Senate passes revenue package to fund teacher pay raises, Fallin pledges to sign bills

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday passed a historic revenue package to fund a $6,100, or 16 percent, pay raise on average for Oklahoma teachers. That increase moves Oklahoma from seventh to second highest in the region in average teacher pay and is the largest teacher pay raise in the history of the state.

“The Oklahoma Senate took a historic step that will have positive and long-lasting impacts on the success of our state," said Senate Pro Tem Mike Schulz, R-Altus. "One of the most important factors in the success of our students is a quality, professional teacher in the classroom. Passing the largest teacher pay raise in state history moves us to No. 2 in the region in average teacher pay and will help Oklahoma retain quality teachers. It’s a significant investment in economic development because an educated workforce is essential to growing and expanding our economy. For more than 15 months, the Senate has worked tirelessly to fund a significant teacher pay raise. This is a responsible plan that answers Oklahomans’ call for the Legislature to find a solution to teacher pay. I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate for their dedication to finding a solution and seeing a teacher pay raise come to fruition.” 

HB 1010xx provides $447 million in revenue by increasing the gross production to 5 percent on all wells, increasing the cigarette tax $1 per pack, and increasing the gas tax 3 cents and the diesel tax 6 cents.  

The Senate also advanced HB 1011xx, which provides an additional $84.3 million for teacher pay by making changes to the state income tax code.

Governor Mary Fallin issued the following statement:

“This is an historic evening for the state of Oklahoma. I applaud the bipartisanship shown in the Senate tonight and in the House of Representatives earlier this week by passing House Bill 1010XX. Those voting yes answered the call from the public by voting teachers a pay raise and putting the state on a solid foundation for the future. I will follow through on their courage and action by signing House Bill 1010XX. I appreciate our lawmakers putting people over politics by approving this package of revenue measures to fund teacher pay raises as well as provide additional money for the classroom. This budget package also helps set us on a path to long-term sustainability and stability by making more recurring revenue available and helps us to stop balancing our budget with one-time funds.”

State Superintendent of Public Education Joy Hofmeister commended the bipartisan legislation, but noted there's more work to be done. "While this legislation is far from all that needs to be done to reverse years of education funding cuts, it is a tremendous step forward. There is no one more important than the teacher in classroom instruction, and House Bill 1010-XX will be critical in retaining and recruiting teachers. This vote is a bright light for public education in Oklahoma.”

“This is progress, but it should not be a one-time deal," said Senate Democratic Leader John Sparks. "Moving forward, we need to make sure that Oklahoma invests in education. This means we need sustainable revenues that will allow us to restore funding for our classrooms which has been cut for over a decade.

“We’re giving teachers a much deserved raise now, but we need to continue to improve teacher salaries in Oklahoma in coming years. We also need to continue working to provide much needed salary increases to school support personnel and state employees.

“The job is not done. We will continue working tomorrow and for the remainder of the legislative session to properly fund education in Oklahoma.”

Berryhill High School senior serves as State Senate page

View fullsize

(SUBMITTED).

OKLAHOMA CITY – Berryhill High School senior, Courtney Buttler served as a Senate page for State Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman, D-Tulsa, during the fifth week of the legislative session from March 5-8, 2018. Courtney is the daughter of Sand Springs resident Sheree Buttler.

Allison Ikley-Freeman takes oath of office, begins first term in State Senate

View fullsize

Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman, D-Tulsa, was sworn into office by State Supreme Court Chief Justice Douglas Combs Thursday, February 1, in the Senate chamber at the Capitol.

Allison Ikley-Freeman is now officially on the job as State Senator for District 37. The West Tulsa Democrat was sworn in during a ceremony at the Capitol on Thursday morning as friends, family and other supporters looked on from the Senate gallery.

“I am grateful to the citizens of District 37 for trusting me to be their voice in the Senate,” Ikley-Freeman said. “I’m looking forward to promoting legislation to help increase access to quality education and fund public education programs. Ensuring access to health care and mental health care services is also high on my list of priorities while serving in office.”

Ikley-Freeman holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in clinical mental health. She most recently worked as a therapist at a non-profit, community mental health agency before being elected to office late last year. 

Ikley-Freeman and her wife, Dawn, have two sons and a daughter. They attend Centenary United Methodist Church in Tulsa. 

Senate Minority Leader John Sparks said he was looking forward to working with Ikley-Freeman.

“I’m pleased to welcome Senator Allison Ikley-Freeman as the newest member of the Senate Democratic Caucus,” Sparks said. “Her professional background as a mental health therapist will bring a much needed perspective to the Oklahoma Senate. I look forward to serving with Senator Ikley-Freeman and I know that she will work tirelessly on behalf of the Oklahomans in Tulsa County she was elected to represent.”

Governor Mary Fallin Vetoes Most of Revised Budget Bill to Bipartisan Criticism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former Oklahoma Libertarian Party chairman and current gubernatorial candidate Chris Powell issued the following statement in response to Gov. Fallin's veto:

"This latest plot twist in the ongoing budget fiasco exemplifies the ongoing failure of leadership from the Governor's office. We are in our fifth year of budget shortfalls, but our first year of serious attempts by Gov. Fallin to do something about it.

Unfortunately, her desired solutions have largely been regressive new taxation. Despite paying lip service to real spending prioritization by calling for 'efficiences' and consolidation, the Governor has not publicly offered specific proposals and among the provisions of HB 1019 that she vetoed were all of the spending reductions passed by the Legislature.

We need to reform our tax structure. Governor Fallin failed to do so for years. When she finally did take action, it was an attempt to tax everything from haircuts to child care to your electric bill. Not addressed by the Governor or the Legislature are hundreds of millions of dollars annually in incentives to various special interests. Now, after calling a special session without having a real plan in place and seeing it fail, the Governor wants to cost the taxpayers even more for another special session without any good reason to think it will be any more productive than the first.

As Governor, in addition to addressing reform of the tax structure, I would seek to eliminate as many incentives for special interests as possible, move to really prioritize spending, and seek to consolidate overlapping and redundant state agencies. And I would not call a special session until after developing a plan to proceed by bringing leadership of both parties from both the House and Senate to the bargaining table all at the same time. Governor Fallin's failure to provide leadership will almost certainly lead to a second failed special session."

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

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

Democrat Ikley-Freeman wins Senate District 37 by 31 vote margin

View fullsize

In a nail-bitter special election for the Senate District 37 seat, Democrat Allison Ikley-Freeman defeated Republican Brian O'Hara by a mere 31 votes out of 4,437 ballots cast.

The 26 year-old married mother of three works as a therapist at a Tulsa-based non-profit mental health agency and volunteers with Tulsa Achieves. She resides in West Tulsa and attends Centenary United Methodist Church. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology, and a master's in Clinical Mental Health.

Freeman won 2,234 votes, or 50.35% to defeat O'Hara, a former Jenks City Councilman and Deputy District Director for Congressman Jim Bridenstine. 

Ikley-Freeman ran on a platform of increased funding for education, health care, and daycare assistance. She has advocated for increased oversight of police, reduced tax incentives for large businesses, improvements to infrastructure, and reduced restrictions on residential use of solar energy. 

Freeman will take over for third-term Republican Dan Newberry who resigned just six months after reelection. 

Governor Mary Fallin Issues Statement on State Budget Negotiations

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement on state budget negotiations: 

“Our state is facing serious budget challenges. It’s important to have thoughtful, honest negotiations with all parties. Let me just start out by stating bluntly – there is no budget deal. First off, if I had reached a budget deal, I would have announced it. House Minority Leader Scott Inman had a meeting yesterday with my senior staff for budget talks, as we have had with the other parties involved. I’ve been working to bring parties together. Any reference to him and me striking a deal must be clarified.

“To bring focus and move the budget process along, I provided legislative leaders of both parties with a worksheet of previously discussed ideas on how to accomplish the goals I placed in my special session call. However, like the public, I am disappointed by the lack of progress in accomplishing these goals almost two weeks after the start of the special session.

“The clock is ticking toward some very serious consequences for nearly one million Oklahomans who depend on services provided by the Department of Mental Health, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Department of Human Services.

“I again urge the Legislature to continue to work diligently to fill the budget hole and put our state on a more stable budget path, as well as provide a needed teacher pay raise. Ihope that soon we can announce that there is a budget agreement. But as of right now, let me be clear – if there’s only person at the altar, there is no marriage.”

Senator Mike Schulz releases Senate GOP budget plan

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz on Monday released the Senate Republicans' plan to address the $215 million hole in the Fiscal Year 2018 state budget.

“This plan not only addresses the immediate need of $215 million for critical health care agencies that was struck down in court, but it also provides recurring  revenue streams to help us address the long-term stability of the budget and prevent further cuts to core government services,” said Schulz, R-Altus.

“Oklahoma Senate Republicans have proven our willingness to address the state's long-term budget problems by passing a similar revenue package during the regular session. The elements of this plan for special session were fully vetted by the Senate during the regular session, and all received the necessary votes to pass constitutional muster. I’m confident Senate Republicans, if given the chance, again will put Oklahoma’s interests first and will be able to pass this responsible revenue plan that ensures education, public safety, transportation and other core services avoid further cuts.”

The Senate plan is as follows:

• $1.50 per-pack increase in the cigarette tax, which generates $128.9 million in Fiscal Year 2018 and leaves $122.4 million for FY’18 appropriation;
• a six-cent increase in the motor fuels tax, which generates $71 million in FY’18 and leaves $67.45 million for FY’18 appropriation; and
• the elimination of the wind manufacturer sales tax exemption, which generates $10.97 million in FY’18 and leaves $9.87 million for FY’18 appropriation.

Because FY’18 collections are for less than a full fiscal year, the Senate plan also calls for a drawdown of $15.2 million from the Rainy Day Fund to entirely plug the hole in the FY’18 budget.

The governor’s call for special session included other issues like a teacher pay raise and finding more efficiency in government spending. Schulz said while the immediate need is addressing the FY’18 budget hole, Senate Republicans were open to considering those issues during the special session.

“Senate Republicans have said all along we must first address the short-term budget issues before acting on a teacher pay raise plan. Once we take care of the budget, Senate Republicans would consider a teacher pay plan that includes a permanent funding source,” Schulz said. “Additionally, Senate Republicans will keep working on making government more efficient and effective. We’ll keep pouring over agency spending and look at options like consolidation to improve the quality and delivery of services. There’s no doubt agencies can be more efficient in spending taxpayer dollars, and Senate Republicans will keep working on behalf of Oklahomans to make sure that happens.” 

Senate District 37 candidate Brian O'Hara speaks at community forum

View fullsize

Brian O'Hara, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of his opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"It's fantastic to be here, and what's even more fantastic is the fact that my wife and I have been married 34 years (points to McAtee and Nollan), 36 years, 35 years. That says a lot about the candidates that you have running for this office. 

There are certain people that when they run for office, they're a part of your community. I have been incredibly blessed to have been a part of your community. That's why I decided to run. Like Phil and others, I've had the opportunity to hear what you guys have to say. Not only on the doorstep, not just for the last two or three months, but for the last five years.

Working for Congressman Bridenstine, I've had to hear your concerns. I've had to listen. It's a privilege to know what you guys are talking about. Yes, education clearly is the first and foremost thing on most of your minds.

I want to set your minds at ease right now. I know people ask me, and they often ask me because they know where the congressman stands, 'where do you stand on education?' Well let me explain to you. I have five children, all five of them went to public school. My last just graduated from Jenks. I've had six exchange students come into my home. All six of them went to public school.

I was a PTA president. My wife has been a part of the PTA as well. My mother taught, my brothers teach - one has passed away - so I have a real desire to work on education. My youngest son's going to go to UCO and what he wants to do is be a teacher. Again, I have a vested interest because I don't want him coming home.

I say all this to say this. Congressman Bridenstine, and some of you may know this, does support vouchers. I met with a very conservative group, and I knew where they stood on vouchers. And they asked me point blank, where do you stand on vouchers? I said I don't support them, and I explained why.

One, the money. Two; when you allow City government, State government, Federal government to come into your classrooms, whether it be home schooling or private school, then you have the ability to have those entities tell you how to educate your children. And most of you are sending your children to private school or home schooling because you don't want that.

The budget is the second thing I hear on the doorstep, and you hear often. I've been saying this for two and a half years. The budget needs to be our priority. I owned a business, I owned a couple of Subways before I came to work for the congressman. It is ludicrous for us to consider the last two weeks of the session what we're supposed to do in the beginning of the session.

As a businessman, if I wanted to say my subway sandwiches, this is what I need to sell, at the end of the month rather than the beginning of the month, I would have gone broke. So I understand how important that is.

I was a City Councilman in Jenks. Look, Elizabeth (Grey) will tell you, we need to find a way to help fund them. The safety districts is something I will support. And what that does is give you the opportunity to decide what you want your money to go to.

Going back to education, one of the things I'd like to start seeing us do on education is to allow you, the individual voters, the people in the school districts to decide. We have an antiquated system that's thirty years old on how we fund schools. We need to look at that. We need to give off-the-top dollars, your dollars. Only about 78% of the money you use, you pay in taxes, actually goes to your school district. We have to change that. We have to allow you guys to decide where you want your money to go. So I would advocate that we change the funding to allow you guys to have your schools in better shape.

There are a lot of other things going on. Those are just three areas where I think I can be of benefit to you. But the main thing is, Phil said it, is relationships. I've built relationships over the past five years. With each and every one of you. I've come to your events. I've come to Chillin' and Grillin'. I've come to Boo On Broadway and I've had the opportunity to meet you individually, so I know who you are. I know where you stand on the issues. Now also note, that unless we build relationships what we do at the Capitol won't matter. 

So I'm asking for your support. The Republic primary is September twelfth. I would love for your vote. My cards are out there, my personal cell phone is on them. Any questions you have, I'll answer. And sometime's it's not going to be the answer you want, but it'll be an honest answer, it'll be a truthful answer, and I appreciate your support."

Senate District 37 candidate Phil Nollan speaks at community forum

View fullsize

Phil Nollan, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of his opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"I'm used to being the guy in the background, doing the research. I know a lot of you out here in the audience already, and you know our background as a family. Maybe you don't know that I grew up in Tulsa and went to Tulsa Public Schools. I graduated and went to Oklahoma State University where I met my lovely, and through some miracle - I'm not sure how - I managed to talk her into marrying me, and we've been married thirty-six years ourselves. 

What was neat about that is, she brought me back to Sand Springs at a home football game when John Blake was still playing football. When Barry Switzer was recruiting him I saw him in a big fur coat down on the sidelines. But what was neat about that was the home town feel that we had here in Sand Springs, in the stadium. When Jadine walked around, she knew everybody. That's something I didn't get in Tulsa. I said, 'Jadine, when we get married I want to move back to Sand Springs and I want to raise our kids here.' That's what we've done. 

We have three kids, two grandkids, and we're blessed to have our two grandkids living close to us. I love being a papa, it means more to me than anything else.

Now a bit more about me and my career. I got a computer science degree at OSU when computer science was not the cool thing to get. I went to work for the oil and gas industry. I've been in the industry about thirty-five years as an information technology professional.

I'm a nationally-certified project manager. I think during my process of my early years I learned how to manage projects and programs, I learned how to lead teams, learned how to work on big IT budgets, learned how to deliver things as promised - on time and under budget. 

My recent employment with EMC, I had to work with Fortune 100 customers like Chesapeake, Devon, Williams, Conoco, Phillips 66, OU, OSU, and a lot of companies here in Oklahoma. What I found in working with those companies is, they had big demands like I know this job has. Like I know the job that my wife has to do. Meeting those demands is not going to be easy, but you've got to keep your word. You've got to keep your promises, and you have to do the best you can do to make it happen.

You've got to develop relationships with people in the organization. You've got to develop relationships with the people up in the House, and in the Senate. You have to develop relationships in the business community and in the school community. I think that's maybe an advantage that I have a little bit at least in the Sand Springs and West Tulsa and Berryhill area, because I've knocked on a lot of the doors that Jadine's knocked on. I've heard the concerns of the people at the door.

The number one polling issue is education and education funding. That is the number-one polling. What's number two? The State budget. How do we fix the State budget. Then public safety and health follow that.

Those are the big issues, and they're glaring everybody in the face. Everybody has answers to them. There's a lot of opinions on both sides of the aisle. There's even opinions within the caucus itself, and that kind of fragmented everybody to try to come up with a solution this past year which we didn't come up with too many good solutions this past year.

My wife and I, we've served all our lives in the community. We enjoy serving. We're at a stage in life now where our kids are grown up. This is something that I could do full time. I could be your State Senator full time.

I have a personal passion for education. My wife was on the school board for eleven years. I worked closely with her behind the scenes doing research and working with the schools. Heck, I was on the committee that helped build the stadium that we have now after fifty-seven years of the rock stadium that we had before. What a great project that was for Sand Springs. Our new stadium that we have and the track out there and our fine arts center. Those are some of the things that we've done.

We've got a lot of good things happening in Sand Springs in our community business-wise with the Vision 2025 corridor, our parks, our quality of life projects have really stepped up. We've had a lot of new things.

I want to take that excitement and that energy to the State Capitol. I want to say there are a lot of great things we can do, all we have to do is get together. We've got to come together, we have to stop this bickering between the aisles. And really, the Republican caucus is so big, there's bickering within the caucus itself. Those don't all work good together.

I'm just excited to be here. This is so much fun. I've been on the sidelines for seven years and I've wanted to get in the game. Coach, call me in! And I haven't had a chance. This is an opportunity and I'd appreciate your vote on September twelfth."

Senate District 37 candidate Nicole Nixon speaks at community forum

View fullsize

Nicole Nixon, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of her opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"My name is Nicole Nixon. I'm a mom. I live in Southwest Tulsa.

Three of my community schools were consolidated. The schools that were consolidated; they'll have you believe that it was because we have low enrollment numbers. They'll have you believe that we have too many schools out there and we're spending too much money on them. The truth is, the more that I dug into this, the more their numbers were skewed, and the more none of this made sense. 

I was told that they were going to consolidate North Tulsa schools but because of the Betty Shelby case, that they didn't want to have a riot on their hands. So they attacked Southwest Tulsa. 

As far as the funding, Tulsa Public Schools is the second largest school district in Oklahoma. Tulsa Public Schools is not properly utilizing their funding. And the second-largest school district in the state not properly utilizing their funding is sending a message to the legislature that none of the public schools are adequately utilizing their funding. It makes all of us look bad. And when they stand their and they point their finger at the legislature, half of the reason that they have problems is because they put themselves in that. It's not acceptable. 

I used to be a metal salesman. I worked in the steel industry. I am familiar with hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots. I worked with tons of manufacturing businesses: aerospace, defense. I have the ability to negotiate.

I want to have a voice when it comes to my children's education. I want all of us to have a voice when it comes to our community and what is going on in our legislature. It's not acceptable what they're doing.

We have leaders that are not being leaders. A good leader makes more leaders. They have tried to blame it on the freshman legislators. But when in actuality, they haven't reached out and tried to help them learn or pulled them on the team. They've been using them as pawns. 

I decided to run because I'm tired of it, as most of us are. As far as job growth and our economy, education comes number one. We have a great education, we attract businesses, we have a well-educated workforce.

Some of you may have seen me on the news. I was down in Oklahoma City at the Capitol, fighting for our schools. If you visit my website, there's media links to all the reports of me standing up and fighting. Tonight I'll be at the Tulsa Public Schools Board meeting, like I am at most of those board meetings.

Without a presence by the parents and the people, we have no chance of making government accountable to the people. We've got to step up, join our PTAs. You don't have to have a student that goes to school there to join. We have to make a bigger presence. 

As far as bringing more voter awareness, I think the key to that is having a solid election day every year. From school board all the way up, we need to create a culture where people know 'today is voting day and I'm gonna go vote for this candidate, but I know there's going to be a whole bunch of other names on that list and I don't want to get it wrong.' We need to have them looking at our school board members. We need to have them showing up. We've all got to do this together.

I humbly ask for your vote. Give me a voice. I just want to be able to help my children and your children and our state. I want to have the opportunity to get in there and find out what is going on and start fixing the root of our problems rather than treating symptoms."

Senate District 37 candidate R. Jay McAtee speaks at community forum

View fullsize

R. Jay McAtee, a Republican candidate for Senate District 37, spoke at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce candidate forum at Tulsa Technology Center Monday morning in Sand Springs.

The following is a transcript of his opening remarks. Candidates were given a five-minute time limit, followed by a question and answer session.

"My name is R. Jay McAtee. Today's my anniversary, I've been married to my wife thirty-five years today. I love you dear.

I'm a lawyer in Tulsa and a judge here in Sand Springs. I've been a municipal judge for fifteen years, it's taught me a lot. I've represented businesses and families for thirty-five years. I represent workers' compensation businesses and insurance companies, defending workers' compensation claims. 

I've been living in South Sand Springs (Prattville) since 1990. I live on Overholt Drive off 51st Street. Raised my two kids there, my wife and I did. We call Sand Springs home. I attend First Presbyterian Church, I'm a Clerk of Session there. I've been attending First Pres for sixteen-seventeen years. That's my church home.

That's who I am. Now why am I running for State Senate District 37? It's not for the money. I don't need it. I'm a successful attorney, I've got a good practice. My wife asked me 'why are we doing this?' I told her because I'm fed up of forty-eighth or worse. It's time I give something back to this state, and I think I've got the ability to do that. 

Just yesterday, what was in the Tulsa World? 'Deep-pocketed non-profits use dark money to sway Oklahoma elections.' Oklahoma is controlled by special interests. That's not right. We need to take Oklahoma back. We need to give it back to the citizens of Oklahoma. And I don't intend to let special interests dictate my vote. I truly believe that special interests have caused Oklahoma's problems.

The legislature needs to take the budget and make it their number one item on day one, February 8-9, 2018 and they need to not attend to any other business until that budget is addressed. Folks, you can't cut forever. I'm a businessman. You cannot cut down to the bone. If you get to the bone, you're done. So we have got to figure out how to meet Oklahoma's budgetary needs.

Gross production tax - yes I made the oil industry mad at me last week when I went in front of the State Chamber's lobbyists and I said this. First thing out of their mouth was 'where do you stand on gross production tax?' Well folks, the reality of it is, the horizontal drilling is robbing us. That horizontal gross production tax is for the first three years. You know what they get in the first three years? They get all that they're gonna get out of that well. 

The vertical drillers are paying 7%. They're getting robbed. And we're getting robbed by out-of-state interests - big oil - and it's time for them to step up and help fix Oklahoma.

We can't pay our teachers until we figure out how to do the budget. I am absolutely in favor of paying teachers. My mother taught in Laverne, Oklahoma, out in the panhandle thirty-plus years. She had her Master's in English. I believe in teachers. It's a profession just like lawyers, just like anything else. There's good, there's bad, there's mediocre, and there's excellent. I think teachers generally are excellent, because they're responding to a calling, and we need to support them.

We need to support roads and bridges, we need to do a lot of things, but none of it's going to happen until we have bold leadership that's ready to step up at the Capitol and say 'no, we are going to stop the special interests from dictating to Oklahoma what Oklahoma needs.' 

I hope I get your vote. We have a lot of good candidates running against me. It's gonna be a fun race."

Governor Mary Fallin Calls Special Election for State Senate District 37 Seat

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin ordered a special election to fill the vacancy in Oklahoma Senate District 37 caused by the irrevocable resignation of Senator Dan Newberry. His resignation will become effective January 31, 2018.

The filing period for the special election is June 26-28. The special primary election is set for September 12 and the special general election is scheduled for November 14.

In the event that a special primary election is not necessary, the special general election will be September 12.

Newberry, of Tulsa, announced his resignation earlier this month. Senate District 37 covers parts of Tulsa County, including Sand Springs, Jenks, and West and South Tulsa.

Governor Fallin signs legislation streamlining sex offender registration

Legislation improving the state’s sex offender registry law has been signed by the governor.  Senate Bill 217, by Sen. AJ Griffin and Rep. Mike Osburn, modifies Oklahoma’s current sex offender registration law to streamline the notification process between local law enforcement, the courts and the Department of Corrections (DOC) and, in certain cases, will require notification of the Department of Human Services (DHS) as well. It also directs courts assigning sex offender registration levels to follow the guidelines used by the state’s sex offender level assignment committee.

“The purpose of the sex offender registry continues to be public safety—to make sure law enforcement knows where registered sex offenders are living, and making that information available to our citizens,” said Griffin, R-Guthrie. “This legislation streamlines the notification process, ensures greater consistency in assigning levels for registration, and adds an additional requirement for informing DHS when a sex offender returns to a home where his or her minor children, step-children or grandchildren live.”

“When a convicted sex offender reenters society, it is important to maintain checks and oversight. At the end of the day the goal is to protect Oklahoma children and all law abiding citizens,” said Osburn, R-Edmond. “Senator Griffin and I want to thank our fellow members for their support on this measure and to Governor Fallin for signing it into law.”

The DHS notification requirement was a request of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. Current law allows registered sex offenders to live with their own children, step-children or grandchildren, but under the provisions of SB 217, when the sex offender returns to that home, DHS will be notified.

“If an incident is brought to that agency’s attention, they will know immediately that a sex offender lives in the home, highlighting the need to accelerate their investigation of the situation,” Griffin said.

The assignment of “levels” to convicted sex offenders determines how long they must register with law enforcement based on their assessed risk of reoffending as established by the state’s sex offender level assignment committee. That committee assigns those levels for offenders who are actually incarcerated. The change in SB 217 ensures that when courts assign a level in the case of probation, suspended or deferred sentences, the criteria for doing so is the same as that of the committee.

SB 217 takes effect November 1, 2017.

---

This press release was submitted by the Oklahoma State Senate media department. 

Any opinions expressed or implied are those of the author and do not reflect an editorial endorsement by Sandite Pride News. 

Sandite Pride News encourages community submissions regardless of platform or position, to effect a constructive dialogue about any issues affecting our community. 

SB 217 passed the House of Representatives by an 87-4 vote and the Senate by a unanimous 42-0 vote. Representative Jadine Nollan and Senator Dan Newberry, whose districts include Sand Springs, both voted in favor of the measure.

Click here to locate sex offenders in the Tulsa County area.

Senate bill expanding Oklahoma's Promise passes, heads to Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate gave unanimous final approval Tuesday to legislation modifying Oklahoma’s Promise, the state-sponsored tuition program. Sen. Jason Smalley is the author of Senate Bill 529, which he said makes necessary changes to the program to protect the integrity and stability of the program. 

“This bill tackles a number of areas concerning Oklahoma’s Promise to ensure that those students who truly need financial assistance can get it while also being inclusive of those degrees that take longer than the average program,” said Smalley, R-Stroud.

Oklahoma’s Promise allows eighth-, ninth- or 10th-grade students from families with an income of $50,000 or less to earn a college tuition scholarship. SB 529 changes the definition of income at the time of application in the 8th-10th grade from “taxable and nontaxable” income to “federal adjusted gross income” and increases the family income limit from $50,000 to $55,000.

The bill will stop payment for remedial courses beginning in 2018-2019 at an estimated annual savings of approximately $1.5 million. 

SB 529 changes how often family incomes are checked. Currently, the statutes require that the second income check at $100,000 for Oklahoma’s Promise students be conducted only one time when the student starts college. Under this bill, the $100,000 check will be conducted every year the student is in college, beginning with the 2018-19 academic year for an annual estimated savings of about $1.5 million. 

The measure also requires the State Regents to establish a maximum limit on the number of college credit hours covered by the scholarship. Currently, students are eligible to receive the scholarship for up to five years or the completion of a baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first. This will limit the number of credit hours paid for during the five year period.

Most undergraduate degrees require 120-124 semester credit hours but about 20 percent of degrees require more than 124 hours, including a number of engineering degrees and some teacher education degrees in specialty areas such as science and music. Undergraduate architecture degrees require up to 150 credit hours. Through the Administrative Procedures Act, the State Regents will establish a general maximum limit on credit hours while allowing exceptions to that limit for degrees requiring credit hours in excess of the limit. The limit is expected to be applicable to first-time entering freshmen college students in fall 2018. Once fully implemented, the change is expected to save about one to two percent of total program costs annually.

---

This press release was submitted by the Oklahoma State Senate media department. 

Any opinions expressed or implied are those of the author and do not reflect an editorial endorsement by Sandite Pride News. 

Sandite Pride News encourages community submissions regardless of platform or position, to effect a constructive dialogue about any issues affecting our community. 

SB 529 passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 87-3. In the Senate it passed unanimously 43-0.

Senate committee approves ‘Oklahoma Energy Jobs Act of 2017’

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma Senate committee on Tuesday gave approval to a major jobs bill from Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz that is anticipated to spur a significant increase in oil and gas drilling in the state of Oklahoma, creating thousands of new energy jobs and boosting state and local revenues. 

“The best way to generate more revenue from oil and gas production is to get more rigs drilling in Oklahoma. The Energy Jobs Act will unlock billions in oil and gas investment in Oklahoma, creating jobs and generating new revenue for the state,” said Schulz, R-Altus.

Senate Bill 867, also known as the Oklahoma Energy Jobs Act of 2017, allows multiunit, or long-lateral, drilling in all rock formations, not just shale. Currently, Oklahoma is the only state that restricts long-lateral drilling based on the type of rock formation. The bill also provides safeguards for property owners, mineral owners, and all operators.

By industry estimates, in its first year SB 867 will generate approximately $490 million in new royalty payments, more than $229 million in new state and local revenues (combined gross production tax, sales tax, and income tax generated from increased drilling activity), and create nearly 6,000 new jobs in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, the measure is expected to unlock nearly $6 billion in investment from major oil and gas companies.

“This bill levels the playing field with other states, costs the state nothing, and makes Oklahoma a more attractive place for investment. This is an issue we’ve worked on for years in the Senate, and I’m glad we finally have an agreement among stakeholders. This is one of the most important and impactful economic development ideas to be considered by the Legislature in years,” Schulz said. “I appreciate my Senate colleagues advancing the measure and look forward to this bill ultimately becoming law.”

Sen. Bryce Marlatt, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, hailed the passage of SB 867 as a win for the state, industry, and land owners.

“We’ll see more rigs drilling in Oklahoma if this bill becomes law. That in turn means more jobs and more revenue for the state of Oklahoma. Bottom line: SB 867 is a win for the industry, a win for mineral owners, and it’s a win for the state of Oklahoma,” Marlatt, R-Woodward said.

---

This press release was submitted by the Oklahoma State Senate media department. 

Any opinions expressed or implied are those of the author and do not reflect an editorial endorsement by Sandite Pride News. 

Sandite Pride News encourages community submissions regardless of platform or position, to effect a constructive dialogue about any issues affecting our community. 

Oklahoma Senate approves earlier sunset of wind tax credit

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz released the following statement after the Senate approved HB 2298, which moves up the sunset date of the zero-emissions tax credit to July 1, 2017.

“The zero-emissions tax credit did what it was supposed to do—help the wind industry get off the ground in Oklahoma. Our state ranks third in the nation in terms of wind power and will likely remain among the leaders in wind power for the foreseeable future. The state is facing extraordinary budget challenges, and we can no longer afford the zero-emissions tax credit. This measure provides certainty to the wind industry and stability in the long-term for the state budget. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for overwhelmingly approving this measure.”

HB 2298, authored by Schulz, R-Altus, and House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, passed the Senate by a vote of 40-3. The bill now goes to the governor’s desk for consideration.

Senator Mark Allen expresses concern over discarded federal grant money

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma’s lack of a series of certifications may be keeping millions in federal transportation grants out of the state’s hands, according to State Senator Mark Allen.

Allen, R-Spiro, who also chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, said expanded federal grants are available for Oklahoma’s Department of Transportation (ODOT), but the state must be Core Certified first. ODOT has also been working to get the Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) program certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Before Oklahoma can be Core Certified, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) must also complete the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and International Registration Plan (IRP) projects, which were originally set to be completed in 2009.

“Once Oklahoma is Core Certified, ODOT can apply for up to $2.5 million in expanded CVISN federal grants each year. These grants are available to state Departments of Transportation, and those monies can go towards upkeep and enhancing our transportation capabilities,” Allen said. “Unfortunately, Oklahoma was not able to apply for expanded CVISN grants in January 2017, because we are not yet Core Certified.”

ODOT has very conservatively estimated that the delay in the state’s Core Certification has cost the CVISN program in excess of $2.5 million.

“The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has known of these requirements and deadlines for years. Even though federal grants have been extended many times, every year the Corporation Commission refuses to comply,” Allen said. “Timelines are created and ignored. Deadlines have been extended, only to expire for lack of action. Furthermore, every year the possibility of millions of dollars in expanded federal grants go unused.”

Allen says the financial situation is now dire in Oklahoma. In addition to the current state budget crisis, he’s concerned that Oklahoma’s open CVISN grants are under “terminal” extension, which means these grants cannot be further extended.

“State monies will now have to be used for what could have been paid for by federal grants. Money was set aside to fund IFTA and IRP, but we will lose that money later this year,” Allen said. “ODOT tells us that the CVISN program will run out of federal grant money on December 31 of this year, and they don’t have a funding solution at this time. To date this year, we have lost $100,000 in already awarded grant money because we are not Core Certified. ODOT estimates we will lose an additional $400,000 of already awarded grant money at the end of this year because the project required for Core Certification will not be completed until May, 2018.”

Senate Bill 592, authored by Allen, who serves as the Transportation Chair, moves the enforcement of size and weights from the OCC to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Allen says DPS is the logical agency to assist ODOT in becoming Core Compliant, as they are the only agency able to enforce federal regulations.

“Once Core Certification is completed, we can apply for funds for technology at the ports of entry. Weigh In Motion (WIM) scales and license plates readers are reimbursable expenses. Technology can be upgraded on the interior weigh stations. We could enhance our ability to scan trucks across the state, and we can start with virtual weigh stations that are not manned 24/7. Data can be used to show us where we need to place emphasis on enforcement decisions. Infrared sensors can be utilized to check brakes,” Allen said. “But the most important thing we can do is make Oklahoma roads safer.” 

The funding for these improvements relies on Oklahoma becoming Core Certified. ODOT can apply for federal grants again in January 2018. Allen said ODOT and DPS will work together to make Oklahoma Core Compliant. The state can be certified in January 2018 and expanded federal grants can be available in September.

ODOT to begin resurfacing US64 in Sand Springs on Monday

A $2 million project to resurface approximately five miles of US-412/US-64/SH-51 between 161st W. Ave. (over Shell Creek) and 81st W. Ave. in Sand Springs is scheduled to begin Monday, March 6. 

Crews will be patching sections of the roadway before the resurfacing operations start. Drivers should be alert to crews and equipment moving into the area on Monday and can expect delays throughout the project, especially during peak travel times.

Lane closures will be announced in the Traffic Advisories section of www.odot.org as they are scheduled. Drivers can sign up to receive the daily traffic advisories by clicking the “Sign Up For News & Alerts” link on the main page of this website.

The overall project is expected to complete in early summer 2017, weather permitting.

Additionally, a contract was awarded for bridge rehabilitation work in Tulsa County, Sen. Dan Newberry and Rep. Glen Mulready recently announced.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the project will involve bridge rehabilitation work on several roads and bridges on I-44 Gilcrease Expressway ramp over the I-244 western junction in Tulsa.

Newberry, R-Tulsa, said the State Transportation Commission awarded the nearly $6 million contract to Becco Contractors, Inc. The Tulsa company was the lowest of three bidders for the job, said Mulready, R-Tulsa.

Once construction begins, the project is estimated to be completed within eight months.

Oklahoma Senate passes REAL ID bill; measure heads to governor for signature

View fullsize

The full Senate gave its approval to House Bill 1845, the REAL ID Act, on Tuesday.  The measure, co-authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz and Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, now goes to Gov. Mary Fallin for her signature.

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday approved a measure to bring Oklahoma into compliance with the federal REAL ID law. The measure, House Bill 1845, is co-authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz and Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall.

“The Oklahoma Senate approved a measure that solves a problem the vast majority of Oklahomans wanted us to tackle. This bill brings us into compliance with the federal REAL ID law but also offers an opt-out for those who don’t want a REAL ID license,” said Schulz, R-Altus. “Solving this issue has always been primarily about national security. This measure ensures the countless Oklahomans who work on military bases maintain access to those facilities so they can continue their important work supporting the men and women in our Armed Forces.

“This bill also means Oklahomans will continue to enjoy the convenience of using an Oklahoma driver license to board a commercial flight. I want to thank my Senate colleagues for supporting this legislation and working quickly to get it passed this session. I also appreciate Governor Mary Fallin and House Speaker Charles McCall for their leadership in moving this issue forward,” Schulz said.

The legislation ensures Oklahomans who choose to get the REAL ID compliant driver license or ID will be able to use that identification to fly or to enter federal facilities while also giving citizens the option of choosing a non-compliant driver license or ID.  HB 1845 now goes to Gov. Fallin for her signature.

“The passage of this legislation is a great example of how the Legislature can get things done when lawmakers come together and work toward a common goal. I’m optimistic we can carry this momentum forward and continue to cooperate on ideas and policies that will help us build a more prosperous Oklahoma,” Schulz said.

Senate Appropriations Committee on Education approves teacher pay increase legislation

View fullsize

Members of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education heard six measures to raise teacher pay on Wednesday. (SUBMITTED).

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education met Wednesday and approved half a dozen measures to increase teacher pay in Oklahoma. Senator Jason Smalley, R-Stroud, chairs the subcommittee. He said with 48 members, there were several different ideas of how much the raises should be and how to pay for it.

“Six different pay raise bills were filed, and we gave the authors a chance to present their thoughts and ideas and advocate their positions,” Smalley said. “My next step will be to meet with our Appropriations Chair, Senator Kim David. Ultimately one bill will move forward so we’ll look at these six plans and try to mold them into the best possible legislation.”

The pay plans approved by the subcommittee included:

• SB 8 by Sen. Ron Sharp, R-Shawnee
• SB 97 by Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair
• SB 137 by Sen. J.J. Dossett, D-Owasso
• SB 309 by Sen. Marty Quinn, R-Claremore
• SB 316 by Sen. David Holt, R-Oklahoma City
• SB 618 by Sen. Gary Stanislawski, R-Tulsa

“We heard teacher pay increase proposals ranging from $500 to $10,000. There are different ideas about whether it should simply be across the board or if the minimum salary should be raised. Some members have suggested that the funding could be found by targeting tax preferences or by increasing certain taxes,” Smalley said.  

“When you consider that just a $1,000 pay raise would be about $60 million, it can add up very quickly. We need to determine the size, how it will be paid for and if a phase-in plan is necessary,” Smalley said. “There’s a great deal to decide, so the time to talk about it is now and not wait until April or May.”