Oklahoma continues to lag behind neighboring states in economic development. We currently have an average per capita income of $32,210 which ranks us at 37th in the nation. Our State's largest employer is still the State of Oklahoma. Oklahoma still ranks 34th among the states and D.C. in total exports. How do we improve?
Childhood obesity in America has become an epidemic. Since 1980, the percentage of overweight kids has tripled. Obesity rates in the United States now stands at around 34%.
Early-childhood education in Oklahoma has received more attention over the past few years. Some feel it's necessary to start teaching our children at earlier ages. Others feel that we need to improve the system we have already in place. What do you think?
School consolidation is an important issue that more and more Oklahomans are beginning to address. Should Oklahoma consolidate not just its districts, but our high schools as well?
Cell phone usage while operating a motor vehicle has been banned in six states and legislation has been proposed to do the same in 40 more. Oklahoma has yet to pass any such law but what do you think? Should Oklahoma pass a law banning cell phone use while driving?
Have you seen overlawyered.com? This website chronicles "frivolous" lawsuits, such as a case filed because of a missing pair of pants or the infamous case of steaming hot coffee at McDonalds.
The Oklahoman encouraged its readers to view http://www.overlawyered.com/ to read about what the newspaper termed frivolous lawsuits.
The debate about tort reform continues. Read the full editorial:
http://newsok.com/article/3081427
A new idea recently submitted at IdeaRaisers in the Panhandle this week involves the redistribution of ad valorem taxes. Also known as "real estate" or "property" taxes, ad valorem taxes are paid on every bit of real estate in the state. Many people feel the distribution of this tax is unfair towards rural areas. Some think that we should do away with this form of tax. What do you think?
The Oklahoman published a recent editorial about the "stand-your-ground" law. They write:
"The issue is 'stand-your-ground' laws that allow people to protect themselves when they perceive a threat. A larger issue is how such laws are applied. Going beyond traditional self-defense, 'stand-your-ground' laws remove the burden of being in imminent peril when firing in self-defense.
A 'stand-your-ground' takes the concept further, allowing the homeowner to fire before the actual entry if a threat is perceived. Oklahoma law provides immunity from criminal prosecution or civil action in such cases. Complications arise, though, in defining the circumstances under which the action is justifiable."
What do you think about these laws? Are they necessary to protect homeowners or will they lead to an unnecessary escalation in violence?
State Superintendent Sandy Garrett has again proposed that Oklahoma public schools lengthen the school day by an hour and increase the school year by five days. The school day is currently 6 and a half hours and the school year is 175 days.
Proponents observe Oklahoma's school year is shorter than other states in our region and much shorter than Asian countries that are outperforming American schools. What do you think? Should Oklahoma lengthen the school day and school year?
The Oklahoman as the full story here.
The recent IdeaRaiser in Enid included a proposal to waive the state income tax for two years on people entering the work force. This would apply to new or current Oklahoma residents.
Supporters of the income tax waiver believe it would encourage businesses to bring jobs to Oklahoma, and encourage our college graduates to stay in the state.
What do you think about this idea from Jerry Blankenship, Dick McKnight, Janet Cordell and Eric Senson?
Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, issued the following statement after legislative leaders today announced a supplemental funding commitment for the Medical Examiner's Office. The legislative leaders announced a $980,600 funding commitment to be passed by the beginning of March, 2008 after the Legislature convenes for its regular session.
To read the rest of this article, click here.
The Oklahoman had a recent editorial from Vince Orza with an idea to further enrich the revitalization of downtown Oklahoma City by moving the OCU School of Law to the First National building (pictured). Orza writes:
"One suggestion is to move the OCU School of Law downtown. The current law school uses about 100,000 square feet of campus space. Given the First National building's proximity to court houses, city hall and many of the city's largest law firms, what about dedicating some of MAPS 3 to converting the First National into the new OCU School of Law?
Some of the building could be converted to free or low-cost parking for the 650 students and faculty. The middle floors of the building could house classroom and offices, high-ceiling floors could be converted to mock courtrooms and the upper floors could be apartments or condominiums. Done correctly, the building would attract some of the law firms as tenants. Making the First National building the Oklahoma City University School of Law would give the city and university a new vibrancy."
