Coburn blasts off-highway restrictions in national forest
U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, R-Okla., criticized a plan by the United States Forest Service to severely restrict off-highway vehicle access in major portions of the Ouachita National Forest.
“These new restrictions will have a devastating impact on the economy in Southeast Oklahoma. I’m outraged by Forest Service’s ‘Washington knows best’ attitude and total disregard for the Oklahomans whose livelihoods depend on tourism in the Ouachita National Forest area,” Coburn said.
“The Forest Service’s approach to this issue has been a case study in bureaucratic incompetence and arrogance. This plan will not only hurt the economy of Southeast Oklahoma but will also hurt the very forest they are trying to protect.
“Mass road closures will result in greater concentration of off-highway vehicles in limited areas, resulting in greater damage to the forest. Local officials in Oklahoma are more than capable of handling this issue on their own without the intrusion of bureaucrats in Washington. I’m disappointed the Forest Service rejected the efforts of local residents and leaders who attempted to address Forest Service concerns without harming the local economy.”
Republicans to meet on February 6
The Tulsa County Republican Party will host an open meeting on February 6.
The meeting will be at the Tulsa Technology Center Lemley Campus at 3420 S. Memorial Drive and will begin at 9 a.m.
The purpose of this meeting will be to report on GOP activities in Tulsa County and to offer GOP voters time to meet some of the candidates running in the 2010 elections. Tables will be available for candidates who have announced intentions to run in the 2010 primary election. For information on table reservations, contact Erin Hoefer at erin.hoefer@trgcc.com or call 918-606-4381.
For information, contact Sally Bell at chairman@tulsagop.org
Uninsured will have cars towed in
Individuals driving a car without insurance could have their automobile impounded under legislation filed by state Rep. Steve Martin.
“This bill addresses one of the most consistent demands of voters in my district and across the state. That demand is to get uninsured motorists off of the roads,” said Martin (R-Nowata, Washington, Osage counties). “New technology now allows us to do just that.”
House Bill 2331, authored by Martin with the assistance of the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, takes advantage of a recently activated instant-verification system available to law enforcement officers. The system enables officers to determine within seconds if vehicles are covered by qualifying liability insurance.
“Law enforcement officers in adequately computerized patrol cars can now enter a license tag number into a data base. Eight seconds later they know if the car is insured,” Martin said. “If the patrol car is not computerized, the officer can call the tag number in to his dispatcher and get the same results.”
Under House Bill 2331, if a car is uninsured, it would be seized immediately by the officer and towed to an impoundment lot until all of the requirements of the law are satisfied.
The instant verification system, ordered by an act of the state legislature in 2006, has been created through cooperation of the insurance industry and the State of Oklahoma. It is now fully operational and has been available to law enforcement for several months. Up to this time, however, law enforcement has had no power to seize an uninsured vehicle or to use results of the instant verification system as a primary cause to stop a vehicle. Law enforcement would have both of these tools available upon passage of House Bill 2331. “It has been estimated that one in four cars on Oklahoma roads has no liability insurance in spite of our mandatory insurance law,” Martin said. “We have all heard the tragic stories of victims of uninsured motorists. This is a positive step for the citizens of Oklahoma.”
Obama energy policy hurts America
House Speaker Chris Benge criticized the Obama administration following announced federal energy policy changes this month that could cost American jobs and energy independence.
“We need to be doing everything we can to increase our domestic energy production, not limit it,” said Benge, R-Tulsa. “Our country’s economic and national security depends on reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Increasing regulation on independent, local oil and gas producers does nothing but jeopardize Oklahoma jobs and make our country more reliant on unstable, oil-rich OPEC nations.”
Benge praised Oklahoma’s federal delegation for standing up against the increased regulations on oil and gas drilling on federal lands, and said this is the latest example of a pattern of hostility from the current administration toward the oil and gas industry.
U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, has also criticized the Obama administration’s “continued hypocrisy with regards to American energy policy.”
In a letter to Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar criticizing the policy changes, Boren said he finds it “impossible to stand by silently while these job-killing proposals further hinder our efforts toward energy independence and have devastating effects on families and small businesses across the nation.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” said Benge. “The Obama administration is at best naïve to the benefits of development of domestic energy sources and the high-paying jobs that result from drilling across this country. Or at worst, despite an ongoing national recession and record unemployment, he doesn’t care, instead wanting to pay lip-service to environmentalists. We cannot let the ‘save the planet’ crowd and their environmental doctrine continue to dictate the energy policies of our country. We can be good stewards of the earth without pandering to this environmental theology.”
Benge noted recent policies put in place in Oklahoma work to expand the use of domestic natural gas as a transportation fuel, both increasing the number of vehicles using compressed and liquefied natural gas and the number of natural gas vehicle fueling stations throughout the state.
Citizenship essay contest for seniors
The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) is encouraging all Oklahoma high school seniors to display their writing abilities for a chance to win $12,000 in scholarship prizes. The eleventh annual OCPA Citizenship Essay Contest asks students to write about entrepreneurship. The deadline for entry is February 8.
College-bound students from across the state will address the following: “Why is entreprenuership a foundation of our freedom?”
“Entreprenuership is all about the freedom to take risks and the opportunity to create the wealth that leaves the world a better place,” said Dr. J. Rufus Fears, renowned scholar and perennial essay contest judge. “The Founders of our country were the greatest entreprenuers in history and took the biggest risk that changed history forever.”
Since the contest began, OCPA has awarded nearly $90,000 in tuition scholarship prizes to Oklahoma high school seniors seeking a higher education. This year, 11 colleges and universities in Oklahoma have agreed to match all or a portion of OCPA’s scholarships. They include: Bacone College, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City Community College, Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Rose State College, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Christian University, Southern Nazarene University, and University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
The Citizenship Essay Contest is open to all Oklahoma high school seniors in public, private, and home schools. OCPA will present the top five finalists with scholarship prizes at the 2010 Citizenship Dinner on March 31 in Oklahoma City. The judging panel is comprised of five of Oklahoma’s distinguished professors, elected officials, and community leaders. For more information visit ocpathink.org.
Right to a secret ballot protected
The right to secret-ballot elections would be restored to thousands of municipal employees in Oklahoma under the terms of House Bill 2554, by state Rep. Steve Martin, R-Nowata, Washington, Osage counties.
“Fair and democratic people have always understood the value of the secret ballot election for the integrity of the decision making process,” Martin said. “I believe that the card check system brings with it the possibility of undue pressure and influence on individual employees and it eliminates the opportunity for reason and debate by those in opposition. Oklahomans should have the freedom to vote their conscience in collective bargaining elections just as they do in the selection of all of their elected representatives.”
Qualifying non-uniformed employees of Oklahoma municipalities with populations of more than 35,000 were granted the option of entering into collective bargaining by the Oklahoma Municipal Employee Bargaining Act in 2004. According to the terms of the act, an organization may be certified as the representative of the employees without an election by submission of “written evidence that a majority of the municipal employees have authorized it to represent them for the purposes of collective bargaining.” This system is commonly known as “card check” because employees are usually asked to sign cards indicating their approval instead of casting a secret ballot.
On the national level, the controversial Employee Free Choice Act seeks to make card check the law for collective bargaining certification throughout the United States. Uniformed employees, such as police and firefighters, are not subject to the Oklahoma Municipal Employee Bargaining Act and are guaranteed the right to secret ballot elections in collective bargaining certification decisions.
Humane Society offers free spaying
There are millions more dogs and cats in the United States than there are people willing to provide them with a loving home, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
More than 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters every year. To encourage more pet owners to spay and neuter their pets, the Humane Society of Tulsa is expanding its usual “Spay Day” in February to “Spay Month.” This means HST will be giving away free spays and neuters and pet owners have until February 13 to apply for the free assistance courtesy of local veterinarians. And to make it easier, pet owners can register in person or via the Internet.
“Spay/neuter protects pet health, improves pet behavior and lessens the burden on animal shelters and taxpayers,” says Gina Gardner, president of the Humane Society of Tulsa. “We are inviting our citizens to register for the spay or neuter of at least one animal in honor of Spay Day USA 2010.”
She said the advantages of spaying and neutering include:
• Helping the community. Homeless animals get into the trash and they may attack or bite.
• Spaying or neutering helps control the overpopulation of animals.
• Spaying or neutering also helps reduce the risk of some health problems and can also reduce some behavioral problems in some animals.
To register, stop by the adoption center, 6232 E. 60th St. (near 60th Street and South Sheridan Road), Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or visit www.tulsapets.com
Brogdon: Obama’s Council of Governors a power grab
Gubernatorial candidate state Senator Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, announced his adamant opposition to the Obama administration’s Council of Governors.
“This power grab eliminates the lines between federal and state authority,” Brogdon said. “This move by the administration undoubtedly violates our Tenth Amendment rights as a state.”
The establishment of the Council was directed by the 110th Congress in 2008 by the enactment of Public Law 110-181, Section 1822. However, an executive order was signed by President Obama on January 11 to initiate the action.
The Council of Governors, according to the White House website, will consist of ten governors selected by the President and will work directly with federal military and security agencies on military activities within the United States.
“As governor I would never sit idly by and allow the federal government to usurp power clearly delegated to the State of Oklahoma,” Brogdon said. Brogdon, a longtime defender of states’ Tenth Amendment rights, called on Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry to boycott the Council if called upon, and immediately denounce any further intrusive action on the citizens of this state.
“This is an opportunity for us as a free people to stand up and stand strong for the protection of our freedoms,” Brogdon said.
Bill encourages marital help
Couples would have a greater financial incentive to obtain marriage counseling prior to tying the knot under a bill filed by state Rep. Mark McCullough.
“State government currently spends hundreds of millions of dollars dealing with the fallout of divorce - exponentially more than it does supporting marriage,” said McCullough, R-Sapulpa. “If we can encourage more couples to obtain counseling and carefully consider their decisions before entering into this supposedly life-long commitment, I believe we can drive down our divorce rate, save taxpayer money and improve the lives of thousands of Oklahomans every year.”
House Bill 2634, by McCullough, would require that all couples obtain at least eight hours of pre-marital counseling before they can obtain marriage license.
Couples that obtain the minimum eight hours of counseling would pay $50 for a marriage license.
However, couples that obtain 20-or-more hours of pre-marital counseling would pay only $5 for a marriage license.
A recent study, “The Taxpayer Costs of Divorce and Unwed Childbearing” conservatively estimates divorce has a dramatic impact on the cost of state government (largely through public assistance programs) - up to $430 million annually in Oklahoma.
McCullough said his legislation is a “first step” to driving down those statistics, noting that research has consistently shown premarital counseling has a positive impact on marriages.
The legislation also requires couples with minor children to go through mandatory pre-divorce education classes before a divorce can be granted.
“Every couple with children needs to think hard about the impact their divorce is going to have those children,” McCullough said.
Research also shows children from broken homes are 12 times more likely to be incarcerated, seven times more likely to live in poverty and three times more likely to be expelled and receive lower grades. They also are more susceptible to substance abuse and mental health disorders.
House Bill 2634 would also allow couples to obtain a special “covenant marriage” license. Couples voluntarily choosing a covenant marriage would have to complete marriage counseling at least 15 days prior to applying for a license and would sign a declaration of intent declaring that if the pair “experience marital difficulties, we commit ourselves to take all reasonable efforts to preserve our marriage, including marital counseling.”
Under the bill, couples who have obtained a covenant marriage license can get a divorce for adultery, physical abuse of a spouse or child, abandonment, separation for a period of at least 18 months, and fraud.
Other states - including Louisiana, Arkansas and Arizona - have enacted similar “covenant marriage” laws.
In 2004, research conducted by Jill A. Deines, Laura A. Sanchez (both of Bowling GreenStateUniversity), Steven L. Nock (University of Virginia), and James D. Wright (Central Florida University) found that Louisiana’s covenant marriage law had a positive impact.
The research found the majority of couples with a standard marriage license did not receive pre-marital counseling, compared to 100 percent of couples with a covenant marriage licenses. And, most importantly, the divorce rate among couples with a covenant marriage license at that point was much lower than other couples - just 40 percent of the rate experienced by couples with a standard marriage license.
McCullough noted that other lawmakers, such as state Rep. Sally Kern, have also filed marriage legislation this year, showing legislators are “taking the issue of family fragmentation seriously.”
“By simply making the marriage process more deliberate, it’s been proven that you can help couples avoid mistakes that lead to divorce,” McCullough said. “Given the terrible impact divorce has on both children and parents and its cost to taxpayers, it is time the state provides incentives for strengthening marriages.”
Mulready to run for District 68
Small businessman Glen Mulready announced he will seek the Republican nomination for State House District 68, a seat being vacated by term-limited Speaker of the House Chris Benge.
Mulready, who has worked in the private sector for 26 years, said he has the right qualifications and experience to protect jobs, grow the economy and improve access to health care.
“Today, I own my own small business, serving employers who offer health insurance and benefits to their workers,” he said.
“My experience gives me a comprehensive understanding of what businesses need to succeed. I will work to reduce the bureaucratic red tape and burdensome taxes that hamper investment and prevent expansion.
“Of course, health care reform is on the minds of most Americans and most Oklahomans.
Given my background, I am more than qualified to help lead this issue. I will be a strong advocate for privatized medicine that protects individual freedom and competition in the marketplace. I will stand firm against any form of government run health care.”
Mulready and his wife, Sally, have been married 21 years and have three young sons.
Mulready is a pro-life conservative. He says his strong faith and love for family have shaped his views.
“I have the conservative values shared by so many in our district,” Mulready said. “I support Second Amendment rights, the sanctity of life, and traditional marriage. My parents modeled service and citizenship to me. Serving our state to help move us forward and secure our future is simply the right thing to do.”
Mulready has been active in his church as a youth director, and he is an active community servant, having served on the boards for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Citizens Crime Commission, Shepherds Fold Ranch and others. In 2008, he earned Leadership Tulsa’s Paragon Award for his work with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“As I consider the future of our state, I think of my three small boys and know I want them to grow up in a community that is safe and prosperous so they might choose to raise their families here as well. At the Capitol, I will always act with integrity, honesty and honor, so I can bring pride to our community. I look forward to serving.”
Assistance for early retirement
Career Development Partners is launching a new retirement coaching program called New Horizons. Designed as a program that companies can offer to their eligible employees, New Horizons will help prepare individuals for a successful retirement customized to meet their personal needs.
“Baby boomers are exiting their jobs in significant numbers - some voluntarily as they reach retirement age and some involuntarily as a result of corporate downsizings,” said Travis Jones, chief operating officer of Career Development Partners (CDP) “Regardless of their circumstances, these individuals need assistance in transitioning into retirement whether that means a complete withdrawal from the job market or perhaps crafting a career than enables them to work on part-time basis.”
According to a survey by AARP, 70 percent of baby boomers intend to keep working and earning in retirement. The majority of respondents (65 percent) hoped to find a job with better balance in their work and personal lives, while 75 percent said their ideal job would offer the “opportunity to learn something new.”
“For emerging retirees, this transition from traditional career to something that connects with a personal passion or offers better work-life balance requires a great deal of introspection and evaluation,” said Jones. “The CDP New Horizons program works with participants to identify and plan for new ways of living that speak to individual interests and aspirations.”
In designing the Career Development Partners New Horizons program, the company partnered with retirement experts Retirement Options to integrate Career Partners International (CPI - www.cpiworld.com ) and Career Development Partners expertise and experience in executive coaching, professional search, outplacement and career transitions with Retirement Option’s specialized materials and coach certification processes.
“Companies today are looking for ways to meet the unique needs of the Baby Boomer employee, especially as he or she transitions out of the organization,” said Jones. “That individual has a wealth of knowledge and experience that can enrich their retirement years. The Career Development Partners New Horizons program delivers an innovative coaching experience that enables emerging retirees to design a future that takes full advantage of personal dreams and financial realities.”
Jones has four members of the Career Development Partners team that are Certified Life Options Coaches.
Career Partners International (CPI) is one of the world’s largest providers of talent management solutions with more than 160 offices in 20 countries around the world and serving every state in the United States.
Established in 1987, CPI focuses on talent management, outplacement and executive coaching services backed by the expertise and experience of more than 1,600 highly trained professionals. (www.cpiworld.com).
Career Development Partners is the only certified member of CPI in Oklahoma and Arkansas with offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Northwest Arkansas.