Sovereignty resolution approved

Staff Report

Thursday, 14 May 2009
State Sen. Randy Brogdon said he was “elated” after the Senate joined the House in approving House Concurrent Resolution 1028, asserting Oklahoma’s sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  An earlier legislative attempt by Brogdon to stop the federal government from overstepping its bounds was vetoed by Gov. Brad Henry.

“HCR 1028 will not have to go to the governor—and with its passage today, it will go straight to President Obama and Congress.  We are telling them loud and clear to end all federal mandates that are beyond the scope of powers specifically outlined in the Constitution,” said Brogdon, R-Owasso.

Brogdon said under the U.S. Constitution, Congress does have the right to regulate trade, mint money and maintain a navy.

“These functions are clearly outlined and should be handled by the federal government, but the Washington politicians have gone too far.  They use the promise of money, or the threats of withholding it, to coerce states into giving up their sovereignty,” Brogdon said.

Brogdon said numerous federal laws, including the Patriot Act, No Child Left Behind and federal homeland security requirements are examples of how the federal government has overstepped its powers.  He said the federal stimulus program is a particularly alarming example.

“People think this is free money, but I assure you it is not free.  We’re creating debt that will impact our children, grandchildren and probably even their grandchildren.  

"Frankly, we may never be able to pay off this debt.  Furthermore, there are strings attached to these funds,” Brogdon said.  “I can assure you, the federal government does not have the authority to dictate Oklahoma’s budget, but that’s exactly what they’re attempting to do.”
Last Updated ( Thursday, 14 May 2009 )

Senate moves to end tag agency patronage

Staff Report

Thursday, 14 May 2009
The task to return professionalism back to the appointment and management of tag agencies took yet another huge step on Thursday with wide bipartisan approval from the Senate.

Coffee’s Senate Bill 888 ends the Senate’s tag agency patronage system by prohibiting lawmakers from recommending tag agents to the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC).  In the past, Oklahoma State Senators have suggested to the OTC those individuals they thought should hold the position of tag agent.  Under Coffee’s legislation, the Oklahoma Tax Commission will directly appoint tag agents.

“In filling these tag agency positions, the OTC traditionally followed the recommendations of the local senators,” said Coffee.  “Senate Bill 888 simply removes the patronage and allows tag agencies to return professionalism to their appointment and management procedures.”  

Coffee added Oklahoma and Tulsa counties have been out from under the patronage system for many years with significant success.

“This legislation was greeted with bi-partisan enthusiasm, showing how reform is long overdue,” he continued.  “It’s time for this patronage to end, and I encourage the Governor to help us bring it to a painless, peaceful conclusion with his signature into law.”

Last Updated ( Thursday, 14 May 2009 )

Senate approves bill to exempt grandparents from adoption costs

Staff Report

The state Senate on today unanimously approved legislation that would exempt an adoptive grandparent from any court costs associated with adoption.

Sen. Kenneth Corn, author of Senate Bill 254, said the measure would help provide healthy environments for children by removing another impediment for grandparents seeking to care for their grandchildren.

“With divorce rates being as high as they are, it’s now more important than ever that our children have good homes,” said Corn, D-Poteau.  “Grandparents seeking to provide love and guidance to their grandchildren should be able to do so without excessive costs.  This measure would ensure that grandparents are not deterred by punitive fees.”
SB 254 would also waive pre-placement home study requirements in certain adoptive cases if the petitioning grandparent has no record of felony convictions, domestic violence or protective orders. 

“The family is the foundation of our society, and it’s important that the Legislature do everything in its power to guarantee that children grow up in loving homes,” Corn said.  “I’m pleased the Senate was able to come together on this issue and unanimously pass the bill.”
Senator Corn was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in 2002 at the age of twenty-five making him the second youngest state senator in state’s history and the current youngest serving senator.  Prior to his election to the senate, Corn served two terms in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.  He was elected to the House at the age of twenty-two which made him one of the youngest Oklahomans to serve in state’s history.

Corn has had the distinction of serving on the leadership teams in both chambers of the legislature.  In the House, Corn served as the Democratic Caucus Secretary and he currently serves as the Democratic Caucus Chairman in the State Senate.  Corn was appointed as the first freshman lawmaker in thirty years to the vice-chair of a major committee in 1998, which was Revenue and Taxation.  He later served as the chair of the Tourism and Recreation Committee in his last term in the House.  Corn was tapped as the Chair of the Retirement and Group Health Committee in his first two years in the Senate overseeing billions of dollars in assets.  He also serves as one of the state’s Pension Commissioners that has jurisdiction over all of the state’s retirement systems.

Warrant amnesty working

Staff Report

Tuesday, 12 May 2009
The City of Tulsa’s warrant amnesty program settled 322 tickets and warrants and brought in $40,297 during it’s first six days of operation.

The amnesty program which allows anyone with unpaid traffic tickets or misdemeanor warrants in City of Tulsa Municipal Courts to save money and avoid paying late fees and additional court costs by paying their fines or appearing before a judge.  The program began Friday, May 1. It continues through. May 22.

Those who appear will not be arrested for their outstanding warrants.

Immigration status of those appearing to pay fines or for a court appearance will not be checked.

There will be expedited court dockets each weekday to handle the increased volume of cases quickly.

Those who have unpaid tickets or citations involving cases with pre-set fines (which includes most traffic violations) can pay their fines at the cashier windows at City Hall at One Technology Center, 175 E. 2nd Street.  Hours there are 7:30 a.m. through 5 p.m.

Fines can also be paid at the cashier in Tulsa Police/Municipal Courts Building, 600 Civic Center. Hours there are 8:30 a.m.  to 4:30 p.m..

Payments can be made with cash, money orders, cashier’s checks or Mastercard or Visa credit or debit cards. Personal checks are NOT acceptable.

For people who have failed to appear on a "book to court" citation or arrest case, and must appear before a judge to settle their cases.

Special dockets will be each weekday from 1 to 4 p.m.

For people who have warrants for failure to pay after an earlier court adjudication, they may also appear at the special  court dockets from 1 to 4 p.m. Those individuals should report to the Warrants Office at the Police/Municipal Courts Building.  They can appear before the judge if they can pay at least 25 percent of the amount due and consent to pay the balance within 90 days of the court appearance.

The City of Tulsa has established a phone line at (918) 596-7761 for persons to obtain information relating to outstanding municipal warrants and to answer any questions about the Municipal Warrant Amnesty Program  Anyone wanting to know if they have outstanding warrants can also get that information from the Mayor’s Action Center at 596-2100.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 12 May 2009 )

Oral Roberts honored

Staff Report

Friday, 08 May 2009
The life and work of evangelist Oral Roberts was honored by the Oklahoma State Senate on Thursday, with the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 25.  Senator Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, was principle author of the measure, and said 91-year-old Robert’s impact in both religion and education has been world-wide.

“As Oklahomans, I think most of us are familiar with Oral Roberts, his ministry, and the university he founded in Tulsa, but I don’t know if most people realize how much influence he’s had around the world,” said Newberry.

Roberts became famous for his mobile tent meetings, drawing as many as 18,000 faithful, and was a pioneer broadcast evangelist.  By 1969, Roberts was one of America’s best-known evangelists, second only to friend and fellow minister, Billy Graham.

In 1963, he founded Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa.  ORU currently has more than 3,000 students from 61 countries.  He founded the City of Faith Medical and Research Center in 1981.  In addition, Roberts has written more than 120 books, including his biography, “Expect a Miracle” and the best seller “Miracle of Seed-Faith.”

"I’m almost overwhelmed at this great honor that you chose me to come here today to honor my life.  I never dreamed of such a thing, but I’m grateful,” said Roberts.  “I’m 91 years of age and I’ll soon be going home to my heavenly Father.  I look forward to that with great peace and joy leaving behind my legacy to bless people.  God bless you for this honor.”

Last Updated ( Friday, 08 May 2009 )