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State Senator Chris Kidd Announces Re-election Campaign

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News Release
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Waurika, OK- Current State Senator and former public school teacher, Chris Kidd, is proud to announce his re-election campaign for Senate District 31.  

“We’ve had a great four years and I can’t tell you how proud I am to have served the hard-working and generous people of this community,” says Kidd.  “I took every opportunity to stand up for our values, find real solutions to everyday problems, and I’m ready to keep fighting.”

Chris grew up on his family farm, where he is still involved in the day to day operations, and understands that agriculture is the backbone of our rural communities.  “As your State Senator, I believe we must stand up for our rural communities for them to thrive. This includes increased support for our farms, public school systems, and rural healthcare needs.” 

Senator Kidd has also been an outspoken advocate for law enforcement and first responders, authoring legislation to provide them with the needed resources to keep our communities safe. 

While in the State Senate, Chris served on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education as the Vice-Chair, in addition to the Education Committee, Agriculture and Wildlife, Veterans and Military Affairs, and Committee Membership.  He has proven he is dedicated to finding ways to move our state forward. 

“I’m looking forward to earning the vote of my constituents once again.  It has been an honor to serve each of you and I look forward to the work we can continue to do on behalf of Senate District 31 and Southwest Oklahoma.” 

Chris Kidd married his wife Linsdey in 2019 and is grateful to his family for their continued support as he launches his re-election campaign. 

GOVERNOR STITT ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER, IMPLEMENTS ACTIONS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

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News Release
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OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 16, 2020)— Governor Kevin Stitt today joined Commissioner of Health Lance Frye to announce Seventh Amended Executive Order 2020-20, which increases safety measures for restaurants, bars and state employees in Oklahoma to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.   


“Throughout the entire battle against COVID-19, my first priority has been to protect the health and lives of Oklahomans,” said Gov. Stitt. “Two other things are also very important to me. We’re going to keep businesses open safely and we’re going to work to get all kids back in school safely by the end of Christmas Break. However, it’s going to take everyone working together to meet these goals.”   

The new action items under Seventh Amended EO 2020-20 include:    

  • Starting Thursday, Nov. 19, all restaurants will be required to space tables at least six feet apart, unless tables, booths and bar areas are separated by sanitized dividers.  
  • Starting Thursday, Nov. 19, all bars and restaurants will be required to close by 11 p.m. No in-person service of food or alcohol will be allowed after 11 p.m. except for restaurant drive-thru windows or curbside pickup. 
  • Starting Tuesday, Nov. 17, all 33,000 state employees under the executive branch will be required to wear a mask in common areas or when they’re around other people. Allvisitors to state agency buildings will also be required to wear a mask. (The Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate also announced today masks will be required for employees and visitors at the State Capitol.) 

“These aren’t our first actions, and they won’t be our last,” continued Gov. Stitt. “Based on the data in our state – specifically the rise in hospitalizations – now is the time to do more. Each one of us has a role to play in this fight. I need every Oklahoman to think about what they can do to slow the spread.”   

The Oklahoma Restaurant Association expressed the industry’s support of the new action items announced today by the governor.   

“We appreciate the leadership of Governor Stitt during these challenging times and the efforts being made to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Oklahoma Restaurant Association and its members want to do our part and at the same time allow our industry to operate safely to protect the health of our employees and customers. We are all in this together and our industry is ready to do its part,” said President and CEO Jim Hopper and Chairman Kurt Fleischfresser in a joint statement.  

The governor and Dr. Frye also stressed the importance for Oklahomans to continue to take precautions seriously ahead of the holiday season.   

“The governor and I have said countless times to wear a mask, watch your distance and wash your hands, and it is critical that you do,” said Dr.Frye. “As we look ahead to Thanksgiving, please don’t forget to practice these safety measures. Small things can make a difference, and Oklahomans are encouraged to be mindful of how you gather this holiday season to ensure the safety of your loved ones and neighbors.”  

Gov. Stitt also reiterated his call for all Oklahomans to do the right thing and wear a mask, watch their distance from others and wash their hands frequently. 

President Pro Tem-designate Greg Treat files bill creating legislative watchdog office

By
Curtis Plant
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Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) will evaluate agency spending and performance

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tem-designate Greg Treat on Thursday filed legislation to create a legislative fiscal watchdog office to help lawmakers better fulfill their oversight role of state agency spending and performance.

Senate Bill 1 creates the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) to provide the Legislature with objective, verified data lawmakers can then use as they consider and make critical policy decisions.

“Real numbers and objective data will help the Oklahoma Legislature make better-informed decisions when writing the state budget, setting policy, and tracking whether programs are meeting or exceeding our expectations,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.

“The most important duty the Legislature has is to write the budget and provide oversight of agency spending and performance. In most cases, the Legislature depends on the agency itself or the executive branch to report data on spending and performance. Agencies present only the data they want us to see not necessarily what we need to see. Agencies tend to focus more on outputs and not outcomes. That’s not how we are going to turn Oklahoma around. The Legislature needs independent, objective data so that we can make better-informed decisions,” Treat said.

Key parts of SB 1:

  • LOFT will conduct performance evaluations of agencies, programs, or specific divisions;
  • LOFT would have open access to all agency data and budgets;
  • LOFT would be overseen by a bicameral, bipartisan committee;
  • LOFT would have six to eight independent, nonpartisan office staff;
  • Data gathered by and reports produced by LOFT would be available to the public.

Treat pointed to the recent Health Department scandal as one of the best reasons why an office like LOFT is needed.

“Last year, the Legislature was told the Health Department needed $30 million immediately or they agency couldn’t make payroll and there would be catastrophic public health implications. As we know now, the department didn’t need the money and the agency’s finances were in shambles. That is unacceptable and must not continue,” Treat said.

“Well more than half of the states have a legislative oversight office like LOFT. It helps provide accountability and oversight among the branches of government. The legislative, executive, and judicial are co-equal branches of government. They serve as a check on one another’s power. We need an independent, nonpartisan office like LOFT to provide the Legislature with real numbers as we make decisions on how to get the best outcomes and returns on each and every tax dollar,” Treat said.

From Senator Chris Kidd

By
Chris Kidd
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Work is steadily ramping up again as interim studies are getting underway in preparation for the next legislative session.  These are all public meetings and can be watched live on the Senate website.

 I’ve been getting a lot of questions about two issues I’d like to discuss in this column.

1. The audit of the Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs

2. Nursing home closures around the state and in our district.

 The VA audit was released at the beginning of August.  The audit revealed there is a serious lack of communication throughout the agency as well as low employee morale.  The communication problem became apparent when constituents were unaware of recent rule changes at the Lawton-Ft. Sill Veterans Center, until the changes had already taken place. It was even more apparent and troubling; I too was unaware of any rule or policy changes until I was informed of these changes by concerned constituents. This proved to me the findings of the audit were accurate. I feel our state agencies should always communicate any policy or rule changes clearly and effectively with the legislature especially when changes are made that have a direct impact on the citizens of our state, moreover, changes that impact those who have served and defended our country, our veterans.  

 Please know that I am working with the ODVA and its administration to address the issues and find solutions concerning our veteran’s centers, especially the Lawton-Ft. Sill Veteran’s Center. Our veterans deserve our respect, honor and only the best care. 

 The second issue I’d like to discuss is Oklahoma’s nursing home industry.  Within the last few months, several of our states long-term care facilities have closed their doors due to a lack of adequate funding. It is critical and of utmost importance that we make a significant investment in our nursing home industry or face many more closures around the state.  Not only will this displace hundreds of residents, but hundreds of working Oklahomans will lose their jobs.  What’s even more concerning is rural Oklahoma will feel the brunt of this problem where jobs are few and places of employment are scarce. 

 For the last several years our state has had to deal with deficient budgets, resulting in a lack of investment that has left the state ranked as one of the worst for nursing care facility funding.  We can and we must do better.

 The AARP recently ranked our state’s nursing homes as some of the worst in the nation based on several factors for quality of care.  The report ranks Oklahoma lowest in the country of nursing care per resident per day nationwide.  In addition, our senior citizen population is growing at an alarming rate.  The number of citizens 85 or older is expected to increase by 38% or 95,000 from 2015.    We must do all we can to prevent the closure of nursing homes and strengthen this industry for future generations.

I’m pleased to say that the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, in collaboration with state and legislative leadership, are giving the first across-the-board reimbursement rate increases since 2009 to long-term care and other SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) providers.  The increases will go into effect October 1.  Long-term care facility provider rates will be increased by four percent and three percent for other certain contracted provider types or groups.  The three percent will put SoonerCare physician rates at around 89 percent of the Medicare physician fee schedule.  It will also impact most provider types like hospitals and pharmacies. While this is a positive step, it’s my hope we once again increase funding to our long-term care facilities to a level that accurately reflects the true cost of care for nursing home residents during the next legislative session.

 It’s important to note that no new state funds, carryover or one-time funds were used for these increases.  Instead, because of SB 1605, the increases will be funded through program and administrative savings and record drug rebate collections. 

This is a step in the right direction for providing better care to our elderly and disabled.  Like our veterans, they deserve only the highest quality of service.

 At the State Senate, I can be reached by writing to Senator Chris Kidd, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 411A, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, emailing me at kidd@oksenate.gov, or by calling (405) 521-5563 and speaking to my assistant Suzanne Earnest.

GOVERNOR-ELECT KEVIN STITT ANNOUNCES TRANSITION TEAM

By
Baylee Lakey
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (Nov. 13, 2018) – Governor-elect Kevin Stitt today announced formation of Oklahoma’s Turnaround, the transition team for the Stitt administration.

The transition team will work with Governor-elect Stitt to recruit Oklahomans to serve in a Stitt administration and to build out Oklahoma’s Turnaround transition team to include issue-centered advisory committees on the following seven topics: Education, Economic Growth, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Health, Public Safety, and Native American Partnerships.

Oklahoma’s Turnaround Team will develop policy proposals for the upcoming legislative session, prepare the governor-elect’s budget proposal, and ensure an orderly transition to the new administration.

“I am grateful for the talented Oklahomans who are rolling up their sleeves and already getting to work on making our state Top Ten. The transition team will be focused on recruiting fresh, new leadership to assist in Oklahoma’s turnaround,” said Governor-elect Kevin Stitt. “Over the next week, we will be expanding the team to include committees focused on policy priorities for the first Legislative session.”

For those interested in applying for Oklahoma’s Turnaround or to serve in a Stitt administration, Oklahomans are encouraged to visitwww.OklahomaTurnaround.com.

The executive team is as follows:

Marc Nuttle will serve as chair of the transition team. Nuttle is a lawyer, author, consultant and businessman who has had a varied career. He has represented and advised Presidents of the United States, leaders of foreign countries, state officials and corporations. Nuttle has worked on government policy and has predicted economic trends.

Matt Pinnell is Lieutenant Governor-elect. Pinnell is a small business owner with his wife, Lisa. Most recently, Pinnell was tapped to lead the transition team for Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel. Prior, Pinnell served as Director of State Parties for the Republican National Committee from 2013 to 2017 and served as Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party from 2010 to 2013.

Melissa Houston serves as Labor Commissioner, appointed in 2015. Before serving as labor commissioner, Houston was chief of staff and policy adviser in the state attorney general’s office. She has also served as the chief of staff for the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security for nine years and an attorney for the Truth in Sentencing Policy Advisory Commission.

Aamon Ross was the Campaign Manager for Stitt for Governor 2018. Before serving as Campaign Manager, he was a consultant to a variety of companies and industries and negotiated large scale contracts. Additionally, Ross has owned several small businesses and led numerous teams while working in medical device sales for over 14 years.

Sean Kouplen is Chairman and CEO of Regent Bank in Tulsa. Kouplen holds numerous statewide leadership positions including Chairman of the OSU-Tulsa Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Hospitality House of Tulsa, and Board of Directors for MetaFund, Salvation Army of Tulsa, and SouthPoint Church.

Mike Mazzei is the President of Tulsa Wealth Advisors | Raymond James. Mazzei is a former member of the State Senate, representing Senate District 25 from 2004 to 2016. Mazzei previously served as the Senate Finance Chairman from 2008 to 2016.

Corbin McGuire served as Chairman for the Stitt for Governor campaign. McGuire started RNM Recruiting 14 years ago and serves as Managing Director. RNM Recruiting is a technology search firm that focuses on permanent placements nationwide. Corbin graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1995 and currently resides in Tulsa.

Geoffrey Long was general counsel for the Stitt for Governor campaign and will serve as the General Counsel to the transition team. Before entering private practice, he previously served as an attorney for the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, Oklahoma Attorney General, and other state agencies.

Donelle Harder was Deputy Campaign Manager and spokesperson for the Stitt for Governor campaign. Before joining the campaign, Harder was Vice President at the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association and had previously served as Communications Director for U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. She comes with more than 10 years of experience in political advising, strategic communications, and government relations.

The transition office is scheduled to open on Thursday. The office is located on the first floor of the State Capitol and will be open Mondays thru Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for on holidays. The transition office phone number is 405-522-8804.

From Senator Chris Kidd March 15 2018

By
Chris Kidd
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This week is the deadline for floor work on Senate bills.

I have five remaining bills (SB 1364, 1365, 1369, 1372 & 1488) that will be taken up by the full Senate this week. 

            Work is continuing on the FY’19 budget.  The Senate decided, in order to be as thorough as possible, to bring back the largest state agencies and a few others based on their budget requests for a second round of budget hearings in light of recent revenue updates.  Typically, budget hearings are held by appropriations subcommittees during the interim. A second round of hearings will allow the full Senate to learn more about the agencies’ spending practices and budgeting needs. 

            To date, we’ve heard from the Departments of Education, Mental Health and Human Services, CareerTech, the Ethics Commission, OHCA and the State Regents.  Their presentations are available on the Senate website under Committees and Appropriations. 

            The State Treasurer announced this past week that revenues are continuing to grow, which is great news but we must continue working to improve the budgeting system and strengthen our economy. 

            It is important we find new and reoccurring revenue so we may continue to fund core services. It’s equally important to find structural budget reforms.   This past week, the Senate approved a series of apportionment or “off-the-top” reforms.  This is money is taken out of the General Revenue Fund (GRF) and put directly towards certain programs.  Over time, this has been done to ensure a certain level of funding for these programs but it has tied the legislature’s hands during economic downturns.  Being that the funding is protected in statute, the legislature can’t just go in and move money when the state is experiencing extreme shortfalls like those experienced the last few years.   The legislature appropriates only 45 percent of the state’s total revenue.

These reforms will cap numerous apportionments streams at a three-year average and direct any money collected in excess of that be deposited into the GRF.

           A major milestone in criminal justice reform was reached this past week as well.  The governor, legislative leaders and district attorneys announced an agreement to advance six criminal justice reform measures this session, as well as develop a coordinating council to oversee future criminal justice reform efforts.  If approved, these measures will ensure more Oklahomans are productive, taxpaying citizens rather than costing the state through incarceration.  The bills will also help significantly slow the projected growth in corrections’ cost.  The savings can then be reinvested in education, health care and mental health programs that will yield further positive results for our citizens and our state.

Senate Republicans respect teachers and believe they deserve a pay raise. We have repeatedly passed revenue plans to fund a $5,000 teacher pay raise but they have failed in the House. The Senate will continue to work to find a solution. I’m confident we will find a way to pay our teachers what they deserve.

            We’ve been fortunate to have outstanding pages so far.  I want to thank Central senior Conner Kern and Walters senior Shalyn Bowles for taking time away from their studies to come help us at the state Capitol.

            At the State Senate, I can be reached by writing to Senator Chris Kidd, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 411A, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, emailing me at kidd@oksenate.gov, or by calling (405) 521-5563 and speaking to my assistant Suzanne Earnest.

Capitol Considerations

By
Chris Kidd
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with Sen. Chris Kidd

 Oklahoma has received some good news in recent weeks.  In 2004, the state had the 49th worst highway bridge system in the nation with nearly 1,200 (of 6,800) considered structurally deficient.  That number has decreased to only 86 highway bridges needing major rehabilitation or replacement, which are all scheduled in ODOT’s Eight-Year Plan. Oklahoma now ranks 9th nationally according to the Federal Highway Administration giving the state a Top Ten status for the first time in state history.

 The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also approved Oklahoma for the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program, which will provide an additional $300 a week for unemployed Oklahomans. This replaces the $600 per week that workers received under Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which expired the last week of July. 

 If you’re still waiting for unemployment for dates prior to August, you’ll receive the $600 extra and then the $300 will kick in for dates after that.  Again, please contact my office if you’re having trouble securing your unemployment.  We’re here to help you however we can.

 Our state economy is slowly recovering.  Unemployment rates are lowering, and our July General Revenue Fund (GRF) collections came in nearly $69 million or 9.5% above the monthly estimate at $790.5 million. This was also $290.8 million higher than July 2019 collections. While this was mainly caused by the delayed income taxes and deferred first-quarter payments, it’s still promising news. We must proceed cautiously, though, as the energy and business sectors continue to struggle.  There are still companies facing closure and some considering furloughs and layoffs. On the flipside, there are also companies expanding and relocating to Oklahoma.  Leaders have been working hard in recent years to ensure Oklahoma is a business-friendly state and has the workforce and other assets needed to attract companies.

 One area that needs improvement is our broadband capability statewide. This past session, we approved the Rural Broadband Expansion Act, which created a council to study access around the state.  One of the first things companies look at when considering relocation is a state’s connectivity.  It has also become painfully obvious this year with so many citizens trying to file for unemployment online, people teleworking and many schools going virtual that Oklahoma needs to improve its broadband access. In today’s digital world, everyone must have access to the internet. The 13-member council will work to create a strategic plan to improve connectivity statewide. They will submit their annual report and recommendations by January 31.

 The Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) also announced its work plan for the current fiscal year, which was approved by its legislative oversight committee. LOFT was created in 2019 to provide the legislature with more in-depth evaluations of state agency budgets and program performance without duplicating work conducted by legislative staff. 

The work plan is modeled on a similar one in Mississippi and will be divided into three categories including –

1)  Rapid response evaluations (90-100 days) – special requests from the oversight committee to inform immediate funding or policy decisions for the legislature.

2)  Priority program evaluations (6-8 months) – part of the work plan included in the annual report provided before the beginning of the legislative session.

3) Secondary program evaluations (long-term) – analysis of large state agencies and programs based on funding and impact.

 LOFT will conduct 7-12 evaluations each year. This fall, they’ll be evaluating the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC), the Board of Equalization, and the Department of Health and use of COVID funding by state health programs.  They’ll also analyze state agency and higher education institutions’ COVID funding allocation, reimbursement and utilization. 

 The office has a full schedule in the coming months, and I look forward to reading their findings in January. The work plan is available at www.okloft.gov.                                                                    

 In closing, please be sure to participate in the 2020 Census. The deadline for self-reporting is Wed., Sept. 30.  Your participation will determine federal funding for your local community, county and the state for vital government programs like healthcare, education and transportation.  You can fill yours out at www.2020Census.gov or by calling 1-844-330-2020.

 Thank you again for the privilege of serving our district and the State of Oklahoma in the Senate. If I can be of any assistance, you can reach me at (405) 521-5563 or Chris.Kidd@oksenate.gov.

Senate Pro Tem comments on court’s ruling on SQ 799 referendum petition

By
Curtis Plant
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, released the following comment regarding the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling on State Question 799 and referendum petition:

“I am pleased the Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected the effort to repeal HB 1010xx. The Legislature took extraordinary steps in passing HB 1010xx and it is absolutely necessary to fully fund the largest teacher pay raise in state history and the significant increase in education funding passed this session. We should all now turn our focus toward working for the resources and reforms necessary to support our teachers and ensure our children get the best education possible.”

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT APPOINTS STEVE BUCK AS SECRETARY OF HUMAN SERVICES & EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES

By
Curtis Plant
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Oklahoma City, Okla. (February 15, 2019) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today the appointment of Steve Buck as the Secretary of Human Services and Early Childhood Initiatives, a cabinet position that requires Senate confirmation.

“Steve has a proven track record for bringing together a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the most vulnerable in our state are taken care of and given opportunities for a bright future,” said Stitt. “Steve’s passion and vision to continue to improve Oklahoma’s services supporting children and families will play a critical role on the cabinet as we work to move the entire state forward.”

As secretary of human services and early childhood initiatives, Buck is responsible for 34 agencies, boards and commissions, including the Department of Human Services and Oklahoma Juvenile Affairs (OJA). He previously served the state as secretary of health and human services under the Fallin administration.

As OJA’s executive director, Buck is responsible for the overall management of the agency’s operated and contracted programs and services. He works directly with the agency’s governing board to facilitate agency priorities, planning and operational performance. Before joining OJA, Buck served nine years as deputy commissioner for communications and prevention at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Prior to that, he worked 10 years for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness in multiple roles, including national director of state policy and executive director of NAMI Oklahoma. Buck and his wife, Lisa, have four daughters and two sons. A native Oklahoman, he is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and a masters in administration leadership from the University of Oklahoma.

“Steven Buck is a champion of children and families; a proven leader who brings an extensive scope of experience to Oklahoma as a wonderful steward of people and physical resources. I know him to be a person of integrity who exemplifies a heart for all Oklahomans and a passion to ensure that our most vulnerable citizens receive the services they need most. He is a convener, a collaborator and a servant leader, bringing together foster providers, parents, governmental agencies, mental health services, the judicial system, and the public-at-large. He is truly among Oklahoma’s greatest treasures and will be a wonderful addition to the Governor’s cabinet.” – Karen Vinyard Waddell, Former DHS Commissioner; Chair, Count Me In 4 Kids, and President/CEO, the Lynn Institutes 

“I have had the pleasure of working with Director Buck in his many leadership roles in our state.  He has always approached his work with a heart of service and is uniquely qualified to be secretary of human services and early childhood initiatives.  Steven’s passion for people, particularly children is unmatched.  Governor Stitt couldn’t have picked a better person to advise him on these issues.” – Scott C. Martin, President/CEO, Norman Chamber of Commerce

“I have known and worked with Steve Buck for many years.  I consider him a transformational leader, an innovative thinker, a truly principled, transparent individual, an unwavering advocate for children and families and a valuable partner who is always willing to think outside the box.  As Governor Stitt reimagines Oklahoma’s future, Steve will be an invaluable asset as secretary of human services and early childhood initiatives.  Huge thanks to Governor Stitt for appointing Steve Buck to fight for the children and families of Oklahoma.” – Sarah Roberts, Senior Program Officer, Inasmuch Foundation 

“Steve is a man of integrity and a selfless individual. Through my association with him for some 30 years, I have found him to have a servant’s heart and an ability to communicate with all he comes in contact. He will serve our state well.” – Phil Kennedy, Owner and President, Comanche Home Center, Lawton 

“I couldn’t be more excited for Director Steven Buck’s appointment to Governor Stitt’s cabinet as secretary of human services and early childhood initiatives. Steve’s work is not a job, but rather a calling. As a true advocate for youth and justice, Mr. Buck will unquestionably make a positive difference for our state.” – Lee Roland, Author, Public Speaker and Education Consultant

Sen. Nathan Dahm calls on legislature to correct years of veto decisions

By
Curtis Plant
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0

‘Over the last eight years we have seen decisions from the governor that are out of step with the will of the people, with the Republican party platform, and with the Constitution.’—Sen. Nathan Dahm

Broken Arrow, OK – Sen. Nathan Dahm has started the process for legislators to call themselves back into session to pass legislation vetoed by Gov. Mary Fallin.

“Over the last eight years we have seen decisions from the governor that are out of step with the will of the people, with the Republican Party platform, and with the Constitution,” said Dahm, R-Broken Arrow. “We have seen Governor Fallin use her veto pen to kill bills that would have brought transparency and accountability to government, reined in out of control agency rules, get parents more involved in education, restore our Second Amendment rights, return local control back to communities, secure parental rights in healthcare decisions, streamline and modernize state government, restore private property rights, change the budgeting system for long term planning, and more. This would afford us the opportunity to correct those mistakes without having to wait another year to do so.”

In order to enter a special session, two-thirds of both the House and the Senate must agree to return.

“The Oklahoma Constitution allows for the Legislature to call itself back into session with two-thirds of both the House and the Senate. It appears likely we will return back to the Capitol for at least one more special session this summer or fall. If we will be returning for another session, it would seem an opportune time to simultaneously deal with these measures the Governor has vetoed,” Dahm said.

So far, the following members have already signed on to the resolution: Reps. Sean Roberts; Greg Babinec; Bobby Cleveland; Jeff Coody; Jon Echols; George Faught; Tom Gann; Lewis Moore; Zack Taylor; Kevin West; Rick West; Mark Lawson; and Sens. Nathan Dahm; Josh Brecheen; James Leewright; and Anthony Sykes.

Dahm has the first ever veto override of a Republican governor by a Republican legislature in state history. In 2014 Fallin vetoed HB2461, a pro-Second Amendment bill supported by the NRA, OK2A, and other gun rights groups when she included the bill in a group of vetoes in an attempt to force the legislature to focus on her preferred agenda items. The Legislature overrode the veto in a historic move and by doing so furthered Second Amendment protections that would have otherwise been stalled by Fallin.

Dahm represents Oklahoma’s 33rd district. He was first elected in 2012.

For more information, contact Sen. Nathan Dahm, 405-521-5551 or dahm@oksenate.gov.

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