tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56652227812396854462024-03-12T18:23:39.418-07:00 Oklahoma State Representative Josh CockroftRep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.comBlogger272125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-43009482732057637772015-03-09T13:19:00.003-07:002015-03-09T13:20:36.697-07:00Cockroft Column: House Session Update - 3/9/2015<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQU1PFXQJF3ZrbkX-XIoKnisUu4BYVMeR9dvWVhpioEm7-e8aCzgDsL7gak7inPf8nVWeQ2hWb8yXyjH8w5jaWF4RIflhXse0kfYeckyddTBeb65PiQ6c5aXzo2u4BY5xUZj5gt4MJr8/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQU1PFXQJF3ZrbkX-XIoKnisUu4BYVMeR9dvWVhpioEm7-e8aCzgDsL7gak7inPf8nVWeQ2hWb8yXyjH8w5jaWF4RIflhXse0kfYeckyddTBeb65PiQ6c5aXzo2u4BY5xUZj5gt4MJr8/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" height="320" width="252" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Thursday,
March 12, marks the midpoint of the first session of the 55th Oklahoma
Legislature. After that point, any bills that have not been heard in their
legislative chamber of origin are effectively dead for this legislative
session.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
I was pleased to be among those who voted again a bill that would put another unfunded mandate on our schools. House Bill 1589 failed by the thinnest of margins, 50-19, which seems like passage, but a majority of at least 51 is needed for a bill’s passage. While I support any school district’s attempts to increase math requirements for graduation, I think that schools must have the local power to determine what is best for their students.<br />
<br />
We did unanimously approve a measure to improve the care of children in Oklahoma’s child welfare system. House Bill 1078 expands a program that transitions children in the system into their adult lives, updates requirements for foster parents and group homes to ensure the child is engaged in typical childhood activities and revises protocols used to deal with runaways and child trafficking victims.<br />
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Under the legislation, a team model would be used to transition children into adulthood. The measure would lower the age at which the transition program would begin from 16 to 14.<br />
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House lawmakers also approved two measures I authored. House Bill 1277 proposes to create a state fund that uses oil and gas taxes to create compressed natural gas infrastructure within county vehicle fleets. House Bill 1281 provides procedures for establishing scholarships for Child Development Associate and Child Care Professionals, thus removing federal oversight.<br />
<br />
While the death penalty is becoming more controversial nationally, it continues to have the support of most Oklahomans. Even so, after last year’s botched execution, we have wanted to improve the <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">method. This past week, we voted to
change the way in which Oklahoma conducts its death penalty executions. House
Bill 1879 moves to replace the current multi-drug lethal injection format with
a new system involving execution of death row inmates via nitrogen hypoxia. A
study conducted by professors at East Central University found the process to
be humane, that it would not require the assistance of licensed medical
professionals, that nitrogen is readily available for purchase and that it
could not be botched because of an offender’s actions. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
Thursday, March 12, marks the midpoint of the first session of the 55th Oklahoma Legislature. After that point, any bills that have not been heard in their legislative chamber of origin are effectively dead for this legislative session.<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I will
begin to discuss the budget and Senate bills in my next column. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It is an
honor to serve you. It matters not if you are Republican, Democrat, or
Independent; I am here to serve you. Please visit my policy blog at <a href="http://www.repjoshcockroft.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.RepJoshCockroft.blogspot.com</span></a>.
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. You can also email me at: <a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov"><span style="color: blue;">Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov</span></a>.</span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-46486608229565057512015-03-03T07:49:00.001-08:002015-03-03T07:49:12.665-08:00Cockroft Column: Session Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQU1PFXQJF3ZrbkX-XIoKnisUu4BYVMeR9dvWVhpioEm7-e8aCzgDsL7gak7inPf8nVWeQ2hWb8yXyjH8w5jaWF4RIflhXse0kfYeckyddTBeb65PiQ6c5aXzo2u4BY5xUZj5gt4MJr8/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQU1PFXQJF3ZrbkX-XIoKnisUu4BYVMeR9dvWVhpioEm7-e8aCzgDsL7gak7inPf8nVWeQ2hWb8yXyjH8w5jaWF4RIflhXse0kfYeckyddTBeb65PiQ6c5aXzo2u4BY5xUZj5gt4MJr8/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> The
first session of the 55th Oklahoma Legislature has now passed an important
deadline. House committee work on House bills has ended. At the same time, we
passed several bills on the House floor.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> The
Oklahoma House of Representatives has voted to improve the procedure for
collecting DNA samples from those individuals convicted of a felony or violent
misdemeanor. House Bill 1683 allows the offices of district attorneys to
collect the DNA sample from a convicted criminal. The DNA samples are submitted
to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Laboratory for processing and
inclusion in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The legislation was
approved by a vote of 93-3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> A bill
aimed at curbing the dangerous trend of texting while driving also passed a
vote on the House floor. House Bill 1965 strengthens language aimed at
preventing texting while driving, marking a first offense fine at $250.
Subsequent offenses would register a $500 fine. The bill passed by a 96-2
margin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We also
approved a measure that would create Rural Opportunity Zones in counties across
the state. House Bill 1747 allows for the creation of 25 Rural Opportunity
Zones across the state. For taxable years beginning in 2016, the legislation
would allow for a five-year tax exemption for anyone who moves from
out-of-state into a county projected to see a population loss between the
effective date and 2075 per the 2012 Demographic State of the State Report –
Oklahoma State and County Population Projections through 2075. The legislation
passed by a 64-11 margin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A
measure that would ban “dismemberment” abortions was approved by the House.
House Bill 1721 was approved by a vote of 84-2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> Finally,
the House unanimously approved a bill that would increase the input from
experts on coordinated care of patients with chronic conditions on an advisory
panel that helps set state health policies. House Bill 1085 modifies the Home
Care and Hospice Advisory Council to include palliative care and specifies
membership of the Home Care, Hospice and Palliative Care Advisory Council. The
measure directs the council to identify ways to improve the quality and
delivery of palliative care. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> The
legislation, which will increase the panel’s membership from seven to nine
members, was approved by a vote of 90-0.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> In
several weeks, these bills will be considered in the Oklahoma Senate. I look
forward to telling you about their progress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> It is an
honor to serve you. It matters not if you are Republican, Democrat, or
Independent; I am here to serve you. Please visit my policy blog at <a href="http://www.repjoshcockroft.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.RepJoshCockroft.blogspot.com</span></a>.
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. You can also email me at: <a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov"><span style="color: blue;">Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-5605478777371696392015-02-23T08:49:00.000-08:002015-02-23T08:49:04.354-08:00Cockroft Column: House Session Update - Week 3
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">As the
first session of the 55th Oklahoma Legislature continues, I was proud to see my
colleagues support a number of important measures that will improve Oklahoma
education, public safety and economic growth. Here are a few of the bills heard
on the House floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">House
Bill 1275, which I authored, pairs up election dates for school boards and municipalities
with the intent of reducing election costs and encouraging greater voter
participation. The legislation was approved by a vote of 63-30 and now heads to
the Oklahoma Senate for consideration.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
Oklahoma House of Representatives voted unanimously in support of legislation
that would help law enforcement catch human traffickers. House Bill 1006
authorizes the use of wiretaps to investigate human trafficking for labor or
commercial sex, the pandering of humans for sex and for the investigation of
the prostitution of a child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We also
approved a bill to improve Oklahoma’s business climate. House Bill 1001 allows
employers to file documentation for misconduct immediately upon the termination
of the employee. In doing this, the employer will be considered to have
automatically protested the claim if and when the former employee files for
unemployment insurance benefits. The legislation would also provide a reliable
unemployment insurance tax rate for new businesses in their first two years in
operation. The legislation was approved by a 93-4 vote and now heads to the
Oklahoma Senate for consideration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Finally,
legislation approved unanimously by the Oklahoma House of Representatives would
improve information sharing between state criminal justice agencies. House Bill
1083 would create a shared information technology infrastructure that would be
used by 14 agencies. The legislation would make it possible for a higher level
of technology for many of these agencies and is much cheaper than providing additional
technologies to each agency.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I also
want to mention a tax credit reform bill that was approved in our budget
committee. Currently, the Oklahoma pays out roughly $1.7 billion in tax
credits. While some of these tax credits are an essential part of creating a
pro-business environment, there are no methods in place at this time to
determine if a credit is spurring economic growth or simply keeping industries
alive that would otherwise fail on their own. House Bill 2182 creates the
Incentive Evaluation Commission that will review current and future tax
credits, report on their level of success and make recommendations on future
policy. The Incentive Evaluation Commission will ensure each tax credit is
evaluated every four years by an independent auditor and scored on criteria
specific to its purpose. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It is an
honor to serve you. It matters not if you are Republican, Democrat, or
Independent; I am here to serve you. Please visit my policy blog at <a href="http://www.repjoshcockroft.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.RepJoshCockroft.blogspot.com</span></a>.
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. You can also email me at: <a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov"><span style="color: blue;">Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-91617183551975735282015-02-12T12:41:00.001-08:002015-02-12T12:41:14.279-08:00Cockroft Column: House Springs Into Action - Week 2 Update
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQU1PFXQJF3ZrbkX-XIoKnisUu4BYVMeR9dvWVhpioEm7-e8aCzgDsL7gak7inPf8nVWeQ2hWb8yXyjH8w5jaWF4RIflhXse0kfYeckyddTBeb65PiQ6c5aXzo2u4BY5xUZj5gt4MJr8/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQU1PFXQJF3ZrbkX-XIoKnisUu4BYVMeR9dvWVhpioEm7-e8aCzgDsL7gak7inPf8nVWeQ2hWb8yXyjH8w5jaWF4RIflhXse0kfYeckyddTBeb65PiQ6c5aXzo2u4BY5xUZj5gt4MJr8/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> We are
off to a fast start this year. House lawmakers have already approved one of
Governor Mary Fallin’s agenda items. House Bill 1948 requires physicians and
other medical providers to check a prescription drug database before writing
new prescriptions or renewing old ones. I voted against the measure, because I
believe it will overly burden medical providers. Oklahomans have made it clear
that they don’t want government to be in charge of their healthcare. However, I
do support the intent, which is to reduce prescription drug abuse. We will see
and vote on the measure again after changes are made in the Senate. I hope to
see an increase in the flexibility between healthcare providers and their
patients before I am able to support the measure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I have
also been following the votes of the House Elections and Ethics Committee,
which heard one of my bills this week. House Bill 1275 will pair up election
dates for school boards and municipalities. My intent is to save local tax
dollars and encourage greater voter participation. The committee advanced the
measure by a vote of 5-2. I noted a second election reform bill’s passage.
House Bill 1559 allows voters to become permanent absentee voters. It was
approved by a vote of 7-0.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> I also
had a public safety bill approved in committee. House Bill 1276 updates
Oklahoma’s bomb squad statutes and strengthens the state’s terrorism laws. I
think it was a testament to how aware our legislators are of the dangers of the
current international climate that they unanimously advanced my proposal, 11-0.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Natural
gas is abundant in Oklahoma. It is a cheaper source of fuel for vehicles. Where
we have used compressed natural gas at the state level, we have saved tax
dollars. I want to encourage counties to make the same leap. House Bill 1277
will create a state fund that uses existing oil and gas taxes to create
compressed natural gas infrastructure within county vehicle fleets. The
legislation was approved in committee by a 7-4 vote and now will go to the
appropriations and budget committee before a vote on the House floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Finally,
I want to mention the committee passage of a school public safety bill. House
Bill 1684 will require schools to create a sexual abuse prevention program.
Unfortunately, sexual abuse is a common problem in Oklahoma and even extends to
our public schools.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I may
not agree with every bill we pass this year, but I am pleased with the speed in
which we are getting through the legislative work we face this year. I will
continue to fight to represent your voice at the Capitol.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> It is an
honor to serve you. It matter not if you are Republican, Democrat, or
Independent; I am here to serve you. Please visit my policy blog at <a href="http://www.repjoshcockroft.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.RepJoshCockroft.blogspot.com</span></a>.
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. You can also email me at: <a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov"><span style="color: blue;">Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-31053291368735513602015-02-03T07:49:00.003-08:002015-02-03T07:49:54.889-08:00Cockroft Column: Gov. Fallin Gives State of the State Address, Legislative Session Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQU1PFXQJF3ZrbkX-XIoKnisUu4BYVMeR9dvWVhpioEm7-e8aCzgDsL7gak7inPf8nVWeQ2hWb8yXyjH8w5jaWF4RIflhXse0kfYeckyddTBeb65PiQ6c5aXzo2u4BY5xUZj5gt4MJr8/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQU1PFXQJF3ZrbkX-XIoKnisUu4BYVMeR9dvWVhpioEm7-e8aCzgDsL7gak7inPf8nVWeQ2hWb8yXyjH8w5jaWF4RIflhXse0kfYeckyddTBeb65PiQ6c5aXzo2u4BY5xUZj5gt4MJr8/s1600/IMG_0146.jpg" height="200" width="158" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> I had
the pleasure of hearing Gov. Mary Fallin’s State of the State address and executive
budget proposal Monday as we began the 2015 Legislative Session. The governor’s
executive budget proposal offers agency revolving funds as a solution to this
year's budget hole and calls for increases to core services.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> The
governor’s executive budget proposal is a good starting point to the
discussion, but rarely aligns perfectly with the end result of negotiations.
For example, she is calling for a $25 million increase to education and a $15
million increase to Oklahoma's prisons. Some state lawmakers would like to see
a greater increase, especially instead of a $20 million increase she would give
to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Other lawmakers are calling for a more
scrutinizing overview of our appropriations process in a conservative effort. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> In
education, the governor said she would like to see 75 percent of fourth-grade
students scoring proficiently on the state reading test by 2018. She also
advocated for a greater use of mental health, drug and veterans courts to steer
non-violent offenders into treatment programs. I wholeheartedly agree with
initiatives to reduce over-criminalization in our state for non-violent crimes.
With prison overcrowding and our corrections budget in dire need of proper
funding, we must take a look into serious reform.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> Gov.
Fallin also stated her support for prescription drug monitoring, a texting
while driving ban, and “smoke free” public schools. Prescription drug
monitoring bills were rejected in past years because many felt there would be
too much work laid at the feet of doctor’s offices. The texting while driving
ban has not made it through the process in past years because many legislators
consider it a step to far in government's continued push towards a “nanny
state.” We must protect the freedoms of every individual while looking at the
needs facing our state. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> I feel
cautiously optimistic after the governor’s speech. I appreciate the overall
vision she cast. I appreciate her seriousness in budget matters, even if I
might push harder for certain areas of funding. We have proven in past years
that we are able to serve as a check and override the governor when necessary,
but there is a general feeling that she is on our same page for the most part.
As we begin this legislative session, your voice becomes even more important.
Please don’t hesitate to make your thoughts and opinions heard. Your feedback
is invaluable to me and my office.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> It is an
honor to serve you. It matter not if you are Republican, Democrat, or
Independent; I am here to serve you. Please visit my policy blog at <a href="http://www.repjoshcockroft.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.RepJoshCockroft.blogspot.com</span></a>.
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. You can also email me at: <a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov"><span style="color: blue;">Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-46644429027918389672015-01-26T12:45:00.001-08:002015-01-26T12:45:13.033-08:00Rep. Josh Cockroft Announces Aggressive, Common Sense Conservative Agenda<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1"> The first session of the 55th Oklahoma legislature will convene on February 2nd at 12:00 noon and the state’s legislators will begin deliberating over this year’s issues. This legislative session I will be aggressively pushing a common sense conservative agenda focused on the serious issues in our state. During the entire interim, I have been working, communicating, and consulting with constituents and am now ready to get to work moving our state forward. As I have done every year I have been in office, I am releasing my agenda for your viewing as we begin the legislative process.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">My legislative focus will be centered around five core areas. I’ve outlined each of the measures below:</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>State Government Efficiency and Effectiveness</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">I have filed House Bill 1275, which couples election dates for school boards and municipalities. This will save tax dollars while encouraging greater voter participation in historically low-turnout races. My House Bill 1285 will prohibit agencies from increasing fees without proper justification and disclosure. My House Bill 1286 will require state agencies to develop contingency plans for times when the federal government makes funding reductions. My House Bill 1287 sets up an online presence for making Open Record requests. Two other reforms I will pursue are a constitutional amendment to make Oklahoma Supreme Court justices subject to a vote of the people and the creation of an Oklahoma Federal Funds Commission to study the state’s financial stability and dependency on the federal government.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Public Safety and County Government </b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">My House Bill 1276 updates current Oklahoma bomb squad statutes with clearer intent language and equips law enforcement to better prevent terrorist activities. My House Bill 1284 enables law enforcement to contract out mental health transports, saving resources and funds. My House Bill 1279 revises county government purchasing procedures. My House Bill 1278 promotes and provides aftercare services to juvenile offenders aging out of the Office of Juvenile Affairs. My House Bill 1288 authorizes road service vehicle companies to use certain flashing lights on road service vehicles.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Energy and Regulatory Services </b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">House Bill 1277 will create a state fund that uses existing oil and gas taxes to create CNG infrastructure within county vehicle fleets. House Bill 1282 provides safety guidelines for CNG infrastructure and equipment. Finally, House Bill 1283 provides guidelines for distribution of CNG, LNG, and gasoline products. It is intended to prevent federal overreach.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Child Services and Procedures </b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">House Bill 1280 sets requirements for the Department of Human Services to follow when taking complaints towards child care facilities. It will saves funds and resources and streamline complaint procedures. I also filed House Bill 1281, which provides procedures for establishing scholarships for Child Development Associate and Child Care Professionals, thus removing federal oversight.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>Protection of Human Life</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Finally, I filed House Bill 1289, which creates the Protection of Human Life Act and prohibits embryonic stem cell research within Oklahoma.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Despite the challenges we face as a state, I remain optimistic for our future. We face financial struggles and policy changes which could change the direction of our state. However, I believe conservative values and policies are what have worked, are working, and will continue to work in the future. It is a dependency on Almighty God and a steadfastness in the beliefs which have brought us here that will continue to make Oklahoma a shining beacon for others to see. We must set the example. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">It is an honor to serve you. It matter not if you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent; I am here to serve you. Please visit my policy blog at <a href="http://www.repjoshcockroft.blogspot.com/"><span class="s2">www.RepJoshCockroft.blogspot.com</span></a>. 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. You can also email me at: <a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov"><span class="s2">Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov</span></a>.</span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-31018263264652994112015-01-20T11:13:00.001-08:002015-01-20T11:13:11.699-08:00Budget Shortfall, Changes Face Lawmakers Starting February 1st<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1"> State lawmakers are currently discussing the budget picture as we prepare to begin the legislative session in February. The budget forecast is difficult but not insurmountable. We had a budget hole last year that we filled with one-time revenue sources. This year we will fall back to the standard sources and that will mean we need a new strategy.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> The Oklahoma State Board of Equalization has estimated that we will have less revenue growth for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2015. This is due to the recent drop in oil prices and lower prices in agricultural commodity markets. Combined with that lack of revenue growth are other factors such as the loss of one-time revenue sources. The state’s overall projections and agency budget requests for this fiscal year were off from available revenue by around $300 million, but we are facing an actual deficit of around $25 million.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Tax cut critics are going to overlook the factors I have described above and simply say, look, they cut taxes, and now we have less. The truth though is that tax cuts have led to revenue growth. However, as the revenue has grown so has our funding needs for education, transportation and public safety. We have cut some non-essential spending, but to balance our budget, we need to continue to prioritize better.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> This year, Speaker Jeff Hickman is already discussing reductions to tax incentives that the state gives to special interests. I agree overall with the goal of these incentives. Many were created in order to attract or keep business in the state. Specific oil and gas incentives have been proven to be highly effective. However, over time, we have seen that most do not give us a proper return on our investment. Currently our state gives around $1.7 billion every year in credits, subsidies and incentives. We need to make sure every penny is spent wisely and is being used effectively to actually attract or keep business in our state and not just be given away.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> We are also discussing change the way in which we craft the budget. A constitutional amendment has been filed that would make one session a budget-only session every two years. There has been vocal support for this plan by the governor. A second proposed change would allow us to focus on needs rather than how much we want to add to current expenses. We basically start from last year’s budget when we build the next year’s budget and this would have us go back to the drawing board and make sure we do not waste money on programs that are no longer a high priority.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> As your state representative this year, I will work to reduce tax credits and incentives, provide adequate funding for high priority needs and improve the budget process.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> It is an honor to serve you. It matter not if you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent; I am here to serve you. Please visit my policy blog at <a href="http://www.repjoshcockroft.blogspot.com/"><span class="s2">www.RepJoshCockroft.blogspot.com</span></a>. 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. You can also email me at: <a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov"><span class="s2">Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov</span></a>.</span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-53456531963225098972015-01-06T13:31:00.001-08:002015-01-06T13:31:22.977-08:00Cockroft Column: Changing School Board Election Dates A Must<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"> As I attended this year’s first legislative event on Tuesday, the Organizational Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol, I felt optimistic about the opportunities that will be presented this session. Every election changes the makeup of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, making it possible for new ideas to be infused into the process and allow measures that failed narrowly in past years to get a new chance.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> I have a great deal of respect for our educators. I also have deep respect for the leaders of our community who throw their hat in the ring to serve on our school boards. There are many things that teachers, administrators and school board members are doing right. I have said many times before that our educators are the backbone of our communities. Often doing a thankless job, they shape our state’s future everyday with the work they do in the classroom as well as the board room. I believe their job to be one of the most important any person could hold.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> However, we all know that there are some changes needed in public education. Among the discussion of more funding for education, more local control for our school districts, and less overreaching mandates from the State and Federal government, are smaller, yet significant improvements that can be made. One of the best ways to enact change is to attract new blood and broaden the public conversation about the problems facing education. However, due to the timing of school board elections, those discussions are rarely held, and new blood is rarely attracted. Constituents have pointed out to me again and again that school board elections receive low voter turnout. Election return numbers from all across the state back these claims up. An Oklahoma City election in February of 2009 garnered only eight percent of registered voters. In rural areas of the state, that eight percent is actually a very high number. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> One way I feel that this process could be improved is by tying school board elections to other elections already being held, such as municipal elections. This reform would also save the state money while encouraging more participation in the process.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Unions and special interest groups have successfully controlled school board elections across the state for years. Yet, when individual teachers were surveyed by the Professional Oklahoma Educators Association in 2009 and asked whether school board elections should be coupled with already existing elections, 85 percent replied yes. When you control the way elections are held you can control who wins. I prefer transparency and engagement over control.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> I have run this legislation every year I have been in office because it is something I believe in and have heard clearly from my constituents. Last year, I received a floor vote but did not receive the votes needed to pass legislation to institute this reform. It failed on the floor by a vote of 44-47. However, this year, there is new blood in the House and I hope to see it receive greater support. This fight isn’t as large as some of the issues we discuss and debate every year, but this reform is a small step in the right direction. I believe it will effectively engage more people in the decisions made by our local communities.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> It is an honor to serve you. It matter not if you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent; I am here to serve you. Please visit my policy blog at <a href="http://www.repjoshcockroft.blogspot.com/"><span class="s2">www.RepJoshCockroft.blogspot.com</span></a>. 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. You can also email me at: <a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov"><span class="s2">Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov</span></a>.</span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-867625354900741992014-12-29T11:01:00.000-08:002014-12-29T11:01:07.901-08:00Cockroft Column: Time To Revisit Fees, Budgeting Process<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">The Board of Equalization last week announced that the revenue triggers necessary to invoke a tax cut have been met. The Board of Equalization approved a motion Thursday to certify the income tax cut trigger provisions of Senate Bill 1246. SB 1246 requires a comparison between Fiscal Year 2016 estimated general revenue to the Fiscal Year 2014 certified general revenue total. Because projected FY 16 revenue is $60.7 million more than FY-14 revenues, the personal income tax rate will be reduced from 5.25 percent to 5 percent in tax year 2016. This comes as further proof that conservative policies continue to work for Oklahoma despite what the naysayers say.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The estimates approved by the board project revenues that could be enough to also trigger a deposit of almost $37.8 million in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Despite this, the Legislature could face budgetary challenges as the projections approved today are 0.3 percent or $25.6 million less than what was certified for last year’s budget. The recent drop in oil prices, although beneficial at the pump, could continue to put pressure on state revenues. Lower prices in agricultural commodity markets will also be a challenge for lawmakers to overcome beginning in February.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Every year new challenges face lawmakers as we begin the budgeting process. The challenges of fluctuating federal monies, off the top spending, and aging infrastructures force legislators to find new ways to craft a budget. Three measures I am introducing this year will force us to focus on true state priorities while planning for the future.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">When revenues are uncertain, agencies will turn to fees as a steady source of income. The danger in this is agencies justify the spending before the legislature without the general public even knowing about it. Fee increases are seldom a large increase, but can quickly add up and be passed without many people knowing about it. I have a solid resume in voting against fee increases during my tenure in the legislature. I will be introducing legislation which was run unsuccessfully in 2013 by then Speaker of the House TW Shannon to put a three year moratorium on fee increases; allowing the budgeting process to be transparent. If increases are needed, the people of the state should know about it before it’s passed, not when they get the bill.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Over half of our state revenue is generated from the federal government. We see that number shrink and fluctuate every year, yet we have no plan to deal with the uncertainty of the federal government. I will be filing two measures dealing with how our state reacts to the federal money it receives. One measure seeks to require state agencies to make contingency plans for 5 percent to 10 percent reductions in federal revenues for every year’s budget. Doing so would allow us to be prepared and ready should the funds not be available. The second measure would establish the Federal Funds Commission to study and make recommendations on federal funding in a state’s budget, assess risks of a significant loss of federal funding, and contingency plans for continued services from the state in the event of a reduction of federal assistance. The commission would have members appointed by the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and the Governor to meet and make the needed recommendations dealing with federal funds.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The state’s budget is the largest issue we as lawmakers deal with every year. Our state cannot afford to not look at every option to make the process easier, more efficient, smarter, and stream lined. I look forward to working through these measures with my colleagues over the next several months.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">It is an honor to serve you. It matters not if you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent; I am here to serve you. 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.</span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-45172324874586614372014-12-18T17:47:00.001-08:002014-12-18T17:47:42.501-08:00Revenue Estimate Approved, Income Tax Cut
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<b>OKLAHOMA CITY</b> — Revenues available for certification for the next appropriated state budget are trending flat but remain sufficient to trigger a personal income tax reduction in tax year 2016, according to projections approved Thursday.<span class="s1"></span></div>
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<span class="s1">The seven-member Board of Equalization on Thursday certified revenues Gov. Mary Fallin can use to build her FY 2016 executive budget proposal. Under state law, the governor must use the figure certified Thursday for the executive budget that will presented to the Legislature when it convenes Feb. 2.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The board also took action required under legislation enacted in April that will cause the state’s top personal income tax rate to drop from 5.25 percent to 5 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2016. The legislation authorized the income tax reduction if the FY 16 General Revenue Fund (GRF) estimate made by the board Thursday was equal to or greater than the FY 14 GRF estimate made by the board in February 2013. The FY 16 GRF estimate the board reviewed Thursday is $6,004,349,345, which is $60.7 million more than the FY 14 GRF estimate of $5,943,662,805 made in February 2013.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">“Oklahomans are getting relief at the gas pump this year, and next year they’ll be getting more relief through a lower personal income tax,” said Secretary of Finance, Administration and Information Technology Preston L. Doerflinger.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The board on Thursday approved an estimate of $6,914,776,463 in available revenue for the FY 2016 executive budget proposal. That amount is $43.3 million, or 0.6 percent, less than what was approved last December for the governor’s FY 15 executive budget, and $298.1 million, or 4.1 percent, less than the legislatively-approved FY 15 appropriated state budget of $7,212,855,361.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">“There isn’t more money, but there is adequate money. We have a big enough pie and our job now is slicing it right to meet the needs of the day with the funds available,” Doerflinger said.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Despite the $298.1 million differential between FY 15 total appropriations and the preliminary FY 16 revenue estimate, revenues the board can certify as available for appropriations remain mostly flat. The estimate the board approved Thursday of revenue available for the FY 16 executive budget proposal is $25.6 million, or 0.3 percent, less than the $6,940,352,735 the board approved in February 2014 as available for FY 15 appropriations. However, the enacted FY 15 budget appropriated more than was certified by the board due to its use of $291.7 million in additional funds from various government accounts.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">“As is the case most every session, revenues certified by the board do not represent all revenues available for appropriation,” Doerflinger said. “We were well-intentioned in using additional resources to meet needs last session, but next session we’ll have to rely more on cuts to most areas if we’re going to put additional resources anywhere else. We’ll have to prioritize and make tough choices.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The board will meet again in late February to make a second estimate that will be used in negotiations between the governor and legislators to determine FY 16 appropriations levels for state agencies.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">“As always, February’s certification matters way more than this December estimate,” Doerflinger said. “If oil prices continue sliding and the energy sector shrinks, there may be less revenue in February than there is today – we’ll see. In any event, the challenge is not insurmountable and we can and will manage it.”</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Doerflinger is director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, which works with the Governor's Office to build the annual executive budget. OMES, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Tax Commission, prepares the revenue estimates that are presented to the Board of Equalization.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The packet the board reviewed Thursday can be accessed on the OMES website: <a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTQxMjE4LjM5NTM0OTUxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDE0MTIxOC4zOTUzNDk1MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3MzMxMjYyJmVtYWlsaWQ9am9zaC5jb2Nrcm9mdEBva2hvdXNlLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9am9zaC5jb2Nrcm9mdEBva2hvdXNlLmdvdiZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&100&&&http://www.ok.gov/OSF/documents/boe12182014.pdf"><span class="s2">http://www.ok.gov/OSF/documents/boe12182014.pdf</span></a></span></div>
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Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-78034815835681399902014-12-08T18:03:00.001-08:002014-12-08T18:03:23.779-08:00Cockroft Column - The Time Is Now For Major Judicial Reform<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1">In the last century, individuals in our state and every state in the Nation have felt the effects of an ever growing and increasingly powerful judiciary branch. Even during my tenure in the Oklahoma Legislature, I have seen numerous measures struck down in sweeping cases of judicial activism. What many people do not realize because of its convenient failure to be taught in the classroom is that the judicial system was never created to be a co-equal or independent branch having powers to legislate or execute law as it does today. The Federalist Papers were written by our founders to explain the intent of what was meant by the wording of everything we find in our Constitution. Federalist Paper #51 states, "the legislative authority necessarily predominate.” Federalist Paper #78 states, “The judiciary, on the contrary, has no influence over either the sword or the purse; no direction either of the strength or of the wealth of the society; and can take no active resolution whatever. It may truly be said to have neither force nor will. . . . The judiciary, from the nature of its functions, will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution. . . . The judiciary is, beyond comparison, the weakest of the three departments of power. . . . and the general liberty of the people can never be endangered from that quarter. Not only was the Judiciary not created to be equal, but it was actually much weaker than the Legislative and Executive! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Every election cycle when our Supreme Court Justices are on the ballot for retention, I receive many complaints on the lack of transparency or information available on the Justices due to the state statutes here in Oklahoma. Our state is set up on what is commonly known as the “Missouri Plan” for our selection of Supreme Court Justices. The Missouri Plan provides for the appointment of the Justices by the Governor, then places them on a non-partisan retention ballot to allow the people to decide if they should remain as Justices. I believe the difficulties far outweigh the benefits of this system. Holding non-partisan elections often shroud the ability of the people to understand where the individuals stand on the issues. Pointed questions are not allowed. The amount of information of their records is nearly impossible to find for most people. Being as such, over 95% of retention ballots are retained. This process simply regurgitates the problems we are seeing. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Many things have been on a slow fade away from our Founding Fathers original intent in the 1700’s, but here in Oklahoma I look to help to reverse the course in a small way. This year I will be filing a measure to change our Supreme Court Justice selection process from an appointed one by our Governor to an elected one by the people. By designating districts by population much like our Congressional Districts, the people would elect a Supreme Court Justice for their district to a term in Oklahoma City. The Justices would then elect the Chief Justice from among themselves. Our Founding Fathers very much intended for the judicial process infused by the people and not to be appointed by bureaucrats. Enabling accountability by and from the people begins to make this branch of government realize the consequences, good or bad, of their decisions. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I realize and am not naive to that fact this is a very bold and new solution. The hill is long and the climb will be hard. However, my responsibility is to look into every solution to move our state in a positive direction. Big problems require bold solutions. I believe in this solution. Beginning the dialog this year will perhaps yield to the change this state needs to provide a more transparent and accountable government. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Please do not hesitate to give me your thoughts and ideas. That’s why I am here! You can email me at: <a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@OkHouse.gov"><span class="s2">Josh.Cockroft@OkHouse.gov</span></a>, call me at: 405-557-7349, follow me on Facebook: Representative Josh Cockroft, Twitter: @VoteCockroft27, and my Website: <a href="http://www.friendsofjoshcockroft.com/"><span class="s2">www.FriendsofJoshCockroft.com</span></a>. </span></div>
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Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-887206104258931612014-11-21T08:15:00.000-08:002014-11-21T08:15:00.847-08:00Open Letter to the Citizens of the State of Oklahoma
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<i>This past week I had the pleasure of joining 34 of my colleagues in drafting an open letter to the citizens of our great state over my great concerns on the lawsuit against Senate Bill 1246 which was passed this past spring. This letter went out to every media outlet in the state and has quickly garnered support and interest. I have attached that letter below for your review. Please feel free to share with your friends and family or submit your thoughts back to me. </i><br />
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<span class="s1"><i>God bless, </i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>Rep. Josh Cockroft</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1">"An Open Letter to the Citizens of the State of Oklahoma,</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in a lawsuit brought against Senate Bill 1246, which was passed by the Oklahoma Legislature and signed into law by Governor Mary Fallin in the 2014 legislative session.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> That piece of legislation, now state law, was intended to reduce Oklahoma’s personal income tax rate if certain state tax collection targets are met. The lawsuit against the new statute is being aided by vocal opponents of income tax reductions.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> According to those who filed the lawsuit, the new law violates provisions of State Question 640, originally approved by a majority of Oklahoma voters in 1992 with the goal of making it more difficult for state lawmakers to increase taxes paid by Oklahomans.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> In 1992, state lawmakers’ ability to increase taxes and revenue needed to be restrained. The subsequent constitutional restraint requires that bills creating or increasing taxes, or making new revenue sources for the purpose of funding government, start in the state House of Representatives. Also, such bills cannot be passed in the final five days of the legislative session. As well, they must either be submitted to a vote of the people or receive three-fourths approval by both the state Senate and House of Representatives.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> The lawsuit against the new tax reduction attempts to make the case that any bill related to taxes or revenue, whether it increases or decreases taxes paid by Oklahomans, is subject to the provisions of SQ 640. This interpretation violates the plain wording of the amendment and the intent of the voters.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Taxpaying Oklahomans should be alarmed by arguments made last month before the state Supreme Court justices regarding the intent of SQ 640. It was argued before the Court that, when the citizens voted in 1992 to make it more difficult for the state Legislature to increase their taxes, it was actually the intent of voters to make it more difficult to lower their taxes. Such an interpretation would mean SQ 640 applies to any bill dealing with revenue. This is a direct violation of the plain language of the statute in question and the clear intent of the voters. If a subsequent ruling by the Court reflects such rationale, this will have grave consequences on the ability of the Legislature in the future to provide relief to taxpayers.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> If the state Supreme Court rules according to the lawsuit’s interpretation, there could be serious consequences. Minor or technical amendments to revenue-related statutes, bills lowering fees, and prior personal income tax cuts, business tax cuts, estate tax cuts, credits and deductions for seniors, and retiree and veteran tax relief could all be challenged and overturned. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> It is even possible that dozens, if not hundreds, of past measures enacting tax relief or the expenditure of revenue could be immediately ruled null and void.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Such a ruling sets a precedent benefiting only those who want to undo such prior tax relief as the gross production tax compromise, also passed during the 2014 legislative session. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> As well, any law passed in Oklahoma since 1992 that increased or decreased the amount of funds in the state Treasury could be immediately deemed unconstitutional if it failed to meet the standards of SQ 640. This could include state budget bills, which are routinely passed in the final days of session, jeopardizing funding for schools, public safety, transportation infrastructure and safety net services.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Tax-relief measures enacted in Oklahoma since SQ 640’s passage in 1992 that could potentially be ruled unconstitutional, should SB 1246 be struck down by the Court, would include:</span></div>
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<span class="s1">- Reductions of the state’s personal income tax rate from 6.65 percent down to 5.25 percent; passed in 2005 and 2006.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">- Manufacturing exemption against the state’s corporate income tax for distributors; passed in 2005.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">- Prohibition of taxation on intangible personal property; sent to the voters for approval in 2012.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">- Setting of the state’s gross production tax rate at 2 percent for all new oil and natural gas wells drilled in the state, for the first three years of a well’s production; passed in 2014.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">- Repeal of Oklahoma’s estate tax; passed in 2005.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">- Tax relief for all disabled military veterans filing personal income tax returns in Oklahoma; passed in 2005.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">- Tying of the state’s standard deduction for taxpaying families to match the federal standard deduction; passed in 2006.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">- Tax relief for all private-sector retirees filing personal income tax returns in Oklahoma; passed in 2006.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">- Tax relief for all military veterans filing personal income tax returns in Oklahoma; passed in 2006.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Clearly, this was not the intent of Oklahoma voters when they approved SQ 640 in 1992. Such actions by the state Supreme Court would inflict unnecessary hardship on Oklahoma families, retirees, veterans, entrepreneurs and job-creators.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> It is our sincere hope that the Oklahoma Supreme Court will use discretion and sound judgment and not rule in such fashion as to throw out two decades-worth of tax reductions for Oklahoma taxpayers. It is truly bizarre to imagine that Oklahoma voters desired in 1992 to make it more difficult than it had previously been for state lawmakers to take less of their money.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Since 1992, Oklahomans have benefited from numerous state-level tax reductions and suffered few state-level tax increases. SQ 640 has been a good protection against rapid escalation of state-level tax rates and unnecessary growth of state government. Our state and its people have benefited as a result.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Sincerely, </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Rep. Josh Cockroft"</span></div>
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Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-17516566907424518542014-11-11T12:47:00.000-08:002014-11-11T12:47:28.254-08:00Cockroft Column - Regents Out of Touch With Priorities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1"> In the news this past week was the headline stating the Regents for Oklahoma High Education have requested an additional $98.7 million in state appropriations for the next fiscal year. While their claim is the additional money is for necessary increases, I wonder if their request shows a lack of recognition of the priorities of our state budget and Oklahoma’s conservative majority. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Chancellor Glen Johnson cited Gov. Mary Fallin’s Complete College America Initiative as a justification of the large request. The goal of that initiative is to increase the number of career credentials and college degrees earned by 1,700 each year for 12 years. In the first year of the initiative, the goal was surpassed with an increase of 2,945 additional career credentials and college degrees. In the second year, there were 3,577 additional credentials and degrees. Of the $98.7 million increase, $88.3 million would be used in support of the initiative. Johnson also notes that the increase would bring funding back to pre-recession levels.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> The request makes it very clear that Johnson and the Regents of Higher Education do not understand conservative governing principles. Higher education received cuts or flat budgets in past years, because it was flush with funding. The success of the initiative so far shows that they are neither underfunded nor in crisis. If this request is to be honored it would place overall funding for higher education in Oklahoma over $1.086 Billion. Meanwhile, state prisons and K-12 schools, which both rank higher on my priority list, do not have adequate funding or flexibility in their spending. Higher education has long been the sacred cow of state government. Past state legislatures poured money into it with very few tough questions or analysis of the results of that funding. We can not continue to blindly fund such a large portion of our budget. We must continue looking at our state budget in the same way we as families look at our household budgets. Responsibly. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> When we get to work in the coming year on the Fiscal Year 2016 budget, I will be among those encouraging lawmakers to focus on common education, career technology schools and other critical needs in Oklahoma. I am no enemy of higher education and I certainly see the positives that our higher education system produces, but I also believe in living within the means. When so many other areas of our state budget are short and stretched thin I think a massive increase to an agency that is flush with funding would be irresponsible and foolish.</span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-80904700283667363262014-11-04T08:28:00.002-08:002014-11-04T08:28:27.230-08:00Cockroft Column: With Voter Confusion, Judicial Reform Being Discussed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1">Elections are always a good indicator of how tuned in the people around you are to politics. There are always people who know a lot about what’s going on in the world and those who know less. Year after year though, it is very clear that almost no one knows much about their judges and justices. The most common question I am asked during each election season is my thoughts on the retention ballots. Many people become frustrated with the lack of information on the judicial candidates, which stems from an effort to keep the judicial system non-partisan. For these reason, many of my colleagues and I have discussed measures to increase judicial accountability. For me, there is no clear path to take with this topic, but it is worth discussing and looking into. Infusing transparency and openness into state government is always a worthwhile endeavor. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Senate Joint Resolution 21, a piece of legislation that failed to garner the necessary votes last year, would have introduced a reform to the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission. This 15-member commission nominates candidates to fill vacant judgeships across Oklahoma. The Governor then chooses judges from among their nominees. Six members of the commission are always attorneys and the rest are always non-lawyers. Currently, the six attorneys are elected to seats on the commission by members of the Oklahoma Bar Association. SJR 21 would have allowed the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives to appoint three of the attorneys and the Senate President Pro Tempore to appoint three members.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Opponents of the reform have criticized it as a partisan move similar to gerrymandering, basically that Republicans want to further increase their power by having a stronger hand in the nominating process. The simple truth though is that any change to election law is going to look like the majority party is making a power play no matter if it is by the Democrats or Republicans. Instead of responding to such cynical criticism, I am going to simply state the facts. The courts have made questionable judgements on legislation that would have a positive impact for most Oklahomans, but a negative impact on lawyers. The Oklahoma Bar Association’s strong part in the current process gives them a lot of impact on affecting those court decisions. Placing that power instead in the hands of elected officials, returns some of that power to the people.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Other reforms we have discussed include a constitutional amendment that would allow the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint the Supreme Court of Oklahoma’s chief justice. Another constitutional amendment would place 20-year term limits on state justices and appeals court judges. Yet another constitutional amendment would place an age limit on Oklahoma’s Supreme Court Judges. All of these measures would go to a vote of the people. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Oklahoma has a history of tinkering with its government system, a lot of which has led to improved accountability. Corruption has always been a problem in our state, so the people have time and time again tried to limit it with thoughtful reforms. These reforms are no different and I plan to continue to look into them in the upcoming session.</span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-69582793600780296092014-10-28T08:05:00.004-07:002014-10-28T08:05:43.997-07:00Cockroft Column - 2014 State Questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> As the November election approaches, I like to do my part to remind everyone of the state questions that will be on the ballot. I have the benefit of already voting once for each of these questions since the legislature recommends each question before being sent to the public to vote on. Oklahoma has one of the largest state constitution's in the nation. In order to change policy, we often have to make constitutional changes. These policy changes require the direct input of Oklahomans. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The first state question on this year's ballot addresses military service while in public office. In the past, many officials have had to step down in order to serve our country. A vote of yes on State Question 789 will allow state legislators, agency commission and board members, statewide officials, judges, district attorneys and county officials to serve in state military services while in office. A vote of no will mean that officials continue to serve either in public office or a military role, but not both. This question began with a legal challenge and was passed as Senate Joint Resolution 33 by the legislature in 2013.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The other two state questions that will appear on the ballot concern homestead exemptions. State Question 770 asks voters to do decide whether or not to allow a homestead exemption for qualifying disabled veterans or their surviving spouse. State Question 771 asks voters to decide whether or not to create a homestead exemption for the surviving spouse of military men and women who die in the line of duty. Both of these questions were contained in House Bill 2621 passed by the legislature this past spring. Our veterans and their families have sacrificed and given so much to our country, these simple measures are the least we can do to say thank you. Oklahoma is currently the most friendly state for veterans and their families to live in. I pray this is a trend we continue in.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Past years' ballots have been stuffed full of state questions on various issues which can be confusing and controversial. This comes as a testimony to the legislature’s ability to work with the Governor’s office and each other and the large amount which has been accomplished through state questions to change our state constitution in the last decade. I think it is a nice change that they will focus exclusively this year on veterans' issues. I believe each of these three questions is worthy of a yes vote.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In other state news, lawmakers continue to conduct policy studies in October. House committees have studied fracking, school funding, agency revolving funds and state care for veterans and seniors. These studies help us to plan for next year's budget discussions and policy questions. Information on the studies can be found at: <a href="http://www.okhouse.gov/Committees/ShowInterimStudies.aspx"><span class="s2">http://www.okhouse.gov/Committees/ShowInterimStudies.aspx</span></a>. We also record audio from these meetings, which can be found at <a href="http://www.okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx"><span class="s2">http://www.okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx</span></a>. These meetings are also open to the public at the Capitol. We always welcome your participation in your government. </span></span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-458589843423514512014-10-23T11:21:00.001-07:002014-10-23T11:21:25.770-07:00New Report Predicts Oklahoma to be a National Leader in Economic Growth in 2015
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OKLAHOMA CITY – FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR.</div>
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<span class="s1">A new report by Standard & Poor’s, a national financial research firm, predicts that Oklahoma will be one of four states to lead the nation in economic growth next year. The report forecasts how the national economy is expected to fare through the remainder of this year and into the next. It predicts Oklahoma’s economic output will grow by more than 3.5 percent.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Governor Mary Fallin said the report was another sign that Oklahoma's economy is once again moving in the right direction and continues to grow.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">"This report from Standard & Poor’s is another indication that Oklahoma's economy is back on track and our families and businesses are doing better," said Fallin. “Since 2011 we've created over 102,000 jobs, seen median household income grow at twice the national average, and replenished the Rainy Day Fund from just $2.03 to over $530 million. Our job now is to continue that forward momentum, and it is great news to see organizations like Standard & Poor’s predicting that Oklahoma will continue to be a leader in economic growth and prosperity."</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> For more on this report, <a href="http://report.mynewsletterbuilder.com/t.js?s=5449452eaf52256037000008&u=32963953&v=3&key=c6bd&skey=abae675445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fblogs%2Fgovbeat%2Fwp%2F2014%2F10%2F21%2Fthe-regions-with-the-best-economic-prospects-for-2015-according-to-sp%2F"><span class="s2">click here</span></a>.</span></div>
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Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-12245478988498391322014-10-21T11:55:00.002-07:002014-10-21T11:55:28.825-07:00Cockroft Column - Forget Medicaid Expansion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1">Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma isn't happening, but advocates refuse to receive that message. They probably just can’t accept this reality, because the expansion is happening in so many other parts of the country.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">It is irresponsible to spend money we don’t have into the federal Medicaid program. The federal government provides a large portion of that money and the state’s portion is smaller, but that doesn’t mean we can afford it. Right now in our state are over 818,000 Oklahomans who depend on Medicaid. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority estimates the state needs $164 million more right now just to cover current needs. To add to that number through accepting more federal dollars and more state responsibility would be foolish from a state budget viewpoint.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The big picture view of what is happening in Oklahoma is that we are a low-income state with limited resources. That history has made us more focused than most on the proper management of what resources we have in building our state budget. We invest heavily in education (over half of our budget) and then try to ensure that we maintain public safety, road and bridge infrastructure, current health programs and a number of other priority services.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Even though education receives a majority of the state budget, our schools are not flushed with money. Despite receiving a large slice of the state budget, they struggle financially. The reason for that is that Oklahoma does not have a huge budget. Schools are receiving a large slice, but that slice is from a small pie.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Right now, we have a prison system that is in dire straits. Corrections officers receive low pay, which has led to a dwindling workforce. Prison populations continue to grow and we do not see an easy fix to this growing problem.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Our road and bridge infrastructure is finally on track, but that will continue to require investment. We also support the current level of Medicaid and a number of other health and social services programs.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I know that there are a lot of Oklahomans who are in need. Unfortunately, I also know that to put too much of our state’s money in Medicaid, would cripple other equally important endeavors.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I also believe that Medicaid, like other federal programs, creates a number of problems in the health care industry. One of the blessings in Oklahoma is having lower health care costs. The silver lining of being unable to fund a Medicaid expansion is that it gives us the opportunity to look at other free market ways to improve the system.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I hope you will keep these things in mind as the Medicaid expansion advocates continue to hammer away at us. The Oklahoma Legislature has made many wise decisions with the limited resources we have. It would be a shame to undo that hard work.</span></div>
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Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-37290807308370894912014-10-13T09:50:00.001-07:002014-10-13T09:50:01.809-07:00Errant Weekly Column<p class="s4" style="text-align: start; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"As someone once said, modern technology is a great thing – until you try to use it. Human error has a way of undermining years of technological advances. That was certainly the case when I recently submitted my legislative column to area newspapers.</span></p><p class="s4" style="text-align: start; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">At the time, I was working at home on both my column and an upcoming speech focused on traditional marriage. While </span><span class="s3">preparing</span><span class="s3"> for that speech, I pulled an article by Ryan T. Anderson from the Heritage Foundation and </span><span class="s3">placed</span><span class="s3"> it in my notes</span><span class="s3"> for future reference</span><span class="s3">. I planned to </span><span class="s3">include</span><span class="s3"> some of that material in the speech</span><span class="s3"> (with attribution)</span><span class="s3">.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="text-align: start; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">Unfortunately, I had two files open on my computer at the same time: the file for my weekly column and the file for my speech notes. At some point, I </span><span class="s3">accidently </span><span class="s3">copied the speech notes file and submitted it as my weekly column by mistake. Thus, Mr. Anderson’s work was </span><span class="s3">wrongly </span><span class="s3">presented as my own.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="text-align: start; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3">It was never my intention to take credit for another person’s work, but that is what I did, albeit </span><span class="s3">accidently</span><span class="s3">. I apologize to Mr. Ander</span><span class="s3">son, the papers</span><span class="s3"> that received the column, and the people of House District 27. I failed to double-check my work, and my haste created a situation that embarrasses me deeply.</span><span class="s3"></span></span></p><p class="s4" style="text-align: start; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With sincerest regrets,"</span></p><p class="s4" style="text-align: start; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="s4" style="text-align: start; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rep. Josh Cockroft</span></p>Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-70707041391185537512014-10-09T16:43:00.000-07:002014-10-09T16:43:19.203-07:00(Corrected) The Case For Traditional Marriage<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
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<i>Note: After being made aware I had posted an errant column, I have removed it and replaced it with the correct version. The previous version was never meant to be published, but was for my records alone, were personal notes for an upcoming speech, and were published through an honest mistake. That version had many direct quotes without proper credit given to the author. I have fixed the problem and promise to be more aware in the future. </i> </div>
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Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of the United States refused to hear an appeal to a federal district court’s earlier ruling, essentially removing Oklahoma’s ban on homosexual marriage.</div>
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I, as well as multiple other state officials, immediately expressed my outrage to the blatant disregard of the very moral fibers upon which this country was founded and for the gross overreach of the federal judicial system. In an issue which boils down to state's rights, three individuals in a federal district court overturned what 1.1 million people stated in defining marriage as between one man and one woman.</div>
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I have spent the last several days stating and restating my personal opinion, but for this column, I want to take a step back and look at this issue from a practical standpoint, ask a few questions and provide answers on this important issue.</div>
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What is marriage, why does traditional marriage matter for public policy, and what would be the consequences of redefining marriage?</div>
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We first have to ask ourselves why the institution of marriage exists. The simple answer would be so that population and society as we know can continue. Practically, marriage brings one man and one woman together to be a father and mother to the children their union produces. This union is founded on the indisputable truth that men and women are made differently, yet made complementary at the same time. Without these differences, including the physical differences which allow reproduction and the rearing of their children, marriage would just be another relationship. Without marriage, there would be no civilization. Marriage has many public purposes that even go beyond its private purposes. This fact is why a majority of states have attempted to affirm and place into state statute that marriage is between a man and a woman.</div>
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The reason government recognizes marriage is for its benefits to society. No other institution produces the kinds of results that marriage does. Proper child-rearing and the encouragement by the state to take responsibility of the family structure are among the many benefits. </div>
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As Ryan T. Anderson from the Heritage Foundation said in an article titled "Marriage: What It Is, Why It Matters, and the Consequences of Redefining It” (2013): "Promoting traditional marriage does not at any time ban any type of relationship. Adults are free to make choices about their relationships, and they do not need government sanction or license to do so. All Americans have the freedom to live as they choose, but no one has a right to redefine marriage for everyone else."</div>
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What we as a society are doing in redefining marriage to include same-sex relationships is placing the desires of adults of more importance than the needs of the children within these relationships. Selfishness is blinding our eyes to the needs of the next generation. Additionally, redefining marriage within state and federal governments reduces the institution to whatever government at the time defines it as. In other words, if an individual has an emotional connection to a rock or even (although it now sounds outrageous) a young child, then government could recognize and give the definition of marriage in that instance. </div>
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I believe we are traveling down the slippery slope of convenience over principle and a false definition of equality over practicality. </div>
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Never hesitate to contact me. Email me at: <a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov">Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov</a>. Call me at: (405) 557-7349. Follow me on Facebook: Representative Josh Cockroft, and Twitter: @VoteCockroft27.</div>
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Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-51296961713417508272014-09-29T10:41:00.001-07:002014-09-29T10:41:14.731-07:00Cockroft Column - Cronyism and Failure in Oklahoma's Education Department<div class="p1">
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Although I continue to be an advocate for education reform, I think it is clear the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Janet Barresi is the wrong person for the job. Not only has she continued to fail state schools on a number of leadership fronts, she has now resorting to cronyism in her hiring practices, which is almost comical considering how little time there will be until a new superintendent cleans house.<br />
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My colleague State Representative Jason Smalley, myself, and many others are calling for the resignation of Barresi and two staffers, Dr. Larry Birney and Kim Richey. The hire of Dr. Birney resulted in the resignation of a longtime and respected member of the office, Lynn Jones. Birney, who has not worked in education before, was the spouse of Kim Richey, the general counsel. Hiring him was not illegal, but Oklahomans have long recognized nepotism or cronyism as an immoral practice in state government. When it causes good employees to resign, it is effectively burning down the house before the new superintendent comes on. A new position was created to hire Birney, which also means taxpayer dollars were spent to fund this nepotism to the tune of $90,000 per year. </div>
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Due to this situation, I am looking into possible legislation which would prevent outgoing state officials and lawmakers who have been defeated in their election from making non-essential hires or creating new positions. I believe if an individual has been defeated within the democratic process, their constituents have clearly spoken their desire to move on. There should be no reasonable reason to create new positions or hire for non-essential positions. Unfortunately, this latest move is not uncommon in state government. Oftentimes outgoing officials will spend budgets and hire individuals rapidly, leaving very little for their successor to begin with. Simple legislation could fix this problem. </div>
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After last week’s release of the latest A-F scores, I am hearing of and seeing the failures in the implementation of the A-F grading system. A lot of money that could have been put into other projects has now gone down the drain as we continue to push a testing system that has not been properly calibrated or executed. I think the A-F system was an ambitious project to infuse accountability and transparency into our educational system. However, it’s implementation has been horrible at best. It needs to include a great deal of input from local schools during every step of the process and to this point, state officials have refused to do this. Many factors such as attendance rates and poverty levels are graded, putting rural schools at an immediate disadvantage. While many schools within my district continue to struggle based upon the state’s grading system, I will continue to stand by them because I know the other side of the story. Instead of seeing a letter grade based on incomplete data, I see administrators, teachers, and parents alike who put everything they have into our local schools. We aren’t without our struggles for sure, but I have much more confidence in them than our state does. </div>
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Change cannot come soon enough to the highest education office in Oklahoma. I look forward to working with whoever replaces Barresi as we try to create positive momentum for Oklahoma students.</div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-15011569967039531012014-09-16T14:18:00.000-07:002014-09-16T14:18:09.807-07:00Cockroft Column: Knowing The Numbers In State Government<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year as we inch closer to opening a new legislative session in Oklahoma, the debates of spending priorities and budget needs begin with renewed fury. It has always been fascinating to me as I have presided over budget hearings in January to hear agency heads and lobbyist groups advocate for additional dollars every year. Only a small handful of times have I heard them ask for less taxpayer funds to properly operate. While there is always a demand for appropriations to deliver needed services, as a conservative I believe in asking the tough questions of how we can better spend the taxpayer dollar. Efficiency and reduction in government, paired with growth and prosperity in the private sector is always an amiable goal. However, this is seldom the rhetoric coming from Washington, D.C., or even Oklahoma City.</div>
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Many times we are told by agencies, the media, and individuals alike that there is a growing need for more money within our government structure. We are told year after year areas such as education, health care, and public safety have dire needs for more funds. We are told there aren’t enough appropriations to go around and that agencies will be forced to make dangerous cuts. I would simply caution against such language and would instead point to the real numbers.</div>
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The most recent fiscal year ended on June 30, and the data shows that state government revenues are actually at an all-time high. Preston Doerflinger, Oklahoma’s Secretary of Finance, Administration, and Information Technology, reported earlier in the summer the general revenue fund maintained levels from the prior year and even exceeded them slightly. Last time I checked, that’s not a deficit.</div>
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But it’s not just the general revenue fund which has grown. According to Secretary Doerflinger and State Treasurer Ken Miller, total state tax collections set another record. Treasurer Miller reported in his recent summary: “Gross receipts to the treasury, a good snapshot of our state’s productivity, incomes, and consumption, are higher than ever before .... Collections have been higher than the same month of the prior year in 45 of the past 51 months, which indicates a steady economic expansion.”</div>
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Remember, all of this comes after a decade of eliminating death taxes and cutting the top personal income tax rate by 25 percent. During that same time the standard deduction increased and a child tax credit was added for many Oklahomans. All of these actions were claimed by critics to be the decimation of Oklahoma’s economy. The numbers don’t lie; these critics were wrong.</div>
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Unfortunately for Oklahomans, the same statistic which stated revenues were at an all-time high, show that state government spending is also at an all-time high. In my experience in the legislature, lawmakers are much too willing to spend taxpayer dollars without hesitation while hiding under the “conservative” label.</div>
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Obviously, most state spending is needed and is even directed towards the proper needs. However, it doesn’t take long to see the low hanging fruit which needs to be trimmed. Countless other areas need to be re-prioritized to assure every penny is being used wisely. It’s what most of us do in our daily, personal lives. Why not in state government?</div>
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It is always a pleasure to serve you! I can always be reached through my Capitol office at (405) 557-7349 and by email at:Josh.Cockroft@<a href="http://okhouse.gov/"><span class="s1">okhouse.gov</span></a>. Additionally, you can follow me on Facebook: Representative Josh Cockroft, Twitter: @VoteCockroft27, and at <a href="http://www.friendsofjoshcockroft.com/"><span class="s1">www.FriendsofJoshCockroft.com</span></a>. My door is always open to you.</div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-21099668248594105832014-09-08T10:10:00.000-07:002014-09-08T10:11:25.088-07:00Cockroft Column - Workers' Comp Improving, Earthquakes on the Radar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It wasn't long ago that Oklahoma's workers' compensation system was one of the hottest political topics. For decades Republicans and Democrats alike fought for meaningful reform of an antiquated compensation system. The skyrocketing costs and abuse of that system finally saw a remedy when we passed a measure which I was an author of in 2013. The measure set up an administrative system which we are now seeing the positive results of.<br />
<br />Last week, the National Council on Compensation Insurance reported that workers' compensation rates will decrease by 7.8 percent for next year. This follows on the last year's report of a 14.6 percent cost decline. The State Chamber of Oklahoma estimates that since workers' comp reform was passed in the state, Oklahoma businesses have saved more than $220 million. It is by far not a perfect system, but we have taken great leaps of improvement.<br /><br /><div>
The workers' comp reform was not made lightly, without deliberation and discussion of the best way to move forward. Many opponents of the reforms were concerned whether we would really see positive changes in rates. These results prove that these reforms are working.<br /><br />Likewise, we are now approaching the issues of earthquakes in the same deliberate manner. Over the last several years in Oklahoma, earthquakes have become one of the newest concerns. Questions have abounded of how Oklahoma can make policy decisions which protects its citizens, while protecting the free market system and protecting freedom to our businesses and the energy sector.<br /><br />Gov. Mary Fallin has recently created a panel to coordinate earthquake studies in the state. The Coordinating Council on Seismic Activity will connect researchers, officials and energy industry experts. Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment Michael Teague will lead the panel. It will include input from the Oklahoma Geological Survey, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board, Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association and the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association.<br /><br />According to the Oklahoma Geological Survey, 3.0 magnitude or greater earthquakes have increased from an average of less than 5 to about 40 a year. There were more than 200 this year so far. Some studies have pointed to natural causes while others have pointed to the oil and natural gas industry.<br /><br />I am highly concerned about what these earthquakes mean for homeowners and public safety. Will they get worse? Do we need to require earthquake coverage? Do we need to limit what techniques can be practiced in close vicinity to property? We really haven't received a clear answer. Trying to get a bird's eye view by coordinating the studies is an important first step in figuring out the state's course going forward.<br /><br />I will always fight to protect conservative principles and against overreaching state and local government. However, we must ask some tough questions to see whether state government is doing everything within its power to place our state in a safe position. This is treading on new ground for our state. I look forward to being part of the discussion over the next few years.<br /><br />It is always a pleasure to serve you! I can be reached through my Capitol office at (405) 557-7349 and by email at:Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov. My door is always open to you.</div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-13057182903056284282014-08-30T15:44:00.000-07:002014-08-30T15:44:13.190-07:00Cockroft Column - Politics or Policies? <div class="p1">
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With the news this past week that the federal government denied the extension of Oklahoma’s Elementary and Secondary Act (ESEA) No Child Left Behind waiver, the finger pointing immediately began. Democrats like House Minority Leader Scott Inman blamed all Republicans for their “abysmal” record on issues in education like common core and education budgets which resulted in the federal decision. Republicans like Governor Mary Fallin blasted the federal government for “playing politics” with our children’s education. As with many decisions which are handed down from Washington, D.C., the lines of partisan politics have quickly been drawn. To my fellow colleagues on both sides of the aisle, public servants, and educational organizations who have had these type of responses, I have a simple message: Stop it. We must stop playing politics with our future, because our children deserve better.<br />
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<span class="s1"> Instead of drawing lines between political parties, shouldn’t we be looking towards the best interests of the children who are affected by these decisions? Why don’t we start talking about the failing schools across Oklahoma and not just skip over the students being swept under the rug for an agenda’s sake? These aren’t policies we are talking about, they’re lives. They are our future. Perhaps if we took a step outside of political halls and into the classrooms of the real world we would start to see this reality. Unlike the perception which the analysts and political talking heads will have us believe, having a locally controlled education system with rigorous academic standards is possible. It begins with proper recognition of the role of government and the will of the people whom those in public service represent. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> If anything, those who have sharply pointed fingers at each other across Oklahoma’s political landscape should instead direct blame towards a federal government which is grossly overstepping its bounds of responsibility. It is overtly apparent this decision comes as a political punishment for the repeal of common core this past spring by the Oklahoma legislature; something a massive majority of Oklahoma parents were pleading for. Allowing bureaucrats in Washington to dictate our educational landscape in Oklahoma is unacceptable whether you are Republican or Democrat. I believe in our parents, teachers, and administrators much more than career politicians in D.C.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Now these decisions are in the past and we must work towards a brighter future. The reality is that we have lost the waiver. That was today; what about tomorrow? Shouldn’t our failing schools and failing grades gain as much focus as political headlines? No matter what your feelings are on the A-F school grading system and what your individual school’s grade is, you have to be blind to not see room for improvement in our schools. Let’s focus on that.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> To my Democratic colleagues: Using this decision to spread the fear of lost funds among lawmakers and teachers alike is misleading and dishonest. This decision doesn’t change anything for funding levels. The federal government did not even state that there would be the 20 percent of Title 1 funds set aside for tutoring by parents, forcing the state to lose flexibility as has been incorrectly rumored. Additionally, to demand additional support from the federal government is completely hypocritical to the cries coming from your caucus over the last four years for “more local control”. You can’t have it both ways. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">To my Republican colleagues: The party of less government and conservative principles cannot pause in its fight to point out the proper roles of the federal, state, and local government. If you believe in less government, fight for it! Unfortunately, many within the Republican party today are not controlled by ideas, but by the desire to be in control. This is a posture which creates little motivation for bold change. The public is looking for bold change, not the hard-to-control desire for power in our system today. Not political winds, nor contributor’s dollars, should sway the truth one way or the other. Never apologize for doing what you believe to be right. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> Yes, we have challenges ahead of us. However, we must let ideas and hard facts guide us in policy decisions. Instead of pointing fingers, let’s work together. I firmly believe history will judge those who use cheap scare tactics to hold back common sense policies as the real extremists and as protectors of the status quo. Our children deserve better than squabbles which promote one party over the other. Our students are watching, what will they see we’re leaving them with?</span></div>
Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-75143170601312977682014-07-22T12:50:00.000-07:002014-07-22T12:50:01.710-07:00Cockroft Column: Overview of Summer Studies<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" type="cite">
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives approves studies every summer to help lawmakers prepare for next year. Held anytime between August and November, these studies aid us in building consensus on touchy subjects and getting the details right on complex policy initiatives.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">I believe strongly in the death penalty. It serves as an important deterrent to the taking of a life in our state. It also gives grieving families a much-needed sense of justice. This year’s botched execution gave ammunition to the anti-death penalty movement. One of the studies approved in July will examine or execution and death penalty procedures to ensure our manner of executions are beyond reproach. We will also be looking at what other methods of execution are available as execution drug supplies are increasingly scarce.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Water conservation is going to get more important with each passing year. A second approved study will focus on streamlining and improving on the state’s water plan. We all know how important water is, so I will be watching closely to ensure we are getting solid ideas to move the state forward.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">This year, Gov. Mary Fallin advocated for a mandate that would require physicians to check a prescription drug database before prescribing an addictive substance to a patient. Our state has a huge problem with prescription drug overdoses. One approved study will examine the issue in depth, either convincing more state lawmakers to support the bill or uncovering a better way to combat prescription drug abuse.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A bill to require DNA collections regardless of whether or not a person was convicted was defeated this year. The issue will now be up for study and I will be following it closely. I do believe that a person is innocent until proven guilty and should not have his or her privacy invaded via a DNA sample. Even though DNA collection is a useful tool to catch a criminal who is slipping through the cracks, I think the potential abuse is much more troubling. I will report to you on what comes out of that study at a future date.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lastly, I wanted to mention a study that will examine Red Cedar eradication. Red Cedar trees are extremely flammable and a terrible nuisance in Oklahoma. I am open to any ideas on how to eradicate them in a cost-efficient manner.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please never hesitate to contact me. It is an honor to serve you! You can contact my office at: <a href="tel:405-557-7349" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+14055577349">405-557-7349</a>, or by email at:<a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@OKHouse.gov" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Josh.Cockroft@OKHouse.gov</a>. You can also follow me on Twitter: @VoteCockroft27, Facebook: Representative Josh Cockroft, and on my website: <a href="http://friendsofjoshcockroft.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">FriendsofJoshCockroft.com</a> </span></div>
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Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5665222781239685446.post-39352034417973173702014-07-10T11:07:00.001-07:002014-07-10T11:07:43.197-07:00Cockroft Column: Election Observations, Education in Oklahoma<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After taking a couple weeks off after my re-election, it feels great to get back into the routine of my busy schedule. Again, thank you for the overwhelming vote of confidence in me so I can continue serving House District 27. I look forward to these next couple sessions with great anticipation, looking for ways to continue moving Oklahoma forward. I am humbled and honored to serve you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I also hope you and your family had a great Independence Day as we celebrated our great nation and the freedoms we enjoy. May we each seek to protect and preserve these freedoms so we can pass them on to future generations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Every time we go through an election process I am reminded of the incredible process we have the opportunity to be a part of, and the responsibility of each of us to partake. This election cycle was no different. Each year we must make decisions on individuals who will lead our state in a positive direction.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There were a couple surprises this year, but none could top the overwhelming victory of Joy Hofmeister over incumbent Janet Barresi for state school superintendent. I have had no hesitation in the past in voicing my disapproval of some of Superintendent Barresi’s policies, but didn’t quite expect the blowout she received statewide. Anytime an incumbent comes in third place in a three-way primary it is an historic election. It is quite obvious a decent portion of the votes Joy received came from Democrats who switched parties to simply vote in this particular race and against the incumbent. It will be intriguing to watch if these individuals will stay registered as Republicans to fight for a particular set of ideals and principles, or if they simply voted out of spite towards one individual. As I stated earlier, I have been no fan of Superintendent Barresi, but in an emotionally charged election it is always important to remember the issues at hand. A better education for our children should be at the forefront of our minds, not simply ousting one person. At the end of the day, the sad reality is that only 25 percent of eighth grade students in Oklahoma are proficient in math and only 29 percent are proficient in reading. This should be our goal to overcome, not a “dentist-turned-teacher.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I will continue to fight for education that originates at the local level, which I believe to be superior to any other method. Education begins in the home and then grows from there. We must encourage strong families and strong local schools before we ever see a change for the better in Oklahoma education. It’s a long fight, but a fight worth fighting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oklahomans chose well in this primary. Now do we have the fortitude and will to finish what we’ve started?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Please never hesitate to contact me. It is an honor to serve you! You can contact my office at: <a href="tel:405-557-7349" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="5">405-557-7349</a>, or by email at: <a href="mailto:Josh.Cockroft@OKHouse.gov" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="6">Josh.Cockroft@OKHouse.gov</a>. You can also follow me on Twitter: @VoteCockroft27, Facebook: Representative Josh Cockroft, and on my website:<a href="http://friendsofjoshcockroft.com/" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="link" x-apple-data-detectors-result="7">FriendsofJoshCockroft.com</a> </span></p><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"></span>Rep. Josh Cockrofthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11410379808241420566noreply@blogger.com0