 specifically mandates that ALL new tax increases be sent to the Taxpayers for a vote. The 75% supermajority vote of both Houses was meant to be used only for a real emergency, which this is not. Numerous proposals have shown how the teachers can get a pay raise without raising taxes.

Wasting no time, Governor Fallin says she will sign the bill today by hosting a "signing party." She has pushed tax increase on the citizens of Oklahoma for years, while promoting and maneuvering agency bureaucrats who have overseen “accounting tricks” that hid millions of dollars and covered up corruption and mismanagement. Taxpayers across the state believe that’s the real reason she wants tax increases. More fraud exists, as evidenced by today’s local paper.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite! supports the courageous legislators who have been fighting against tax increases and calling for enacting fiscal reforms and oversight rather than raise taxes. Our coalition is here to support them and recruit candidates to run against all the tax hogs at the legislature. We will also soon start a petition drive for a VETO REFERENDUM to overturn HB1010XX, as well as any other measures to levy more burden on beleaguered Oklahoma Taxpayers.

We remind the marble oligarch crowd that WE THE PEOPLE are their employers, not the Political Class. Taxpayers will not take this abuse lying down. Fish rot from the head. Governor Fallin is an oath-breaker who violated her own taxpayer protection pledge, which she signed May 2010.

The 2018 Oklahoma TAXPAYER PROTECTION PLEDGE BREAKERS are as follows: Governor Mary Fallin, Representatives Josh Cockroft, Randy McDaniel, Charles Ortega, Leslie Osborn, Dustin Roberts, Mike Sanders, Earl Sears, Chris Kannady, Michael Rogers, Scooter Park, Dennis Casey, Senators Kim David, OKC Mayor-Elect David Holt, and AJ Griffin. But almost all state legislators campaign on a low-tax platform.

Taxpayers were insulted and horrified to watch both chambers pass the largest tax hike in history and immediately congratulate each other with hugs and high fives. This is not a time to celebrate, friends. The taxpayers of Oklahoma are prepared to crash your party.

The VETO REFERENDUM is the state constitution’s solution for runaway government. The people will have their voice. Taxpayers demand that we use State Question 640 as it was intended. Let the people decide.

Learn more about Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite! by visiting their website at OklahomaTaxpayersUnite.com. Follow the movement on Facebook and Twitter.

Stitt signs Coburn's Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform pledge

KEVIN STITT IS FIRST GOVERNOR CANDIDATE TO SIGN TOM COBURN’S OKLAHOMA TAXPAYER PLEDGE

TULSA, Oklahoma – Kevin Stitt, Republican candidate for governor and Oklahoma businessman, announced that he signed the “Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform” pledge, a seven-point platform announced by U.S. Senator Tom Coburn today in a press conference at the state capital.

A signed copy of the platform is available here: http://www.stittforgovernor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/ok-taxpayer-platform-signed.pdf

“I appreciate Tom Coburn’s leadership for putting this important platform together that holds candidates accountable to conservative principles,” said Kevin Stitt. “The priorities listed by Sen. Coburn resonate with the concerns I have heard from Oklahomans at my town halls across all 77 counties. It is why I have made many of these priorities central to my platform for governor.

“We need more accountability in government, regular audits of all state agencies, and line item budgeting. We need to give more responsibility to the governor to fire poorly performing state agency leaders. We need people leading our agencies that are experience professionals and are not part of the good-old-boy political system. Only an outsider with business experience can make this happen; it is what I have been doing in my company for nearly 20 years.

“We also need fair taxation, one that drives competition and diversifies our economy. This will require full tax reform in Oklahoma. The tax package being passed at the Capitol this week will not give teachers a pay raise that is sustainable. We must give teachers a pay raise that makes Oklahoma competitive with our surrounding states, but we need to do this while bringing stability to our budget or else we are going to be faced with a shortfall again within the next decade. We can’t keep kicking the can down the road.

“I am confident Oklahoma can be a Top Ten state, and I believe it starts with a strong leader that is focused on free market values, limited government, and individual initiative.”

Kevin Stitt also released the following Facebook video which can be viewed by clicking here:



Kevin Stitt, a Republican candidate for governor, is the founder and CEO of Gateway Mortgage Group (GMG) based in Tulsa. GMG is one of the nation’s largest privately held mortgage companies and employs more than 1,200 people providing mortgage services in 40 states. Stitt is a fourth-generation Oklahoma, growing up in Norman where his father was a minister. He and his wife, Sarah, have been married for 19 years and have six children. He is campaigning on a vision to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state by focusing on five pillars: government efficiency, education, growth, infrastructure, and healthcare. For more information go to www.StittForGovernor.com.

Video of Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite press conference

At 1pm this afternoon, Sen. Tom Coburn spoke at a press conference launching Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite!, a grassroots organization dedicated to defending taxpayers from tax hikes and poor government.

Watch the live video below:

Coburn launching taxpayer revolt at 1pm today

With the passage of a $530+ million tax hike, taxpayers are outraged at the lack of transparency and openness in the Oklahoma Legislature, and their refusal to consider other methods besides raising taxes.

At 1pm today, former Sen. Tom Coburn will be announcing the formation of a new taxpayer advocacy group, Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite!, which will aim to transform how Oklahoma government operates.

From around the blogosphere...

Steve Fair has a great post titled HERE ON HTRAE. Here's a snippet:

The disappointing thing is once again the education lobby won because self-described fiscal conservatives in control of the legislature caved. Education didn’t have to agree to consolidate administrative services, school districts, or submit to comprehensive audits of school districts. They just threatened to walk-out and lawmakers caved. No Oklahoman disputes teachers in Oklahoma deserve a raise, but so do the butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. Unfortunately, those people can’t afford to stage a walk-out because they can’t afford to take the day off. They have to work to pay their taxes.

Republicans traditionally have been known for smaller government and fought for citizens to keep more of their hard earned money, but here on planet Htrae, Republicans perform exactly the opposite of what you expect. On this cube-shaped planet we now live on, you can expect elected officials to contradict logic and adhere to the Bizarro Code. Voting doesn’t match their campaigning. Press releases and public speeches contradict their actions. It is no wonder the average citizen thinks politics and politicians are crooked, dirty and unethical- after all, we’re on Htrae.

Michael Bates discusses the passage of tax-increase bill HB1010XX here, which includes a tax on church camps like Falls Creek -- widely known for hosting the world’s largest youth encampment of its kind each summer.

Coburn headlining 'Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite!' presser tomorrow

Senator Tom Coburn to headline announcement 
of OKLAHOMA TAXPAYERS UNITE!

Where: STATE CAPITOL BUILDING PRESS ROOM
What: PRESS CONFERENCE
When: 1 pm, Wednesday March 28, 2018

Fiscal hawk and Taxpayers’ friend, Senator Tom Coburn, will announce the formation of a new Taxpayers’ coalition to take the fight to the legislative tax hogs, oath breakers and Political Class.

Oklahoma Taxpayers are fed up with legislative leadership that seeks first to raise taxes and refuses to make the structural, transformational reforms that fiscal responsibility requires. With HB1010XX, passed under duress and rules suspension March 26, the majority of the House of Representatives has chosen the path of more taxation instead of reform.

Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite! is a coalition of Oklahoma Taxpayers -- civic leaders, concerned citizens, grassroots activists, and party leaders, working together, demanding constitutional, ethical, transparent, and fiscally responsible governance for the Oklahoma Taxpayers. Reminiscent of the group known as “Stop New Taxes” which almost repealed HB 1017 28 years ago with a referendum petition, and then Oklahoma Taxpayers’ Union, which successfully passed SQ 640, the new coalition reflects the disgust and anger with a Governor and legislature that has refused to lead, opting for new taxes instead.

Of the 79 House members who voted for new taxes, 11 of them previously signed a pledge for their entire term of office with Americans for Tax Reform, “to oppose [and vote against] any efforts to increase taxes.” Apparently, their word means nothing. Two of the oath-breakers are running for higher office in 2018. Seven members of the Senate signed the same pledge.

Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite! will offer its 7-point Taxpayers Platform for all incumbents and candidates to pledge to on their Word of Honor.

For further information, please contact Brooke McGowan at 704-526-9494 or Porter Davis at 405-343-0239.