COMANCHE COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Picture 1: Carter Waid - New County Co-Chair, Kendra Sebo - New Secretary, Betty Simmons - New County Chair

Picture 2: Mike Weddington - County Chair and Betty Simmons County Chair Elect

Picture 3: Democrats

 

SIMMONS ELECTED COMANCHE COUNTY CHAIR

Bettty Simmons, long time Secretary of the Comanche County Democratic party was promoted to County Chair at the convention this Saturday. Betty helped the County Party project the image of a professional active organization through her hard work and judgemnet. We thank her church for sharing Betty with us. We look for a long and sucessful term(s) of office.

Families USA: No Bargain Medicare Drug Prices

Link: Families USA: No Bargain Medicare Drug Prices.

Link is information on Medicare Drgu Prices.

86% of Americans Say:

Medicare Should Have Stronger Bargaining Power

To Lower Prescription Drug Prices

Drug Companies Say No

Tell Senators Inhofe & Coburn to Say Yes

Wednesday, April 4^th is AARP’s National Call to Action Day

Call 1-800-869-3130

Make Sure Senators Inhofe & Coburn Listen to Your Voice

And Not the Lobbyists for the Drug Industry

Let’s face it… drug prices are still too high.  The new Medicare drug benefit is helping older Americans better afford prescription drugs.  However, AARP believes that more can be done to build on this success and help lower skyrocketing prescription drug prices.   

Currently, Medicare is prohibited by law from directly bargaining with pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices.  Thanks to the efforts of advocates like you, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would give Medicare the right to bargain for lower drug prices.  Now it’s the Senate’s turn to act.

Make sure your voice is heard as the Senate debates this issue.   The pharmaceutical lobby is fighting to kill this bill because it would help lower drug price.  Tell Senators Inhofe & Coburn:  “Give Medicare the Right to Bargain for Lower Drug Prices.”

Make Your Voice Heard on National Call to Action Day!

Call Senators Inhofe & Coburn at 1-800-869-3130

on Wednesday, April 4^th

Give Medicare the Right to Bargain for Lower Drug Prices!

MICKEY'S MUSINGS by Mickey Hepner

A few months ago Mary Fallin seemed to be the ideal Congressional candidate as she was both likeable and experienced. She had served for four years in the state Legislature, another twelve years as Lt. Governor, and through all that she remained likeable. Her popularity even prompted this observer to claim that Ms. Fallin was a tougher opponent for Democrats than her predecessor Ernest Istook. As appealing as “candidate Fallin” was in November, it is apparent that Congresswoman Fallin has been a disappointment.

This last week http://www.congress.org/ —a nonpartisan website that follows the U.S. Congress—released their latest power rankings for all Members of Congress. These rankings illustrate just how much influence each member wields in the halls of power, just how much ability each member has to serve the interests of their constituents. Out of 435 Members of Congress (and four nonvoting delegates) Rep. Fallin ranks ahead of only two others (and one of those is under FBI investigation for accepting bribes). In other words, Ms. Fallin is one of the least powerful Members of Congress.

There are three main reasons for her relative weakness. First, as a freshman Member of Congress Rep. Fallin has no seniority—and on Capitol Hill seniority matters. In all fairness, this is not her fault as all freshman lawmakers bear this burden. Yet, her lack of seniority cannot be the sole reason for Rep. Fallin’s low power score. Of the 52 new Members of Congress, Ms. Fallin ranks ahead of only one of them in the power rankings. She ranks low even among her fellow freshmen.

Second, Democrats now control Congress and the Congressional agenda. Thus, Democrats now have more influence over Congressional actions, control that affects the latest power rankings. Of the 100 most powerful Members, only three are Republicans. Of the 100 least powerful Members, only six are Democrats. Even freshmen Democrats benefit from their party’s control of the Congress. Rep. Heath Shuler who also won election last November ranks nearly 200 spots higher than Rep. Fallin and higher than many Republicans with more seniority. The reason? He is a Democrat. Notice that this also means that Oklahomans can increase their clout by electing more Democrats in 2008. With Democrats in control even a freshman Democrat would possess more power than a sophomore Mary Fallin.

Third, Rep. Fallin has limited her leverage and influence by opposing measures that have bipartisan support. Less than 48 hours after taking office, she opposed a measure to make it more difficult for Congress to increase the national debt we are passing onto our children. The measure, known as PAYGO, requires Congress to find the funds to pay for any new spending or tax cuts instead of passing more debt onto our children to pay.

Since then she has opposed efforts to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission—a bipartisan panel that examined how we can better protect ourselves from terrorists. She opposed legislation allowing the federal government to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for Medicare recipients. And she opposed federal funding for stem cell research. For each of these cases centrist Republicans joined Democrats in their approval. Each time, Mary Fallin and her conservative colleagues were ignored.

When Mary Fallin won her election she could have chosen to take a different path. She could have joined centrist Republicans and centrist Democrats in seeking bipartisan solutions to America’s problems. Instead she has chosen to join the ranks of the most conservative faction of the House Republican Caucus. Instead of seeking common ground she stands on the shaky ground of partisan politics, a place where she is easily ignored.

Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional District deserves better. Oklahoma needs leaders who have the power and influence to fight for Oklahoma’s families. Oklahoma needs leaders who will put aside petty partisanship and work to build a consensus on America’s future. Unfortunately, in her first three months in office, Rep. Fallin has not shown herself to be that type of leader yet.

CENTRAL COMMITTEE APPROVES DELEGATE PLAN FOR NATIONAL CONVENTION

Oklahoma City, OK- March 27, 2007 - As news nationwide focuses on states jockeying for position in the presidential primary elections, a defacto National Primary Day - February 5, 2008, the Oklahoma Democratic Party's Central Committee on Saturday approved its plan for selecting delegates and alternates to the August 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. 

The plan involves delegate selection and a timeline for the delegate selection process. The plan will be submitted to the Democratic National Committee's (DNC) Rules and Bylaws Committee following a 30-day comment period that begins today. 

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Lisa Pryor said the plan is available for review at the ODP headquarters located at 4100 N. Lincoln Blvd. in Oklahoma City and online at www.okdemocrats.org. Comments regarding the plan must be submitted in writing to the Party via mail, email or fax no later than April 27. All comments will be included in the plan submitted to the DNC.

"I'm excited to submit the Oklahoma plan to the DNC and lay the groundwork for Oklahoma delegates to go to Denver in 2008 to officially nominate the next president of the United States," Pryor said.

DORMAN CALLS FOR LOTTERY FUNDING REFORM

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2007) - Tired of seeing lottery shortfalls create budget problems for public schools and college students, state Rep. Joe Dorman wants lawmakers to reform the budgeting process.

"The lottery is an unpredictable source of revenue that has come up short more often than not in recent months," said Dorman, D-Rush Springs. "Clearly, we cannot build anticipated lottery funds into the budget without a strong risk of future crisis." Dorman plans to author an amendment that will require the state to set aside all lottery funds collected for one year and then appropriate that money in year two. Under the plan, lawmakers would only spend lottery money actually collected the previous year instead of trying to anticipate future collections.

Currently, lawmakers include anticipated lottery revenue projections in the state budget. Although the lottery was once expected to provide up to $150 million per year, it is now generating just over $80 million per year. A mid-year revision in lottery projections recently eliminated funds for $1,100 of the $3,000 pay raise given all public school teachers last year. It also shortchanged college students depending on a state scholarship program funded by lottery cash. "My constituents want to know why we're banking on lottery cash that may never materialize, and it's a good question," Dorman said. "Under my plan, no education program will have to be cut because of a fluctuation in the lottery's performance. We'll only spend money that we have in hand, and not 'projections' that might as well be Monopoly money."

VILSACK NATIONAL CO-CHAIR OF CLINTON CAMPAIGN

-- Clinton announced Monday morning at Greenwood Elementary School in Des Moines that Tom Vilsack will become a national co-chair of her presidential campaign, and Iowa's former first lady Christie Vilsack is joining the former U.S. first lady as a state campaign co-chair.

CITY AND COUNTY SALES TAX ELECTION APRIL 3

Registered Comanche County voters who want to vote early in April 3 city and county sales tax election may do so March 30 and April 3 by in person absentee ballot. A two member, bipartisan absentee voting board will be on duty at the Comanche County Election Board from 8 am to 6pm both days."In person absentee voters will complete an application form when they arrive at the office. They are not required to state a reason for voting in person absentee" said Election Board Secretary Monica Baughman."They are required to swear that they are not voted a regular mail absentee ballot and that they will not vote at their polling places of on election day." Additional information is available by contacting the County Election Board Room 206 in the Comanche County Court House, 315 SW 5th o calling the office at 353 1880.

HOWARD AND BILL SAY JOIN US AT THE COUNTY CONVENTION

• 

The Comanche County Democratic Party will hold its county convention at 10:00am on Saturday. The place is the Lawton Public Library.

Everyone is invited. While some business will be conducted with delegates, much of the discussion and speaking is for everybody.

The agenda may include

• Recognition of Elected Officials and their comments.
• Comments by the Chair
• Treasurer's Report
• Election of Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary and State Delegates.
• Consideration of Resolutions.
• Any additional business.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

OBAMA'S MINISTER

This letter was printed in the Sunday bulletin of Trinity United Church of Christ (Congregational) in Chicago on March 11, 2007. Barack and Michelle Obama have been members of Trinity UCC for 20+ years.

---

March 11, 2007
Jodi Kantor
The New York Times
9 West 43rd Street
New York,
New York 10036-3959

Dear Jodi:

Thank you for engaging in one of the biggest misrepresentations of the truth I have ever seen in sixty-five years.You sat and shared with me for two hours. You told me you were doing a “Spiritual Biography” of Senator Barack Obama. For two hours, I shared with you how I thought he was the most principled individual in public service that I have ever met.

For two hours, I talked with you about how idealistic he was. For two hours I shared with you what a genuine human being he was. I told you how incredible he was as a man who was an African American in public service, and as a man who refused to announce his candidacy for President until Carol Moseley Braun indicated one way or the other whether or not she was going to run.

I told you what a dreamer he was. I told you how idealistic he was. We talked about how refreshing it would be for someone who knew about Islam to be in the Oval Office. Your own question to me was, Didn’t I think it would be incredible to have somebody in the Oval Office who not only knew about Muslims, but had living and breathing Muslims in his own family? I told you how important it would be to have a man who not only knew the difference between Shiites and Sunnis prior to 9/11/01 in the Oval Office, but also how important it would be to have a man who knew what Sufism was; a man who understood that there were different branches of Judaism; a man who knew the difference between Hasidic Jews, Orthodox Jews, Conservative Jews and Reformed Jews; and a man who was a devout Christian, but who did not prejudge others because they believed something other than what he believed.

I talked about how rare it was to meet a man whose Christianity was not just “in word only.” I talked about Barack being a person who lived his faith and did not argue his faith. I talked about Barack as a person who did not draw doctrinal lines in the sand nor consign other people to hell if they did not believe what he believed.

Out of a two-hour conversation with you about Barack’s spiritual journey and my protesting to you that I had not shaped him nor formed him, that I had not mentored him or made him the man he was, even though I would love to take that credit, you did not print any of that. When I told you, using one of your own Jewish stories from the Hebrew Bible as to how God asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?,” that Barack was like that when I met him. Barack had it “in his hand.” Barack had in his grasp a uniqueness in terms of his spiritual development that one is hard put to find in the 21st century, and you did not print that.

As I was just starting to say a moment ago, Jodi, out of two hours of conversation I spent approximately five to seven minutes on Barack’s taking advice from one of his trusted campaign people and deeming it unwise to make me the media spotlight on the day of his announcing his candidacy for the Presidency and what do you print? You and your editor proceeded to present to the general public a snippet, a printed “sound byte” and a titillating and tantalizing article about his disinviting me to the Invocation on the day of his announcing his candidacy.

I have never been exposed to that kind of duplicitous behavior before, and I want to write you publicly to let you know that I do not approve of it and will not be party to any further smearing of the name, the reputation, the integrity or the character of perhaps this nation’s first (and maybe even only) honest candidate offering himself for public service as the person to occupy the Oval Office.

Your editor is a sensationalist. For you to even mention that makes me doubt your credibility, and I am looking forward to see how you are going to butcher what else I had to say concerning Senator Obama’s “Spiritual Biography.” Our Conference Minister, the Reverend Jane Fisler Hoffman, a white woman who belongs to a Black church that Hannity of “Hannity and Colmes” is trying to trash, set the record straight for you in terms of who I am and in terms of who we are as the church to which Barack has belonged for over twenty years.

The president of our denomination, the Reverend John Thomas, has offered to try to help you clarify in your confused head what Trinity Church is even though you spent the entire weekend with us setting me up to interview me for what turned out to be a smear of the Senator; and yet The New York Times continues to roll on making the truth what it wants to be the truth. I do not remember reading in your article that Barack had apologized for listening to that bad information and bad advice. Did I miss it? Or did your editor cut it out? Either way, you do not have to worry about hearing anything else from me for you to edit or “spin” because you are more interested in journalism than in truth.

Forgive me for having a momentary lapse. I forgot that The New York Times was leading the bandwagon in trumpeting why it is we should have gone into an illegal war. The New York Times became George Bush and the Republican Party’s national “blog.” The New York Times played a role in the outing of Valerie Plame. I do not know why I thought The New York Times had actually repented and was going to exhibit a different kind of behavior.

Maybe it was my faith in the Jewish Holy Day of Roshashana. Maybe it was my being caught up in the euphoria of the Season of Lent; but whatever it is or was, I was sadly mistaken. There is no repentance on the part of The New York Times. There is no integrity when it comes to The Times. You should do well with that paper, Jodi. You looked me straight in my face and told me a lie!

Sincerely and respectfully yours,
Reverend Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. ,
Senior Pastor
Trinity United Church of Christ

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR COUNTY PARTY OFFICER POSTS

The following announements for party offices that are to be voted on at the Comanche County Democratic Party Convention were made at the monthly meeting Monday night:

Rhonda L. Williams announced for the post of County Secretary/Treasuer. Rhonda has recently retired from the army. She was very active at the County Headquarters and in Larry Jefferson's campaign in the last election cycle. She is active in church work and has a strong interest in child care and child development.

Betty Simmons announced for the post of County Cochairperson. Betty has been the County Secretary/  Treasurer for over four years. She help create the professional image the the county party projects. She has spent many hours on party business. She is also very active in her church.

Jim Fullerton announced he would like to go to the State Convention as a Delegate. His goal for this election cycle is to be National Convention Delegate.

Ccdem will gladly publish any other announcements for County Office.   

SENATE REVIEW by Senator Randy Bass

We all know Fort Sill is to the economy of Lawton, and to surrounding communities like Cache. With a strong partnership between the base, municipal, and state entities, we can continue to ensure that this vital component. of out local and state economy will continue to thrive and grow for many years to come.

After the latest round of BRAC hearings, the news was excellent for Fort Sill, which is expanding as a result of the excellent job everyone there isalready doing. That expansion means an additional 10,000 military personnel and family members will be moving into our area—great news for economic development, but it also means we have to enable majorinfrastructure development as well, including a new school and other facilities to meet this significant population influx.

This past week, I was successful in passing Senate Bill 751, which creates the "Military Base Protection and Expansion Incentive Act." The measure authorizes the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority to provide funding for capital projects in the form of loans and lease purchase agreements if a school or municipality certifies that it has the ability to repay those funds.

That same piece of legislation also contains language to assist another important part of our local economy—the Goodyear plant. In 2002 the Legislature approved a bill to allow Goodyear to receive state funds in connection with the retooling or modernizing of their facility. The resulting projects are about 90 percent finished. This bill will should they need a little more time to meet the requirements established in the original bill.

In our quest to create more jobs for our citizens, we must first look at our existing employers and see whether there is anything we can do in in Terms of public policy that will enable them not only to survive, but to thrive and expand. I believe my legislation does just that for two of our areas largest employers. Senate Bill 751 now moves over to the House of Representatives where it will be assigned to a committee for a vote.

As always if you have a question about a legislative matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (405) 521-5567 or by email at bass@oksenate.gov.

OBAMA DRAWS 10,000 TO OAKLAND RALLY

Link: Obama draws 10,000 to Oakland rally | The Huffington Post.

Iowa Politics

Link: Iowa Politics.

This is good news! Maloney presided over the greatest political train wreck in recent memory here in Oklahoma. I encourage the host of "professionals" that worked for him to rush to Iowa and work for him this cycle. Iowa  should have the experience of working with people who "know what they are doing" and "learn something" from them.

Political activist volunteers are the best work force you can have. They win because they are passionate for their cause. Regardless of their flaws, Okie voters know them and trust them.

P.S. Iowans,watch your wallet and your credit cards.

ALTUS BEATS LAWTON IN PLANS FOR CITY WIDE WIRELESS

Link: Altus Times - Altus, Oklahoma. City of Altus is making city wide wireless computer hookups available as a economic development tool. Ardmore is in the process too. That leaves Lawton where it always is. Ten years behind and falling further behind.

EDWARDS GETS ENDORSEMENT OF 30 STATE LEGISLATORS

Link: OK Blue Notes.

No names from South West Oklahoma.

HOUSE APPROVES BILL INCREASING MEDICAL CARE FOR ELDERLY

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 15, 2007) - Legislation that could increase the number of doctors specializing in geriatric care in rural Oklahoma easily passed out of the Oklahoma House of Representatives

House Bill 1830, by state Rep. Ryan Kiesel (D-Seminole), creates the Oklahoma Geriatric Medical Loan Repayment Program. The program would provide educational loan repayment assistance for up to five Oklahoma  licensed physicians each year who have completed a fellowship training program in geriatrics, including geropsychiatry.  Each loan recipient would be eligible for $25,000 in annual assistance for up to five years.

In exchange, the doctors receiving financial assistance from the state would agree to provide medical care in high-need areas of Oklahoma.

"The demand for access to affordable and quality health care is rising at an exponential rate and it makes perfect sense for Oklahoma to provide an incentive for medical students to specialize in fields where the demand will continue to increase and then, when they graduate, to give them a further incentive to serve patients in high-need areas, including rural Oklahoma. The quality of healthcare an Oklahoman receives should not depend on what part of the state they live in," said Kiesel.

The bill passed the House on a 99-1 vote.

A recent report by the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Health highlights the need for more doctors in rural Oklahoma. The report indicated residents of rural counties in Oklahoma experience
greater mortality and poor medical conditions.

Kiesel noted that the average age of someone living in rural Oklahoma is also much older than the average age in urban areas, creating a strong demand for geriatric care. According to the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Health report, 15 percent of the population in rural areas is age 65 or older, compared to just 11 percent in urban areas. At the same time, there is just one primary care physician for every 1,535 people in rural counties, compared to one doctor for every 740 people in an urban area.

"Oklahoma's aging population will result in a greater demand for geriatric medicine and it is imperative that we have doctors with this specialty practicing in all areas of the state," said Kiesel.

House Bill 1830 will now proceed to state Senate for consideration.

HOUSE TABOR DEAD FOR THIS SESSION

Good news!  HJR 1024 did not come up for a vote yesterday in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.  Since Thursday, March 15 was the deadline for bills to be heard on the floor (3rd Reading) in the house of origin, HJR 1024 if effectively dead for this session.  HJR 1024 was a proposed constitutional amendment which would lower the existing limit on annual appropriations growth from 12 percent adjusted for inflation to six percent adjusted for inflation.  It also stipulated that the limit should equal the highest limit in any preceding year.  This would have created a more restrictive formula for determining the revenues available for appropriation.

Sean W. Voskuhl, Associate State Director
AARP Oklahoma
(405) 715-4475
Fax:  (405) 844-7772
swvoskuhl@aarp.org

STATE REPRESENTATIVE T.W. TALLMAN ABANDONS CONSERVATIVE VALUES EARLY

                         EDITORIAL

After stepping out on my front stoop this morning to get my copy of the Bentley Bugle, I studied the attractive picture of a rodent on the front page and glanced at the article about how rodent rights were being trampled upon by people trying to solve the health threat to people over by Lake Elmer Thomas. I then turned to page 2 and there lo and behold was an article about State Representative T.W. Tallman and the magnificent job he is doing up at the State Capitol. He was also was on TV this weekend promoting his wonderful solution to the gang problems here in Oklahoma.

His wonderful solution to the gang problem was is two fold:

1. His legislation would form a committee to study the gangs terrorizing the neighborhoods in Lawton and small rural committees throughout the state.

2. Authorize the funding of the study to determine what social programs are needed to cure the gang activity to the tune of $ 1,400,000.

Somehow, I was under the impression that “conservative values” included the minimizing of state government. In fact I think the current Republican controlled State House of the Representatives has a study under way to eliminate some of the committees and commissions now active in state government.

Further, I was under the impression that “conservative values” included trimming funding of social programs and sending the money home to deserving rich folk in the form of TAX CUTZ..

State Representative T.W. Tallman certainly wandered off the conservative values path early in his his political career.

DORMAN BILL FUNDING FOR FREE HUNTING/FISHING LICENSES PASSES HOUSE

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 9, 2007) - For years, lawmakers have voted to allow numerous groups and individuals to have free hunting or fishing licenses, which slowly slashed funding for the fee-based state Department of Wildlife Conservation. State lawmakers voted this week to make up those losses.

House Bill 1668, by state Rep. Joe Dorman, would create the "Oklahoma Hunting and Fishing License Reimbursement Fund." A portion of state income tax collections would be deposited in the fund to make up revenue lost by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to free licenses.

"Officials estimate the Department of Wildlife Conservation loses over $1 million per year to free licenses," said Dorman, D-Rush Springs. "Since the department is funded almost entirely through fees, that loss can have a significant impact on their wildlife programs."

Dorman said a national survey will be conducted to determine how many free Oklahoma hunting and fishing licenses have been issued and that figure will be used to calculate the amount of money placed in the reimbursement fund.   State money placed in the fund will be used to generate matching federal program dollars, which will compound the benefit to Oklahoma sportsmen and women, Dorman said.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's mission is to "manage Oklahoma's wildlife resources and habitat to provide scientific, educational, aesthetic, economic and recreational benefits for present and future generations of hunters, anglers and others who appreciate wildlife," according to the agency's Web site.

"Currently, the Department of Wildlife is cash-strapped since they operate solely on the fees they collect and matching dollars from the feds," Dorman said. "House Bill 1668 will give the agency more money to maintain public hunting grounds and provide youth hunting safety
programs."

House Bill 1668 passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on a 91-2 vote this week. It now proceeds to the state Senate, where the bill is authored by Senator Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo.

DORMAN PROPOSAL TO AID PREGNANT WOMEN WITH PARKING ACCESSIBILITY PASSES HOUSE

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 12, 2007) - Lawmakers voted today to allow pregnant women with complications to park in handicap spots.

"During pregnancy, especially in the advanced stage, there are times when a mother-to-be should not walk long distances," said State Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs. "My legislation tries to address that problem in an efficient and simple fashion."

Dorman's proposal was attached as an amendment to another bill (House Bill 1868) on Monday.
Under the legislation, pregnant women with complications can obtain a special sticker allowing them to legally park in a disability spot.

 

The Department of Public Safety would issue the detachable placards to any person who submits an application furnished by the department and certified by a physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner attesting that the applicant has
a physical disability.

"The intent is for women in advanced stages of pregnancy to qualify upon the recommendation of their doctor," Dorman said.  "Ideally, these women would have family and friends to handle most errands when pregnancy complications arise, but that isn't always the case, and my legislation will make life a little easier for them."

OPEN DOOR POLICY by Rep. Joe Dorman

The pace around the Capitol has picked up with this being the last week for the Representatives to hear bills authored by House members. Next week and the following five weeks after, the House will hear bills originated in the Senate and the Senate will hear House bills.

I'm the House author on a few Senate bills, so my workload will mainly consist of helping my Senate authors get my House bills through and working on amendments to clean up some of the Senate bills coming to our chamber. I have two bills remaining on the House calendar this week and they should both pass over to the Senate. I have also been very busy this week attaching amendments to other bills to help get some additional programs passed. Included in these amendments are establishing a division within OSBI to track identity theft and providing parking stickers for pregnant women to use handicap spots.

This past week was quite a week for basketball in our state. As the high school state playoffs concluded this past week, I want to congratulate the Elgin Lady Owls, the Cache Lady Bulldogs, the Fort Cobb Broxton Lady Mustangs and the Cyril Pirates for a successful run through the tournaments to State. Several men's teams made it to the area playoffs, including Elgin and Rush Springs. Each of these teams did a great job this year and need to be recognized for putting forth a great effort on behalf of their school and community.

In other area activities, I was honored to be asked to play in the Fletcher Alumni Basketball Game on Saturday night and also assist in naming the new gymnasium after Kenneth and Evelyn Sanders. This was a very special night for the family and a large turnout was on hand to recognize them and also support the players in the men's and women's games. It was a fun time had by all and the best part was that none of the "retired" players got hurt. I made the stat sheet with a lay-up, so I really enjoyed the evening and got some good exercise. Thank you again for making me an honorary alum for the night and letting me participate!

That evening was also the Sterling Donkey Basketball game. I was sorry I had to miss this event since it's always a fun time watching local supporters of the school participate each year. I hope to make that one next year. I'm sure it made for a great evening. It's tough to make all the activities in the district, especially when they conflict, and I hate missing the fun ones such as these.

It is an honor to represent your views at the State Capitol. If you wish to contact me and discuss one of these or another issue, I can be reached at my office in Oklahoma City toll-free at 1-800-522-8502, or directly at 1-405-557-7305. I can be reached locally at (580) 476-2626, my e-mail address is joedorman@okhouse.gov at work. My mailing address is PO Box 559, Rush Springs, OK 73082 and my website is www.joedorman.com on the Internet. Thank you for taking time to read this column and I look forward to seeing you soon.

OBAMA IN OKLAHOMA

Check out the Obama Web Site for Oklahoma:

http://oklahomaobama.com/

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES VISIT OKLAHOMA

Senator Barack Obama in Oklahoma!

There will be a rally featuring Senator Barack Obama in Oklahoma
City on Monday, March 19th.

The rally will begin at 4:30 pm and will be at the Farmers Public
Market Building (which is located at 311 South Klein Ave. in
Oklahoma City... which is just south of Reno Ave. and just west of
Western Ave.)

Tickets cost $25 dollars a person

There is limited space, so visit this link
https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/ok
soon to purchase your tickets.

PLEASE NOTE: this link will also give you specific instructions on
when and how to pick up your tickets at the Oklahoma Democratic
Party in Oklahoma City.

 
Bill Richardson to be in Oklahoma!
Sunday, March 18th
12:30pm - 2:00pm

Home of Sid Musser

601 NE 18th St.

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

(parking available in the South Capitol parking lot)

$2,300 - Friend $1,000 - Sponsor $500 - Supporter

To RSVP please contact Roshan Patel at 505-239-4697 or rpatel@richardsonforpresident.com

*Please make checks payable to Bill Richardson for President Exploratory Committee, Inc. and complete the attached form.

Credit card payments are also accepted.

**Contributions to Bill Richardson for President Exploratory Committee, Inc. are not tax-deductible for Federal income tax purposes, and are limited to $2,300 per individual ($4,600 per couple) per election. Federal multi-candidate PACs may contribute $5,000 per election.

Copy of Word document with Invitation and donation card http://okvoter.com/richardson_032007.doc
 
**Special Note**
The Oklahoma Democratic Party will provide all information about Presidental Candidates visits to Oklahoma as provided by their individual campaigns.

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT TO TARGET TRAFFICKING IN PHONY IDS

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 7, 2007) - Lawmakers voted Tuesday to boost law enforcement prosecution of identity theft as part of a broader immigration reform effort.       Legislation authored by state Rep. Joe Dorman called for the creation of a special division in the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate trafficking of fake identification - such as stolen Social Security numbers.      "The theft and sale of false identification is growing by leaps and bounds, and the demand for fake IDs from illegal immigrants is driving part of that growth," said Dorman, D-Rush Springs. "It's time we made more law enforcement resources available for the prosecution of this crime." Dorman's said his own father was once a victim of identity theft carried out by an illegal immigrant.      According to the Federal Trade Commission, there were 2,403 complaints of identity theft in Oklahoma in 2005.      Dorman said his proposal is based on an Arizona law.  "After Arizona created a specialized division to prosecute the trafficking of false IDs, they saw a significant decline in identity theft," Dorman said. "If we are going to require tougher documentation standards as part of immigration reform, we need to be prepared for an increase in people trying to obtain false documentation. My proposal will ensure that we don't trade one problem for another."       Dorman's proposal was submitted as an amendment to House Bill 1804 during floor activity in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wednesday. The proposal was adopted without opposition.

REVISED SPECIAL COUNTY MEETING NOTICE

CORRECTION: The previous version of this notice contained a error in the agenda.This error was promptly called to ccdem's attentaion by County Chair Mike Weddington and Lisa Pryor and the announcement has been corrected. We regret this error and take responsibility for the misinformation. We would also like to thank you for the many emails we received on the matter. We did not realize our readership was so widespread.

SPECIAL COUNTY MEETING MONDAY MARCH 19 AT CROCKETT'S SMOKE HOUSE 108 WEST GORE BLVD AT 6:30.

THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTY PROCESS IN A DECADE. COME AND BE A PART OF CHANGING HOW GOVERMENT IS RUN. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, CONTACT THE COUNTY OFFICERS LISTED TO THE LEFT OF THIS NOTICE ON THE WEBSITE.

SPECIAL DISPATCH FROM THE BATTLE FRONT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: State Rep. Joe Dorman

Capitol: (405) 557-7305

Contact: State Sen. Randy Bass

Capitol: (405) 521-5567

Funds Requested for Information Risk Assessments for State Agencies

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 5, 2007)

– The Oklahoma State Legislature took progressive steps last year to combat the contemporary and growing cyber-crime problem.

House Bill 2935, which became effective on July 1, 2006, required all state agencies with an Information Technology (IT) system to have an annual security risk assessment performed that identifies and prioritizes network vulnerabilities. The bill mandated that all targeted agencies submit a final report to the Office of State Finance (OSF) by December 1st of each year on security protocols.

"The intent of the bill was to harden the defenses of state agencies against computer crimes and identity theft," said state Rep. Joe Dorman (D - Rush Springs), a co-author of the legislation. "House Bill 2935 was just the first step in protecting the state’s citizens against loss of personal information from both internal and external threats.

"Although HB 2935 mandated risk assessments, the Legislature did not include funding for the assessments. Given the unfunded mandate, all agencies opted to perform self-assessments that do not encompass the level of detail needed."

The advantage of utilizing a third-party vendor is that their assessments are conducted on-site by security professionals and include network scans, desk-top sampling, physical security inspections, external penetration testing, and payment card industry assessments. The self-assessment only involves completing a questionnaire based the ISO 17799 security standard and the agencies’ pre-determined risk level. Vendors must be approved by the Office of State Finance as qualified to conduct the risk assessments.

"Identify theft and sharing of personal information is a major concern of Oklahomans and is the fastest growing crime in the United States with up to 9 million victims," said state Sen. Randy Bass (D – Lawton). "One FBI survey estimates more than $65 billion lost in 2005 to identity theft alone. Given these alarmingly high statistics, it is imperative that the state finish the work we started and aggressively move to protect our citizens."

Bass has been a champion for protection against identity theft during his career in the Oklahoma Senate, having authored legislation to increase protections for Oklahoma residents.

Dorman estimated the cost to fund risk assessments for all state agencies will be $3 million annually, which equates to $1 per person in Oklahoma.

"One dollar per person from the General Revenue Fund is a small price to pay to protect the citizens of Oklahoma from potential theft of their identities by criminals hacking into state computer systems," said Dorman. "Having a father that was a victim of identity theft, I can vouch for the need to take every precaution possible to protect from these crimes."

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OPEN DOOR POLICY by Rep. Joe Dorman

   EDITOR: WAY TO GO JOE

There have been several high profile issues come up at the Capitol this past week.  One in particular that has arisen is House Bill 1485, which would allow for much of the property maintained by oil and gas companies to be free from taxation because they feel they are unfairly taxed on specific equipment.  Several of the oil and gas companies have proposed in debate that they contribute over one billion dollars to the state's economy each year and that this exemption on property will be slight and would help keep business thriving in Oklahoma.  Opponents state that this exemption is on property that is currently not being taxed due to the energy companies not claiming the equipment when they turn in the tax information. 

     I'm currently working on rewriting this bill to give authority to the Oklahoma Tax Commission to do a statewide assessment on all property maintained by these companies, verify the accuracy of the tax and for that information to be distributed to the local assessors.  Often times, the assessors do not travel on to private property if the gates are locked and this prevents an accurate read on what should be taxed.  There is also the problem with assessments falling behind and many times these energy companies are allowed to turn in their own information regarding what should be on the tax forms. 

      By giving this authority and the funding to the Tax Commission, this will do a one-time, three-year scan of the state and provide the information to the assessors on what should be included for the taxation.  There will also be a provision for appeal on whether some property should be included in the taxation.  This will be given to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission through their judicial review system to help cut down on costly court fees.  This compromise will provide the fair assessment that the oil and gas companies claim they are not receiving by private-contract companies that work on a percentage basis who are hired by local assessors.  This new version of the bill also provides the schools and counties with the resources to receive the accurate assessments and in turn the appropriate tax dollars.

     It is an honor to represent your views at the State Capitol. If you wish to contact me and discuss one of these or another issue, I can be reached at my office in Oklahoma City toll-free at 1-800-522-8502, or directly at 1-405-557-7305. I can be reached locally at (580) 476-2626, my e-mail address is joedorman@okhouse.gov at work.  My mailing address is PO Box 559, Rush Springs, OK  73082 and my website is www.joedorman.com on the Internet.  Thank you for taking time to read this column and I look forward to seeing you soon.

CONGRESSIONAL WRANGLING MAY LEAD TO CONSTRUCTION DELAYS

Link: KOTV.com - The News On 6.

TABOR IS BACK

EDITOR: LONG BUT IMPORTANT ANALYSIS.

HJR 1024 TO RECEIVE HEARING Rules Committee, March 5, 2007 at 3:00 pm in 512A As we have seen this last year with the proliferation of TABOR and TABOR-like bills throughout the country, there is a dangerous and persistent movement to place state budgets under the burdensome constraints of spending limits. HJR 1024, a bill to be considered in the Rules Committee on Monday, March, 5, 2007, at 3:00 pm, is such a bill. Like other TABOR bills offered throughout the country, the constitutional constraints in HJR 1024 diminish the power of elected leaders to prioritize critical funding decisions, shackle the state's budget to arbitrary restrictions, and erode public services long-term. When we should be positioning Oklahoma for success in our second century, HJR 1024 limits our potential and could put our collective prosperity, security, or well-being in jeopardy. HJR 1024 - SPENDING LIMITS HJR 1024 [filed by Representative Ken Miller (R- Edmond)] This TABOR-lite legislation lowers the current spending limit set in the State Constitution from 12 percent to six percent of the funds appropriated in the prior fiscal year, adjusted for inflation. It provides for a spending limit override mechanism by a three-fourths super-majority of the Legislature, and it provides that the spending limit for the current fiscal year cannot be less than the highest appropriations made in the prior fiscal year.

GREEN HOUSE PROJECT PASSES

show details

Feb 28 (1 day ago)

Good News!  HB 1510 passed out of the Public Health Committee unanimously.  Thanks for all of your calls and emails to the committee.  You can go ahead and contact your State Representative and urge them to support HB 1510 when the bill comes to a vote on the House floor.  Thanks again! From: Voskuhl, Sean - SWVoskuhl Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:56 PM Subject: HB 1510-Green House Project HB 1510, authored by Rep. Jerry Ellis, passed out of the Elderly & Long-Term Care subcommittee on Monday and will likely be heard on Wednesday, February 28 in Public Health Committee.  The legislation directs the Commissioner of Health to waive provisions of the Nursing Home Care Act and the Long-Term Care Certificate of Need Act.  The waiver is in support of a deinstitutionalization model that restores individuals to a self-contained residence in the community that is designed like a private home and houses no more than ten individuals.  In a nutshell, this will allow the Green House Project to be started in Oklahoma.  If you recall, AARP has been pushing the Green House Project for over a year and has had the founder, Dr. William Thomas in Oklahoma twice last year.  If you would like to learn more about the Green House Project go to www.thegreenhouseproject.org . Please contact the members on the Public Health Committee and urge them to support HB 1510 by calling 1-800-522-8502 or by emailing them at: Doug Cox, Chair dougcox@okhouse.gov Colby Schwartz, Vice-Chair colby.schwartz@okhouse.gov Dennis Adkins dennisadkins@okhouse.gov Gary Banz garybanz@okhouse.gov David Dank david.dank@okhouse.gov John Enns john.enns@okhouse.gov Darrell Gilbert darrellgilbert@okhouse.gov Larry Glenn larryglenn@okhouse.gov Rebecca Hamilton rebeccahamilton@okhouse.gov Wes Hilliard weshilliard@okhouse.gov Jeannie McDaniel jeanniemcdaniel@okhouse.gov Greg Piatt gregpiatt@okhouse.gov Glen Bud Smithson glensmithson@okhouse.gov Kris Steele krissteele@okhouse.gov Randy Terrill randyterrill@okhouse.gov Sean W. Voskuhl, Associate State Director AARP Oklahoma (405) 715-4475 Fax:  (405) 844-7772 swvoskuhl@aarp.org

DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT MEETINGS PLANNED MARCH 8TH

oklahoma City, OK- February 28, 2007 - All politics begins at the local level and for Oklahoma Democrats precinct meetings are some of the most critical gatherings. The ODP has planned statewide precinct meetings on March 8th. Call the ODP at 405.427.3366 to find your local meeting or log onto www.okdemocrats.org and click the "calendar." State Party Chairman Lisa Pryor said precinct meetings are the most critical meetings for proactive Democrats to attend. "If you want to have a personal and immediate impact in building a better government, one that protects and serves the people of Oklahoma, this is your opportunity to have a voice in the Oklahoma Democratic Party," Pryor said. "Help build the party you want to see." Delegates will cast votes at the County Convention (March 31), the District Convention (April 28th) and State Convention (May 19th). Pryor said the path to victory begins at the precinct level. "It is critical that we have participation at the March 8th precinct meetings. As Democrats our goals are to regain control of both the State House and State Senate, to reclaim a seat in the U.S. Senate, to help a Democratic candidate carry the state of Oklahoma in the presidential election in 2008," Pryor said. "I encourage all Oklahoma Democrats to get involved, to make a difference and be part of this vision. The road to change and the path to victory start on March 8th."

Oklahoma Democratic Party Jason McCarty Communications Director jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org 405.427.3366