Thanks to veto override (and PlatePay), tribal tags may evade turnpike tolls to tune of $10.8M per year

The double-whammy of removing toll booths to implement PlatePay and the legislative override of Gov. Stitt's veto of a tribal vehicle tag compact is going to cost Oklahoma citizens a pretty penny:

Tribal plates allow drivers to evade Oklahoma tolls

By Ray Carter | July 25th, 2023

This week, members of the Oklahoma Legislature overrode Gov. Kevin Stitt’s veto of legislation authorizing a one-year compact with tribal governments that allows the issuance of tribal vehicle tags.

When lawmakers did so, they locked in place a system that is allowing drivers with tribal car tags to evade paying tolls on state turnpikes, a practice that is expected to cost the state millions of dollars and increase the fees imposed on all other, non-Indian drivers.

Tribal vehicle registration/tag revenue used for political activity

TRIBE USES VEHICLE REVENUE FOR POLITICAL ACTIVITY

by Ray Carter | June 23, 2023

Even though state-tribal compacts on vehicle registration and car tags ultimately result in millions of dollars being diverted from Oklahoma state government to the control of a small group of tribal government leaders, defenders of the compacts often claim the agreements benefit the state because the money is used for education and transportation.

But Cherokee Nation budget documents obtained by the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs indicate that the tribe at least considered, and may have used, vehicle revenue for political activity.

The Cherokee Nation acknowledges that some money generated by its motor-tag compacts with the state of Oklahoma has been used for electoral activity, but the amount of money tribal officials say was spent and the uses made of that money differ dramatically from the amounts and uses outlined in a tribal budget document provided by a whistleblower.

Small: OETA doesn’t need state subsidies

I've enjoyed a lot of OETA/PBS content over the years; nature programs, historical documentaries, chilren's shows, classic films on the OETA Movie Club. My wife and I really enjoy the geneological show Finding Your Roots.

But here's the thing. Is it really the proper role of government to fund public broadcasting? I don't think it is. OETA, and PBS, and NPR - all of them can function apart from taxpayer funding. In the wake of Gov. Stitt's veto of OETA's reauthorization, a lot of media stations and personalities have decried the move. Perhaps they could step up to the plate and fund OETA/PBS much like C-SPAN is funded by the cable industry.

Here's a column by OCPA President Jonathan Small on the matter:

OETA doesn’t need state subsidies

By Jonathan Small

Gov. Kevin Stitt’s decision to veto reauthorization of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA), the state’s Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) entity, has critics acting as though the sky is falling and that Big Bird is on his last legs.

Neither view is true. Big Bird will still be around even without Oklahoma government funding, as proven by the fact that 14 other states do not provide direct state funding to PBS stations. There are no reports of children aimless wandering the streets of those states without access to any educational programming.

Gov. Stitt vetoes 20 Senate bills in escalation of fight over tax cuts, education reform

Governor Kevin Stitt probably prepared with some stretches and knuckle-cracking before he set out on a veto spree for the ages last night.

In an escalation of the fight at the State Capitol over passing tax cuts and education reform, and in particular frustration with the Senate leadership's intransigence on these issues, the governor vetoed twenty Senate bills - writing the same veto message on all of them:

OCPA column: No need for state handout to tribal government

No need for state handout to tribal government

By Jonathan Small

Oklahoma’s tribal governments have their own police forces, their own court systems, and immense wealth from casinos to pay for their public-safety responsibilities. So why did tribal entities recently seek an indirect subsidy from state government?

Lawmakers recently passed House Bill 3501, which would have required the Department of Public Safety to “recognize and act” upon a report of conviction from any tribal court in Oklahoma.  Supporters said the bill would target drunk drivers, but tribal courts can issue orders regarding issues other than DUI violations, and it appears the legislation could have required state police to carry out a wide range of orders on behalf of tribal governments.

Fortunately, Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed the bill, writing that it would have required state law-enforcement officials “to carry out tribal court adjudications, no questions asked.” That’s worth stressing because tribal courts can issue orders that might not pass legal muster in Oklahoma’s state court system.

To cite one prominent example, the Cherokee council approved an “Anti-Harassment Act” that allows tribal officials to obtain tribal-court ordered restraining orders against any individual who “annoys” officials, apparently including through social-media posts made “over time, however short.”

Gov. Stitt closes out 2021 legislative session action with 2 "pocket" vetoes

Governor Kevin Stitt took no action on the two remaining legislative bills on his desk, effecting a "pocket veto" on SB 236 and HB 1010. With this, the chapter finally closes on the 2021 Regular Session. Once census data is finalized, it is expected (and announced, I believe) that Governor Stitt will call a special session in the fall to deal solely with congressional district redistricting (all the rest of redistricting has already been dealt with).

In review, Governor Stitt's office showed the following statistics on measures that we sent to his desk for action:

Following veto override, rural broadband expansion council to be created

Legislature enacts bills to set rural broadband expansion plan

OKLAHOMA CITY – All stakeholders will be at the table in public meetings to craft an actionable rural broadband expansion plan for Oklahoma under legislation enacted by veto override Friday.

House Bill 4018 and Senate Bill 1002 cause a 14-member council to develop a plan to improve availability, quality and affordability of high speed internet in rural Oklahoma, which lags significantly behind the rest of the country in access to high speed internet.

“We are bringing all stakeholders together for step one of what will be several years of successful rural broadband expansion in Oklahoma,” said Rep. Logan Phillips, R-Mounds, an information technology college professor who carried the legislation. “Legislators don’t want to see any wasted resources, whether public or private, so we have asked for a coordinated plan that prevents wasteful efforts while getting rural constituents the internet they need.”

Phillips coauthored the legislation with House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka.

“Representative Logan Phillips worked tirelessly throughout the legislative interim and session to craft this very strong legislation that will produce real results for rural Oklahomans for years to come,” McCall said. “As a lifetime rural Oklahoman, I applaud Representative Phillips, Senator Leewright and all stakeholders for collaborating on a teamwork-driven approach to this major issue for our constituents.”

The legislation was carried in the Senate by Sen. James Leewright, R-Bristow.

“Even before the pandemic, rural Oklahoma needed faster, cheaper internet in a serious way,” Leewright said. “The pandemic only heightened rural Oklahoma’s broadband need, and I am pleased rural Oklahomans are now at the table to work on this issue, along with providers responsible for delivering the service.”

The Rural Broadband Expansion Council includes representation appointed by the House, Senate and governor to ensure all expertise and perspectives are represented in developing a rural broadband expansion plan. Rural-specific interests represented on the council include broadband providers, health care, business, municipalities, electric cooperatives and citizens. Other interests represented are large national wireless providers, information technology academics and state agencies with technology assets.

“These bills are about bringing people together to chart a shared path forward,” McCall said. “The council will utilize the expertise of proven private sector experts, since they will be chiefly responsible for executing the plan, rather than relying solely on state agencies with mixed track records on technology projects. This approach will produce the best outcome for citizens, and we look forward to collaborating with all parties on this important effort going forward.”

The bills take effect immediately and require the council to be named and convened within 60 days. All meetings of the council, which will be staffed by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, will be subject to the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act.

Tag agent online renewal bill will go into effect November 1st after Legislature overrides veto

Tag agent online renewal bill enacted

OKLAHOMA CITY – Online motor vehicle tag renewals can be processed by local tag agents under legislation enacted via veto override Friday.

House Bill 4049, by House Speaker Charles McCall, requires the state to offer citizens renewing vehicle tags online with the option to digitally renew their vehicle tag through their local tag agent.

“Local tag agents provide a valuable service, especially in rural Oklahoma. As digital becomes the new normal, these tag agents will be able to continue serving their communities. I appreciate Majority Floor Leader Jon Echols and Representative Brian Hill for accurately clarifying what the bill does and does not do.”

Gov. Stitt vetoes SB 1046, says would not provide stable funding for Medicaid expansion plan

GOVERNOR STITT VETOES SB 1046

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 21, 2020) — Governor Kevin Stitt today vetoed Senate Bill 1046, which would not provide a stable funding source for the SoonerCare 2.0 Medicaid expansion plan.

The initial proposal to fund SoonerCare 2.0 included recurring provider assessment fees through the Supplemental Hospital Offset Payment Program. SB 1046 only provided SHOPP funding for Fiscal Year 2021, which would leave Medicaid expansion unfunded for Fiscal 2022 and further exacerbate the state’s projected budget deficit.

“From day one, I’ve said one-time funds are not the way pay for Medicaid expansion,” said Gov. Stitt. “This bill doesn’t fully fund SoonerCare 2.0 in the first year, and it doesn’t even consider funding for the second year. I will always protect the taxpayer and I will not sign unfunded mandates in the middle of a massive budget deficit.”

Citing wasteful spending, Stitt vetoes four bills

Citing wasteful spending, Stitt vetoes bills

by Ray Carter, Director, Center for Independent Journalism

May 18, 2020 -- Continuing his emphasis on fiscal conservatism, Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed four measures on Monday and called on lawmakers to instead eliminate wasteful spending. Among the bills vetoed were two providing state matching funds for “endowed chairs” at Oklahoma colleges, a program that has long been plagued by high taxpayer costs.

Stitt vetoed House Bill 2749 and House Bill 2750, which both dealt with the Oklahoma State Regents’ Endowment Trust Fund. That fund is used to match private donations for endowed chair positions at state colleges.

HB 2749 would have placed a cap of $671.2 million on state matching funds for the program.

In his veto message, Stitt wrote, “Since the State began matching these donations, approximately $500,000,000 has been matched with no input from the legislature or Governor as to what types of chairs and professorships would be matched. Instead of simply placing a cap, the more fiscally responsible course would be to eliminate matching monies altogether.”

House Dems explain why they voted to override vetoes... of budget bills they opposed

Last week, House Democrats largely opposed three bills that plugged some of the budget shortfall by cutting the amount of funds that were supposed to go to teacher, firefighter, and law enforcement pension funds, as well as money from transportation (replacing those funds by more bond indebtedness). On May 5th, 18 of 23 House Democrats voted against HB 2741, 19 voted against HB 2742, and 8 voted against HB 2743. Today, they reversed course. On HB 2741, just Rep. Mickey Dollens (D-OKC) voted against overriding Gov. Stitt's veto, Dollens and Rep. Regina Goodwin (D-Tulsa) voted against overriding the veto of HB 2742, and only Dollens voted against the override of HB 2743.

The House Democrats were against the bills before they were for them?

Democrats Strengthen Veto Majority in Support of Public Education

OKLAHOMA CITY -- House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, released the following statement announcing that members of the House Democratic Caucus would join legislative Republicans to override Governor Stitt’s veto of House Bill 2741, House Bill 2742 and House Bill 2743.

“This legislative body, led by Republican majorities in both chambers, spent a large portion of last year’s legislative session giving the governor more power. Conversely, Republican leadership has spent this session trying to protect the legislature from an overzealous executive branch instead of taking back those increased powers.

Legislature prepares for battle royale with Gov. Stitt, starts veto override votes

Legislative leaders set veto override votes

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Legislature will consider overriding Gov. Kevin Stitt's vetoes of budget legislation today. The House of Representatives returns to session at 5 p.m. and the Senate is currently in session. Overrides of budget legislation vetoes will be taken up today.

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, issued the following joint statement:

"The Legislature will initiate veto overrides immediately. Since the governor refused to do so, legislators will rise to the moment to enact a balanced budget for the people of Oklahoma that protects education from deep cuts without harming the transportation or public retirement systems. The deep education funding cuts the governor’s vetoes cause are unnecessary and unacceptable, as is his false rhetoric about the bills’ effect on the transportation and retirement systems.”

UPDATE: The Legislature is voting even as we speak. You can follow my Capitol News list on Twitter for live-tweets of the events, which are swiftly unfolding:
A Twitter List by JamisonFaught

BREAKING: Governor Stitt vetoes state budget bills, calls for Legislature to re-evaluate

GOVERNOR STITT VETOES LEGISLATURE’S PROPOSED FY 2021 BUDGET

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 13, 2020)— Governor Kevin Stitt today issued the following statement after vetoing the Oklahoma Legislature’s proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Budget (Senate Bill 1922):

“This budget was created behind closed doors, without meaningful input or consultation from the Executive Branch.

This proposed budget does not reflect the values of Oklahoma or the clear directive voters gave elected officials at the ballot box of living within our means and making hard decisions when times get tough. Instead, Senate Bill 1922 reflects misguided policies that conservative republicans have spent the past decade reversing. It is propped up with one-time funds that will not be available for Fiscal Year 2022.

Stitt vetoes three bills

As the legislative session approaches its final month, measures that passed both chambers are being sent to the Governor for final action. Yesterday, Governor Kevin Stitt signed 28 Senate bills and 16 House bills and vetoed two Senate bills and one House bill.

So far in the 2019 session, Stitt has received 152 Senate Bills, signed 120 of them into law, and vetoed 2 more. He has been sent 125 House Bills, signed 110 of them, and also vetoed 2 bills.

Here are his reasonings for yesterdays vetoes:

Senate Bill 44 would define the term "instructional expenditure" to mean expenditures for instruction and instructional staff support services, including those that directly relate to providing instruction and for activities that assist with classroom instruction. The definition proposed does not align our state with the federal definition of instructional expenditure, which will not allow Oklahoma to measure our instructional expenditures across state lines.

For the aforementioned reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 44.

Senate Bill 566 would allow private commercial hunting guides to operate on lands managed or owned by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (the “Department”). The Oklahoma Constitution limits the use of Department fees, monies, or funds to the “control, management, restoration, conservation, and regulation of the bird, fish, and game and wildlife resources of the State... and for the administration of the laws pertaining thereto and for no other purpose.” (Okla. Const., Art. 26, § 4). The use of Department lands, paid for with fees, monies, or funds, for the monetary gain of private companies is not permitted pursuant to the Oklahoma Constitution. This prohibition is recognized in the Department's administrative rules, which include a general prohibition on the operation of private or non Departmental business on any Department managed lands.

In addition, significant portions of Department managed lands are not Department owned and are subject to specific terms of the applicable agreements between the Department and the land owners. Senate Bill 566's mandate to allow private commercial hunting guides to operate on Department lands may force the Department to violate these agreements, which could result in the elimination of an unknown amount of acreage currently available to Oklahomans.

For the aforementioned reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 566.

House Bill 1968 would insert state government into contract disputes between firefighter and police officer unions (“unions”) and municipalities. These disputes are best resolved through arbitration, as currently provided in statute. The insertion of state government in these disputes is improper and not in the best interest of Oklahomans. 

For the aforementioned reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 1968.

On a related note, Governor Stitt and his staff have done a superb job at keeping the press abreast of his activities. As a blogger, I am sent or subscribed to a lot of press releases from various elected officials or government departments. Governor Stitt's office sends out the Governor's public schedule on every Monday, with updates throughout the week if his calendar changes and new events are added or modified. Additionally, any action he takes on legislation is sent out to the press list as well, noting what legislation was signed (with links to each bill) or vetoed, with his veto messages included.

This is a dramatic change from Governor Fallin's administration. Kudos to Governor Stitt and his staff for being dedicated to transparency and responsiveness.

Gov. Stitt issues first veto, nixing new task force

Governor Kevin Stitt has issued the first veto of his tenure, disapproving House Bill 1205, which passed the House by a vote of 91 to 4, and the Senate by a vote of 41 to 4. The measure was authored by Rep. Carol Bush (R[INO], Tulsa) and Sen. Greg McCortney (R-Ada), and would have created the Oklahoma Home and Community-Based Services Ombudsman Program Task Force.

Gov. Stitt's veto message, posted above, indicated his preference to address in-home and community-based care issues through existing state agencies rather than the creation of yet another task force.

Of note, the handful of legislators who voted against the measure and seemingly agreed with Stitt's assessment all belong to the conservative wing of the legislative GOP.

Dahm launches move to call special session to override Fallin vetoes

Sen. Nathan Dahm calls on legislature to correct years of veto decisions

‘Over the last eight years we have seen decisions from the governor that are out of step with the will of the people, with the Republican party platform, and with the Constitution.’—Sen. Nathan Dahm

Broken Arrow, OK – Sen. Nathan Dahm has started the process for legislators to call themselves back into session to pass legislation vetoed by Gov. Mary Fallin.

“Over the last eight years we have seen decisions from the governor that are out of step with the will of the people, with the Republican Party platform, and with the Constitution,” said Dahm, R-Broken Arrow. “We have seen Governor Fallin use her veto pen to kill bills that would have brought transparency and accountability to government, reined in out of control agency rules, get parents more involved in education, restore our Second Amendment rights, return local control back to communities, secure parental rights in healthcare decisions, streamline and modernize state government, restore private property rights, change the budgeting system for long term planning, and more. This would afford us the opportunity to correct those mistakes without having to wait another year to do so.”

In order to enter a special session, two-thirds of both the House and the Senate must agree to return.

“The Oklahoma Constitution allows for the Legislature to call itself back into session with two-thirds of both the House and the Senate. It appears likely we will return back to the Capitol for at least one more special session this summer or fall. If we will be returning for another session, it would seem an opportune time to simultaneously deal with these measures the Governor has vetoed,” Dahm said.

So far, the following members have already signed on to the resolution: Reps. Sean Roberts; Greg Babinec; Bobby Cleveland; Jeff Coody; Jon Echols; George Faught; Tom Gann; Lewis Moore; Zack Taylor; Kevin West; Rick West; Mark Lawson; and Sens. Nathan Dahm; Josh Brecheen; James Leewright; and Anthony Sykes.

Dahm has the first ever veto override of a Republican governor by a Republican legislature in state history. In 2014 Fallin vetoed HB2461, a pro-Second Amendment bill supported by the NRA, OK2A, and other gun rights groups when she included the bill in a group of vetoes in an attempt to force the legislature to focus on her preferred agenda items. The Legislature overrode the veto in a historic move and by doing so furthered Second Amendment protections that would have otherwise been stalled by Fallin.

Dahm represents Oklahoma’s 33rd district. He was first elected in 2012.

Dahm's Special Session Petition can be viewed here (.doc file)

Rep. George Faught Supports Veto-Override Special Session

Rep. George Faught Supports Veto-Override Special Session 

Petition for Special Session would give chance to stop US 69 Bypass

MUSKOGEE, OK –  State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee) today announced his support of a legislative petition authored by State Sen. Nathan Dahm (R-Broken Arrow) that calls for a special session devoted to overriding vetoes issued by Gov. Mary Fallin.

Article V, Section 27A of the Oklahoma Constitution allows for the legislature to call themselves into special session and set the guidelines for it without the Governor’s input. Dahm’s petition would allow for the special session to take up overrides of Gov. Fallin’s vetoes from this current legislative term (2017-2018) and allow for the legislature to re-author and pass any legislation that Fallin has vetoed during her term, going back all the way to the 2011 legislative session.

“This would give us the opportunity to fix all the mistakes Mary Fallin has made and messed us up over the last eight years,” Sen. Dahm said in his announcement of the petition.

One measure important to the Muskogee area that would be eligible to be heard in a veto-override special session would be SB86, the bill that would stop the proposed U.S. 69 Bypass of Muskogee. SB86 required ODOT to perform an economic impact study before any planned bypass around a community is placed on the Transportation 8 year Plan, and required ODOT to present the study to the municipality and get them to approve it before beginning a bypass construction project. Authored by State Sen. Kim David (R-Porter) and Rep. George Faught and co-authored by other area legislators, SB86 passed the House by a vote of 62 to 27 and the Senate by a vote of 32 to 11.

“A veto override special session would give Muskogee another chance at stopping the U.S. 69 Bypass, and give input and protections to communities in the U.S. 69 corridor and across the state from future bypass projects,” said Rep. George Faught.

Another bill that could be brought up for a veto override is HB1552, an important government transparency and accountability measure authored by Rep. George Faught. HB1552 would have brought much-needed reforms to the state’s regulatory process. It would reform the administrative rules process by restoring legislative control over government regulations, thus strengthening transparency and accountability and reining in unelected bureaucrats. HB1552 passed the House by a vote of 71 to 23 and the Senate by a vote of 43 to 0.

“Gov. Fallin has failed Oklahoma citizens by vetoing legislation that is important to the Muskogee area and the state as a whole. This veto-override special session would give us a chance to correct those problems, advance Oklahoma in a positive direction, and protect citizens from government overreach,” said Rep. Faught.

Other potential measures that could be voted on would be overrides of pro-life, pro-gun, and government reform bills vetoed by Gov. Fallin.

“Citizens can go to OKLegislature.gov to find out who their legislator is and how to contact them. I urge Muskogee area residents to call their legislators and ask them to sign Sen. Dahm’s veto-override special session petition, and give us another chance at stopping the U.S. 69 bypass, as well as pass other important policy measures that would affect Oklahoma citizens and businesses,” said Rep. Faught.

Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee) represents House District 14, which covers portions of eastern Muskogee and western Cherokee counties, including the communities of Muskogee, Fort Gibson, Braggs, and Webbers Falls. He chairs the General Government Oversight and Accountability committee.

Dahm slams 'Liberal Governor' Fallin's veto of Constitutional Carry bill

Nathan Dahm Denounces Liberal Governor Mary Fallin's VETO of Constitutional Carry

"As a proven conservative, this veto will not deter me in my fight to defend the 2nd Amendment." 

Broken Arrow, OK -- Conservative Republican candidate for Congress Nathan Dahm today decried Governor Mary Fallin's veto of Senate Bill 1212, known as Constitutional Carry.

"It is disappointing but not surprising that Governor Fallin, like so many other RINO “campaign conservatives” would willingly violate her campaign promises and her oath to the Constitution when it furthers her liberal agenda," said Dahm, R - Broken Arrow. "The Constitution clearly reads that "the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

Nathan Dahm, a long time champion of 2nd Amendment rights, sponsored the measure which would have made Oklahoma the 14th Constitutional Carry state.

"Every law-abiding Oklahoman should be afforded the right to defend themselves without having to pay the government to do so. As a proven conservative, this veto will not deter me in my fight to defend the 2nd Amendment."

Nathan Dahm is a current Oklahoma State Senator and conservative Republican candidate for Congress in Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District. To learn more about Nathan, visit www.NathanDahm.com.

Blogger's note: yes, Mary Fallin can no longer lay claim to the 'conservative' title. Her record in the last few years has been one of vetoing major pro-life and pro-gun bills, vetoing government reform measures, and pushing for the most massive tax hikes ever proposed in Oklahoma history. She's no conservative, at least any more.

Fallin vetoes 'Constitutional Carry', signs adoption bill

Governor Fallin announced her action on two controversial measures passed in the final week of the legislative session. The first was SB 1212, the "Constitutional Carry" bill that would have removed the requirement to pay for a license and take a class in order to exercise your constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Fallin vetoed the measure. SB 1212 passed the House by a vote of 59 to 28, and the Senate by a vote of 33 to 9.

The second was SB 1140, a measure that would protect the religious freedom of non-profit groups to facilitate adoptions consistent with their faith. LGBT extremists had been pressuring the Governor to veto the bill, but she [surprisingly to me] actually came through and signed it. SB 1140 passed the House by a vote of 56 to 21, and the Senate by a vote of 33 to 7.

Here are her press releases announced the actions she took:

Governor May Fallin Vetoes Senate Bill 1212

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today vetoed Senate Bill 1212, which would have eliminated the requirement to complete a short firearms safety and training course from a certified instructor and demonstrate competency with a pistol before carrying a gun in public. The governor issued the following statement:

“Oklahoma is a state that respects the Second Amendment. As governor, I have signed both concealed-carry and open-carry legislation. I support the right to bear arms and own a pistol, a rifle, and a shotgun.

“Oklahomans believe that law-abiding individuals should be able to defend themselves. I believe the firearms requirement we current have in state law are few and reasonable. Senate Bill 1212 eliminates the training requirements for persons carrying a firearms in Oklahoma. It reduces the level of the background check necessary to carry a gun.

“SB 1212 eliminates the current ability of Oklahoma law enforcement to distinguish between those carrying guns who have been trained and vetted, and those who have not.

“Again, I believe the firearms laws we currently have in place are effective, appropriate and minimal, and serve to reassure our citizens that people who are carrying handguns in this state are qualified to do so.”

Governor Mary Fallin Signs Senate Bill 1140

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed Senate Bill 1140, which to the extent allowed by federal law, no private child-placing agency shall be required to perform, assist, counsel, recommend, consent to, refer, or participate in any placement of a child for foster care or adoption when the proposed placement would violate the agency’s written religious or moral convictions or policies. The governor issued the following statement:

“After many hours of consideration and investigation of Oklahoma’s current practice, I note the aggressive efforts that have been made since I have been governor and the substantial progress made in finding more temporary and permanent placements for deserving children, reducing by 21 percent the number of children in state custody. This improvement is due in large part to the successful public-private partnership of more than 50 agencies, some of which are faith-based.

“Under Senate Bill 1140, the state will not be in any way restricting current practice allowing LGBTQ individuals and couples fostering or adopting. It does not ban same-sex adoption or foster care in Oklahoma. Instead, the bill will help continue Oklahoma’s successful placement of children with a broad array of loving families and basically maintain the status quo by setting forth in statute practices which have successfully worked for the best interest of Oklahoma children. I also note that the bill mirrors very similar legislation in Virginia, which has been on the books since 2012 without any court challenges. Since then, five additional states have passed similar legislation. Kansas also has a similar bill before its governor.

“SB 1140 allows faith-based agencies that contract with Oklahoma to continue to operate in accordance with their beliefs. In a day and time when diversity is becoming a core value to society because it will lead to more options, we should recognize its value for serving Oklahoma also because it leads to more options for loving homes to serve Oklahoma children. Other states that have declined the protection to faith-based agencies have seen these agencies close their doors, leaving less options for successful placement of children who need loving parents.

“Finally, I remain committed to preserving the rights of all Oklahomans who are eligible and want to be considered for parenting. Therefore, I plan to direct the Department of Human Services, by executive order, to immediately publish a list of Oklahoma adoption and foster agencies on its website who are willing to serve everyone who meets the Department of Human Services criteria for being a foster or adoptive parent.”

Gov. Fallin vetoes bill that would block US 69 bypass of Muskogee

Governor Mary Fallin vetoed a measure today designed to block construction of the proposed U.S. 69 bypass of Muskogee and allow local municipalities to have input on construction of bypasses that would affect their cities. SB 86, authored by State Sen. Kim David (R-Porter) and State Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee), and co-authored by Sen. Dewayne Pemberton (R-Muskogee), Rep. Avery Frix (R-Muskogee) and Rep. Kevin McDugle (R-Broken Arrow), was widely supported by communities up and down the U.S. 69 corridor, Muskogee and Wagoner in particular.

Fallin's veto message reads as follows:

This is to advise you that on this date, pursuant to the authority vested in me by Section 11 of Article VI of the Oklahoma Constitution to approve or object to legislation presented to me, I have VETOED Senate Bill 86.

I am vetoeing SB 86 because this bill transfers the decision making on state transportation projects from the state Department of Transportation (ODOT) to local municipalities.

Since the state began the ROADS program in 2005, it has been the practice of state leaders to allow the engineers and professionals at ODOT to make transportation project decisions based on sound data and not by political interference. The results of this practice have led to tremendous improvement in the condition of our transportation system evidenced by a reduction in structurally deficient bridges from 1,168 to 185. About 5,000 miles of pavement of the state's 13,250-mile system have been reconstructed or resurfaced. Additionally, 325 cable median barriers have been installed reducing horrific crossover accidents.

However, it is important to hear and consider the concerns expressed by the community of Muskogee, and to that end, I am asking ODOT to consider all options in improving the U.S. 69 that has raised the concern of area citizens. Considering the opposition voiced by the community, it would be prudent to provide plenty of opportunity for input and to give consideration to the effects on municipal revenue collections and the overall economic impact on the community.