Around the State

The Daily Oklahoman, Feb. 25, 2007
"Discover Oklahoma: Site features state's political history"
While the recent gathering of Oklahoma's seven living governors focused on the new First Families exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center and the Oklahoma Centennial celebration, numerous other sites and exhibits reflect our state's political history.
They range from the Peter Conser House near Heavener and the George M. Murrell House in Park Hill to the A.J. Seay Mansion in Kingfisher and the T.B. Ferguson House in Watonga — all pre-statehood. They also include Carnegie Library and Masonic Temple in Guthrie, the state Capitol in Oklahoma City, the Marland Mansion and Pioneer Woman Museum in Ponca City, the Robert S. Kerr Museum near Poteau and the Carl Albert Center at the University of Oklahoma in Norman.
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Oklahoma State Senate, Feb. 22, 2007
"Committee Approves Measure to Reduce Copper Theft "
A bill designed to address the growing incidences of copper theft in Oklahoma has cleared its first legislative hurdle. Senate Bill 472, by Senator Cliff Branan, was approved by the Senate Energy and Environment Committee on Thursday.
“This crime can actually put people’s lives at risk, especially the elderly, because it can leave them without air conditioning and power at the worst possible times—when the temperatures are in the triple digits,” Branan said.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 23, 2007
"House Votes to Modernize Truck Permitting Process"
The Oklahoma House of Representatives voted Thursday to modernize the state truck permitting system and boost that segment of the economy.
House Bill 1773, by state Rep. Mike Thompson, would earmark a portion of transportation funds to implement a computerized permitting system.
Under current law, truck permits are issued through a slow, archaic system often conducted for hours over the phone. The new system will allow permits to be issued immediately.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb.22, 2007
"Full House Passes Comprehensive Government Oversight Measure"
A centerpiece measure in the Oklahoma House Republican majority’s plan to ensure greater state government accountability and efficiency passed the House floor Thursday. The measure now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
"In this centennial year for Oklahoma, we have an opportunity to take the politics out of the state budget process and save taxpayers more money. This measure will go a long way toward achieving that goal," said Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah), author of House Bill 2100. "It’s time to add an independent voice to the process so we can cut down on waste, duplication and inefficiency in state government. We’ll see tremendous savings from this plan over time."
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Oklahoma State Senate, Feb.22, 2007
"Senate Committees Approve Bills to Shore up Teachers’ Retirement System"
Two bills aimed at shoring up the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma (TRS) are now headed to the full Senate for consideration. Sen. Mike Mazzei is the author of the measures, each of which would substantially reduce the 49 percent unfunded liability rate in the system within the next two decades. Combined, The bills would accomplish that feat in about half the time.
SB 1092 was approved by the Senate Retirement and Insurance Committee on Thursday. Mazzei explained the measure would increase the monies that the state, in combination with the school systems, puts into TRS. The increased employer contribution would be contingent upon available state dollars to cover that cost. Currently, the rate is 8 percent for common education employers, as well as two-year colleges and state agencies in the system. Four-year universities and colleges currently contribute 7.05 percent.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 21, 2007
"Teachers Could Receive Tax Benefits Under McDaniel Bill"
Oklahoma teachers who use their own money to enhance classrooms would receive tax benefits under legislation filed by state Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Oklahoma City.
McDaniel has filed House Bill 1053, which creates the Oklahoma Supporting Teachers’ Act, a proposed law that would provide a tax deduction up to $500 with proper receipts if a teacher spends out-of-pocket funds to enhance a classroom.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 21, 2007
"House Bill Offering 'Free State Parks' Day for Seniors Clears Committee"
Legislation that would show appreciation for Oklahoma’s senior citizens by offering them free "state park days" passed a vote of the House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday.
House Bill 1294, by House Speaker Lance Cargill, is part of the House Republican majority’s Healthy Oklahoma platform, one of three key portions of the 2007 Year of Ideas Agenda.
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