Governor Mary Fallin Delivers 2014 State of the State Address

Governor Mary Fallin Delivers 2014 State of the State Address

 

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin today delivered her 2014 State of the State address (see attached document for complete address) to a joint session of the Oklahoma Legislature. In it, Fallin outlined her legislative priorities and agenda for the coming year. The governor focused on job creation, reducing government spending and waste, improving school safety, supporting education, cutting taxes and standing up to federal intrusion and Obamacare.

Governor Fallin also released her FY2015 Executive Budget. Click here to read the FY 2015 Executive Budget and here for the Executive Budget-Historical Data book.

The following includes highlights and excerpts from Fallin’s State of the State address.

Oklahoma’s economy: Fallin discussed the dramatic turnaround the Oklahoma economy has made since the Great Recession.

“We know we’re on the right track because the policies we’ve implemented over the last three years are working. Oklahomans are getting back to work and earning more.

“Our 7.2 percent unemployment rate is now down to 5.4 percent. Oklahoma families have seen their incomes rise by over 6.3 percent since January 201l. That’s 44 percent higher than the national average and second in the nation.”

School safety and security: Fallin proposed a plan to help local school districts pursue safety upgrades like storm shelters, safe rooms and precautions against active shooters.

“This is a responsible plan for improving safety and security at Oklahoma schools. We aren’t forcing new taxes on Oklahoma families or businesses. We aren’t passing new mandates. Most importantly, we are making our schools safer.”

Education: Fallin highlighted plans to increase educational outcomes for all levels of education.

“I believe that every child can learn.  Our job as a state is to empower our students, parents and teachers to succeed by setting the bar as high as we can. …

“That’s why we need to work relentlessly on two fronts: First, we must improve K-12 public school results. … Second, we have to increase the number of Oklahomans who continue their education beyond high school, either by attending college or a career technology center. A high school diploma is not enough.”

Budget Reductions: Many agencies in Fallin’s executive budget receive 5 percent budget cuts and have been asked to find ways to operate more efficiently and effectively.

“…my budget proposes targeted spending cuts and asks our agencies to continue to find ways to operate more efficiently and effectively and to cut waste.

“In the coming days and weeks, we know what we’ll hear. Those who like bigger government and higher taxes will say the sky is falling. Entrenched interest groups and even some agency heads may say the same thing.

“But guess what? It’s not. The cuts we’ve proposed this year amount to five percent or less of agency budgets, and in total amount to about one percent of state spending. Any business worth its salt can find five percent costs savings without crippling the services it provides.”

Pension reform and employee compensation: Fallin called on the Legislature to work with her to address the imbalance between state employee pay and benefits.  She advocated for new hires under the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System to be moved from a defined benefit to a defined contribution plan.

“…new hires within the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System should be moved from an outdated, mid-20^th century pension system and to the more portable and flexible 401k-style benefits used in the private sector. 

“Businesses made this change a long time ago, recognizing that the old pension model didn’t appeal to a more mobile workforce in today’s modern economy. It’s time for state government to stop playing catch-up.”

Capitol Repairs: Fallin asked legislators to support a bond issue to fix the crumbling State Capitol building

“Raw sewage is literally leaking into the Capitol basement. On “good” days, our visitors and employees can only see the disrepair. On bad days, they can smell it.

“We must begin repairing the People’s House now. The best, most realistic way to accomplish this is through a bond issue.”

Rejecting Obamacare: Fallin reiterated her opposition to the Medicaid expansion in Obamacare

“We cannot plunge this nation further into debt, or place Oklahoma on a fiscally unsound path, by expanding Medicaid. Both the president’s plan and alternative proposals that rely on federal dollars in the Affordable Care Act amount to the same thing: a dramatic growth in unsustainable government spending.

“Washington wants to lead this nation in the wrong direction – but Oklahomans will not be led astray. We will find our own way forward, a better way.

Tax Cuts: Fallin called for a .25 percent reduction in the state income tax.

“I believe responsibly lowering the income tax is the right thing to do. This is the people’s money; it should stay with the people. It is the people and the private sector, not state government, that are the true engines of job creation. When we lower taxes we allow them to invest in their businesses, spend dollars in the economy, and help to create Oklahoma jobs.”

 

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Governor Mary Fallin Orders Priority Status for Low-Income Propane Users, Extends Emergency

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today ordered the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) to give priority status to requests for assistance from families who use propane as their primary or only source of heat.

 

Fallin issued an executive order (click here to read the order) instructing DHS to expedite applications for both the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Energy Crisis Assistance Program. The federal assistance programs help low-income families with heating costs in the winter, cooling costs in the summer and home insulation.

 

“I want to make sure we are making assistance available to Oklahomans who are struggling to keep warm because of the high propane prices,” Fallin said. “Many Oklahoma residents depend on the use of propane for survival during the winter months and the effects of the shortage are being felt throughout the state.”

 

DHS, in cooperation with the federal government, provides seasonal assistance to low-income households to assist with winter heating bills and to provide help for some families who have received utility cut-off notices. In order to qualify, persons must be Oklahoma residents and must need financial assistance for home energy costs.

 

Fallin also ordered DHS Director Ed Lake to open the Energy Crisis Assistance application period immediately for qualifying individuals and families who depend on propane for heat. The Energy Crisis Assistance application period was not scheduled to open until March.

 

Fallin’s order also asks the attorney general to continue investigating reports of price gouging, as defined by the Oklahoma Emergency Price Stabilization Act. Her order requests the attorney general “to take and any all steps necessary to ensure that no one doing business in this State is violating the Act and that those who choose to violate the Act are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

 

Propane is commonly used for heating homes in rural areas not served by natural gas. There are approximately 400,000 propane consumers in Oklahoma.

 

What can Oklahomans can do to cope with high propane costs and frigid temperatures?

Apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP offers assistance to low-income families with heating costs. Governor Fallin has ordered DHS to give priority status to LIHEAP applicants who use propane as their primary or only source of heating. To apply, call (405) 521-3444; Monday - Friday. 

 

Dial 2-1-1. 2-1-1 is a non-emergency service that can provide assistance or referrals to individuals who need help. For more information click here: http://www.211oklahoma.org/about-2-1-1/

 

Seek shelter at faith-based centers. Governor Fallin has asked the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and other faith-based facilities to help provide shelter to those in need.

2014 Legislative Agenda and Pressing Issues

With every passing month I have had the honor of serving in the Oklahoma Legislature, I am reminded of the blessings our state have been given, but also the challenges that we face. I believe that Oklahoma is truly a beacon of hope for our nation. However, with every blessing comes the responsibility to face our every challenge head on. As we begin this 2014 legislative session many of these challenges face us as difficult issues that frequent news headlines. They are the many issues that I hear about on a daily basis from constituents and advocates. Yet I remain positive in my belief of Oklahoma, and the hope that we will “not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer,” as President John F. Kennedy said.

There will be multiple issues I will be focusing on this year as we seek to move our state forward. As I have done every year since I was first elected I want to give details of every bill I am currently principle author of:

-          HB2954, which creates a revolving fund that uses a small percentage of existing oil and gas taxes to create CNG infrastructure within county vehicle fleets. The legislation creates massive county savings from unleaded fuel costs and the bill is a constituent request.

-          HB1887, which is leftover from 2013. The legislation couples election dates for school board positions with municipal elections. It encourages greater participation in school board races and creates cost savings. The bill is a constituent  request.

-          HB1888, which  is also leftover from 2013. It creates a “one stop shop” website for open records requests. The legislation streamlines the process and makes open records documents easily accessible. 

-          HB1890, which revises sex offender “zone of safety.” The legislation revises age restriction. It is a request from Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office.

-          HB2955, which updates current Oklahoma bomb squad statutes with clearer intent language and equips law enforcement to better prevent terrorist activities. The legislation is a constituent request.

-          HB2956, which allows for certain broader incentives to small businesses through the Small Employer Quality Jobs Small Incentive Act. The legislation promotes greater opportunities for small businesses.

-          HB2957, which eliminates fingerprinting procedures for SDA concealed carry license application. It is a constituent request.  

-          HB2958, the forgiveness bill, which allows for application of SDA concealed carry license by persons convicted of drug related misdemeanor provided 10 years have passed since last conviction. The legislation is a constituent request.

-          HB2959, which creates the Oklahoma – A STEM State of Mind Act to promote STEM education and provides for further opportunities in the career tech system.

-          HB2960, which authorizes military courts to use video conferencing for long distance court proceedings. It is a constituent request.

-          HB2961, which authorizes road service vehicle companies to use certain flashing lights on road service vehicles. It is a constituent request.

Keep in mind that these are only the introduced versions of these bills. Language can and often does change dramatically throughout the course of a session. To view complete language of each of mine and other member’s legislation, go to: www.okhouse.gov/legislation

As we view the overall challenges that we face this year, there are a couple areas that I believe we must address. I will continue to push for a “Priority based Budget” that encourages growth through freedom, and prosperity through funding our core responsibilities before conveniences. We must realize there are specific responsibilities we are required to and should fund first. Our Department of Public Safety, Corrections Department, and State Employees are due a pay raise but have not been given one in almost a decade. Our rural schools have taken cuts and are having to make decisions on whether or not to retain certain teachers and programs because they simply can’t afford to keep them. We have a public pension system that is multiple billions of dollars in debt and needs to be shored up to ensure retirees retain their full retirement. All of this can sound bleak and like political rhetoric, but in reality I believe it is truly possible to move our state in a positive direction. We must assure that our priorities are in the right place and we are being efficient and responsible with every cent of the taxpayer’s money. Government cannot create wealth. Government only redistributes that wealth. I will continue to fight for an Oklahoma government which does only what is necessary with your money, and leaves the rest to you. That is when government works and the individual prospers.

Making sure our education system is focused around the child should be every individual’s passion. I believe in a strong local school that can make the necessary curricular, employer, and financial decisions without fear of overreach from the state or federal government. Local control of our schools is best. Parents, Teachers, and local Administrators know what each student needs much better than Oklahoma City or Washington D.C. Our education system’s appropriations which receive over 53% of our annual budget, common core curriculum, graduation and testing requirements, and teacher’s pay raises will all be discussed this year. I am committed to our teachers and receiving the funds it takes to run our schools properly. I support a teacher’s pay raise, but no additional dollars for any area will be available unless we cut back on spending of conveniences in state government and place those funds towards state responsibilities.

We have a long road ahead of us, but we've already come a long way. It is an honor to serve you. It matters not if you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent; I am here to serve you. I just added a new website to enhance your ability to communicate your desires and ideas with me as well as see where I stand on any range of topics. www.FriendsofJoshCockroft.com also has a link to my policy blog: www.RepJoshCockroft.blogspot.com where you can keep up with what is happening in Oklahoma City. Communication is important to me. I want to know how to I can better serve and lead for our district and our state. I am always a phone call away at: 405-557-7349. Our legislative session is always fast paced and hectic, but knowing where each individual stands on the issues is invaluable to me. Looking forward to another great year!

Prioritized Budget A Must For 2014 Session

Recently a story surfaced referencing a comment made by Governor Mary Fallin’s staff claiming that current low staffing levels at our state prisons is adequate to provide for the safety of the corrections officers and the general public.

Having a correctional facility in my district and hearing from multiple employees, I could not disagree more.

Corrections officers are currently working mandatory overtime and double-shifts. This is not just a temporary thing or a new problem. Without raising pay and attracting new corrections officers, it will continue, day in and day out.

Without a pay raise, we can also expect the situation to get worse. In fact, a pay raise will only be a small step in the direction of recruiting new corrections officers and retaining those who are already there.

Public safety must be a priority for us in the Oklahoma Legislature and real reform of our public safety system, including pay raises should be looked at as soon as possible. I am aware that the budget is not conducive to any pay raises this year, but when our priorities include giving away large tax breaks to corporations who do not need them and spending too much on non-essential services, we arrive at the current public safety crisis we are at today. True conservative policy prioritizes core functions before conveniences.

This year, House members will be looking at the state compensation system, which is rife with a variety of problems. In general, public employees are paid below the market value of their work and that makes it extremely difficult to retain good employees, or in the case of corrections, enough employees. Generally, the state pension system is a slightly higher percentage than in the private sector, but since that percentage is based on salary, the amount that public employees receive in pension benefits is actually less than in the private sector.

I hope that my fellow lawmakers and I will be able to persuade the Governor of the importance of approving pay raises for our hardworking corrections officers.

Never hesitate to contact me. Email me at: Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov. Call me at: (405) 557-7349. Follow me on Facebook: Representative Josh Cockroft, and Twitter: @VoteCockroft27.

Wishing You The Very Best 2014!

As we close out yet another year and usher in 2014, may we be ever mindful of the blessings we have been given. Looking back on a year that was full of challenges, struggles, and new opportunities for those in Pottawatomie and Cleveland counties I believe we stand stronger now than we did at the beginning. It is never easy to watch your community struggle through a challenge like the natural disasters this spring, but the joy of seeing individuals of every faith, political persuasion, age, and lifestyle come together for their neighbors and friends far outweighs those challenges. I have never been so proud to be a part of a community that selflessly laid aside their own needs for the good of a complete stranger. I have never been more honored to play a leadership role than in helping begin the recovery and relief efforts for those affected.

The amazing thing about New Year’s is it stands for a new beginning; a clean slate. No matter what your 2013 held, your 2014 stands ready to welcome you. No matter where you are in your life. No matter what the political challenges are at the current time. No matter what situation you find yourself in today; you are blessed. We are all blessed beyond measure. Blessed to live in a state with a strong economy that holds common sense family values dear. Blessed to live in the most free and prosperous nation on earth. Blessed to simply draw another breath.

So as 2013 ends, pause and take account of your blessings. Set your focus on the year ahead and charge towards it with a new passion. We never know what the future holds, but I for one am glad I know who holds my future.

I am extremely honored to continue serving as your state representative. Your prayers, thoughts, concerns, and insight are always appreciated. With God’s help I will continue to serve to the best of my ability. Please feel free to always contact me at my office or stop me and chat if you see me out in district. That is why I am here.

Looking forward to 2014,

Representative Josh Cockroft

House Calls for Citizen Input on Speak Up Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – In ongoing efforts to increase public participation in state policy discussions, the Oklahoma House of Representatives is seeking input from citizens for the 2014 legislative session through a new portal called Speak Up Oklahoma.

Oklahomans can register to weigh in on policy discussions and polls at www.speakupoklahoma.com, said Joel Kintsel, House parliamentarian and administrator. To participate, Oklahomans must simply fill out a short registry form before voting on policy ideas and polls, or simply submitting an idea of their own.

“The Oklahoma House has worked to become increasingly transparent,” Kintsel said. “In past years, we have introduced live video of session online, made votes available online and basically taken advantage of emerging technologies and software to create additional ways to connect state lawmakers with their constituents.”

Matt Hall, community manager at Granicus, Inc., the software provider for the website said the Oklahoma House of Representatives is joining a number of government entities that are making use of an open discussion forum.

“The Oklahoma House is a part of a wave of innovative state and local governments that are bringing citizens and government together online,” Hall said.

Leading up to the 2014 legislative session, House staff has posed questions for citizens to respond to and will continue to prompt Oklahomans to join the conversation, Kintsel said.

The new service is powered through a platform called CivicIdeas™, created by Granicus, Inc. a San Francisco-based company. The platform is specifically designed to help government agencies gather meaningful and measurable feedback from the public. Currently, Granicus provides transparency and community collaboration solutions to more than 1,000 local, state, and federal government agencies across the U.S. and Canada.

Rep. Cockroft - CNG Infrastructure Plan A Priority for Next Session

With Oklahoma’s legislative session rapidly approaching it’s time for legislators to compile all the issues we worked on over the summer and begin crafting legislation. We must have all our legislative ideas submitted to the House Clerk by December 13^th, so these next couple weeks will be full of narrowing down issues each member wishes to look at. Every member is allowed to introduce an unlimited amount of bills, but is only guaranteed to have eight placed in a committee where they could be heard. The rest are placed in the Rules committee and can only be brought out on the Speaker’s request. With the busyness of this year there are many different issues I am looking at. Over the next couple of months I will be keeping you up to date on what I am working on and will be pushing this next legislative session.

    One issue that I will push deals with our State’s CNG capabilities and infrastructure. Anyone who has looked into converting or purchasing a CNG vehicle knows there are currently tremendous cost and infrastructure hurdles that face them. A simple conversion can cost around $9,000 and purchasing a new CNG vehicle can be around $35,000. Not cheap. Additionally, after the purchase is the challenge of where to fuel your vehicle. It’s not easy to find a CNG filling station in our state yet; one of the reasons why the technology is still so expensive.

    This bill was crafted with the help of Cleveland County Commissioner Rod Cleveland’s office and will have two major areas of focus. First, providing a better infrastructure for CNG filling stations across Oklahoma, and secondly, funding for updating the State and County vehicle fleets for CNG use saving millions of dollars in the process. To provide better access for the public, counties, and state alike each county would enter into a public-private partnership with a top competitive bidder CNG company to place a filling station on county property to be used by the public and county/state CNG fleets. That’s a potential of 231 additional CNG filling stations across the state when placing a filling station in each county district; many of which are in rural areas. This would be a win-win for everyone. The counties and the state could fill their vehicles where there currently is no ability to do so, and the public could do the same; providing tremendous profit for the CNG provider.

Currently there are a little over 2,400 county vehicles being used across the state; 5,000 if you count law enforcement. This is where the taxpayer savings come in. ODOT (Oklahoma Department of Transportation) conducted a study in 2012, converting 150 ODOT vehicles and tracking money spent over a 5 month period. At the end of that period, just based on fuel costs they saved $163,000 by using CNG. The average price of unleaded fuel is $2.22 more than that of CNG. Imagine the savings if we converted those 5,000 vehicles, plus all of ODOT’s vehicles to run on CNG! My bill will place a percentage of the gross production tax (an oil and gas tax) out of the general revenue and evenly back to all counties to update their light vehicle fleets over a ten year period or until the fleet is updated. This is not a new tax, but merely taking a consumption tax that is taken from oil and gas and placing it back where it belongs.

I am a firm believer in CNG and believe the more we can do to promote and build it up, the better it will be for our state. This idea has gained huge support from state and local leadership, both Democrats and Republicans, rural and urban areas, as well as large corporations such as Clean Energy, Halliburton, Loves, and On-Cue. I look forward to working on this issue over the next year.

 What are your thoughts? What would you like me to focus on in the coming session? I’m always a phone call or email away. Call my office at: 405-557-7349. Email my office at: Josh.Cockroft@okhouse.gov. Follow me on FaceBook: Representative Josh Cockroft, and on Twitter: @VoteCockroft27. It is an honor to serve you!