Oklahoma Volume 3 Policy Review 2018
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Agriculture 5 Infrastructure 26
OKLAHOMA AND INDUSTRIAL HEMP ...... 6 Riches to Roads ...... 27
Education 8 Judiciary 29
The Scales of Justice ...... 30 Something’s Gotta Give: A look at Oklahoma Teacher Pay ...... 9
Tribal Affairs 32 Elections 12 The role of Citizen Potawatomi Nation in Oklahoma at a glance ...... 34 Oklahoma Legislature Facing Most Competitive Election Cycle Ever ...... 13
Veteran 35 Energy 15 Talihina Veterans Center: The End of an Era: Significant changes loom for the
Wind Energy and Vision Fund Troubles at the Capitol ...... 16 Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs and the town of Talihina ...... 36
Health Care 19 Opinion 38
Oklahoma’s HIV infected organ donation policy ...... 21 Fighting for Juvenile Justice ...... 38
Ted Streuli Corey Perry Phone: (405) 278-2875 To order additional copies, Associate Publisher Legislative Report Administrator FAX: (405) 278-2877 please call: JRLR.net (405) 278-2877 Bo Broadwater Robin Graves Legislativereport.com or email: JRLRSales@journalrecord. Legislative Report Manager Graphic Designer com 23rd & Lincoln Web Manager Mailing Address: Technical or service Christopher Chesny 101 North Robinson Ave., Suite 101 questions, email: Capitol Reporter Oklahoma City, OK 73102 [email protected]
All opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Policy Review belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Journal Record or The Journal Record Legislative Report. Contents copyright 2017. 4 4 • 2018 Oklahoma Policy Review Agriculture
Total bills: 20 Signed: 20 Vetoed: 0
FARMS OPERATIONS CROPS BY VALUE OF PRODUCTION TOTAL FARM ACRES: 34,356,110 Hay - $490,938,000 TOTAL LAND AREA (ACRES): 43,901,399 #1 PRINCIPAL FARM OPERATORS #2 Wheat - $ 470,925,000 Principal Operators 34 or younger: 5,425 #3 Cotton - $202,666,000 Principal Operators 65+: 28,247 #4 Corn - $143,990,000
#5 Soybeans - $128,122,000
#6 Sorghum- $55,271,000
Principal Operators #7 Rye- $13,125,000 35-64: 87,931
#8 Canola- $11,400,000 LIVESTOCK COMMODITY TOTALS #9 Peanuts- $10,572,000
Cattle, Cows, Beef - Inventory ( First of Jan. 2017 ) 2,095,000 Cattle, Cows, Milk - Inventory ( First of Jan. 2017 )35,000 #10 Oats- $877,000
Cattle, Incl Calves - Inventory ( First of Jan. 2017 ) 5,000,000 Cattle, On Feed - Inventory ( First of Jan. 2017 ) 310,000 Oklahoma is Goats, Milk - Inventory ( First of Jan. 2017 ) 6,000 Ranked Goats, Meat & Other - Inventory ( First of Jan. 2017 )92,000
Sheep, Incl Lambs - Inventory ( First of Jan. 2017 ) 48,000 in total value of agriculture Hogs - Inventory ( First of Dec. 2016 ) 2,150,000
Chickens, Broilers - Production, Measured in Head 209,700,000 products sold
Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Agriculture • 5 5 OKLAHOMA AND INDUSTRIAL HEMP
BY JAGGER STINGLEY makes up some of the highest-ranking for average cattle inventory.6 From In lieu of many of Oklahoma’s cuts producers in the nation for certain crops. 2013-2017, Oklahoma ranked ninth to the budget, fatally impacting many Based on a five-year average, Oklahoma nationally in the average hog inventory.7 public services, the State has looked places fourth in production of sorghum As of January 1, 2018, Oklahoma had towards other methods of fostering for grain and wheat, fifth in pecans, sixth approximately 5.1 million heads of cattle, revenue. One of those methods is in hay, and ninth in peanuts, and tenth including calves, and 2.131 million were the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program in cotton.3 Of those, hay served as the dedicated to beef. Cattle is the leader spearheaded by Representative Dollens highest value of production in dollars at in Oklahoma livestock production with and Senator Paxton. approximately $498.380 million; wheat chickens following, and hogs in third.8 The agricultural sector in Oklahoma followed at $379.61 million; and cotton The possibility of a new cash crop is one of the most prolific industries in had the third highest value in production by the Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot the state, and the addition of a new crop at $362.266 million.4 The crop with the Program offers a valuable revenue source that can be utilized in the production of lowest value of production was oats, only and one of many possible remedies for textiles, paper, construction materials, generating $1,982,000.5 Oklahoma’s strenuous budget issues. and more creates the possibility for a Livestock is another vital part of The pilot program was primarily highly lucrative opportunity for the Oklahoma’s agricultural economy. codified in HB 2913, which was written state.1 From 2014-2018, Oklahoma has ranked by Representative Dollens and Senator As of 2017, there was a reported second nationally in average beef cow Paxton.9 In its final draft signed by the 78,100 Farming Operations in inventory, and is ranked fifth nationally Governor, the law creates definitions Oklahoma spanning over 34,200,000 regarding the production of industrial acres.2 Amongst those farms, Oklahoma Statistics Pocket Facts. Print. 3 Ibid. 6 Oklahoma Agriculture Statistics Pocket Facts. 1 Congressional Research Center. (2017). Hemp 4 National Agricultural Statistics Service. (2017). 7 Ibid. as an Agricultural Commodity. Print. 2017 State Agriculture Overview: Oklahoma. 8 2017 State Agricultural Overview: Oklahoma. 2 Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, Web. 9 Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot Program and Forestry. (2017) Oklahoma Agriculture 5 Ibid. 2018 (US). Print. 6 6 • Agriculture 2018 hemp, and creates regulations and for hemp are expansive. In a report also believes it would solve carceral procedures for the licensing to cultivate produced by the Congressional Research population issue in the state.16 industrial hemp. Under Section 4(A), Service, industrial hemp is cited as There are, of course, opponents to the measure would allow universities having “more than 25,000 products this issue. There are fears that the passage to participate in the Pilot Program for in nine submarkets,” several of which of this measure is just a measure made in research.10 Following language outlines are textiles, recycling, furniture, food preparation for SQ 788, of which there more procedures regarding the type of and beverage, paper, and construction are many more opponents. Oklahomans seed cultivated, harvesting, inspections, materials.13 Therefore, the commercial Against 788 is one group that has raised license revocation, and amends language applications for industrial hemp go concerns for the issue, making a variety of to allow industrial hemp to be grown in beyond their initial sale as they create a posts regarding the impact on newborns, pursuance of the Pilot Program.11 variety of products that can be used in drivers, the environment and more in The possibility of a new revenue everyday life. relation to marijuana usage.17 Other source has not only gained interest It is important to note that the opponents have criticized the broad from the state legislature. Farmers have legislation passed is only a pilot program language in the state question, criticizing also shown interest in the new crop. that would allow only allow universities the expansive scopes on a variety of In a House Agriculture and Rural to research the crop, and it would issues, such as the qualifications of the Development committee meeting, it was allow the state to conduct research on physicians who can administer it to the mentioned that farmers are encouraged its potential commercial use both in amount one can possess.18 And although by the additional monetary source it the public and private sectors. Despite the Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot offers as it can be used rotationally. this, progressive organizations see this Program has received bipartisan support, Representative Echols also stated as a victory in the step towards medical the same cannot be said for the upcoming that the Department of Agriculture and recreational use. The campaign state question that would impact the had shown interest in the measure as centered around State Question 788, industry. Lieutenant Governor Todd industrial hemp can be manufactured in a which calls for the legalization of Lamb stated in an interview that he is variety of products and it is legal in many medical use of cannabis products, has against the recreational use, and believes other states. Representative Dollens also expressed support on their Facebook there are issues with 788 and would be commented in the same meeting that page and had even urged members to voting against it because he believes it is industrial hemp would grow well in arid call their representatives to support the “loosely defined,” but he does believe the climates, such as Oklahoma, and that measure.14 In a personal interview with state should be sensitive to people who the water needed would be 1/3 of what Norma Sapp, Oklahoma’s State Director seek it as treatment.19 Other candidates is needed for alfalfa. Further discussion of National Organization for Reform of have expressed concerns about the SQ in the meeting revealed that the product Marijuana Laws (NORML), Sapp had for the same reasons and believe that cannot be used for recreational purposes, stated that she believes the passage of the Oklahomans should review the question naturally fertilizes the ground with its measure is a step in the right direction carefully.20 nitrogen content, and would meet federal towards medical and recreational Despite the controversial support regulatory standards. Representative use. Gubernatorial candidates have and opposition regarding SQ 788, the Dollens had also stated that in the state also expressed support for the issue. Industrial Hemp Agricultural Pilot of Colorado, they received $4 billion in Democratic candidate Drew Edmonson Program did not face the same issue. Its revenue from industrial hemp. stated he personally supports the issue support has largely been bipartisan, and That number is most likely attributed and loathes the decision to have it placed it offers promising results for the state to the production of all cannabis products on the primary ballot rather than the and its revenue woes. in Colorado, where they gained over general where more voters are likely to 16 Lewis, C. (2017). Connie Johnson talks reve- $2 billion through 2016-2017 in sales show.15 Former State Senator Connie nue woes, criminal justice reform. Web. from medical and recreational alone.12 Johnson also has expressed support for 17 Oklahomans Against 788. Despite this, Commercial opportunities the legalization of medical usage, who 18 The Oklahoman Editorial Board. (2018) Okla- homa voters should reject ‘medical’ pot ques- 10 Ibid. 13 Hemp as an Agricultural Commodity. tion. Web. 11 Ibid. 14 Oklahomans for Cannabis. Web. 19 Carlo, M. (2018). Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb shares stance on medical marijuana. Web. 12 Wallace, A. (2017). Colorado’s 2017 marijua- 15 Casteel, C. (2018). Oklahoma’s gubernatorial na sales reach $1 billion in just eight months. candidates mostly avoid stance on marijuana. 20 Oklahoma’s gubernatorial candidates avoid Web. Web. stance on marijuana.
Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Agriculture • 7 7 Oklahoma Policy Review Education
Total Bills: 53 Signed: 51 Vetoed: 2 Resolutions: HJR1028
ENROLLMENT ADAIR MAYES school week districts ATOKA MCCURTAIN Counties with FY9-10: 654,542 FY10-11: 659,615 CADDO MCINTOSHI FY11-12: 665,841 CARTER OKMULGEE FY12-13: 673,190 FY13-14: 681,578 CHOCTAW OSAGE FY14-15: 688,300 COAL PITTSBURG FY15-16: 692,670 FY16-17: 693,710 COMANCHE PONTOTOC 4 FY17-18: 694,816 GRADY POTTAWATOMIE
EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS SUMMARY JOHNSTON PUSHMATAHA day (according to House fiscal documents) KIOWA ROGER MILLS FY10: $3,622,792,171 LATIMER TEXAS FY11: $3,575,365,959 FY12: $3,408,217,675 LEFLORE WASHINGTON FY13: $3,483,954,375 LOGAN WOODWARD FY14: $3,459,728,733 FY15: $3,631,122,391 FY16: $3,631,122,391 $ FY17: $3,399,643,387 PRIVATE SCHOOLS CHARTER SCHOOLS Average private school tuition is $4,588 for elementary schools and 30 ACTIVE CHARTERS $6,140 for high schools 2010-0 More opened each year
2012-2 35,091 students. 2013-2
2015-11 214 private schools 2016-1
2017-2 79% of schools are TOTAL ENROLLMENT 17/18=29,033 religiously affiliated 8 8 • Education 2018 Something’s Gotta Give: A look at Oklahoma Teacher Pay
By Emily King It should be noted that there is an effort Teacher Activism and Candidacies for to repeal the tax increases by a group State Office After a decade with no pay raise, called “Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite!”, One of the major consequences to arise teachers, along with many other and given the relatively low threshold to in the aftermath of the protest was the educational and state employees, place a veto referendum on the ballot in large increase in the number of educators received an increase in compensation. this state, it could put the raises on hold running for political office, driving the With the passage of HB1010XX and until after the election in November. If numbers of overall candidates running several other trailer bills both before and voted down, it could move everything to new highs in recent state history. during the protests at the Capitol the first back to square one for the issue, with Estimates of as high as 80 educators two weeks of April, pay hikes of between many citing research conducted by are running this cycle amongst the 440 16-18% and the funding for them were the 1889 Institute that showed that candidates for the legislature, which secured for educators. when cost-of-living is factored into it, equates to close to over 18%.2 The The passage of HB1010XX marked Oklahoma’s teacher pay as in the middle sheer amount of candidates alone should the first time since the passage of SQ640 of all state; the new hikes would put them change the dialogue on the campaign that the three-quarters threshold for just outside the national top ten.1 Given trail for the election, even if many of passing tax increases in the Legislature the divides within this debate, there them are unsuccessful. had been met. Several attempts had are major policy implications that have It should also be noted that much been made before in too achieve this, arisen from these raises. of the activism amongst the teaching like the Step Up Plan and the A+ Plan had failed earlier in the series of special 1 “Average Teacher Pay Across States Before 2 Wendler, Emily and StateImpact Oklahoma. session meetings dating to earlier in the and After Oklahoma’s Pay Raise.” 1889 “Galvanized By Walkout, Oklahoma Teachers fiscal year, but HB1010XX was the first Institute. http://nebula.wsimg.com/86eac3e- Run for Office With Promises To Prioritize 22b7c4b3e9a99d64dde3b124c?Access- Schools.” KGOU. http://kgou.org/post/gal- one to get enough buy-in from enough KeyId=CB55D82B5028ABD8BF94&disposi- vanized-walkout-oklahoma-teachers-run-of- legislators to finally pass. tion=0&alloworigin=1 fice-promises-prioritize-schools Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Education • 9 9 94% OF CAREERTECH STUDENTS GO ON TO PROFESSIONAL WORK OR ADDITIONAL EDUCATION.
With annual enrollments of 500,000 at 29 technology centers across the state, Oklahoma CareerTech prepares tomorrow’s leaders to step into the workforce and succeed from day one, providing a solid foundation for our state’s future. CareerTech’s training and partnerships benefit Oklahoma’s economy to the tune of $3.5 billion annually.
10 POWERING10 • Education OKLAHOMA’S ECONOMY Learn more at PoweredByOKCareerTech.com2018 community was not driven by the union further troubles down the road, even if it is made available. HB3152 allows for leadership as much as by individual educators make overall gains within the relatives of school employees to serve members who were more militant legislature in November this year. on local school boards if the district is than the leadership was, leading to Other Notable Education Legislation under 400 students. HB3220 allows some tension in the aftermath of the As important as the pay raises were Career Tech to develop a competency- walkout amongst the OEA’s base.34 as an issue this session, it was not the based certification system for instructors. Additionally, certain cleavages began to only topic importance addressed by HB3311 mandates the inclusion of parts show during the rallies between rural and lawmakers. As part of a plan to promote of the U.S. naturalization exam and urban educators, given the dynamics in skill trades, HB2911 was passed and civics into the state testing and history play with districts from either area, with signed into law to include the trades and curriculum. urban educators wanting consolidation the military as viable options for students The most contentious part of the of rural schools, and rural ones worried to undertake with their “individual education debates this session aside from about how that would affect their schools Career and Academic Plans.” Under the pay raise fight was over SJR70, which as well as the fact that many schools SB1150, teachers and education will go to the ballot in November. It they work at are not on the state funding personnel are now required to report would allow for school districts to use a formula.5 This divide could lead to certain behavior and the possibility of 5 mill portion of their ad valorem taxes abuse or neglect to law enforcement if 3 Blanc, Eric. “The Oklahoma Strike Is At a Cross- to cover operational expenses. Many roads.” Jacobin. https://www.jacobinmag. they have reason to believe it is occurring. opposed it because it might drive schools com/2018/04/oklahoma-teacher-strike-educa- SB1196 encourages the continued tion-funding drive all their money to pay increases growth of the concurrent enrollment 4 Norris, David. “Teachers demand shakeup in and neglect building repairs, but others Oklahoma Education Association leadership.” program for high school students when KTUL. http://ktul.com/news/local/teach- contended offering schools the choice ers-demand-shakeup-in-oklahoma-educa- U.S. News & World Report. https://www. and the flexibility would be a net positive tion-association-leadership usnews.com/news/best-states/oklahoma/ 5 Stecklein, Janelle. “Oklahoma Rural, Urban articles/2018-04-30/oklahoma-rural-urban-ed- for their governance and the employees Educators Disagree on School Needs.” CNHI. ucators-disagree-on-school-needs under their purview.
Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Education • 11 11 Oklahoma Policy Review Elections
Total bills: 7 Signed: 7 Vetoed: 0
REGISTRATIONS (JANUARY NUMBER) TURNOUT
PRIMARY 2016 presidential primary =28.6% 2012 Presidential primary=14.7% 2008 presidential primary=29.1% GENERAL 2016 presidential general=53.4% 2012 Presidential general=49.2% 2008 presidential general=55.8%
2014 Gubernatorial=29.9% GUBERNATORIAL 2010 Gubernatorial= 38.8% 2006 Gubernatorial=36.4%
LEGISLATIVE SEATS
FROM DEC. 2, 2016 –JUNE 6, 2017 Freshman House Representatives = 7 MEMBERS LEFT OR LOST THEIR SEAT RESULTING IN SPECIAL ELECTIONS
December – Rep. Tom Newell: Resigned for private sector job • Newell-resigned job related 30 February – Rep. Dan Kirby: Resigned facing expulsion • Kirby-resigned upon recommendation
February – Sen. Ralph Shortey: Resigned • Shortey-resigned after prostitution facing expulsion charges 71
March – Rep. David Brumbaugh: Passed • Brumbaugh-Died Freshman Senators April – Sen. Kyle Loveless: Resigned • Loveless-Resigned under ethics investigation May – Rep. Scott Martin: Resigned for Private Sector Job • Martin-Resigned job related 13 January 2018 – Sen. Dan Newberry: Announced December • Newberry- Resigned job related resignation to take private sector job
February 2018 – Sen. Joe Newhouse: Will miss 2018 35 session due to being called to active military duty.
12 12 • Elections 20172018 Oklahoma Legislature Facing Most Competitive Election Cycle Ever By Christopher Chesny Given the wild ride both the State of Oklahoma and the United State have had the past year and a half politically, it should be no surprise, but we are on the precipice of what will likely be the most politically competitive election cycle our state has ever experienced. With the recent teacher protests, the political turmoil in Washington, D.C., and the backlash over the budgetary troubles of the state, we have just experienced the largest crop of candidates to file for legislative office in at least the last two decades and far surpassing the expectations of the State Election Board.1 Altogether, after factoring in withdrawals and ballot challenges, we have 440 candidates for legislative office.234 To offer evidence to the claim that we have the most competitive cycle ever, we need to consider the history and data from past cycles to compare to where we are now. Aside from the sheer number of candidates running this year which allows some comparisons all the not be overly burdensome for the overall for office, there is data from Ballotpedia way back to 1968, when every state had consideration here.6 1 “Surge of Oklahoma candidate filings sur- undergone the first waves of redistricting Including both chambers of the passes expectations.” The Oklahoman. Chris Legislature, the three most comparable Casteel. April 14, 2018. http://newsok.com/ after the mandate of “one-man-one-vote” article/5590982/surge-of-oklahoma-candi- was handed down by the U.S. Supreme election years for general competitiveness date-filings-surpasses-expectations. were 1996, 2004, and last cycle, 2016. Court.5 Ballotpedia considers three 2 “Candidates for Federal, State, and Legislative 1996 was notable as the first cycle after the Offices.” Oklahoma State Election Board. April factors for competitiveness: percentage 2018. https://www.ok.gov/elections/support/ Republican Revolution in 1994 brought of incumbents running for re-election, ok_filing_2018.html. Republican control of the congressional 3 “2018 Candidates for State Elective Office: percentage of uncontested races, and Contests of Candidacy.” Oklahoma State Elec- delegation and the governor’s mansion, tion Board. April 2018. https://www.ok.gov/ percentage of incumbents with primary and there was a major push by the GOP elections/documents/2018%20Candidate%20 challengers. Data for Ballotpedia only to hold the legislative seats they had Contests.pdf. 4 “2018 Candidates for State and Federal Elec- goes back to 2010 for incumbent primary and possibly contend for control of the tive Office: Names Withdrawn from List of challenges, but that gap of data should House if things went their way, though Candidates.” Oklahoma State Election Board. April 2018. https://www.ok.gov/elections/doc- 5 “Electoral Competitiveness in Oklahoma.” Bal- 6 “Oklahoma State Senate elections, 2016.” Bal- uments/2018%20Candidate%20Withdrawals. lotpedia. April 2015. https://ballotpedia.org/ lotpedia. November 2016. https://ballotpedia. pdf. Electoral_competitiveness_in_Oklahoma. org/Oklahoma_State_Senate_elections,_2016. Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Elections • 13 13 Total Uncontested Incumbents Total Total Notable Total Open Generals by Facing Competitive Competitive Uncontested Seats Either Party Primaries Primaries Generals Seats 11 of 24 open 6R of 10, 0D 7-10 of 24 Senate 3R, 3D 9R, 5D (8R, 3D) of 3 (5-8R, 2D) SD-34 (D), 23-37 of 31 of 101 open 29R of 50, 2D SD-44 (D), House 15R, 12D 51R, 29D 101 (11-23R, (23R, 8D) of 20 HD-87 (D), 12-14D) HD-93 (D) being 37 of 83 30-47 of 125, uncontested 42 of 125 33 of 125 incumbents 94 (14S, 80H) 24-37.6% given recent Total (31R, 11D), (6S, 27H), running of 250, 37.6% rate; 30-47 of GOP histories 33.6% rate 26.4% rate (6S, 31H), rate 92 contested, 44.6% rate 32.6-51.1% rate
in the aftermath they largely just held that had been political deserts for them by one or the other party are taken off their numbers in both chambers.78 2004 previously. Except for inner city parts of the board, between one-third to half of was notable as the year that term-limits Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Republicans those left are competitive between the kicked in after their passage in 1992, and now compete in every part of the state, two parties in the general election. Note Republicans gained control of the House including southeastern Oklahoma that this does not consider the potentially and closed in on the Senate. 2016 was where they had virtually no base at bitter primaries being contested, notable as the first cycle after 2004 when all to speak of from statehood until especially within the Republican Party the first wave of new legislators termed recently. Likewise, Democrats who had that is ensnaring the establishment and out. virtually no base to run in many of the anti-establishment wings, including This brings us to what separates this tonier suburbs of the Oklahoma City incumbents. cycle from those and makes it stand and Tulsa have now finally started to Broken down by each chamber, I out beyond the large candidate pool become competitive there, including in see the GOP’s three-quarters majority running. The first is that this is a non- seats that have previously been held by in the Senate as potentially in play this presidential cycle when this is occurring, Republicans for decades. cycle, especially in Little Dixie and the which generally has less activity than Evidence to support these claims can metropolitan areas of the state. The chamber of far greater concern for presidential years. The second is the be found in the special elections from Republicans, however, is the House, political cross-currents blowing that the past few years. Before 2016, two where at this point in the cycle the were mentioned above. The third is the wealthy suburban seats, HD-85 and volatility is such that should every seat I amount of incumbents being challenged SD-34, flipped from the GOP to the predict as competitive go against them, is by the most in at least a decade, if Democrats. After that election, four they would be only a few sears shy not much longer, with 37 of 83 facing of nine seats that had elections flipped of losing their majority. More likely, one. The fourth is that this is the first from the Republicans to the Democrats, however, their margin of control could cycle in this Oklahoma’s history where and all save one had massive swing to return to where it was in the period Republicans control not only every the Democrats, and most of those of from 2004 to 2010 with about 60 seats. two dozen points or more. It should be lever of power within the state, but also There is a very real possibility of them said that most of those gains were in nationally. The fifth thing to separate losing their two-thirds majority to pass wealthy suburbs that had previously been it from previous cycles is that both emergency legislation through the body noncompetitive areas for Democrats for parties are now competitive in areas or to override vetoes by the Governor. many years. This also assumes that they do not pick 7 “Legislative Races Vital to Governor.” The up any Democratic seats this cycle, Oklahoman. Greiner, John and Mick Hinton. Projections and Races to Watch by Nov. 3, 1996. http://archive.newsok.com/ which given the several retirements and Region olive/apa/oklahoman/SharedView.Article. threatened incumbents they have, I think aspx?href=DOK%2F1996%2F11%2F03&id=Ar0 The aforementioned context leads me the Republicans have a shot to offset 1800&sk=AD4F1F49. to believe that of the 125 seats up for 8 “Legislature’s Democrats Blast Governor for some loses, especially in more rural areas. Partisanship.” The Oklahoman. Greiner, John election this cycle, between one-quarter and Mick Hinton. Nov. 7, 1996. http://archive. to three-eighths of them are competitive newsok.com/olive/apa/oklahoman/Shared- Northeast Oklahoma View.Article.aspx?href=DOK%2F1996%2F11%2 between the two parties in the general F07&id=Ar01100&sk=771A9B55. election. When the 33 seats not contested ELECTIOnS continued on page 17 14 14 • Elections 2018 Oklahoma Policy Review Energy
Total Bills: 49 Signed: 9 Vetoed: 0 OKLAHOMA ENERGY CONSUMPTION ESTIMATES, 2015
HYDROELECTRIC DAMS In STATE SOLAR
Denison Dam: Eufalla Dam: Fort Gibson Dam: Pensacola Salina Pumped Installed capacity Installed capacity Installed capacity 48 MW Dam: Installed Storage: Nameplate 80 MW 90 MW Annual generation208, capacity 120 MW Capacity 260 MW 482,000 KWh
WIND Oklahoma ranks 45th
2016 installed in solar capacity capacity 6,645 MW’ Wind capacity under Number of wind construction: 913 MWturbines: 3,394 Wind capacity in advanced TRADITIONAL FUELS development: 99 MW
During 2016, wind Natural gas: 2.5 energy provided 25.12% trillion cubic feet in 2015 of all in-state electricity Crude Oil: production. 425 thousand barrels a day (april 2017)
Coal: 780 tons 2015
WIND ENERGY CREATES JOBS—AT A FASTER RATE THAN ANY OTHER INDUSTRY = 10T CUBIC FEET Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Energy • 15 15 Wind Energy and Vision Fund Troubles at the Capitol
By Christopher Chesny during the concurrent special session in Governor Fallin cited two issues with the fund as structured in the bill.1 The first Aside from the action raising the GPT the Senate, which was voted down due to and primary one is the ratchet that would to 5% in HB1010XX, there were several non-germaneness. This was after a soft cap occur with a greater and greater portion other bills relating to energy that moved had passed in committee in the chamber of severance money being cut away from through the Legislature this session, that would have limited the claims to $35 general appropriation each year. The if not outright being signed into law, million a year and extended the payout over fund would start out only taking 5% of all coming just short. Some of the bills were twenty years instead of ten. Seeing these severance revenue to allocate into the fund, relatively non-controversial, like limiting results, in the House a repeal provision was but in each succeeding year that share would construction of wind turbines near aviation amended on to HB888 in JCAB which increase by .2%. The secondary one was or military facilities (HB3561, SB1576), or made it to the floor. It barely received the her concern about how with a part of the repealing outdated language for energy 51 votes needed to pass the chamber, but allocations made in the bill, the money could requirements or conservation (HB2959, when it was brought up in the Senate, it died possibly be used be localities to pay down HB3536), or changing the qualifications after receiving only 18 votes on the floor their debts, which the state government for an administrator of an agency slightly compared to 23 against. Given the long- should not be in the business of doing. (SB1520). The others had long-range policy term trend against refundability within the This took the legislative authors by implications for the state, and deserve further Legislature, expect this issue to come back surprise, as the bill had been passed virtually reflection. again in future sessions, especially if a budget crunch continues. unanimously by the legislature, and they had thought all the stakeholders were on Tax Credits for Wind Energy and There was movement on other renewable board with the idea, and while the concept Other Renewables energy credits, as well. In an explicit effort was being worked through the chamber, she One of the defining fights of the session to limit future growth of tax credits going never reached out to address those concerns. was over wind energy tax credits and their forward for other renewables, SB893 was By vetoing the bill, there will be no proper refundability. With the exception of the passed that caps what other renewable mechanism for allocating the funds going tax credit for coal, refundable credit for energy types aside from wind like geothermal, forward, and would make the legislature go all other industries in the state have been hydroelectric, and solar could to $500K per back to the drawing board. Beyond that, ended due over criticisms of them being year in total. This passed both chambers and even with the veto, SJR35, which is on the subsidies draining state coffers when core was signed into law by the Governor. ballot as SQ800, still has the ratchet provision services deserve the money much more explicitly within it, as well as the local debt than businesses. The wind energy credit Vision Fund Issues payment provision, so if the voters approve has been particularly contentious, and has Another effort looking to address long- it, those provisions would still need to be part term policy for how oil and natural gas been for several years. Many Republicans, of any enabling legislation. Regardless of the severance tax money is accrued by the state especially those from east of I-40, have been veto, the fate of the Vision Fund rest with was the attempt to create the Vision Fund. It particularly critical of the wind industry, and voters in the general election in November. how they feel the credit has been abused, had been noted that Oklahoma is one of the Pipeline Cleanup with little in the way of economic gain by the only states with a severance tax that did not The last major legislation concerning state. A coalition of Democrats and largely put some of the revenue it earned away into energy involved pipelines. One that passed Republicans from west of I-40, however, a separate fund for future investments. To fill was SB997, which clarified oil and natural formed an opposing front in support of that seeming hole, two pieces of legislation gas pipeline language with respect to the credits, stating that given compromises moved through both chambers to create the underground storage regulations. Another, struck over the past few years, we cannot go Vision Fund: SJR35, which would establish which did not make the crossover deadline, back on our word to the industry. it as a constitutionally protected fund and its was SB1561, which required permission to This played out in some dramatic theater basic framework, and HB1401, which would be grant3ed by landowners for the use of during the session, especially after the create the more specific mechanisms for the rights-of-way for temporary pipelines. teacher walkout began. There was an initial allocations of funds from it. SJR35 is headed 1 Sweeney, Catherine. “With veto, Fallin cites attempt to graft a repeal of the refundability to the ballot this November, but HB1401 potential problems with Vision fund.” Journal aspect onto a gaming bill, HB1019XX, was vetoed by the Governor. Record, May 15, 2018. 16 16 • Energy 2018 ELECTIOnS continued from page 14 District 4 for his last term to represent another term. Two other seats to keep an areas around Sallisaw and Poteau, but eye on are HD-42, where Tim Downing Historically Democratic outside of the Democrats there have marked him is leaving after one term, and HD-56, Tulsa, Green Country began to flip for defeat after taking the seat in 2010 where David Perryman has another Republican as seats began to open up in a close race. District 6 is now open challenger after stealing the seat away after term limits began occurring, and with Josh Brecheen retiring after two from the GOP in 2012 when a GOP some of the last Democrats still around terms, leaving another tough hold for incumbent retired. from that last wave are now leaving. That the GOP in a seat dominated by Durant, said, some of the Republicans recently thought the political terrain there has Tulsa Metro elected are facing pressure in their changed some in the last few years in The generally more Republican of the re-elections. SD-8 is the only potentially the Republicans’ favor. On the House two metropolitan areas historically, the competitive Senate seat in the region, side, two Democrats are terming out in teacher walkout left a heavy mark on with Democrats looking to potentially HD-15 and HD-17, creating free-for-alls the election map for this region, both challenge Thompson in the sprawling in both party primaries to win each of the in special elections leading up to this district south of the Tulsa Metro. The seats. Two Republican seats also open, year and in this cycle. Remarkably, only House is largely where the action is with Sallisaw-based HD-2 open with one Senate seat is really competitive, in this region, though, where three the retirement of the controversial John and that is Claremore and Pryor-based Democrats are retiring or are termed- Bennett, and Poteau-based HD-3 open SD-2 held by Marty Quinn. An OEA out and the party faces tough holds in after one term by Rick West. Democrats official from Claremore is running, but HD-6, HD-34, and possibly HD-86, will be making efforts there in both and in this seat bears little resemblance to the as well. An incumbent Democrat, Ben HD-19, where freshman J.J. Humphrey seat that former President Pro Tempore Loring in HD-7 around Miami, is also is running for re-election around Hugo Stratton Taylor held for 24 years, and facing a young opponent, William and Antlers. The Ada-based HD-25, is a much more Republican area now Leonard, who will be waging a more home of term-limited Todd Thomsen, compared to then; as such, I place the serious campaign than the last one, so it the on the outer edge of competitiveness, seat on the outside edge of competitive is also on the list to watch. Republicans should stay Republican even though he contention. The competitive House like Avery Frix, George Faught, and only won by two votes in 2006 in his first seats are concentrated from the west Scott Fetgatter are facing stiff challengers race. side of Tulsa, cutting through Midtown in HD-13 (R), HD-14 (R), HD-16 (R), to the east side near Broken Arrow. respectively, though Faught’s time of Southwest Oklahoma Working from the west, HD-68 is open service has bought him some additional Another traditionally Democratic area, with the departure of Glen Mulready good will over the last decade that might it began to Republicanize the fastest of to run for Insurance Commissioner, buffer him compared to the others. Tom the three Democratic rural regions after and competitive primaries are open on Gann in HD-8, should he survive his the turn of the millennium. This area both sides for a highly-contested general. primary, will face his same opponent has traditionally been dominated by Chuck Strohm is running for re-election from two years ago, but given the Lawton, and that is also where most the in HD-69, but is facing fierce competition political and demographic shifts in this competitive contests are occurring. One from teachers and their supporters Pryor-based seat, plus Gann’s tenacious of the two competitive Senate seast is both inside and outside the GOP in the door-knocking ability which gave him a the one held by Democrat Randy Bass Jenks-based district. Midtown-based dominant win last cycle, I would place who after fourteen years is now being HD-71 is open with the departure of the seat on the outer edge of viable termed-out in SD-32, and both parties Katie Henke after six years, and is one Democrat pick-ups. are making a big play to win it. The other of the seats with the greatest possibility is the Ardmore-based SD-14, which of flipping in the state after a close call in Southeast Oklahoma Democrats are looking to take back from a botched 2011 special election. HD-78 The most Democratic area of the state Frank Simpson in an uphill battle. As for in Midtown has been a 50-50 seat that historically, the Republicanization of this House seats, HD-62, HD-63, HD-64, has narrowly been held by Democrats for area has taken the longest to achieve, and HD-65, all in or near Lawton, are all years, and that reputation will again be with many seats holding out until the in various stages of competitiveness, with put to the test between Meloyde Blancett Tea Party wave of 2010 or more recently. HD-62 being open after John Michael and her Republican competitor, Paul Two Republican Senate seats are being Montgomery passed on re-election to try Royse; a Libertarian is also running, threatened this year in SD-4 and SD-6. for SD-32, and the other three having adding even more intrigue in the race. Mark Allen is running for re-election in their incumbents stay to hang on for ELECTIOnS continued on page 18 Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Elections • 17 17 ELECTIOnS continued from page 17 and HD-46, held by Jacob Rosecrants, and SD-44 in the Southwest Oklahoma are both in and near Norman, and both City suburbs which was held by Ralph HD-77 in northeast Tulsa is coming are looking to be dogfights in November Shortey before he was forced to resign open after twelve years of being held by with the OEA being very strong in both last year. This lack of contestation also Eric Proctor, and will face the greatest seats. HD-85, held by Cindy Munson, includes the House, where HD-87 and contest it has had since he won it in and HD-100, held by retiring Elise HD-93 on Oklahoma City’s west side 2006 over now-Workers Compensation Hall, are both prime ground for the where Republicans had held that ground Commissioner Mark Liotta. HD-23 in demographic changes in the west metro for years until last cycle. This may be a east Tulsa might become competitive which could be reflected in the results; one-off cycle due to the trends against the with the rising Hispanic population Majority Leader Echols, in HD-90, ruling party, but it could also be the start there, but the Rogers County suburbs should be safe but the changes in the area of a new trend where much of the inner in Catoosa will likely keep the seat red. could also affect the race there, as well. suburbs of both Oklahoma City and The last seat of note is in HD-75 along HD-94, held by termed-out Democrat Tulsa become a much bluer in the years the Tulsa-Broken Arrow border, which Scott Inman, HD-95, held by retiring to come than they had been previously. Karen Gaddis won in a special election Republican Roger Ford, and HD-101, last year after Dan Kirby resigned in held by RepublicanTess Teague, all Changes in Election Law scandal; this ancestrally Republican seat occupy areas around SD-42 in Midwest Beyond elections, there were a few will be a tight race to the end between City and Del City, with strong OEA changes in election law to note. There her and T.J. Marti. chapters pushing to either keep or flip were 33 bills and resolutions proposed each seat to the Democrats or to elect this session to make changes to laws Oklahoma City Metro a friendly Republican in the primaries. governing elections, of which only six The capital region has also had a The last two seats to watch are on the generally Republican tradition for made it through the process to either edge of the metro in and near Shawnee, the Governor’s desk or to the November years, but not as strong as Tulsa’s. That and Dell Kerbs and Zack Taylor of ballot. One bill, HB3053, which would tradition has been fast fading, however, HD-26 and HD-28, respectively, are allow voters to take selfies with a ballot and the number of races in the area this preparing for onslaughts in November, without legal repercussions, was vetoed. cycle proves it. Starting with the Senate, assuming Kerbs can survive his primary. the one Democrat seat in the metro Four bills were signed by the Governor: SB1130, which would increase the pay that is competitive is the Norman-based Notable Uncontested Seats for election board secretaries across the SD-16, held by termed-out John Sparks. A few word on some of the seats that state and lengthen their terms of office His departure has created a large amount were not contested. Many of the seats of competition for the seat on both sides, not being contested this cycle by one from two to four years; SB1403, which and should be contested until November. party or the other include many seats integrates fire protection districts into the SD-30, which was held by now Mayor that have historically been uncompetitive general electoral calendar for the state David Holt, and SD-40, held by Ervin for those parties, so it is not surprising to in order to save money; HB2082, which Yen, in the traditionally Republican see them uncontested. That said, there aligns school district general elections northwest side of Oklahoma City showed are a few that raised some eyebrows, with municipal elections in April in order significant fall-off in Republican margins given recent competitiveness. HD-1 to save money; and HB2592, which last cycle in the Presidential contest, and and HD-4 in Eastern Oklahoma have allows confidentiality for family members will be ground zero for the demographic had some competitive contests the past of law enforcement officers on election changes occurring in that part of town to few cycles, but given the still very new rolls. see if Republicans can still win there. On Republican growth in those areas, it is The last measure to make it through the east side of the metro, SD-42 is open not unsurprising that in a year with the session was SJR66, which is a with the sudden retirement of Jack Fry, headwinds against the GOP as they constitutional amendment providing for and though it should stay Republican, it are, a few seats gets let off in areas over the joint election of the Lt. Governor will feature a contested race all the way which are not traditionally competed. and Governor on the same ticket. If to November. The seats most surprisingly on this list approved by the voters in a referendum The House elections show similar signs are in the metros. These include SD-34 this November, it would become effective of competitiveness as the Senate races in the North Tulsa suburbs that had been for the 2026 election cycle. The means of in the region. HD-45, held by Claudia held by Republicans for 25 years before how it would be implemented would be Griffith who is now running for SD-16, being lost in a special election in 2016, left up to the Legislature.
18 18 • Elections 2018 Oklahoma Policy Review Health Care
Total bills: 38 Signed: 36 Vetoed: 2
TOP CAUSES OF DEATH COSTS HOSPITALS Oklahoma is ranked the 6TH
MOST EXPENSIVE 1,850,779 patient days STATE IN HEALTHCARE FOR SENIOR HEALTH
OKLAHOMA IS RANKED 10,874 staffed beds in the state
1. Coronary Heart Disease 48TH AVG. HOSPITAL COST 2. Lung Disease PER DAY 98 hospitals in the state 3. Stroke $1,424 4. Lung Cancers AVG. PREMIUM IN EMPLOYER- 88 Federally qualified health centers service 5. Hypertension SPONSORED PLAN $787 Oklahoma is 8th Oklahoma has the 51 Rural health clinics highest in mortality 4TH HIGHEST RATE OF DEATH DUE TO DIABETES IN THE NATION. 36 Critical access hospitals Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Health Care • 19 19 Leading HIV/AIDS Prevention And Care Since 1991.
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20 20 • Health Care 2018 Oklahoma’s HIV infected organ donation policy by Jaden Siler Little is known about the origin of the Human Immunodeficiency virus. (HIV) HIV is defined by Merriam Webster’s Dictionary as, “either of two retroviruses that infect and destroy helper T cells of the immune system causing the marked reduction in their numbers that is diagnostic of AIDS “(Definition of HIV n.d.) Records show, “around 1.1 million people are living with HIV in the United States of America. Nearly one in seven of these people are unaware that they have HIV”. (HIV and AIDS in the United States of America (USA) n.d.) HIV was first identified in 1980. Research has concluded that the Human Immunodeficiency virus is almost identical to Simian Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV attacks the immune system of humans and The Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) attacks the immune system of primates. The reason researchers find theses so similar is, “HIV-1 is closely related to a strain of SIV found in chimpanzees, and HIV-2 is closely related to a strain of SIV found in sooty mangabeys.” (Origin of HIV & AIDS) HIV has no clear cut absolute answer that a SIV strain mutated once it reached previous tissue was thrown away because as to how it came about. The most a human host. The supporting story of worries pertaining to pharmacologic accepted theory by researchers is the idea behind this theory is the idea humans immunosuppression causing the rapid who once hunted primates either ate change from HIV to AIDS. In 2010 the meat contaminated by SIV or somehow new law updated the current legislation got the primates blood in a wound or a on regulations pertaining to HIV studies. cut. HIV was first discovered in blood This law was known as the Hope Act samples collected in 1959 but was not or more formally known as the HIV documented until 1980. The first verified Organ Policy Equity Act. This act samples of HIV infected blood came allowed researchers at the Department from a man in the Democratic Republic of Health and Human Services to begin of the Congo, how he was infected is still studying how to transfer organs from one unknown. HIV infected person to another. Before The National Organ Transplant Act this legislation HIV infected patients of 1984 banned the transplant of any could only receive organ donations
HTTPS://WWW.USNEWS.COM/NEWS/BEST-STATES/OKLAHOMA organ from a person with HIV. Any from non-infected organ donors. The Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Health Care • 21 21 ENERGIZING OKLAHOMA’S
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Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 www.itc-holdings.comHealth Care • 23 23 legislation was updated in “2015 to run until 2020 and is structured around four core aims: TOP 5 reducing new HIV infections, increasing LAHOM REASONS OK A access to care and improving health OF DEATH IN outcomes for people living with HIV, OKLAHOMA reducing HIV-related disparities and health inequities and achieving a coordinated national response to 1 HEART DISEASE the epidemic”. (HIV and AIDS in the United States of America (USA)). w i th e This brings the newly o nc ut ra found information and health insu
2 CANCER
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3 CHRONIC LOWER RESPIRATORY DISEASE
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5 ALZHEIMERS
24 24 • Health Care 2018 aligns them with current laws to make OKLAHOMA RANKED the donation of HIV-infected organs. them more consistent. The bill was first introduced in 2017. The Hope Act focuses on Liver and The stipulations of the bill state that the Kidneys. The intent is not to leave other donation of HIV infected organs may possible HIV infected organs off the thHEALTHCARE occur if the procurement and donation AFFORDABILITY donations list but to insure we know all are consistent with the HIV Organ the long-term ramifications of working HTTPS://RENEWBARIATRICS.COM/HEALTHCARE-RANKINGS/28 Policy Equity Act. This law says that with these organs. The transplant depth to ensure the strains match. There HIV infected organs, tissues, and other Organ specific team must first gather is a lot to consider and many concerns internal anatomy may be passed from information pertaining to HIV positive researchers have to tackle. They are one person to another diagnosed with organs to HIV negative organs. Since the working diligently to work out all the HIV. The measure passed 42-0 through bill passed in 2015 several surgeries have kinks. the senate. It was approved and signed occurred. The subjects are still being Prior to 2017, The United States was by the governor. surveyed. one of the major contributors to global The Hope act is very detailed on how responses for AIDS. During his term as Bibliography and who is eligible for a transplant. The President of the United States, Barack n.d. Definition of HIV. Accessed 05 07, 2018. donors and receivers of the organs must Obama signed a law updating the 1984 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictio- go through an extensive back ground legislation that banned the study or usage nary/HIV. check and answer many questions. False of organs and tissues contaminated with n.d. HIV and AIDS in the United States of information could result in failure of the HIV. According to the Washington Post, America (USA). Accessed 05 07, 2018. https:// transplant. The staff and hospitals all since President Trump has been in office www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-around- have specific criteria they have to follow world/western-central-europe-north-america/ he has fired the “council that advises his usa. as well. An important factor to the whole administration about the HIV/AIDS” process is prevention of inadvertent (Martin) The council had been around Origin of HIV & AIDS. 08 05 2018. 08 05 2018. transmission of HIV. Safety protocols
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Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Health Care • 25 25 Oklahoma Policy Review Infrastructure
Other 15 WATER USAGE ? Crop ROADS irrigation WATER INFRASTRUCTURE QUICK FACTS THERMOELECTRIC POWER (2004) 1168 (2005) 1078 Surface Water use (2006) 989 12 permits SELF-SUPPLIED RESIDENTIAL (2007) 913 2,097 for (2008) 831 2.7 million (2009) 797 Public acre-feet 41 SELF-SUPPLIED INDUSTRIAL water Other (2010) 706 (2011) 634 supply 15 13,000 permits for 6.5 ? million acre-feet of Crop OIL & GAS (2012) 556 water32 per year. irrigation (2013) 468 ON SYSTEM (2014) 372 STRUCTURALLY 10,884 for MUNICIPAL & INDUSTRIAL (2015) 321 DEFICIENT BRIDGES 12 3.8 million acre-feet (2016) 251 Groundwater use LIVESTOCK Public 41 permits water supply CROP IRRIGATION
32 2500000 e moele o e OKLAHOMA COMPREHENSIVE 2000000 el u l e e e l el u l e u l WATER PLAN STATEWIDE 1500000 l 1000000 TOTAL ANNUAL DEMAND u l u l ACRE-FEET ACRE-FEET PER YEAR (ACRE-FEET/YEAR) 500000 e o o o 0 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060
DAMS RAILROADS
19 freight railroads • 3,273 freight railroad miles • 1,991 freight railroad employees TOP THREE FREIGHT EXPORTS BY RAIL Farm Products Chemicals Stone, Sand and Gravel 1.7M tons 2.68M tons 9.3M tons • 50.9% 9.4% 14.7%
4,727 TOP THREE FREIGHT IIMPORTS BY RAIL High Hazard (406) Stone, Sand Coal and Gravel Food Products Significant Hazard (210) 19.79M tons • 56.9% 3.88M tons 1.4M Low Hazard (4,111) tons 11.2% 4.2% 26 26 • Infrastructure 2018 Riches to Roads
By Emily King civil engineering reports conducted by That said, there have been major improvements on particular aspects, such With the passage of HB1010XX and experts from around the country. ACES, as the virtual elimination of structurally the switchover of gas and diesel tax Reason Magazine, and U.S. News and deficient bridges in the next couple of money from HB1014XX to the ROADS World Report have all been rather years. After an all-time high of 1168 in fund instead of income tax money, road negative on our highway system.123 2004, the number has now been whittled construction money for the Department 1 2013 Report Card for Oklahoma’s Infrastruc- down to 185 at the end of 2017.4 of Transportation is from that fund is set ture. American Society of Civil Engineers. Challenges remain for transportation to reach an all-time high, allowing for the https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/ funding, though. Since 2010, there have continued elimination of the backlog of state-item/oklahoma/ 2 23rd Annual Highway Report. Reason Foun- been cuts totaling about $840 million projects that built up over the years. dation. https://reason.org/wp-content/ For many years, the highway system uploads/2018/01/23rd_annual_highway_ states/rankings/infrastructure/transportation report_state_by_state_summaries.pdf 4 Deficient Bridges: Replacement and Rehabil- in the state of Oklahoma suffered from 3 Transportation Rankings. U.S. News & World itation Process. ODOT. https://ok.gov/odot/ underfunding, and it showed in many Report. https://www.usnews.com/news/best- Bridges.html Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Infrastructure • 27 27 to the agency.5 Some of that has been offset by bonding, but the costs for those bonds get paid out over the course of several years when paid back, and that revenue is taken out of the ROADS fund. The increase net increase in funding comi9ng the tax hike and the increased funding in the budget this year, though, should allow for delayed projects to come back onto schedule within the 8-year plan. The ROADS will reach its new maximum of funding this upcoming year in FY19 at $575 million, a limit also set in HB1014XX.6 and bridge construction services. SB1114 communities like Muskogee in the future Other Road Legislation established certain corridors for oversize to address business concerns there, as Aside from the gas tax increases, loads for safe passage. HCR1013 asked that community had made the greatest several other important pieces of Congress to designation Route 66 as a amount of protest with their situation legislation involving roads also were National Historic Trail or to extend during this bill’s development.7 passed into law. HB3388 clarified the the Route 66 Corridor Preservation procedures and standards for railroad program, as it has done great wonders Water Legislation companies to be informed and the for many areas of the state. Three bills concerns water level of work undertaken to maintain One notable piece of legislation infrastructure regulations passed that roadways that cross over their tracks. was vetoed, however. SB86 would of some import this year. The first is HB2650 updates the standards for the have mandated ODOT to conduct SB1147, which delineates clearly the placement of merge now signs are to be economic impact studies for all regulatory lines between DEQ and the placed for road construction projects. municipalities affected by bypass that OWRB on certain water issues. The HB3089 clarified groundwater rights are to be constructed, and would allow second is SB1294, which requires the and surface rights with respect to land a municipality a veto on a projects OWRB to consult tribes in certain cases acquisitions by the OTA and private placement onto the 8-Year Construction for water issues and allows the OWRB entities. HB3129 and SB1044 expand Work Plan. This was fairly contentiously to limit drawing rights from aquifers the list items for counties to follow for debated within the legislature on whether in certain cases. The third is SB1515, purchasing procedures to include road it was a good idea to place that power to which establishes the Oklahoma Water override in the hands of municipalities Resources Board Fee Revolving Fund, 5 Highway Funding FAQs. ODOT. https://www. ok.gov/odot/Highway_Funding_FAQs.html or not, or if the concerns of businesses which allows the OWRB to draw and 6 Greene, Wayne, “How Oklahoma’s funding in those areas should be given more budget from this fund any water fee it for roads and bridges succeeded spectac- weight. Ultimately, the Governor vetoed ularly after voters rejected a tax increase collects. overwhelmingly.” Tulsa World, Apr. 27, 2018. it on the grounds that it was not good http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/wayne- practice to override ODOT’s authority, 7 Governor Mary Fallin. “Veto Message greene/wayne-greene-how-oklahoma-s-fund- for SB86.” Oklahoma Secretary of State. ing-for-roads-and-bridges/article_6c1789b7- but expressed support for the idea https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/legisla- 0105-578a-b8da-4a6a6794dbe1.html that ODOT would listen to affected tion/56th/2018/2R/SB/86.pdf
28 28 • Infrastructure 2018 Oklahoma Policy Review Judiciary
Total Bills: 10 Signed: 10 Vetoed: 0
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY OF OKLAHOMA 26 STATE JUDICIAL DISTRICTS LAWYERS
$62,200 1 11 25th 8 10 Percentile 12 4 14 10th 15 50th 9 24 Percentile 2 Percentile 26 7 23 75th 6 $42,770 Percentile 22 18 16 $90,020 21 3 25 17 5 20 $136,250 19
THE NUMBER OF WOMEN INCARCERATED IN OKLAHOMA IN 2016 INCREASED BY 9.5 PERCENT. The female incarceration rate in 2015 was 151 per 100,000. This is more MEDIAN SALARY BY LOCATION than twice the national average of 64 per 100,000 and significantly TULSA: $114,960 higher than the second highest rate of 115 per 100,000 in Kentucky. OKLAHOMA CITY: $84,970 LAWTON: $63,550 GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES LAWYERS IN OKLAHOMA: 13,470 (34.3 LAWYERS PER 10,000 RESI- DENTS) (20TH OVERALL) OKLAHOMA IS PART OF THE 10TH FEDERAL APPELLATE COURT WITH KANSAS, COLORADO, NEW MEXICO, UTAH AND WYOMING 3 FEDERAL JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 1 9 8 2 7 3 10 6 4 11 5
Western District Southern District Northern District
Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Judiciary • 29 29 The Scales of Justice
By Corey Perry had moved through the legislature and Then, last fall, Biggs was offered a job with the U.S Department of Agriculture, Last session, hopes for achieving needed concurrence in a conference which led to his resignation from the significant criminal justice reform seemed committee with the Senate. He claimed House to take it.1 This prompted a crushed for the State of Oklahoma. The there was not money enough in the major sea change in the operations of previous Chair of the House Judiciary budget to move on them, despite the Judiciary Committees, and allowed – Criminal Justice and Corrections protestations to the contrary by Gov. Committee last session, Scott Biggs, had Fallin. Nevertheless, Biggs did not relent, 1 Denwalt, Dale. “Lawmaker Scott Biggs leaving state house.” The Oklahoman. Newsok.com. pigeonholed the bills from a criminal and the bills went dormant after the end http://newsok.com/lawmaker-scott-biggs- justice task force recommendation that of the 2017 Regular Session. leaving-state-house/article/5570600 30 30 • Judiciary 2018 property affected. HB2286 streamlines and reforms the parole process to make parole easier to achieve for inmates. The impact of the reforms is expected to be fairly significant. It is projected that there will be a decrease the incoming prison population at 25% over the next eight years, a number with which former Speaker Kris Steele expressed pleasure. He states more needs to be done, but this is a major first step in expressing a political to keep people out of prison.2
Modification of Judicial Districts On another front for reform of the judicial system, there was an effort to change the judicial districts for the State Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals to match the populations of the five Congressional Districts within the state. The bill for this reform, HB1925, was held over from last year and went through a conference committee. a pro-criminal justice reform Chair to be process. SB649 reduces sentences for When brought up for consideration on installed by the Speaker. This breathed those convicted of substance abuse. new life into the reform effort, and SB650 reduces requirements for the the House floor, however, the bill was allowed the governor one last chance expungement of nonviolent felonies. much more contentiously fought than to implement significant reforms before SB689 alolows for those convicted to in the last session, and was approved leaving office. life in prison to be eligible for sentence on a largely partisan vote. It ultimately With the start of the new session, modification after ten years, encourages died in the Senate on a vote of 16 ayes the package of bills was sent back to behavioral treatment programs, and bans and 25 nays, and was not brought back conference committee to be renegotiated. supervision term increases for convicts for reconsideration. Given the views of After a few months of wrangling between for inability to pay fines or for technical many on the subject that the judicial stakeholders, final compromises on the violations. SB786 eliminates mandatory lines are grossly unequal, it is expected substance of each bill were achieved. As minimum sentences for second-degree this concept to be brought back to the a consequence, SB649, SB650, SB689, burglary, and establishes third-degree Legislature in the future.
SB786, SB793, HB2281, and HB2286 burglary as a lesser crime. SB793 changes 2 Chandler, Quinton. “Fallin Signs Seven Crim- were all passed by overwhelming margins the punishment for drug distribution inal Justice Reform Bills To Combat Prison in both chambers. and possession crimes. HB2281 Growth.” Npr.org. https://stateimpact.npr. org/oklahoma/2018/04/27/fallin-signs-seven- Each bill addresses specific parts changes property crime definitions to criminal-justice-reform-bills-to-combat-prison- of criminal code or the judicial be dependent on the dollar value of the growth/ Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Judiciary • 31 31 Oklahoma Policy Review Tribal Affairs
Total Bills: 8 Signed: 2 Vetoed: 0 Resolutions: HCR1004
NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBAL AGENCY POLICE FORCES POPULATION BY STATE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE POLICE DEPARTMENT MUSCOGEE (CREEK) LIGHTHORSE POLICE CADDO NATION POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT new CHEROKEE NATION MARSHAL SERVICE OSAGE NATION POLICE DEPARTMENT Mexico CHICKASAW LIGHTHORSE POLICE OTOE-MISSOURIA POLICE DEPARTMENT 10.7% Alaska 19.5% DEPARTMENT[1] PAWNEE NATION POLICE DEPARTMENT Oklahoma CHOCTAW NATION LAW ENFORCEMENT PONCA TRIBAL POLICE DEPARTMENT 12.9% CITIZEN POTAWATOMI PRAIRIE BAND NATION POLICE POTAWATOMI POLICE DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT COMANCHE NATION POLICE QUAPAW TRIBAL MARSHAL STATE OF SEQUOYAH DEPARTMENT SERVICE EASTERN SHAWNEE SAC & FOX NATION WAS THE FIRST TRIBAL POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICE DEPARTMENT VERSION OF IOWA TRIBAL POLICE DEPARTMENT SANTA ANA TRIBAL POLICE DEPARTMENT KAW NATION POLICE DEPARTMENT SEMINOLE NATION LIGHT HORSE MEN OKLAHOMA KICKAPOO TRIBAL POLICE DEPARTMENT TONKAWA TRIBAL POLICE DEPARTMENT PROPOSED TO BE MIAMI NATION TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA POLICE WYANDOTTE NATION POLICE DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED IN 1905 DEPARTMENT
FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES OF OKLAHOMA
1. Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma 12. Delaware Tribe of Indians, Oklahoma 25. Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, Oklahoma 2. Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town, Oklahoma (formerly the Cherokee Delaware) 26. Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma 3. Apache Tribe of Oklahoma (formerly the Eastern Delaware) 27. Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma 4. Caddo Nation of Oklahoma 13. Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma 28. Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma (formerly the Caddo Indian Tribe of Oklahoma) 14. Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma 29. Quapaw Tribe of Indians, Oklahoma 5. Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma 15. Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma 30. Sac & Fox Nation, Oklahoma 6. Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma 16. Kaw Nation, Oklahoma 31. Seminole Nation of Oklahoma (formerly the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma) 17. Kialegee Tribal Town, Oklahoma 32. Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma 7. Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma 18. Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma 33. Shawnee Tribe, Oklahoma 8. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma 19. Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma 34. Thlopthlocco Tribal Town, Oklahoma 9. Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Oklahoma 20. Miami Tribe of Oklahoma 35. Tonkawa Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma 10. Comanche Nation, Oklahoma 21. Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma 36. United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma (formerly the Comanche Indian Tribe) 22. Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Oklahoma 37. Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Wichita, Keechi, Waco & 11. Delaware Nation, Oklahoma 23. Osage Tribe, Oklahoma Tawakonie), Oklahoma (formerly the Delaware Tribe of Western Oklahoma) 24. Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma 38. Wyandotte Nation, Oklahoma 32 32 • Tribal Affairs 2018 Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Tribal Affairs • 33 33 OPINION THE ROLE OF CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION IN OKLAHOMA AT A GLANCE
Linda Capps: Vice Chairman initiatives we fund, in which we served more than 1,600 Oklahomans Citizens Pottowatomi Nation through our Workforce & Social Services Department in the last fiscal year. Despite being in Oklahoma long before the idea of the state was While CPN prides itself on how to do business outside of the gaming conceived, there remains a gap in understanding the impact and sector, it’s not just about making dollars and cents. The tribe focuses unique role that tribal nations play here. Often times, the most visible on using its revenues and grant funding opportunities to alleviate the manifestation many Oklahomans witness of tribal nations focuses on burden on our community partners where gaming and casinos. Yet like an iceberg, necessary. that first visual is deceiving, with so much Every Native American patient eligible more below the surface. to visit a doctor at one of our two clinics Citizen Potawatomi Nation, whose is one less person in the waiting room of a jurisdiction extends into the far eastern local doctor’s office. reaches of Oklahoma City’s metro area and In 2016, our health services conducted runs east to the Seminole County line, has a 147,306 physician visits, 7,330 dental visits huge economic impact in our surrounding and filled 225,811 prescriptions. communities. While our gaming facilities The tribal transportation program, a at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort and public transit program available to all FireLake Entertainment Center draw in Oklahomans living in our largely rural visitors from around the world, commercial tribal jurisdiction, provided more than enterprises like FireLake Ball Fields bring 25,000 rides in 2016, while our nutrition dozens of teams each weekend to compete initiatives served 19,714 meals for our in competitive softball tournaments. FireLake Bowling Center has elders over the same period. become a regular host of Professional Bowlers Association events Our tribe knows what it is to pull together and do the best we can throughout the year, while concerts by a wide array of performers for our community, whether Native or non-Native. This has been entertain in the 5,000 seat FireLake Arena. The area’s only public evident in our ownership of assets and support of operating costs for course, FireLake Golf Course, hosts tournaments and open play Pottawatomie County Rural Water District 3, which provides clean, throughout the year, and is home to several small town school golf potable water to our otherwise water-stressed neighbors in the county. teams. The water district, which operates at a financial loss, has doubled Through sound fiscal management, Citizen Potawatomi Nation its number of customers and its water treatment capacity in the past has helped serve rural Oklahoma banking and lending through two of eight years. You may have heard of some of those customers; they its distinct financial institutions. First National Bank & Trust Co. is the include the towns and school districts of Dale, Wannette and Asher. largest tribal-owned bank in the United States, with seven branches in It isn’t just water infrastructure that Citizen Potawatomi Nation, five Oklahoma towns between Shawnee to Lawton. These branches but also the very roads Oklahomans travel on. Through the use of play a vital role in lending and banking for customers who may live federal grant funding available to tribal nations, CPN infused $2.6 outside of major metropolitan areas where large, multinational banks million into our county roads, sidewalks and trails in 2016. feel they can’t make a profit. What does this all add up to? A more than $500 million economic Meanwhile, the Citizen Potawatomi Community Development impact on the local community in central Oklahoma, including Corporation fills a gap in commercial lending and financial counseling $130 million paid in local wages and benefits to more than 2,400 full services for Native American entrepreneurs and small businesses. and part time employees. It doesn’t stop there though, as our own It is the largest tribally-owned community financial development employees and services also support an additional 2,000 individual institution in the U.S., and has secured millions in re-lending capital jobs that work with our enterprises and tribal departments and for an array of businesses, communities and institutions across customers. Oklahoma like Saint Gregory’s University. Our employees are a giving bunch, in part because they live and Speaking of education, the tribe has long been an advocate of work in the communities in which the Citizen Potawatomi Nation propelling our members forward through support for students at the serves. Between tribal employee volunteer hours and monetary local and university level. A percentage of fees from all tribal license donations from CPN, in 2016 alone the tribe provided approximately tag sales are sent to the Oklahoma school district of the owner’s $3 million to local charities, community groups and universities. choice, an infusion of hundreds of thousands of dollars into our Next time you’re driving along Interstate 40 and see those bright public education system annually. In order to prepare our members lights at a tribal gaming location, know that you’re only getting a for careers, CPN provided more than 2,800 scholarships worth $6 glance of what Oklahoma’s Indian Nations do. There’s a lot more million in 2016 alone. This doesn’t include the workforce training than meets the eye. 34 34 • Tribal Affairs 2018 Oklahoma Policy Review Veteran
Total bills: 7 Signed: 7 Vetoed: 0
NATIONAL GUARD FUNDING OKLAHOMA MILITARY INSTUTIONS Air Force 3.27% State Employees Federal: Altus AFB $309,319,829 Tinker AFB Vance AFB State: 22.67% Army Air Guardsmen $10,035,604 Fort Sill McAlester Army Ammunition Plant 67.17% Army guardsmen Coast Guard (believe it or not) Coast Guard Institute Container Inspection Training
71.7% Army guardsmen 26.7% Air Guardsmen 3.27% State Employees
PROPERTY
Claremore-- Norman-- Lawton-- Ardmore-- Clinton-- Sulphur-- 302 nursing 301 nursing 200 nursing 175 nursing 148 nursing 122 nursing care beds care beds care beds care bed care beds-- care beds 8 domiciliary beds Army: 48 Installations in 25 counties 5 major Subordinate commands (125 units) AIR: 2 Wings in 2 counties (37 seperate units)
Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Veteran • 35 35 Talihina Veterans Center The End of an Era: Significant changes loom for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs and the town of Talihina
By Nat Barrack has played a significant role in caring House Bill 3042, authored by for the State’s veterans for over 40 years Representative Chris Kannady and Talihina is a sleepy town located in (2). However, with the passage of House Senator Frank Simpson creates the Oklahoma’s Le Flore County, with a Bill 3042 in this year’s legislative session, Oklahoma Veterans Facility Investment population slightly over 1000 (1). Despite Talihina’s record of service will be Act of 2018 and provides for the Talihina’s unassuming size, the town coming to an end (3). construction of a new veteran’s facility 36 36 • Veteran 2018 with the issue of a $35M bond (4). by offering increased compensation As is often the case in politics, what Additionally, the new facility will inherit for those willing to make the drive to might seem a positive change for some all of the Talihina center’s patients and Talihina, the center remains severely can be negative, even devastating for operations, rendering the Talihina center understaffed with only one licensed others. With the signing of HB 3042 obsolete. Although the bill marks a physician. into law, Talihina, led by its Mayor Don significant shift in Veterans Affairs policy To add to the mounting concerns Faulkner, will be left looking for answers within the state, the bill’s authors believe surrounding the Talihina center is the and in search of a new identity. The that decommissioning the Talihina issue of inadequate medical care. One center currently employs 190 people center has been long overdue. veteran was reported to have died from from local communities, a significant The facility that is currently the choking on a plastic bag while another percentage for a town of 1000. With Talihina Veterans Center was originally veteran died from a preventable case the loss of the center, a quarter of the built to serve as the Eastern Oklahoma of sepsis (5). Although the Oklahoma town will be left looking for work, a Tuberculosis Sanatorium in 1921. While Department of Veterans Affair daunting prospect in rural Oklahoma. the facility was well made for its time, it (ODVA) maintains that many claims Mayor Faulkner testified against HB has begun to show signs of wear. Despite of malpractice are unsubstantiated, the 3042 on numerous occasions as the bill the center’s 175 bed capacity, a mold Talihina center continues to generate made its way through committee. He problem resulted in the Special Needs negative reports. passionately maintained that the staffing Unit (SNU) being shut down (2). As a While Kannady and Simpson showed and performance issues had been greatly result of the mold problem and a lack concern for their fellow veterans, the exaggerated and that the Talihina center of admissions in general, the center’s legislators were also motivated by certain was the victim of a nefarious ODVA capacity has been reduced to 127 beds logistical interests. The Talihina center is plot, whose aim was to sacrifice his with only 101 of them being used. one of the seven ODVA veteran’s centers town’s welfare in the interest of saving a In debate on the Senate floor, in the state, the others being located in few dollars (3). Senator Simpson further explained the Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton/ Despite Faulkner’s impassioned dire state of the facility in Talihina. Fort Sill, Norman and Sulphur. These Simpson recalled a trip he had taken to remarks, the Talihina center’s fate was centers care for 1,400 veterans and are the Talihina facility and detailed some sealed on April 25th when Governor kept running with ODVA’s budget, 35% of the “horror stories” that inpatient Fallin signed the bill into law. Soon, of which is allocated by the state (2). veterans had relayed to him. Simpson, a respective government agencies will veteran himself, became emotional as he Due to the Talihina center’s dwindling begin planning the transition process by recounted how many of the veterans in number of patients and aging facilities, selecting a location for the new facility. the Talihina facility are forced to share a the center is costing the ODVA a The ODVA stands to save millions once bathroom the size of a closet with three disproportionate amount of funding, the center is completed and Talihina others patients (3). He added that the with the authorities estimating that $5M based veterans appear destined for better veterans, many of whom are in pain from will need to be diverted from the other care. For Don Faulkner and the town of illness or injury, must lie on beds only six centers simply to keep the lights on in Talihina however, the future is far from feet from other patients, separated by a Talihina. certain. curtain. Given that the majority of ODVA’s While Simpson had to do his own centers are Federally funded Kannady Sources: investigative work to determine the and Simpson were particularly concerned United States Census Bureau situation in Talihina, the center has by the very real possibility of Talihina Shane Faulkner (ODVA Central Office Division had known issues for some time. The losing Federal funding altogether due to Federal Department of Veterans Affairs increasing negative reports. Given this Programs Admin- Public Information Officer has placed the Talihina center on three catastrophic possibility, Kannady and The JRLR separate administrative holds due to Simpson decided that the time was right staffing issues (3). Despite numerous to phase out the Talihina center in favor https://www.okhouse.gov/ attempts to address the staffing shortage of a new facility. http://newsok.com/article/5543961
Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Veteran • 37 37 OPINION FIGHTING FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE
the extension is necessary to accomplish treatment goals. HB 2552 establishes certain rights for children in the custody of Child Welfare Services regarding their placement, safety, privacy, communication, and personal growth. It also directs DHS and child placing agencies to develop grievance procedures for children in custody. SB 1517 creates the Task Force on Trauma- Informed Care to create a list of best-practices for children and their families at risk of adverse childhood experiences. HB 3104 modifies the definition of “drug endangered child” by removing newborns who test positive for a controlled substance. It clarifies that DHS must report any infant By Sen. A.J. Griffin SB 224 requires a youthful offender to who is diagnosed with be represented by counsel at every hearing Oklahoma should be proud of the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome or Fetal accomplishments made this session for or review until their case is completed or Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. juvenile justice. With so much attention in dismissed. A court is required to advise the The connection between the public’s human services focused on progress in the child’s attorney, along with others, of the desire and the state’s policies and programs child welfare system, we’ve quietly been factual contents and conclusion of reports to improve our criminal justice system making major changes to juvenile justice before making an order of disposition. It must start with our youngest citizens. We policies. requires records submitted to the court must address the mental and emotional Our state’s most difficult cases involve during a hearing on a motion for certification issues at-risk youth face as well as provide children in DHS custody who have been as a youthful offender or for imposition of an better stability in their lives. By addressing diagnosed with a developmental disability adult sentence to be confidential and sealed. these issues at a young age, we can prevent co-occurring with a mental health diagnosis Lastly, it authorizes the Office of Juvenile many of the long-term problems, like and then find themselves facing juvenile Affairs to recommend that a youthful incarceration, that are more likely to occur criminal charges. offender be returned to OJA custody at the in adulthood. The lines between corrections, Several bills were signed into law this age of 18 years and 6 months, until the age of human services and health are often blurred session that will allow Oklahoma to shift our 19, to complete the reintegration phase of the when it comes to intervention and treatment focus towards using the juvenile justice system treatment program. especially when dealing with children. We to provide intervention and find appropriate SB 1066 authorizes a court to order an must do all we can to help our youth so they treatments to positively impact at-risk youth. extra 180 days deferral of delinquency can grow into healthy, independent adults. This will improve their future, protect public adjudication proceedings if the court Sen. A.J. Griffin safety and save the state millions of dollars in determines a child has made satisfactory Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the future. progress in the diversion program, and that Human Services Chair
38 38 • Opinion 2018 NUMBERS BEHIND THE NEWS FROM OKLAHOMA POLICY INSTITUTE 52% $78 Percentage of MILLION Oklahoma’s FY 2019 state How much Oklahoma’s FY 2019 appropriations that went to budget is below the state’s FY common education, higher 2009 budget when adjusted for education, or Career Tech. inflation, a 9.4% decrease.
11% How much Oklahoma teachers’ average take home pay shrunk from FY 2006 to FY 2017, Percentage of Oklahoma legislative adjusted for inflation. 26% seats up for a vote this year that will have no contested race in the general election, down from 62% in 2014.
34
Number of counties in OK where the last full Census count of the population (2010) was lower than in the Median age in McIntosh County, 1st Census after statehood (1910). the oldest county in Oklahoma (2016).
Much more information — including analysis of key policy issues, guides to the state budget and legislative process, and key data and infographics about Oklahoma — is freely available at www.okpolicy.org Oklahoma Policy Review • Volume 3 Opinion • 39 39 We can help you reach your target audience in person, in print, or online.
Vol. 75, No. 26
Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. AFSC/CC Message INSIDE Happy IndependenceFriday, Day June 30, 2017 Lee K. Levy II Lieutenant General, USAF Commander as free. While the Declaration of Independence AFSC Airmen, always retains special meaning for Americans, Two-hundred and forty-one years ago on its legacy extends even beyond our country this 4th of July, our Founding Fathers officially with its universal principles of democracy and declared independence from Great Britain, freedom. It has been a constant beacon for all NATO and U.S. proclaiming that all of us are created equal, who yearn for the natural blessings of liberty. work together endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable Freedom is certainly worth celebrating. In Washington D.C. the day is marked with in BALTOPS rights including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration readings of the Declaration of Independence, a 2017 included a list of grievances of actions carried National Parade, fireworks, and a concert at the Page 6-7 out by Great Britain that suppressed these Capitol Mall along with other local traditions rights they believed inherent to our existence. and activities. For many of us, it will mean With their resolve at signing the Declaration of family, friends, and fireworks, with hot dogs, Independence, colonies became states, colonists hamburgers, and apple pie. 38th CEIG became Americans and all were acknowledged Approaching another Independence Day welcomes Schug as new See Independence page 10 commander Hill AFB hosts Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II Page 8 AFSC CLP conference Malec assumes Darren D. Heusel command of 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs DLA Aviation Participants in the Air Force Sustainment OKC Center’s Community Liaison Program Page 8 broadened their view of the command last week when they visited Hill Air Force Base and the Ogden Air Logistics Complex for Members of the Air Force Sustainment Center Community Liaison Program pose for a photograph June 20 outside the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit at Hill Air Force Base,Air Force Utah, photo as part by Darren of their D. annual Heusel their annual conference. conference. Pictured are: left to right, Brian Garrett, Kevin Ireland, Rob Brooks, Angie Osguthorpe, Judy Your Drinking Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II’s CLP members Hatfield, Robin Roberts-Krieger, Lisa Fruge, Marian Fraley, Mike Kloiber and Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II, Water is Safe! visited the base June 19-20 to learn about AFSC commander. how Hill AFB contributes to the overall Page 9 AFSC mission of providing combat power for “We could not do what we do without the America. support of our community partners,” Levy said. “The AFSC CLP members are the cream The Air Force Sustainment Center of the crop.” Community Liaison Program is the AFSC
See AFSC CLP page 11. AFSC CLP page 11.
Visit us online at 72nd Mission Support Group www.tinker.af.mil welcomes new commander Jillian Coleman Staff Writer him to anticipate challenges before their arrival. Col. Mark Vitantonio took the “For this specific location and Like us on Facebook helm of the 72nd Mission Support time,” Bell said, “you were the right www.facebook.com/ Group, as outgoing commander man at the right time. You have led tinkerairforcebase Col. Michael Green relinquished well and earned the right to pass duties in a formal ceremony at the this flag on, as we welcome another Tinker Club June 14. 72nd Air Base Wing Commander Col. KenyonAir ForceBell presided photo by Kellyover Whitethe 72nd great Airman.” Mission Support Group change of command ceremony June 14, in which Presiding over the ceremony was Noting some of his most Col. Mark Vitantonio assumed command from outgoing commander Col. 72nd Air Base Wing commander Michael Green. 72nd MSG Superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Erne prominent accomplishments during served as guidon bearer. Col. Vitantonio will lead nearly 1,500 military, Col. Kenyon Bell. Green, with a his two-year tour with the 72nd civilian and contract personnel who provide customer service and sup- strong security forces background, Follow us on Twitter MSG, Colonel Bell spoke to the port including base security and law enforcement, logistics, supply, trans- demonstrated multifaceted abilities magnitude of Green’s involvement @Team_Tinker portation, readiness planning, education and training, family support and that contributed to success in professional military education for 82,500 family members and retirees. as a mentor with the Company leading the MSG. Most present wasGrade Officers. In the last two his ability to see problems beyond years, the CGOC has seen an the force protection lens allowing See Mission page 10. Mission page 10.
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