From Around the State

OK Blue Notes (Feb. 1, 2007)
"State Rep. Praises 100 Ideas"
from Rep. Anastasia Pittman (D-Oklahoma City)
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We will embrace a new way for you and your family to communicate ideas, suggestions and concerns through “100 Ideas for Oklahoma Innovations for the Second Century.”
You may contact me directly at the above address or access the website for ideas or concerns at 100ideasok.org and provide your responses online.
The selection of the best ideas for Oklahoma will begin immediately and the final 100 ideas for Oklahoma will be published in the future.
I look forward to speaking with you and getting to know more about the issues that concern you and your family as we work together to build a great “Foundation for the Future.”
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 1, 2007
"McDaniel Leads Open Government Initiative"
As session kicked off this week, both Governor Henry and House Republicans called for providing Oklahoma citizens with a more transparent and open government this year and State Rep. Randy McDaniel plans to lead the way.
Governor Brad Henry ended his State-of-the-State address yesterday by asking legislators to improve government transparency and openness through establishing a user-friendly Web site that shows exactly how tax dollars are spent.
McDaniel has already filed legislation to shine a light on how tax dollars are used by all state agencies. His bill has already gathered significant support from fellow House Republicans.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 7, 2007
"Key Portion of House GOP Education Agenda Passes Committee"
A key House Republican measure that promotes higher standards of excellence in Oklahoma schools cleared a major legislative hurdle today.
Building on House Republican education reforms passed in the last two years, House Bill 1593 focuses on expanding the Academic Achievement Awards program. The measure, authored by Rep. Tad Jones, passed unanimously out of the House Education Committee today.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 7, 2007
"Bill Creating Special Health Care & Technology Task Force Passes House Subcommittee"
Legislation creating a state task force that will examine the incorporation of information-sharing technology into Oklahoma’s medical community cleared a significant legislative hurdle today.
House Bill 1818, which creates the panel, passed out of the House Public Health Committee today. The task force’s main goal would be to look at creating a secure structure for sharing specific patient information among providers. The move would make most medical records paperless and allow doctors and other medical care providers to quickly and simply share a patient’s medical information.
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Oklahoma House of Representatives, Feb. 6, 2007
"Reynolds Calls on Governor to Address Water Issues"
Gov. Brad Henry’s failure to include water issues in his 2007 agenda could harm long-term economic growth in Oklahoma, state Rep. Mike Reynolds said today.
"If Governor Henry is truly concerned about building Oklahoma’s economy, he needs to start with the issue most in need of a long-term fix: a secure water supply,” said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City.
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Tulsa World, Feb. 9, 2007
"Drought easing in most of state"
The drought has weakened its grip on Oklahoma, thanks to several shots of snow, sleet, ice and rain this winter.
More than half of Oklahoma is not suffering from drought conditions, according to data from the U.S. Drought Mitigation Center -- the first time that's happened since October 2005.
That's good news for grill masters, gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts, and even better news for the state's $8 billion agricultural sector.
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