With every
passing month I have had the honor of serving in the Oklahoma Legislature, I am
reminded of the blessings our state have been given, but also the challenges
that we face. I believe that Oklahoma is truly a beacon of hope for our nation.
However, with every blessing comes the responsibility to face our every
challenge head on. As we begin this 2014 legislative session many of these
challenges face us as difficult issues that frequent news headlines. They are
the many issues that I hear about on a daily basis from constituents and
advocates. Yet I remain positive in my belief of Oklahoma, and the hope that we
will “not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right
answer,” as President John F. Kennedy said.
There will be
multiple issues I will be focusing on this year as we seek to move our state
forward. As I have done every year since I was first elected I want to give
details of every bill I am currently principle author of:
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HB2954, which
creates a revolving fund that uses a small percentage of existing oil and gas
taxes to create CNG infrastructure within county vehicle fleets. The legislation
creates massive county savings from unleaded fuel costs and the bill is a
constituent request.
-
HB1887, which is
leftover from 2013. The legislation couples election dates for school board
positions with municipal elections. It encourages greater participation in
school board races and creates cost savings. The bill is a constituent
request.
-
HB1888, which
is also leftover from 2013. It creates a “one stop shop” website for open
records requests. The legislation streamlines the process and makes open records
documents easily accessible.
-
HB1890, which
revises sex offender “zone of safety.” The legislation revises age restriction.
It is a request from Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office.
-
HB2955, which
updates current Oklahoma bomb squad statutes with clearer intent language and
equips law enforcement to better prevent terrorist activities. The legislation
is a constituent request.
-
HB2956, which
allows for certain broader incentives to small businesses through the Small
Employer Quality Jobs Small Incentive Act. The legislation promotes greater
opportunities for small businesses.
-
HB2957, which
eliminates fingerprinting procedures for SDA concealed carry license
application. It is a constituent request.
-
HB2958, the
forgiveness bill, which allows for application of SDA concealed carry license by
persons convicted of drug related misdemeanor provided 10 years have passed
since last conviction. The legislation is a constituent
request.
-
HB2959, which
creates the Oklahoma – A STEM State of Mind Act to promote STEM education and
provides for further opportunities in the career tech system.
-
HB2960, which
authorizes military courts to use video conferencing for long distance court
proceedings. It is a constituent request.
-
HB2961, which
authorizes road service vehicle companies to use certain flashing lights on road
service vehicles. It is a constituent request.
Keep in mind
that these are only the introduced versions of these bills. Language can and
often does change dramatically throughout the course of a session. To view
complete language of each of mine and other member’s legislation, go to: www.okhouse.gov/legislation
As we view the
overall challenges that we face this year, there are a couple areas that I
believe we must address. I will continue to push for a “Priority based Budget”
that encourages growth through freedom, and prosperity through funding our core
responsibilities before conveniences. We must realize there are specific
responsibilities we are required to and should fund first. Our Department of
Public Safety, Corrections Department, and State Employees are due a pay raise
but have not been given one in almost a decade. Our rural schools have taken
cuts and are having to make decisions on whether or not to retain certain
teachers and programs because they simply can’t afford to keep them. We have a
public pension system that is multiple billions of dollars in debt and needs to
be shored up to ensure retirees retain their full retirement. All of this can
sound bleak and like political rhetoric, but in reality I believe it is truly
possible to move our state in a positive direction. We must assure that our
priorities are in the right place and we are being efficient and responsible
with every cent of the taxpayer’s money. Government cannot create wealth.
Government only redistributes that wealth. I will continue to fight for an
Oklahoma government which does only what is necessary with your money, and
leaves the rest to you. That is when government works and the individual
prospers.
Making sure our
education system is focused around the child should be every individual’s
passion. I believe in a strong local school that can make the necessary
curricular, employer, and financial decisions without fear of overreach from the
state or federal government. Local control of our schools is best. Parents,
Teachers, and local Administrators know what each student needs much better than
Oklahoma City or Washington D.C. Our education system’s appropriations which
receive over 53% of our annual budget, common core curriculum, graduation and
testing requirements, and teacher’s pay raises will all be discussed this year.
I am committed to our teachers and receiving the funds it takes to run our
schools properly. I support a teacher’s pay raise, but no additional dollars for
any area will be available unless we cut back on spending of conveniences in
state government and place those funds towards state responsibilities.
We have a long
road ahead of us, but we've already come a long way. It is an honor to serve
you. It matters not if you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent; I am here
to serve you. I just added a new website to enhance your ability to communicate
your desires and ideas with me as well as see where I stand on any range of
topics. www.FriendsofJoshCockroft.com
also has a link to my policy blog: www.RepJoshCockroft.blogspot.com
where you can keep up with what is happening in Oklahoma City. Communication is
important to me. I want to know how to I can better serve and lead for our
district and our state. I am always a phone call away at: 405-557-7349. Our
legislative session is always fast paced and hectic, but knowing where each
individual stands on the issues is invaluable to me. Looking forward to another
great year!
I see this on the list of bullet points: Stand strong against Medicaid expansion under ObamaCare and implement free-market policies that increase accountability and transparency.
ReplyDeleteWhat that tells me is that it is the policy of Republicans in the Oklahoma legislature to tell 160-thousand, maybe more, of their constituents that they should "live sicker, die quicker, and prepare for the enhanced opportunity to enjoy a medical bankruptcy."
I know it rhymes. However, it is true. That is precisely what will result from this philosophy. You Republicans in the legislature, and our governor, have a chance to make their lives tremendously better for 160-thousand, maybe more, of your Oklahoma constituents, and you're turning your backs on it. For what? I'm not really sure. Is it because you are frightened by your uninformed Tea Party constituents? Is it because you really are hard-hearted? Is it because you hate this president that much?
Please, take a second look. Learn about the tremendous good that WILL happen for a huge segment of Oklahomans, and the Oklahoma economy, particularly in rural areas, through accepting this $8.5 billion, maybe more, in assistance.