Gift cards for health care?

Daily Oklahoman, March 30, 2007
"Gift cards proposed for health"
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Feeling good? Go shopping — on the state.
Democrats in the state Senate want to give publicly insured patients $20 gift cards to stores such as Target as an incentive to follow their doctor's orders.
[...]

Interesting article in Norman Transcript

The Norman Transcript, March 28, 2007
"School nurse deal between schools, hospital called 'model'"
Norman Public Schools have never had a school nurse at every school site to take care of the district's more than 13,000 students.
But in a deal that was called a potential nationwide "model" by NPS and Norman Regional Hospital administrators, the two entities announced officially Tuesday that they will collaborate to put health professionals back into Norman schools.
David Whitaker, NRH president and CEO, said at a press conference called Tuesday by the hospital and school system that the idea started several months ago.
"What we have created is a model of community collaboration," Whitaker said.
[...]

Around the State

Tulsa World, March 28, 2007
"Millions in miracles"
A world-class research and treatment center for diabetes is one step closer thanks to the generosity of an Enid couple who donated $7 million to help the University of Oklahoma build the facility.
Construction on the center could begin as early as 2008.
More than 200,000 Oklahomans have the disease, including OU President David Boren, who has Type II diabetes. Another 600,000 have pre-diabetic conditions, putting the disease at almost epidemic proportions. Oklahoma's high obesity rate has made children particularly vulnerable for a type of the disease.
[...]

Daily Oklahoman, March 28, 2007
"Lawmakers seek lottery reform"
Recent lottery shortfalls have led a number of lawmakers and party officials to try to reform the system.
Rep. Joe Dorman said Tuesday he will seek to amend a bill to require the state to set aside money collected from the lottery for one year, with the money to be disbursed the following year. This would allow lawmakers to know exactly how much money is there, instead of appropriations based on projected revenues.
[...]

Daily Oklahoman, March 28, 2007
"Mini-oil boom lifts state economy"
It's a good time to be in the oil and gas industry in Oklahoma.
Income growth from the Oil Patch propelled the state to the third-best growth rate in personal income in 2006, according to preliminary figures from the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis released Tuesday.
[...]

Tulsa World, March 27, 2007
"Ethics panel concerned over bills"
The State Ethics Commission is afraid it will go broke if the Legislature passes bills imposing more duties without giving the agency additional money.
Commissioners met in special ses sion Monday at the state Capitol to discuss their plight.
"Is the Legislature trying to starve us out?" Commissioner John Raley of Ponca City asked.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 23, 2007
"House Judiciary and Public Safety chair concerned by Meacham's opposition to outside prison audit"
State Treasurer Scott Meacham has failed to budget appropriately for costs at the Department of Corrections over the past several years, a state lawmaker said Friday. Now, bizarrely, Meacham is opposing an outside audit to clean up the mess he helped create in Oklahoma's prisons.
Meacham has consistently low-balled budget estimates for the Department of Corrections by millions of dollars each year. In each case, the Legislature appropriated millions more for state prisons than recommended by the executive branch, and then had to make supplemental appropriations on top of that year after year.
[...]

House Leader Opposes Education Funding Cut

Oklahoma House of Representatives
House Speaker Pro Tempore Gus Blackwell vowed today to oppose a plan that would slash the amount of lottery funds going to state schools.
"Whether you voted to create the lottery or opposed it, everyone should agree that lottery funds are earmarked for education," said Blackwell, R-Goodwell. "Because a majority of people voted this into law, I am sworn to uphold that law and oppose any effort to divert that money. And Governor Henry, as the state's biggest lottery booster, must ensure its operations start living up to the promises he made to children, families and teachers."
Oklahoma law requires that education programs receive 35 percent of lottery proceeds beginning in the third year of operation. However, Oklahoma Lottery Commission Executive Director Jim Scroggins recently said lawmakers should divert a significant portion of that money and use it to increase the size of lottery prizes.
[...]

Around the Nation

Charleston Post and Courier, March 26, 2007
"Scholarships vs. school buses?"
When the South Carolina Legislature needs money to keep the nation's oldest public school bus fleet on the road, it occasionally dips into cash raised by the S.C. Education Lottery - $51.5 million since 2002.
That's money that could have been used to send 10,300 of the state's best and brightest students to college with $5,000 education lottery scholarships - the lottery is designed largely to help students attend college.
So why is the money spent on school buses instead of scholarships?
[...]

The Seattle Times, March 26, 2007
"Legislature likely to let electric cars speed up"
Geneva Sullivan loves almost everything about her electric car — the way it looks, its quiet power, the fact it doesn't belch fumes. She just wishes it could go faster.
"I was so concerned I had lettering put on the back, so people would know I can only go 25 miles per hour," said Sullivan, whose company, Espresso Vivace, uses the car to haul coffee beans to its stores around Seattle. "I sure would like it to go 35 mph."
[...]

Providence Journal, March 26, 2007
"Proposal for full-time legislature resurfaces political scene"
The perennial proposal to take Rhode Island’s legislature full time has resurfaced, and this year’s incarnation would pay each lawmaker $85,000 a year. Pay for the House speaker and the Senate president would be $145,000 a year. The pay rates would be adjusted annually “to reflect changes in the cost of living, as determined by the United States government,” and lawmakers would continue to receive state-paid health insurance.
Sen. Frank A. Ciccone III, D-Providence, introduced the proposal Tuesday. It would require a constitutional amendment, so it would have to be put before voters in a statewide referendum.
[...]

Gainesville Sun, March 26, 2007
"Legislature to consider Crist's $20 million proposal on stem cells"
The debate over the promise and potential problems of stem cell research is likely to move to the floor of the Florida Legislature this week.
Lawmakers will consider a proposal by Gov. Charlie Crist to allot $20 million for one year for projects involving stem cell research and regenerative medicine. The catch: No projects would be eligible for funds if they used embryonic stem cells harvested from human embryos.
[...]

Concord Monitor, March 23, 2007
"Lynch unveils school amendment"
Gov. John Lynch yesterday proposed amending the state constitution to give lawmakers specific instructions on how to pay for public schools: by defining an adequate education, determining the cost and funding at least half with state money.
The state Supreme Court would still be allowed to decide whether the Legislature was following those instructions, but lawmakers could distribute the money however they saw fit, paving the way for a plan that would target aid to the neediest school districts. Lynch, a Democrat, has touted that plan since running for office three years ago, although it has been struck down by courts in the past.
[...]

The Richmond Times-Dispatch, March 24, 2007
"New law restricts teen cell phone use"
That's the latest order from the General Assembly and Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.
Beginning July 1, drivers younger than 18 will be prohibited from using cell phones or other wireless devices.
Violators will be fined $50 for breaking the new law passed by the General Assembly and signed yesterday by Kaine.
[...]

Detroit Free Press, March 24, 2007
"Plan to ax Detroit schools rejected"
The rejection of a plan Friday to close more than two dozen schools in Detroit was met with enthusiastic applause from parents, but the school board's action leaves the district's financial picture cloudy and the jobs of 1,800 employees in jeopardy.
The board voted 6-5 to reject the plan, which would have closed 26 school buildings this year and possibly nine more in 2008.
[...]

Seattle Times, March 24, 2007
"Chertof visits state to endorse security-enhanced driver's IDs"
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff visited Seattle on Friday to help Gov. Christine Gregoire kick off a pilot program that will allow Washington state residents to use a security-enhanced driver's license, rather than a passport, to travel to and from Canada.
Chertoff predicted the new licenses will help meet the department's dual goals of enhancing security and reducing wait-times at the border.
[...]

Interesting story on "crazy" ideas and global warming

Fox News, March 20, 2007
"Crazy-sounding ideas may help combat global warming"
Crazy-sounding ideas for saving the planet are getting a serious look from top scientists, a sign of their fears about global warming and the desire for an insurance policy in case things get worse.
How crazy?
There's the man-made "volcano" that shoots gigatons of sulfur high into the air. The space "sun shade" made of trillions of little reflectors between Earth and sun, slightly lowering the planet's temperature.
The forest of ugly artificial "trees" that suck carbon dioxide out of the air. And the "Geritol solution" in which iron dust is dumped into the ocean.

Around the State

Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 19, 2007
"House leaders highlight conservative accomplishments in bipartisan budget agreement"
With the announcement of a historic bipartisan state budget agreement, House GOP leaders highlighted key portions of the accord that will speed up tax relief for working families – providing $90.5 million in tax cuts over the next two years. The agreement meets the April 1 Fund Education First deadline for the first time, and also represents one of the earliest agreements in history on funding for a comprehensive state budget.
Speaker Lance Cargill also pointed to the fiscally-restrained limits of the agreement: more than half the state agencies included in the general appropriations portion of the agreement will receive a less than one percent increase, and other agencies will receive less than two percent increases. Only vital state services – such as education, public safety and transportation – will receive a more than two percent increase.
[...]

Oklahoma State Senate, March 20, 2007
"GOP leaders praise Oklahoma Senate's unanimous passage of 'historic' budget bill"
Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee and Appropriations Committee Co-Chairman Mike Johnson praised the unanimous passage by the Oklahoma Senate of HB 1234, a general appropriations bill, on Tuesday.
“The Legislature has a constitutional duty to appropriate money, and we have worked very hard to develop this carefully balanced, bipartisan budget agreement. When Gov. Henry returns from his Spring Break vacation, we are confident he will like what he sees in this historic agreement,” stated Coffee, R-Oklahoma City.
[...]

Daily Oklahoman, March 21, 2007
"Governor suggests line-item veto after House passes budget"
Gov. Brad Henry suggested he may use his veto pen on much of a $6.9 billion general appropriations bill that was passed by the Oklahoma House Wednesday, one day after the bill was unanimously approved in the state Senate.
"I will not hesitate to use my line-item veto authority where it is necessary to protect taxpayers' interests," Henry said in a statement after the House passed the measure in a bipartisan 84-16 vote and sent it to the governor for his signature.
[...]

Tulsa World, March 22, 2007
"Business Viewpoint: Oklahoma nanotechnology attracting national attention"
By Thomas Kupiec
Nanotechnology may be a vague, futuristic concept to some people. To me, it's very real. It's very important. And it's very today.
As a member of Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative Advisory Board, I know that nanotechnology is already having an impact on many products -- from prosthetics to clothing to sports gear to medical treatments and diagnosis.
[...]

Oklahoma State Senate, March 20, 2007
"Senate committee approves bill to change statute of limitations"
The Senate Judiciary Committee has given approval to a measure to ensure the statute of limitations on “accessory” crimes is the same as in the substantive crime in a particular case. Sen. Charles Wyrick, D-Fairland, is Senate author of House Bill 1285. Wyrick explained the bill came as the result of the murder of a baby in his district.
“At the time there was no evidence that could be used to prove the baby was murdered, but years later the mother confessed and her boyfriend confessed he’d lied about the crime to police,” Wyrick said. “She could still be charged in the crime, but the statute of limitations on charging him as an accessory had run out.”
[...]

Oklahoma State House of Representatives, March 19, 2007
"Miss America Lauren Nelson and legislative leaders promote tougher restrictions on internet predators"
Newly crowned Miss America Lauren Nelson held a press event with state legislative leaders Monday to promote legislation placing increased restrictions on those who prey on children online.
"Internet safety is a timely issue that’s not always at the forefront of our thinking, so my job as Miss America is to promote awareness and education of this issue," said Nelson, a Lawton native whose personal platform issue as Miss America is internet safety and protecting children online.
[...]

Around the Nation

Tucson Citizen, March 21, 2007
"Business coalitions want legislature to keep tax cuts"
For the second year in a row, a collection of business groups is calling on the governor and the Legislature to continue tax cuts that would help business.
At the same time, another coalition of business organizations is making the case for state spending to boost the state's competitiveness.
Both groups say they do not see a conflict between the calls for investment versus tax cuts.
[...]

Stateline.org, March 21, 2007
"Power prices put utilities in the hot seat"
Spurred by skyrocketing power bills, lawmakers in at least six states are considering reining in electric utilities that were freed from regulation in the late 1990s.
Moves to re-impose state oversight of electricity rates underline how deregulation of the electric industry has failed to live up to its promises of competition, lower prices and a reliable power infrastructure.
Officials in Illinois and Texas are alleging that power companies illegally manipulated prices, and bills are moving through both legislatures to roll back recent rate hikes. The Virginia General Assembly has sent Gov. Tim Kaine (D) a measure to set power company profits and shut out competition in his state's electricity market. Legislatures in Connecticut, Maryland and Montana also are considering measures to overhaul utility regulations and rein in prices.
[...]

Lincoln Journal Star, March 20, 2007
"Death penalty repeal fails"
The Nebraska Legislature inched close to passing a death penalty repeal on first round Tuesday, but one vote proved fatal.
A 24-25 vote shortly before noon ended the two-day debate of Omaha Sen. Ernie Chamber’s attempt to replace the death penalty with life without parole and an order of restitution.
“Really, I’ve been fighting this issue for three decades so expectations are never high that success will come,” he said after the vote. A miss is a miss, he said, no matter how close.
[...]

The Birmingham News, March 21, 2007
"Legislators pass 62% raises over Riley's objection"
State lawmakers overrode Gov. Bob Riley's veto Tuesday and approved giving each of the 140 legislators an $18,840-a-year raise.
"We thought we needed a pay raise and we thought it was reasonable under the circumstances," said Rep. Demetrius Newton, D-Birmingham. The raise, which gives each lawmaker a 62 percent increase in compensation, was the first for Alabama's legislators since 1991. It took effect Tuesday afternoon.
Lawmakers by voice votes on March 8 approved the pay raise resolution sponsored by Newton. Riley tried to kill the resolution with a veto Tuesday. "I vetoed it because I think it is excessive," he said.
[...]

Washington Technology, March 13, 2007
"Lieberman calls for $3.4B to boost first response"
The chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee proposed Monday to add $3.4 billion above the White House’s budget to bolster first responder programs in the Homeland Security Department for fiscal 2008.
Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, an Independent who caucuses with the Democratic party, said he wants to add $479 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative, which provides counterterrorism funding to major cities, bringing the total to $1.2 billion.
[...]

The Los Angeles Times, March 20, 2007
"Mayor vetoes sale of downtown air rights"
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Monday vetoed a plan to sell 9 million square feet of unused "air rights" over the Los Angeles Convention Center downtown — a gambit to boost the area's nascent residential boom.
In a veto message to the City Council, Villaraigosa said he wholeheartedly supports the air rights initiative. But, he said, the proposed law behind it violates the City Charter by failing to give him an opportunity to review or reject projects spawned by the plan.
Developers could buy vertical space over the Convention Center and use it to expand residential projects elsewhere downtown beyond what zoning codes allow — an idea that critics say will exacerbate traffic and strain other services.
[...]

The Houston Chronicle, March 20, 2007
"KIPP academy takes a big step"
The Knowledge is Power Program — the much-touted national charter school network born in Houston more than a decade ago — will unveil a $100 million plan today to expand its number of schools here fivefold, creating a system that could rival the Houston Independent School District.
Within a decade or so, the Houston chain would grow to include 42 charter schools with 21,000 students, a huge jump from the 1,700 students who currently attend KIPP's eight area schools.
The large number of campuses — more than many suburban districts, including Spring and Galena Park — would give KIPP ample enrollment to prove whether its success at preparing some of the nation's poorest students for college is just a fluke, advocates said.
[...]

USA Today, March 21, 2007
"More mayors move to take over schools"
Even with students on split schedules to limit crowding, the central court of Cibola High School between classes is a chaotic, noisy swirl of adolescence. The school on Albuquerque's fast-growing West Side was built in 1974 for 1,600 students; now it has 3,200.
Just one of the city's 12 high schools made "adequate yearly progress" last year under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, and it wasn't Cibola. Of Albuquerque's 128 public schools, only 47 met the standard, according to the state Public Education Department.
The overflowing classrooms and sagging test scores have convinced Mayor Martin Chavez that the city's schools are failing. So he wants to follow the example of mayors in Boston, Chicago, New York and several other cities: Take over the schools himself.
[...]

Philadelphia Inquirer, March 20, 2007
"Pa. turnpike lease plans 'proprietary'"
As Gov. Rendell begins a statewide campaign to build support for leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike, his administration is keeping secret the "expressions of interest" submitted by 48 firms interested in the road.
Citing "the proprietary nature" of the proposals, the Department of Transportation has rejected requests from legislative leaders for copies of the submissions, which have come from New York investment banks, the former employers of both Rendell and New Jersey Gov. Corzine, Philadelphia law firms, construction giants, international developers, and a prominent think tank.
[...]

Rep. McNiel takes 100 Ideas to students

Mannford Eagle/Sand Springs Leader, March 21, 2007
"McNiel seeks ideas from students"

For Oklahoma to succeed in its second century it needs the input, the ideas and suggestions of its citizens, including students.

That was the message State Rep. Skye McNiel delivered to a group of seventh and eighth grade students Friday at Keystone School.

The program is called the "100 Ideas Initiative" and was launched earlier this year by House Speaker Lance Cargill and other politicial leaders in an effort to "seek citizen input to create a stronger grassroots approach to governing while also soliciting the excellence of Oklahoma's citizenery."

The leaders plan to collect the ideas through a series of town hall-style meetings and interaction with the state's citizens in small group settings called "IdeaRaisers."

"It's a commitment to listen to the state's citizens, to be guided by their ideas and to work to create a state government that boosts opportunity for Oklahoma's families," Cargill said.

The first 100 ideas submitted will be collected and published in a book and serve as an agenda and plan, Cargill said.

McNiel, when speaking to the Keystone students, encouraged them to form IdeaRaiser groups and submit their suggestions.

During a question and answer period, McNiel talked about how she became involved in politics.

McNiel said she was raised on her family's cattle ranch and because her father "was always saying he needed truck drivers" to haul his cattle, she decided in middle school she would be a truck driver.

As a high school senior, McNiel served as a page at the State Legislature, and "that's when I got interested in politics."

Later at Oklahoma State University, she considered becoming a lobbyist, but after another stint at the Capitol, she decided "there was too much bickering and arguing."

After graduation, she opened a flower shop in Bristow and became involved in the community as president of the Bristow Education Foundation and the Bristow Chamber of Commerce.

This time, when politcial leaders asked to run for the Legislature, "I gave in and agreed to run."

NcNiel says she has been told she is the "youngest or at least one of the youngest women elected to the Legislature."

More information about the 100 Ideas Initiative can be found at the group's website: 100ideasok.org

Around the State

Daily Oklahoman, March 18, 2007
"Budget deal in the works"
Oklahoma legislators added a new wrinkle to their annual rite of providing emergency funding for state agencies.
They not only appear to have worked out the immediate financial crisis but also may have reached agreement on funding government for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
In a few days, legislative leaders will unveil the budget agreements that likely will include tax cuts.
[...]

Daily Oklahoman, March 18, 2007
"This little piggy...at the heart of a legislative debate"
Environmental rules that put the brakes on rapid growth of the factory pig farming industry here came up for partial repeal by the Legislature this session.
The changes, which passed out of a House of Representatives committee but were killed this week before receiving a floor vote, were feared to cause a new boom of corporate pig farms in the state. The Oklahoma Pork Council and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, which helped write the failed changes, said environmental rules governing pork producers are unfair and keep the industry from growing.
[...]

Daily Oklahoman, March 16, 2007
"House bill lets grocers restrict product sales"
Oklahoma grocers say they were pleased Thursday after the House approved a bill that would allow retailers to implement voluntary restrictions on spray paint and cough medicines in their stores.
We're very happy,” said Ron Edgmon, president of the Oklahoma Grocers Association.
Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon, and Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, presented House Bill 1974, which would place voluntary age restrictions on the sale of over-the-counter medications that contain dextromethorphan (DXM), such as cough medicine, products that teenagers use to get high.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 15, 2007
"Alternative energy incentives get House approval"
Oklahomans wishing to utilize alternative energy sources in their home may soon get tax benefits.
House Bill 1387, by state Reps. Randy Terrill and Bill Nations, would provide significant tax credits to consumers who install solar or wind energy equipment at their homes.
"Solar and wind energy can be a very cost-effective source of power for homeowners and businesses," said Terrill, R-Moore. "The biggest challenge is paying for the initial installation expenses. House Bill 1387 would dramatically offset those up-front costs."
[...]

Midweek Oklahoma Round-Up

Tulsa World, March 15, 2007
"House OKs bill to require ATV helmet use"
Children younger than 18 would be required to wear helmets when driving or riding all-terrain vehicles on public property, according to a bill easily passed Wednesday by the House
House Bill 1686 was approved 82-16, although a lawmaker whose district includes Little Sahara State Park near Waynoka spoke against the measure.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health, which has been pushing for such legislation for several years, reports that in the last four years, more than 140 ATV injuries occurred in the Little Sahara-Waynoka area. Other cities in the state recorded fewer than 20 such accidents apiece.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 15, 2007
"Teachers retirement fund could get millions"
The Oklahoma House of Representatives has voted to shore up the state teachers’ retirement system by pumping millions of dollars in surplus oil-and-gas tax revenue into the system.
House Joint Resolution 1039 by State Rep. Tad Jones and State Rep. Joe Dorman calls for a vote of the people to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to redirect excess mineral income currently going to Oklahoma’s Commissioner of the Land Office.
Under the proposal, the teachers’ retirement system could begin receiving money upon passage by a vote of the people and cash would continue to flow into the retirement system until it is 80 percent funded. When the fund reaches 80 percent, monies would flow back to the permanent trust of the School Land Commission.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 13, 2007
"Voter fraud protections advance"
Legislation to reduce voter fraud has passed out of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and now awaits Senate action.
House Bill 1734, by state Rep. Sue Tibbs, would require Oklahomans to present a government photo ID before they are allowed to vote in an election.
"Voting is one of the most precious rights we hold as Americans, and we cannot allow that right to be undermined by fraud," said Tibbs, R-Tulsa. "I think Oklahomans are more than willing to spend a few minutes proving that they are who they say they are to protect the legitimacy of our electoral process."
[...]

Oklahoma State Senate, March 14, 2007
"Senate passes bill to clarify state graduation rates, establish goal of 100 percent"
The full Senate has approved a measure to set a graduation goal of 100 percent for Oklahoma high school students. Senate Bill 985, by Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson, would also establish guidelines to give a more accurate picture of graduation rates that will enable an “apples to apples” comparison with other states.
“Right now, the stated goal for Oklahoma is a graduation rate of 68 percent—that’s the goal filed as required under ‘No Child Left Behind’ and it will remain in effect through 2014,” said Wilcoxson, R-Oklahoma City. “Senate Bill 985 sets the goal at 100 percent by that year. We expect all high school students to graduate.”
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 14, 2007
"Legislation encouraging simplified health care pricing system headed to Senate"
Legislation approved by the Oklahoma House of Representatives Wednesday with unanimous support could prompt medical providers to offer more upfront pricing to consumers on routine medical procedures.
House Bill 1884, by House Speaker Lance Cargill, creates the Healthcare Consumer Transparency Task Force. The panel will study and make recommendations regarding a system for hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and physicians to disclose to consumers the average charges for the treatment of common medical diagnosis and procedures.
The measure was a part of a slate of bills passed on Wednesday that are part of the Healthy Oklahoma legislative platform.
[...]

State college offering free tuition to Tulsa County high school graduates

Tulsa World, March 14, 2007
"Free Tuition: TCC scholarship aims to duplicate success of GI Bill"
Tulsa Community College on Wednesday plans to unveil the Tulsa Achieves scholarship, which will pay up to 100 percent of tuition and mandatory fees for Tulsa County high school graduates, beginning with the class of 2007.
"This is a big program, but we feel we need something transformational, and we believe this could be very important for our area, for Tulsa County," TCC President Tom McKeon said.
Lauren Brookey, TCC vice president for external affairs, compared Tulsa Achieves to the GI Bill, which changed people's lives and changed society.
McKeon said parents always want to provide better lives for their children, but college is less affordable than it used to be.
[...]

Around the Nation

The Naperville (Illinois) Sun, March 13, 2007
"Bill would alert libraries of sex offenders"
Law enforcement may soon be required to notify local libraries of registered sex offenders, according to legislation that was approved unanimously last week by the Illinois Senate Criminal Judiciary Committee.
Sponsored by state Sen. Randy Hultgren, R-Wheaton, the legislation would require law enforcement to notify local libraries of identifying information of sex offenders, including name, address, date of birth, place of employment, school attended and offense.
[...]

The Louisville Courier-Journal, March 13, 2007
"Bayh hopes to ease college costs for the middle class"
Middle-class families would get expanded tax breaks to help them offset the rising costs of higher education under federal legislation Sen. Evan Bayh is supporting.
"If you want a good-paying job you've got to get a good education and that increasingly means getting a college education or a post-college education, yet too many middle-class families struggle to achieve that," Bayh, D-Ind., said at a news conference yesterday.
[...]

myABC5.com (Iowa), March 13, 2007
"Legislation uses tax breaks to keep young Iowans in state"
A group of Iowa lawmakers hope a combination of tax breaks for businesses and reduced debts for new college graduates can help keep young professionals in Iowa.
The Iowa Advantage Fund would give tax incentives to businesses that agreed to pay off the college debt of new employees who graduated from Iowa colleges and universities.
[...]

The Iowa Globe-Gazette, March 13, 2007
"Legislature considers additional changes to openness laws"
According to the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, changes made by the Legislature in 2006 to the state’s open records law included these measures:
* An exception allowing law enforcement agencies to withhold portions of electronic mail and telephone billing records “if that information is part of an ongoing investigation.”
[...]

THe Clarion Ledger (Mississippi), March 10, 2007
"Law extends professional certification for military"
A bill signed into law by Gov. Haley Barbour will prevent the professional licenses held by members of the National Guard and Reserves from expiring while the soldiers are deployed on active duty.
The licenses will be extended for three months after the soldiers return from the deployment, under the bill Barbour signed Thursday. The law takes effect July 1.
[...]

Stateline.org, March 13, 2007
"States tackle texting behind the wheel"
Legislators in three states are targeting text messaging to keep drivers’ thumbs on the wheel and off the tiny keypads of their cell phones or wireless devices in the latest crackdown on distracted driving.
Text-messaging bills in Arizona, Connecticut and Washington state are the newest attempts by state legislatures to block the increasing distractions of electronic technology in vehicles, from the ubiquitous cell phone to DVD players, BlackBerries and GPS systems.
[...]

The Oregonian, March 13, 2007
"For Oregon students, keyboards are out, pencils in for tests"
Sharpen those pencils, students -- no more state tests on computers this school year.
State education officials canceled computer testing Monday and announced schools will have to administer paper-and-pencil, fill-in-the-bubble tests in reading and math. About 280,000 public schools students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 take the annual tests to show their proficiency in meeting statewide academic standards.
The Oregon Department of Education abandoned the online assessment system because it has given fits to students and their teachers in the past two weeks.
[...]

Around the State

Tulsa World, March 10, 2007
"GOP blames scholarship woes on lagging lottery"
Oklahoma's Republican Party on Friday blamed lacking lottery revenues for the shortfall in funding for a college scholarship program.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education this week notified universities that OHLAP payments for the spring semester were being suspended.
The regents have asked lawmakers to provide $5.5 million in supplemental funding to pay for the spring scholarships.
[...]

Tulsa World, March 9, 2007
"House OKs bill to limit AG's power to sue over waste"
Country boys and city slickers wrangled on the House floor over a bill about animal waste Thursday, and the rural lawmakers won
A bill to limit the power of the attorney general and secretary of the environment to sue animal producers was approved 59-39. However, before the bill becomes law, it will be scrutinized again in the Senate.
"There's the cha-ching factor," said Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon. "There is no reason to sue, unless it is for money."
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 9, 2007
"House approves funding for free hunting/fishing licenses"
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.
[...]

Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 8, 2007
"Bill eliminating income tax for Oklahoma soldiers clears House"
Oklahoma military servicemen and women would be exempt from state income tax under a bill passed out of the House today.
House Bill 1446, by state Rep. Fred Jordan, would exempt all military pay of Oklahomans from state income tax. The bill applies to active duty personnel who are Oklahoma residents, as well as Reserve and National Guard members.
The bill would benefit nearly 20,000 Oklahomans serving in uniform around the world.
[...]

Oklahoma State Senate, March 8, 2007
"Senate approves economic development bill for military communities/tire manufacturers"
State Sen. Randy Bass has won approval from the full Senate on a bill to help growing military communities meet infrastructure needs. Senate Bill 751 would also extend the deadline originally approved in a 2002 bill designed to help two of the state’s largest tire manufacturing facilities, Goodyear and Michelin. Bass, D-Lawton, said both provisions were important to Oklahoma’s economy.
“Oklahoma’s military instillations have a $6 billion impact on our economy. We are going to see significant growth in our military communities as a result of the last round of federal Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) hearings—but with that growth comes increased infrastructure needs, including new schools and other facilities. Senate Bill 751 will help meet those needs,” Bass said. “Not only that, but it will help us be prepared for the next round of BRAC hearings which are only three years away. Losing even one of these installations would be devastating. By preparing now, we can prevent that.”
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 8, 2007
"Property rights measure clears House floor"
A measure to protect Oklahoma property rights from changes in state law cleared the House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for a hearing.
House Bill 1772, by state Rep. Mike Thompson, is called the “Property Rights Protection Act” and would give landowners the ability to amend an existing lease to either accept or prohibit certain activities that the Legislature or a constitutional provision could permit in the future.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 8, 2007
"Coalition backs 2007 Forever Land Trust Act"
Oklahoma could soon see more high-quality recreational areas, greenways and parks for the public under a measure supported by a coalition of conservation and health advocacy groups.
"Improving our quality of life and protecting natural resources in Oklahoma must be a part of our efforts to boost the state’s economy. Not only will increased outdoor recreational areas encourage healthier families that are more active, but we’ll also foster stronger communities with this measure," said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah). "We need to do more to make Oklahoma a livable and attractive location so that we can recruit new businesses. We’ve made progress to improve Oklahoma’s quality of life over the past several years, but we can do more. My hope is that this measure will spur more permanent green space, parks and recreational areas across the state."
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Oklahoma State Senate, March 7, 2007
"Senate approves bill banning sale of cough medicine/spray paint to minors"
The full Senate has approved a bill that would ban the sale of cough medicine containing dextromethorphan (DXM) as well as spray paint to anyone under the age of 18. State Sen. Charlie Laster is author of Senate Bill 951.
“If a person consumes a high quantity of simple cough medicine, it can be a powerful hallucinogen. Nationwide, we’re seeing increasing numbers of kids winding up in emergency rooms because of it,” Laster said. “It’s a growing problem here as well. The Oklahoma Poison Control Center reports that DXM abuse is on the rise, and we know that more kids are experimenting with inhalants as well. Some kids may think it’s a game, but they could be gambling with their very lives.”
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 7, 2007
"Full House passes GOP immigration reform plan"
Lawmakers in the House on Wednesday approved an omnibus Republican immigration reform package with overwhelming bipartisan support, sending the measure to the state Senate for consideration.
"We’ve done the heavy lifting, and now it’s time for the Senate and the governor to work with us to pass real immigration reform for Oklahoma," said Rep. Randy Terrill (R-Moore), author of House Bill 1804. "We haven’t heard much publicly from the governor on this issue, but Oklahomans are rallying for the strongest reforms in the nation. It’s my hope that all parties can work together to enact this bill into law."
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Senate passes hazardous waste bill

Oklahoma State Senate, March 7, 2007
"Senate approves measure classifying animal waste as nonhazardous"
Classifying animal waste as nonhazardous is critical for the State of Oklahoma and its livestock industry. That's according to Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, author of Senate Bill 709 which declares manure as a nonhazardous material.
"This bill is critical to the State of Oklahoma because we have such a large livestock industry. It’s approximately a $5 billion industry,” said Justice, R-Chickasha. “If this were to be classified as a hazardous material then it would not only affect all of the livestock producers but it would affect people all across the state.”

Around the Nation

The Coloradan, March 5, 2007
"Legislation gives police gift of time"
Time can be one of the most effective crime-fighting tools, and new legislation approved Thursday by Gov. Ritter has given law officers a much-needed edge.
House Bill 1010 will allow police to submit search and arrest warrant requests over e-mail and then allow judges to approve those warrants with an electronic signature. In a proactive approach, Fort Collins police officers helped craft the bill and supported the legislation through the process. Currently, law officers have to submit written requests and wait for a judge to sign off - a process that can take several hours or even days if judges are overwhelmed by paperwork. The e-mail system allows law officers direct access to judges, including during off hours.
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Stateline.org, March 6, 2007
"States go after smoking in vehicles with kids"
Thirteen states ban smoking in most public places and workplaces, including bars and restaurants, to protect people from puffs of others’ cigarettes. But now there’s a move afoot to fence off the private space inside a motor vehicle if children are present.
Arkansas pioneered the policy in April 2006 after state Rep. Bob Mathis (D) introduced a bill to shield children strapped in car seats from secondhand smoke. Critics didn’t believe his proposal would go anywhere, but the Legislature passed it overwhelmingly in less than two days. And then-Gov. Mike Huckabee (R), a reformed health enthusiast, signed it
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The Los Angeles Times, March 6,2007
"New York's Spitzer loos to Schwarzenegger for inspiration"
They appear to have little in common, these two governors.
One is a pumped-up, Harley-riding movie star with a taste for Hummers, Armani suits and the Kennedy clan. The other is a rail-thin wonk with a perfect LSAT score who is far more comfortable jousting over budgets than making small talk.
One threw a $2.4-million party to celebrate his most recent electoral victory, an event televised nationally and paid for by big business. The other marked his win with an austere public meet-and-greet as corporate lobbyists fretted that his election would diminish their clout.
One is a Republican, the other a Democrat.
But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer share more than an Austrian lineage. (Spitzer's grandparents were from the old country.) Both have an appetite for big issues and big challenges. And both hope to leverage landslide victories in November — and the public's affinity for their ambition — to transform the role of state government in public life.
And as they barrel ahead on issues that Washington can't or won't address — global warming, universal healthcare, stem cell research — both are prodding balky Legislatures to act.
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The (Cleveland, OH) Plain Dealer, March 6, 2007
"Pilot project to streamline court cases shows success"
A reform project in Lakewood and Shaker Heights municipal courts designed to streamline criminal cases in Cuyahoga County is succeeding and has justice system officials excited.
"Change is coming, and it's change for the better," said Judge Nancy McDonnell, the presiding and ad ministrative judge in Common Pleas Court.
The good news arrived on the heels of a scathing report by a grand jury foreman to McDonnell on Feb. 15.
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The Los Angeles Times, March 6, 2007
"Schwarzenegger calls for coordinated attack on gangs"
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called Monday on mayors and law enforcement officials across California to join with him in forging a counterattack on street gangs blamed for much of the state's violent crime.
Speaking at a news conference at Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department headquarters in Monterey Park, Schwarzenegger proposed a statewide summit after discussing the gang problem for about 40 minutes with L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca, the sheriffs of Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.
[...]

The Chicago Tribune, March 4, 2007
"$6 billion state tax in works"
Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected to propose a new $6 billion tax on corporate business revenues to help pay for his ambitious plan to provide affordable health coverage for Illinois' uninsured.
Though Blagojevich rolls out his Illinois Covered health-care plan Sunday, he won't immediately unveil details of his tax plan--the opening gambit in a high-stakes battle to alleviate the state's budget crisis.
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The Boston Globe, March 4, 2007
"Insurers slice rates on health premiums"
Governor Deval Patrick yesterday unveiled significantly lower prices for the health insurance plans that uninsured residents will be required to buy starting July 1.
Patrick said six weeks of intense negotiations, in which he personally called the chief executives of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and Tufts Health Plan, resulted in lower prices that will make the plans more affordable for uninsured residents.
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The New York Times, March 4, 2007
"Doubts rise as states hold sex offenders after prison term"
The decision by New York to confine sex offenders beyond their prison terms places the state at the forefront of a growing national movement that is popular with politicians and voters. But such programs have almost never met a stated purpose of treating the worst criminals until they no longer pose a threat.
About 2,700 pedophiles, rapists and other sexual offenders are already being held indefinitely, mostly in special treatment centers, under so-called civil commitment programs in 19 states, which on average cost taxpayers four times more than keeping the offenders in prison.
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Around the State

Tulsa World, March 4,2007
"From humble beginings...: Oklahoma has come a long way in 100 years"
What was Oklahoma like in 1907, the year it became the 46th state in the union?
It certainly wasn't all cowboys and Indians and surreys with fringes on top.
One description of Oklahoma life 100 years ago comes from Oscar Ameringer, admittedly a rabble-rouser of the first order. In 1940, Ameringer published his autobiography, entitled "If You Don't Weaken."
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Daily Oklahoman, March 5, 2007
"Bill wants drivers to tow line"
Forget to carry that paper in your car proving you're an insured motorist? It could cost you your car, at least for a while, under a proposal pending in the Oklahoma Senate.
Drivers who can't prove they have liability insurance could end up watching police impound their car.
It would affect those who have no liability insurance and those who forget to keep proof of insurance in their car.
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Tulsa World, March 4, 2007
"Diploma Logic: A graduated success plan for Oklahoma"
In his State of the State address last month, Gov. Brad Henry exhorted the Legislature to support tough legislation to ensure that every Oklahoma teenager completes high school.
"Let us resolve," Henry said, "that within five years Oklahoma will boast the highest high school graduation rate in the entire country." Henry asked.
With a 69.8 percent graduation rate -- less than 2 points above the national average of 68 percent -- Oklahoma has some tall hills to climb to reach that mark. Any increase in graduates, however, would beat the alternative.
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Tulsa World, March 3, 2007
"Nanotechnology funding recipients selected"
The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology has announced the recipients of nearly $1.25 million through the organization's Oklahoma Nanotechnology Applications Project.
The project was created by the Legislature last year to provide funding for new nanotechnology applications and provide education about nanotechnology to state economists, researchers, manufacturers and businesses.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 2, 2007
"New 'Jessica's Law' to protect children against sex offenders headed for House vote"
Legislation increasing required prison sentences for sex offenders is headed for a vote on the House floor. The measure is part of the House GOP’s Safe Families legislative platform.
House Bill 1816, authored by Rep. David Dank would increase the penalty for sex offenses against children under 12 to a minimum sentence of 25 years and not more than life imprisonment. No minimum sentence currently exists for such offenses.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, March 2, 2007
"House legislation encouragin charter schools headed to House floor"
Legislation strengthening charter schools in Oklahoma is headed for a vote of the full state House of Representatives.
House Bill 1589, by Rep. Tad Jones, encourages the development of charter schools by allowing the Oklahoma Department of Education, cities and certain higher education entities to sponsor charter schools. The measure passed a vote of the House Education Committee Wednesday.
Under current state law, only individual school districts and CareerTech boards may sponsor charter schools.
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Oklahoma State Senate, March 1, 2007
"Senate approves 'Taxpayer Transparency Act'"
The full Senate has voted unanimously in favor of legislation that will help Oklahomans see exactly how their tax dollars are being used. Senate Bill 1, by Sen. Randy Brogdon, would create an online database to show where every single penny of the public’s money is being spent.
“It is important to remember that every dollar that gets appropriated comes from our citizens,” said Brogdon, R-Owasso. “The public should have the ability to track how each and every single dollar is spent, because the bottom line is that it’s their money.”
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