Governor Fallin: Oklahoma Will Not Pursue a State-Based Exchange or Medicaid Expansion

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement announcing that Oklahoma will not pursue the creation of a state-based exchange or participate in the Medicaid expansion in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA):

“For the past few months, my staff and I have worked with other lawmakers, Oklahoma stakeholders and health care experts across the country to determine the best course of action for Oklahoma in regards to both the creation of a health insurance exchange and the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Our priority has been to ascertain what can be done to increase quality and access to health care, contain costs, and do so without placing an undue burden on taxpayers or the state. As I have stated many times before, it is my firm belief that PPACA fails to further these goals, and will in fact decrease the quality of health care across the United States while contributing to the nation’s growing deficit crisis.

“Despite my ongoing opposition to the federal health care law, the state of Oklahoma is legally obligated to either build an exchange that is PPACA compliant and approved by the Obama Administration, or to default to an exchange run by the federal government. This choice has been forced on the people of Oklahoma by the Obama Administration in spite of the fact that voters have overwhelmingly expressed their opposition to the federal health care law through their support of State Question 756, a constitutional amendment prohibiting the implementation of key components of PPACA.

“After careful consideration, I have today informed U.S. Secretary of Health Kathleen Sebelius that Oklahoma will not pursue the creation of its own health insurance exchange. Any exchange that is PPACA compliant will necessarily be ‘state-run’ in name only and would require Oklahoma resources, staff and tax dollars to implement. It does not benefit Oklahoma taxpayers to actively support and fund a new government program that will ultimately be under the control of the federal government, that is opposed by a clear majority of Oklahomans, and that will further the implementation of a law that threatens to erode both the quality of American health care and the fiscal stability of the nation.

“Furthermore, I have also decided that Oklahoma will not be participating in the Obama Administration’s proposed expansion of Medicaid. Such an expansion would be unaffordable, costing the state of Oklahoma up to $475 million between now and 2020, with escalating annual expenses in subsequent years. It would also further Oklahoma’s reliance on federal money that may or may not be available in the future given the dire fiscal problems facing the federal government. On a state level, massive new costs associated with Medicaid expansion would require cuts to important government priorities such as education and public safety. Furthermore, the proposed Medicaid expansion offers no meaningful reform to a massive entitlement program already contributing to the out-of-control spending of the federal government.

“Moving forward, the state of Oklahoma will pursue two actions simultaneously. The first will be to continue our support for Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt’s ongoing legal challenge of PPACA. General Pruitt’s lawsuit raises different Constitutional questions than previous legal challenges, and both he and I remain optimistic that Oklahoma’s challenge can succeed.

“Our second and equally important task will be to pursue state-based solutions that improve health outcomes and contain costs for Oklahoma families. Serious reform, for instance, should be pursued in the area of Medicaid and public health, where effective chronic disease prevention and management programs could address the trend of skyrocketing medical bills linked to avoidable hospital and emergency room visits. I look forward to working with legislative leaders and lawmakers in both parties to pursue Oklahoma health care solutions for Oklahoma families.”


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thank You From Rep. Josh Cockroft

2012 Oklahoma State Questions

State Questions on the 2012 Ballot

SQ 758 Rep. Dank/Sen. Reynolds

A yes vote would reduce the allowable cap on annual property tax increases from 5% to 3% for homesteads and agricultural land.  Oklahoma’s property taxes are the 8^th fastest growing in the nation.  The property tax is the only automatic tax increase we have in Oklahoma.  This is not a cut, this is a fiscal restraint.  This measure would not affect the property tax freeze for people who are at least 65 years of age and meet household income guidelines.

SQ 759 Rep. Osborn/Sen. R. Johnson

A yes vote on this question would end any affirmative action in the state of Oklahoma that utilizes taxpayer dollars.  Current uses of taxpayer dollars that allow preference due to race or gender include some college scholarships and municipal contracting.  No special treatment or discrimination would be allowed in public employment, education, or public contracting.  Any private entities would still be able to utilize affirmative action with their private dollars. Similar legislation has been passed in the states of Washington, Michigan, Nebraska, Arizona, and California.  This is about fairness and equal treatment for all Oklahomans regardless of race, religion, color, sex, or national origin.

SQ 762 Rep. Steele/Sen. Brecheen

A yes vote on this measure would give the state pardon and parole board the power to review and decide parole requests for nonviolent offenders.  For violent offenses, the parole board would continue to make recommendations to the Governor, who would make the final decision.  Oklahoma is the only state that requires Gubernatorial approval for all paroles. This should make our pardon and parole process more efficient and according to the 2007 MGT audit save the state $40 million over the next decade.

SQ 764 Rep. Richardson/Sen. Crain

A yes vote on this measure would sustain and expand the Oklahoma Water Resources Board water and wastewater infrastructure financing program.  Projections are that over the next 50 years water infrastructure replacement across the state will grow exponentially.  The OWRB currently administers bond issues for municipalities and water districts to replace and repair that infrastructure.  In the decades that this has been the practice of the OWRB there has never been a bond not repaid.  This is due to strict criteria and monitoring of the repayment abilities.  This state question would allow more bonding to be permitted under the same guidelines as before, to address the critical water needs across our state.  This measure allows the OWRB to issue up to $300 million in general obligation bonds, that will be repaid, to cover the reserve fund for the water and sewage treatment program.

SQ 765 Rep. Steele/Sen. Treat

A yes vote on this State Question would abolish the Commission for Human Services, a constitutionally mandated, 9 member group of unelected volunteers.  It is a 1930’s governance model that can be traced to the agency’s major problems with an unaccountable commission and an insulated director.  With the passage of this measure The DHS director will be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.  This would place the agency’s leadership closer to the people because the Governor is accountable to all the people of the state.  DHS would basically now be answering directly to the public,  not an unelected, unaccountable commission.

SQ 766 Rep. Dank/Sen. Mazzei

A yes vote on this State Question would exempt all intangible personal property from property taxes in our state.  An intangible personal property item is something such as a trademark, logo, intellectual property, client list etc.  If passed this would take effect on January 13, 2013.  Approval of this state question will protect Oklahoma from a competitive advantage with surrounding states that do not have this unquantifiable, discriminatory tax.  This would also repeal the very unpopular Business Activity Tax that was passed in 2010. 

Gov. Mary Fallin Announces Federal Assistance Appeal Approved for Cleveland County

Governor Mary Fallin today announced the appeal for disaster aid for Cleveland County has been approved by the federal government, making individual assistance available to residents and business owners affected by this summer’s wildfires.

Oklahoma and Payne counties again were denied federal assistance.

“I am pleased the federal government has accepted our appeal and finally decided to provide help to Cleveland County,” Fallin said. “Unfortunately, the White House has once again denied aid to Oklahoma and Payne counties. Having visited wildfire damage in all three locations and seen families left with no home and businesses burned to the ground, I continue to believe the residents of Oklahoma and Payne counties are deserving of federal aid. The state of Oklahoma will continue to look for ways to provide assistance to the victims of wildfires, regardless of which county they live in.”

The August wildfires damaged nearly 300 homes in Cleveland, Oklahoma and Payne counties. This number includes 270 homes that were destroyed. An estimated 85 percent of the homes damaged or destroyed were not insured. One person died in the fire in Cleveland County. Creek County was previously approved for assistance related to the fires.

On August 13, Governor Fallin requested individual assistance for Cleveland, Creek, Oklahoma and Payne counties. Creek County was granted federal assistance August 22, but FEMA denied assistance for victims in the other three counties.  The governor appealed the FEMA denial.

Oklahomans who suffered uninsured fire damage in Cleveland County are now eligible for assistance for housing repairs or temporary housing, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans for individuals and businesses to repair or replace damaged property, disaster unemployment assistance and grants for serious needs and necessary disaster expenses not met by other programs.

To apply for disaster assistance, individuals and business owners in Cleveland County must call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or go online to www.disasterassistance.gov. There is a limited amount of time available to apply.

Cleveland County residents who have already called FEMA to report damage prior to the appeal are asked to please call again now to confirm their registration.

For those impacted by wildfires in Oklahoma and Payne counties, the state is continuing to work to bring assistance through the SBA. Such assistance would make low interest disaster loans available to homeowners, renters and business owners in these counties. Further information will be provided when available.

Reforms Save Millions, Millions More Possible

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma taxpayers are saving more than $60 million each year due to a series of reforms approved by the Oklahoma Legislature and signed into law during the past few years.

            The House Government Modernization Committee heard testimony today from a series of state officials regarding the ongoing savings from past reforms and the opportunity for additional savings if lawmakers continue advancing modernization proposals.

            Reforms resulting in savings include the consolidation of the state’s information technology infrastructure ($40 million annually), centralized purchasing reforms ($14 million), consolidation of central services agencies ($6 million), electronic distribution of state payments that saved the Oklahoma Tax Commission $500,000 last year and could save state agencies an additional $2 million each year, centralized fleet management reforms ($300,000) and a telework pilot program ($36,000).

            Oklahoma Chief Information Officer Alex Pettit told committee member that the savings resulting from the information technology consolidation have increased from $30 million to $40 million since this time last year.

            “We had two major goals with Information Technology consolidation.  One was to make our state government run more efficiently by replacing a fragmented and antiquated IT system build up haphazardly over the years.  The other was to save taxpayers money.  I’m happy to report we have made tremendous strides in both areas and have surpassed our initial goal for taxpayer savings,” Pettit said.

            The state also continues to realize increasing levels of savings from reforms to the purchasing system. Committee members were told the amount saved each year by state and local governments from these  reforms has increased from $8 million to $14 million each year.

            Committee members also heard testimony regarding additional potential  savings which could be realized with additional legislative action.

            Speaking on behalf of the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Nico Gomez told committee members that the implementation of a telework pilot program had resulted in $36,000 in cost savings. The expansion of the program could significantly increase cost savings to the taxpayers.

            The director of the state's shared human resources division, Lucinda Meltabarger told committee members that significant savings would be possible should the state copy the successful Utah consolidation of its human resource management infrastructure.

            “It is our responsibility as legislators to always follow-up on past modernization reforms to ensure they are delivering savings for the taxpayers,” said state Rep. Jason Murphey, who chairs the House Modernization Committee. “It is also imperative for us to continue sourcing new ideas for reform and apply them to reduce the size of state government and make it less burdensome to Oklahomans.”

            Murphey credited Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and her appointees for advancing new reform proposals and ensuring the already approved proposals were properly implemented.

            “Governor Fallin and her appointees have done a fantastic job of both suggesting new reforms and carrying out the intent of past reform proposals. Without their commitment to these concepts the savings would not have been nearly as significant,” said Murphey, R-Guthrie.

            House Speaker Kris Steele thanked Murphey for continuing to lead the House’s ongoing government modernization efforts.

            “We’re proud to report to taxpayers that efficiency is becoming the new normal in Oklahoma government,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “These significant savings and improvements are a testament to the commitment policymakers have shown to building a leaner, more efficient, more effective government.”

Cockroft Column: Dealing with Seismic Operators

I have heard from numerous constituents about their frustrations over seismic operators who are entering private property amd causing extensive damage without providing proper compensation for that damage. The damage quickly becomes a financial and logistical headache for the property owner. After looking into the matter, I wanted to pass on information that may be helpful to those of you dealing with this problem.

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has had rules in place that dictate the procedures which each seismic company must follow for entry, as well as the customary amount paid to surface owners for damage done to the surface owners’ property. The rules state that payment shall range from $5 to $15 per acre. This has always been the typical fee. The rules also state that the company doing the exploration is responsible for excessive damages. Until this year, these rules haven't been in state statute.    

I understand the frustration of a land owner who is having problems with a seismic company trying to encroach on their property and causing extensive damage. I also know that seismic companies sometimes apply tremendous pressure on landowners to comply with their demands for seismic exploration. The $5-15 they provide per acre can seem like a pittance in the face of the damage incurred.

I would advise individuals facing such problems to contact the seismic company in question and inquire as to which company has hired them to do the seismic drilling. Once you obtain the name of the company, then contact them. It is in the best interest of the energy company who hires the seismic exploration company to make sure all disputes are settled. I have talked to several energy companies and have found that they want to do what is best for everyone, especially landowners. They understand that the seismic exploration is a great inconvenience and want to make it right if damage occurs. That’s just good business. They hire the seismic companies, so they want to make sure it is done right and everyone is happy.

If the energy company doesn’t fix the problem, I would contact the Corporation Commission next. I have spoken with Donna Darnell, who is the Oil & Gas Complaints Manager at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. She is the liaison between you and the energy companies and is always available at (405) 521-2613.  In most cases, disputes are easily settled by arbitration. It is almost always handled without involving an attorney.

I would urge you to use this process to approach the problem. If I can be of further assistance, please call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7349.

Tecumseh Lawmaker Calls for Relief for Farmers

State Rep. Josh Cockroft is calling on the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District and the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to work together to release water from Lake Thunderbird into the Little River basin.

            “Farmers and ranchers have been pleading for relief as their wells and irrigation systems are drying up due to the drought,” said Cockroft, R-Tecumseh. “My office has sent letters to each of these agencies asking for water to be released. Many farmers and ranchers wells have already dried up and crops have been ruined due to the lack of water in the river basin. I am confident that water could be safely released without hurting Norman’s water supply.”

            Cockroft represents House District 27, which includes the outskirts of Norman and the towns of Little Axe, Pink, Macomb, Tribbey, Tecumseh, Harjo and Maud. Each of these areas is directly affected by the Little River basin.

            Lake Thunderbird is a federally-owned water storage facility under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation. The Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District operates and maintains the dam, lake and raw water pumping and delivery system under contract with the Bureau of Reclamation.

            The amount of water used by the cities of Norman, Del City and Midwest City for municipal water purposes is based on a surface water permit issued by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to the Central Oklahoma Master Conservancy District. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board regulates the maximum amount of water used for water supply purposes.

            “I have studied this issue thoroughly at the request of farmers and ranchers in my district and I believe this is an appropriate and much-needed solution to local drought conditions. I expect a quick response from the agencies involved,” Cockroft said.