State House members study streamlining state paperwork
Streamlining the thousands of licenses and permits issued by various state agencies is critical to modernizing state government, House members were told at an interim study last week.
Various agencies testified at the study about efforts they have taken to make permits and licenses more convenient to obtain, especially by making them available online.
“Often, Oklahomans who need a series of permits or licenses must encounter a long line of bureaucracy, including multiple trips to several locations,” said Rep. Jason Murphey, chairman of the House Government Modernization Committee. “Technology has advanced to a point where these licenses and permits should be made available online and they should be easy to obtain without mounds of paperwork and unnecessary use of staff resources.”
Health Commissioner Terry Cline said it was the goal of the Health Department to have all of its license applications online by July. The department maintains licenses for 108,000 individuals and over 35,000 businesses in Oklahoma, many of which have multiple certification requirements.
An official with the Insurance Department said the agency was able to reduce or reallocate its workforce by 35 percent following implementation of online licensing in 2007. The transition not only saved the department money, but improved customer service and accessibility.
Before electronic processing of licensing was available at the department, there was as much as a five-week processing time for new and renewal applications. The department also received about 66,000 calls in a year with an average hold time in excess of 10 minutes. Currently, because of online capabilities, a new or renewal license application can be processed in as little as two hours. Phone calls were reduced by about 20,000 after online capabilities were added. The need for storage space was also reduced as records are now stored electronically.
An official with Oklahoma Interactive, which operates the state’s OK.gov web site, told members at the study that nearly 60,000 Oklahoma professionals have applied for or renewed their licenses online so far this year, a 26 percent increase over 2008. Approximately 56 Oklahoma state agencies have licensing services, 23 of which offer over 120 professional licenses online through OK.gov.
The Oklahoma Medical Licensure Board has seen a savings of over $20,000 during 2008 and 87 percent of Oklahomans seeking a license through the agency have applied online. Reduction in paper and postage usage, along with a reduction of employee hours dedicated to processing paperwork, have led to the savings, the OK.gov official said.
Schwartz withdraws from LG race
State Representative Colby Schwartz has withdrawn his name from consideration for the race for lieutenant governor in 2010.
“Over the last 90 days it has become obvious to me that the current economic climate has hindered my ability to raise the needed financial resources to effectively fund a statewide race for lieutenant governor,” Schwartz said. “ Therefore, I am removing my name from consideration for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor of Oklahoma.
“During my past campaigns for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, my support has always come from everyday, hard-working Oklahomans. It is these same supporters who have felt the pinch of the economic downturn the hardest; and now have less disposable income to contribute to a political campaign.
Audition for ETCK Broadway show
The East Tulsa County Kiwanis Club announced open auditions currently underway for the Kiwanis Oklahoma Review variety show, Hats Off To Broadway, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. November 14 in the auditorium of North Intermediate High School, 808 East College in Broken Arrow.
All Tulsa area talent, 16 years or older, are encouraged to audition and may schedule an audition by contacting Phyllis Brown, at 706-7006 or 838-1904. Among acts booked to date are the Happy Hoofers, The Montereau Toe Tappers and Tommy Mason. For more information contact Ray Johnson at 918 808 5948 or 355 2766.
First Amendment essay contest
Oklahoma high school students and college undergraduates can win cash prizes by entering the 2009 First Amendment Congress Essay Contest, sponsored by FOI Oklahoma Inc.
Entrants have until October 2 to submit their essays.
For this year’s essay, young writers are asked to consider the question: “What is the impact of Internet news, blogs and social networking sites on the traditional role of the media as a watchdog of government activity?”
Entries should be approximately 500 words, typed double-space, including the student’s name, grade, school, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address. Entries must be e-mailed to The Oklahoman’s News Research Editor, Linda Lynn, at LLynn@oklahoman.com. Prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners in both high school and college categories.
High school winners will be recognized on October 28 during the First Amendment Congress Education Day at Tom Steed Center in Midwest City.
College winners will be honored October 29th during the event’s Professional Day at The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City.
For questions concerning the essay contest, contact Lynn at 405-475-3676. For information about the 2009 First Amendment Congress, contact Kay Bickham at 405-341-3169.
Translation work in Cameroon
Wycliffe Associates, the international organization that mobilizes volunteers and resources in support of Bible translation efforts, is raising funds for a new translation training center in Bamenda, Cameroon, in West Central Africa.
The new center will facilitate the translation of the Scriptures in as many as 60 languages spoken by millions of people in the region.
According to UNICEF, Cameroon’s total adult literacy is 68 percent. Although English and French are the official languages of the nation, as many as 286 individual languages have been listed for Cameroon. In the Bamenda region alone, Wycliffe Associates says there are more than 20 Bible translation projects underway, with 40 projects yet to be started.
“There is no heavier concentration of languages anywhere in Cameroon than in Bamenda,” says Bruce Smith, president and CEO of Wycliffe Associates. “People from many of the various language groups are pleading for help to develop translations of the Scriptures in their own languages.”
The practice of witchcraft remains prevalent in the nation, which, according to postcolonial authorities, has hampered development initiatives in Cameroon. Until 1999, witchcraft had a legal hold on society until church and human rights groups demanded “fair play” in legal matters for those being accused of participation in the occult.
Wycliffe Associates believes the translation of the Scriptures into the languages of the region will not only curtail occult practices, but change the lives of individuals and even entire villages. Bible translators have already witnessed the effects that newly translated Scriptures have had in the region as witchcraft has been abandoned in pursuit of Christianity.
In addition to providing funding, Wycliffe Associates has helped purchase land where the new translation training center will be constructed and also will provide volunteer teams for much of the construction work as they work alongside Cameroonian nationals. During the multi-year project, teams will grade a road, erect a security fence around the perimeter, connect to utilities, and then begin constructing the center, which will include two classrooms, team workrooms; office space for administrators, consultants, and trainers; a dormitory facility for training class participants; a kitchen and dining room; and staff housing. The new center will replace an old, three-bedroom house as well as three additional houses spread among four properties.
The new center will be the site of 40 weeks of training courses each year, including some 23 full courses (many of them taught concurrently) for 60 participants at a time, making possible the training of 400 Cameroonian Bible translators.
During 2008, some 4,124 Wycliffe Associates volunteers served in 49 countries as part of the worldwide Bible translation team. Wycliffe Associates is mobilizing more than 4,800 volunteers to serve in 41 different countries this year to build and renovate facilities, construct roads and airstrips, teach Vacation Bible School, help with language development and office work, oversee projects, use their computer skills, and much more.
For more information, visit www.wycliffeassociates.org or call 1-800-THE WORD (1-800-843-9673).
OFRW’s essay contest on aerospace
The Oklahoma Federation of Republican Women are sponsoring an essay contest with the theme, “Oklahoma’s role in aerospace… past and future.” The contest is open to seventh and eighth graders - including home schoolers in the State of Oklahoma. Entries must be 500 words or less and legibly handwritten or typed.
Local OFRW clubs will select three winners and three honorable mentions. Those will be sent to a district competition. The top three essays will be included in the Anthology of Essays published yearly by the federation. The top six essays will get a savings bond.
For more information, go to www.ofrwonline.org or send an e-mail to shari.monsees@sbcglobal.net.
Dino at Sheridan Christian Center
Pianist Dino Kartsonakis, known as Dino, will present a free concert at 6 p.m. Oct. 4th at Sheridan Christian Center, 205 S. Sheridan Road.
Dino is “America’s Piano Showman” - a title given to him by over 80 million people who are witnesses to his piano styling each year. Dino is constantly using numerous creative vehicles to deliver his unique hybrid of piano music to the masses through television, live performances, videos, albums and electronically.
“God gave me the talent and I endeavor to give it back to Him with each new idea,” he said.
For the last 12 years, Dino has entertained Branson, Missouri, audiences, including a Christmas show.
At the end of each show Dino presents the audience with something very near to his heart - the Gospel. “Over 100,000 people attend my shows each season and no one can say they haven’t heard the Gospel,” Dino said.
Taking time out from their seasonal show in Branson, Dino and his co-host and wife Cheryl make the trip to Nashville, Tennessee, to tape The Dino Show - a weekly music and interview formatted show on TBN (Trinity Broadcast Network), the top-rated Christian television network. Recently, The Dino Show claimed the No. 2 Neilson rating for the entire network.
Dino’s own music is featured as well as other national and international artists such as Glen Campbell, Mel Tillis, BB Winans, Bob Carlisle, along with newer artists such as Nicole Mullins, The Katinas, and Jill Paquette. TBN takes The Dino Show into 200 countries where Dino’s message is well received. “Being a pianist allows me to play in any language,” he said.
His numerous recordings (over 40) have received many accolades including a Grammy Award for his involvement on The Apostle soundtrack, a Grammy nomination for Chariots of Fire, and eight Gospel Music Association Dove Awards.
Sept. 18 deadline for SS, Owasso voters to register for Oct.13
September 18 is the last day to apply for voter registration for voters in the Sand Springs (I-2) and Owasso (I-11) School Districts to be eligible to vote in the Sand Springs School District Special Election and the Owasso School District Special Election, both to be held October 13.
Patty Bryant, secretary of the Tulsa County Election Board, urged voters with questions about their eligibility or about the location of their polling place to contact the Tulsa County Election Board office at 596-5787 before election day.
Bryant said that persons who are United States citizens, residents of Oklahoma and at least 18-years-old may apply to become registered voters.
Persons who have never been registered to vote before or who are not currently registered in the county of their residence and persons who are registered but who need to change their registration information may apply by filling out and mailing an Oklahoma Voter Registration Application form in time for it to be postmarked no later than midnight September 18.
Bryant said that applications postmarked after September 18 still will be accepted and processed, but the application will not be approved nor will the voter be eligible to vote until after the October 13 Special Election.
The County Election Board will respond in writing to each person who submits an application for voter registration.
The response is either a Voter Identification Card listing the new voter’s precinct number and polling place location, or a letter that explains the reason or reasons the application for voter registration was not approved.
Bryant said that any person who has submitted a voter registration application and who has not received a response within 30 days should contact the County Election Board office.
Oklahoma Voter Registration Application forms are available at the County Election Board office located at 555 North Denver Avenue, in Tulsa, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bryant said that applications are also available at most post offices, most public libraries, and all tag agencies, and are also available on the Internet at www.elections.state.ok.us.
However, applications found on the Internet must be downloaded, printed, filled out, signed and mailed or hand delivered to the Tulsa County Election Board or Oklahoma State Election Board.
Reduced drug use seen for SoonerCare
A recent study of members enrolled in SoonerCare’s pharmacy lock-in program shows positive change in members behavior, including reduced narcotic use.
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority created the lock-in program to encourage appropriate use of health care resources among members who have been associated with potential misuse of resources or potentially fraudulent behavior.
The program provides a way to detect potential misuse of narcotic and other medications and a procedure to “lock in” the member to one pharmacy, thereby limiting the opportunity for inappropriate behavior within the SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) system.
Before they are locked in, members’ activities and history are reviewed around several criteria that may include:
· Increased number of ER visits.
· Increased number of unique pharmacies.
· Increased number of prescribers/physicians.
· Increased number of days supply of narcotics, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, etc.
· Diagnosis of drug dependency or related diagnosis.
· Increased number of hospital discharges.
Recently, information about members enrolled in the program was studied to see how enrollment in the lock-in program affected members_ use of narcotics and maintenance medications, emergency room visits, number of pharmacies and physicians used each month, and expenditures for pharmacy and emergency departments.
The analysis showed a positive change in members’ behavior, including a decrease in use of narcotic medications, multiple pharmacies and physicians, and emergency department visits.
It did not show any change in the use of maintenance medications for these members, suggesting that the lock-in program did not affect therapies for chronic conditions.
The results suggest that the program successfully promotes appropriate use of health care resources and reduces potentially inappropriate narcotic use and SoonerCare costs. Cumulative estimated narcotic cost savings for the first 12 months post lock-in for the 52 members studied was more than $31,500 - an average of about $600 per member.
Mark Stansberry named as PTPI board chairman
Mark A. Stansberry, Oklahoma businessman, has been elected as Chairman of People to People International, (PTPI).
PTPI’s world headquarters is based in Kansas City, Mo. The organization founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 has a presence in 135 countries, over 52,000 members, 284 chapters, with more than 80,000 families and individuals actively participating in People to People International Programs.
PTPI is a worldwide organization with a specific purpose of enhancing international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences directly among peoples of different countries and diverse cultures.
Other officers elected to the sixteen member governing board of directors were Rolf Dahlberg of Sweden as Vice Chairman, former Hallmark Corporation executive William Jarvis as Treasurer, and Mary Jean Eisenhower was re-elected as CEO/President. Eisenhower is the granddaughter of former U. S. President Eisenhower.
“It is an honor to have been elected chairman. People to People International is making a tremendous impact on so many lives worldwide. PTPI works diligently to better worldwide understanding and humanitarian efforts through its many programs and projects such as the Global Landmine Initiative, Project Iraqi (International) Children, Homestays Program, Leadership Seminars, Chapter Activities, the School and Class Program, Global Youth Murals Project, Cultural and Humanitarian Mission Program, International Friendship Fund. All of the PTPI volunteers are to be commended for their outstanding commitment and dedication. ” Stansberry said.
Firm to pay back tax incentives from Oklahoma
Mercury Marine will pay back all state tax incentives with interest received from legislation crafted earlier this year meant to incentivize the company to remain in Oklahoma, House Speaker Chris Benge said.
In a letter to Benge, officials with the company said they will refund the state money received as a result of legislation - Senate Bill 929 - signed into law earlier this year, which allowed the company to continue to claim a property tax exemption. Company officials also said they will pay back interest collected on the money.
The legislation included a “clawback provision” calling for any incentives to be repaid if the company leaves the state prior to 2012.
The company announced last week it will move jobs from its Stillwater plant to Wisconsin after a union vote there conceding to steep wage concessions.
“We are obviously very disappointed with the outcome,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.
“This move will be hard on the Stillwater community, and we will do everything we can as a state to help these workers with retraining in this transition and will continue our efforts to keep unemployment low by attracting additional jobs to our state.
“The company is doing the right thing by paying the money back to the state, which is exactly why we included a clawback provision in this bill to protect taxpayers in the event of company relocation or closure,” Benge said.
Part of the deal to keep the jobs in Wisconsin required a wage freeze and 30 percent pay cut for new hires and workers called back before layoffs.
Mercury Marine, a boat engine manufacturer that has operated in Stillwater for over three decades, cited the global economic recession as its reason for cutting company operations.