ACTION ALERT: Senate making early move to kill Abortion Abolition bill tomorrow?

They're at it again. It looks like the Oklahoma State Senate might be taking an early move to kill Senate Bill 495, the Equal Protection and Equal Justice Act that abolishes abortion in Oklahoma.

In an ironic move, this will be taking place on the annual 'Rose Day', an annual pro-life rally at the Capitol (being held virtually this year, because Rose Day is virtually worthless in accomplishing anything to actually end abortion of COVID-19). SB 495 challenges the status quo (of regulating abortion rather than ending it), and thus limp-wristed and weak legislative leaders seem to believe that it must be crushed before the Abolition Day rally on Tuesday the 9th.

Rather than doing half-measures, self-proclaimed pro-life legislators ought to take the consistent stand of conviction and abolish the wicked and barbaric practice of abortion, which murders upwards of 5,000 Oklahoma babies every year. The only measure in the legislature that does this is SB 495.

Don't pass the buck. Don't put the ball in someone else's court. Don't pass a do-nothing bill and tell us it did something. Act on the principles that you campaign on every two or four years, and actually fight the fight that's worth having, the one to abolish abortion. That is what our Christian, pro-life, conservative, and Republican legislators should be doing. Instead, it seems that they are once again headed down the path of failing to follow through.

Here's an emergency briefing from Free The States, an organization that is leading the charge to abolish abortion:

Call and email the members of the State Senate Health and Human Services Committee TODAY, asking them to PASS Senate Bill 495 and abolish abortion in Oklahoma. 

The committee will meet Tuesday morning at 9am in Meeting Room 535 at the State Capitol.

I'll update this post with contact information shortly.

UPDATE

Here are the members of the HHS Committee, with links to their contact information:

Chairman Greg McCortney (R-Ada): 405-521-5541 and mccortney@oksenate.gov

Vice Chairman Paul Rosino (R-OKC): 405-521-5618 and paul.rosino@oksenate.gov

Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville): 405-521-5634 and julie.daniels@oksenate.gov

John Haste (R-Broken Arrow): 405-521-5602 and john.haste@oksenate.gov

Carri Hicks (D-OKC): 405-521-5543 and carri.hicks@oksenate.gov

George Young (D-OKC): 405-521-5531 and george.young@oksenate.gov

Frank Simpson (R-Springer): 405-521-5607 and frank.simpson@oksenate.gov

Rob Standridge (R-Norman): 405-521-5535 and rob.standridge@oksenate.gov

Adam Pugh (R-Edmond): 405-521-5622 and adam.pugh@oksenate.gov

Jo Anna Dossett (D-Tulsa): 405-521-5624 and joanna.dossett@oksenate.gov

Jessica Garvin (R-Duncan): 405-521-5522 and jessica.garvin@oksenate.gov

1889 Institute: Is Education the primary mission of public schools anymore?

Is Education the Primary Mission of Public Schools?

By Tyler Williamson

Did you know the state of Oklahoma is experiencing not one, but two pandemics? Back in July, according to the Oklahoma City School District, the state was experiencing the “dual pandemics of COVID-19 and Systemic Racism.” Instead of preparing teachers for the realities of the fall semester, the district decided to spend valuable time and resources to ensure their teachers learned how to “practice alternative ways of relating to…[their]students.”

To date, the fall semester has been a roller coaster ride with only marginal amounts of student learning. Faced with the reality that if any real learning standards were enforced, many students would be held back a grade, teachers are asked to reduce their grading standards and give participation grades.

But, is education even a primary goal of public schools anymore? Evidence from the Oklahoma City School District says no, but this isn’t just a local phenomenon. A July 23rd feature article in the New York Times by Sarah Darville, the managing editor at Chalkbeat (a non-profit news outlet focused on education), discussed the difficulty of reopening schools. She spent the bulk of the article discussing three things that make the decision difficult: child care, meal programs, and mental health counseling. Where is education?

House Dems: Stitt's State of the State address was "divisive" and "revisionist history"

Earlier today, Governor Stitt gave his State of the State address, and I posted reactions from GOP leaders. Here is the other side of the aisle, as expected, decrying everything Stitt said:

House Democratic Caucus Responds to State of the State Address

OKLAHOMA CITY -- House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, released the following statement in response to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s State of the State Address: 

“We heard a rosy picture painted by the Governor today, but the reality is that his actions, or more often, his failure to act, have cost Oklahomans financially, emotionally, and physically. 

“At times during the past year, instead of focusing on our state’s pandemic response and at times our surging COVID case numbers and hospitalizations, Gov. Stitt has been distracted by national politics and political patronage.

Stitt delivers State of the State address, GOP legislative leaders react

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt gave his third State of the State address to the Oklahoma Legislature earlier today. You can watch it in full below:

Following his speech, legislative leaders published their comments and reactions. First up, House and Senate Republicans. I will post the Democratic reaction in a follow-up article.

Group of State Reps call on Attorney General Hunter to investigate Robinhood stock trading app

Reps. Logan Phillips, Trey Caldwell Call on Attorney General Hunter to Investigate Robinhood Stock Trading App

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 29th) – Reps. Logan Phillips, R-Mounds, and Trey Caldwell, R-Lawton, today called on Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter to open an immediate investigation into the recent actions of the stock trading and investing app, Robinhood. Yesterday, in response to a large online group of retail investors targeting specific securities, Robinhood restricted trading of the stocks for a full trading day.

“The trading restrictions implemented by Robinhood are a clear example of market manipulation designed to protect big banks and hedge funds,” said Phillips. “The app claims to want to ‘democratize finance,’ but their actions over the past 48 hours have served to silence individual investors, including thousands of Oklahomans. I am calling on Attorney General Hunter to open an immediate investigation into the actions taken by Robinhood.”

The stocks restricted from purchase on Thursday included AMC; Bed, Bath and Beyond; Gamestop; Nokia; BlackBerry; Express; Koss and Naked Brand Group. The purchase of these stocks, which had been shorted by Wall Street investment firms, was encouraged on the popular Reddit page “r/wallstreetbets.” Due to the increase in purchase of these stocks among retail investors, the investment firms lost billions on their return, and Robinhood blocked the purchase of the stocks. Limited purchase power was restored as of Friday morning, and Robinhood cited “market volatility” as their reasoning for the restriction

State House outlines COVID-19 precautions for Page Program

House Outlines COVID-19 Precautions for Page Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives today outlined COVID-19 precautions for the High School Page Program.

Every year, hundreds of students from across the state have the opportunity to take part in the House High School Page Program at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. Students participating in the program have the chance to view the legislative process up close and gain experience working in state government.

“The House Page Program provides a valuable opportunity for our state’s future leaders to participate in the legislative process and learn more about the intricacies of state government,” House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said. “Such expanded education programs help our youth become more well-rounded. I’m grateful we were able to create guidelines to allow our high school seniors the chance to participate in the program even in the midst of a pandemic.”

State Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, serves as director of the High School Page Program for the 58th Legislature.

Op-Ed: Will Abortion be Abolished?

Will Abortion be Abolished?

by Brice Chaffin (Stillwater, OK)

Abolition Day will take place on the State Capitol Steps on Tuesday, February 9th at 09:30 am. I would like to invite you to come with me to the Capitol to demand the abolition of abortion in our state. I believe it is very important for us Okies to be there, let me explain why. In 1835 Andrew Reed and James Matheson, two British ministers who visited sister churches in the United States said, "America will be great if America is good. If not, her greatness will vanish away like a morning cloud."

All will agree that America is more divided than it has been since the Civil War, our "greatness" is in a precarious position. I believe the only way to resolve the problems we are currently having is for a return to God. You may have heard 2 Chronicles 7:14 quoted frequently in recent times. "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 

There have been quite a few national and state days of prayer lately. On September 26th of last year, we saw Jonathan Cahn and Franklin Graham lead a national day of prayer and repentance. Governor Stitt declared December 3rd as a statewide day of prayer and fasting. One of the key phrases in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is, "turn from their wicked ways". We as a state HAVE been praying, but what are we missing? 

In the Old Testament, God continued to be patient with the people who had turned their backs on Him until they started practicing child sacrifice; that was the last straw. According to the Oklahoma Health Department, there were 4,995 abortions in Oklahoma in 2019. Can we expect revival without repentance? How do we repent of killing five thousand of our children every year in Oklahoma? James 1:22 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Well, what does it say? Proverbs 24:11-12 says: "Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death. Don't excuse yourself by saying, 'Look, we didn't know.' For God understands all hearts, and He sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve."

We have had 48 years to be made aware of what is going on around us, and God has tasked us to rescue those unjustly sentenced to die. Proverbs 31:8 says: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed." Next week I will submit another letter to the editor addressing concerns about abolition bills, and what I learned about abolition on the campaign trail for State House. God is gracious to forgive and restore us if we repent and turn to Him for forgiveness. If you would like to do a little speaking up, I implore you to come with me to the State Capitol for Abolition Day on Tuesday, February 9th at 9:30 am to speak up, repent, and pray for revival and restoration. 

OK House Minority Leader wants future stimulus monies directed to supplement salaries for 'essential workers'

Workforce Stimulus Bill Filed in OK House

Bill Ties Relief for Essential Workers to Federal Stimulus

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to direct a portion of future stimulus money to frontline workers has been filed for the 58th Legislative Session. 

House Bill 2455, authored by House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman, requires that a portion of future dollars from any stimulus be paid to employees of businesses deemed essential during the pandemic. 

“If there has been a constant during this pandemic, it has been that Oklahoma’s government has consistently let down frontline workers and their families,” Virgin said. “This legislation rewards these Oklahomans who have continued to show up and keep our state alive.” 

HB2455 requires that assistance to these essential workers should be no less than an additional $3 an hour for hourly employees and $1200 for salaried.

Gov. Stitt calls for Tribes, State to negotiate 'McGirt' impacts

GOVERNOR STITT CALLS FOR TRIBES TO ENTER INTO FORMAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH STATE OF OKLAHOMA REGARDING MCGIRT RULING

OKLAHOMA CITY (Jan. 22, 2021) – In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on July 9, 2020, in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which recognized the continued existence of the Creek reservation for purposes of the Major Crimes Act, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt today has welcomed the leaders of the Five Civilized Tribes to enter into formal negotiations with the state to address and resolve the potential issues that have arisen because of the watershed McGirt ruling. 

“As the commonly-elected Governor for all 4 million Oklahomans, it is critically important that the State of Oklahoma and the leaders of Oklahoma’s tribes impacted by the McGirt decision begin negotiations, in earnest, to resolve the potential ramifications of this ruling,” said Gov. Stitt. “Under Oklahoma law, which is consistent with Oklahoma’s Constitution, the Governor of Oklahoma has the authority to negotiate and enter into cooperative agreements on behalf of the state with Oklahoma’s Native American tribes. Oklahoma law also allows me to designate a lead negotiator for the state, and for this role I am designating Ryan Leonard, Special Counsel for Native American Affairs.”

The governor continued, “As all who have read the Supreme Court’s opinion know, the McGirt decision was limited to matters of criminal jurisdiction. In that regard, ensuring the public safety of all Oklahomans and providing certainty and adequate resources for the men and women in law enforcement in eastern Oklahoma is of paramount importance. As things stand today, crimes are going unpunished, and convicted criminals are seeking to be set free. We can’t allow this to happen.”  

Dahm files bill to protect children and prohibit sex-change treament on minors

Sen. Nathan Dahm files bill to prohibit minors from undergoing gender reassignment medical treatment

State Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, has filed a measure that would prohibit any person under the age of 18 from undergoing gender reassignment medical treatment in the state.

“In one of his recent executive orders, Joe Biden directed changes to allow biological men to compete in women’s sports,” Dahm said. “Competing in sports is one thing, but allowing the permanent alteration of a child from their biological sex and DNA has lasting effects. Senate Bill 583 would prohibit any sex-change surgeries or chemicals from being used upon any minor for that purpose.”

The measure states a health care professional who intentionally performs gender reassignment treatment on a person under 18 is subject to professional discipline by the State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, State Board of Osteopathic Examiners or the applicable health care professional licensing board. Discipline could include suspension or revocation of any license or certificate required to practice medicine in Oklahoma.

Sen. Hamilton files 'Equal Protection and Equal Justice Act' to abolish abortion in Oklahoma

Sen. Warren Hamilton files Equal Protection and Equal Justice Act

State Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, has filed the Equal Protection and Equal Justice Act, which would abolish abortion in the state.

Senate Bill 495 would ensure equal justice and equal protection of the laws to all unborn children from the moment of fertilization; establish that a living human unborn child, from the moment of fertilization, is entitled to the same rights, powers and privileges as any other person; and rescind all licenses to kill unborn children by repealing discriminatory provisions and making all alleged offenders equally subject to the law.

The bill would also recognize that the United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land and refuse to assent to legal fiction that the Constitution prohibits the state from exercising its reserved police powers to outlaw homicide and provide equal protection to all persons, and void all federal statutes, regulations, treaties, orders and court rulings that would deprive an unborn child of the right to life, or prohibit the equal protection of such right.

“We the People must immediately end abortion, which is our American holocaust,” Hamilton said. “It’s time that we stand up for our preborn children and ensure that every life, regardless of their stage of development, is protected by our laws.”

The measure would also amend the wrongful death statute to remove certain instances under which a wrongful death action in relation to abortion may be brought, applying the law to all abortions.

GOP State Senator files bill to extend early in-person voting

Pugh files legislation to extend early in-person voting

OKLAHOMA CITY – While more Oklahomans voted in November than in the 2016 presidential election, the state still ranks last for voter turnout as a share of the total voting-eligible population according to the U.S. Elections Project. Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, wants to improve voter participation and has filed Senate Bill 440 to extend in-person early voting from three days to one week.
           
“Oklahoma has the shortest in-person early voting period in the nation. Three days is an extremely limited amount of time for citizens to cast their early votes, especially when you consider people’s busy schedules and that they have to drive to their county election board, which can be a significant distance for many Oklahomans,” Pugh said. “Allowing one week to cast early in-person ballots will help improve voter participation and turnout to ensure more Oklahomans have their voices heard and are able to participate in our greatest freedom as Americans.”
           
Under SB 440, voters could cast an early in-person ballot the entire week, Monday through Saturday, preceding any election at their county election board. Currently, this type of early in-person voting is only available the Thursday through Saturday before an election.
           
According to the nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), early voting periods in the U.S. range in length from four days to 45 days, with the average length being 19 days.