Archive for the Week of May 17, 2009 - May 23, 2009
Senate abandons early adjournment plan
5/22/09, 4:42 p.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Senate has abandoned plans to adjourn the 2009 legislative session one week early. The Senate rescinded a resolution it passed in March to adjourn on Friday after failing to pass legislation to create a central information officer who would take charge of the state's computer systems. The Senate then abruptly adjourned for the day and will reconvene on Tuesday.
Lawmakers voted 22-22 for the bill when at least 25 votes are needed to pass a bill in the 48-member Senate. Republicans carry a 26-22 majority in the Senate, but Sen. Steve Russell of Oklahoma City was not present and Sen. Harry Coates of Seminole voted against the bill. The vote occurred at 10:40 a.m. but the vote was held open for almost four hours.
Watts says he will not run for governor
5/22/09, 4:31 p.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts says he will not run for governor in 2010. Watts said his current business and contractural obligations create hurdles that he cannot overcome at this time in order to make a gubernatorial bid. Watts had been considering seeking the Republican nomination. Rep. Mary Fallin and state Sen. Randy Brogdon are already in the race.
Oklahoma loses 7,500 jobs
5/22/09, 3:56 p.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma was among 44 states that lost jobs in April, but the state's 6.2 percent unemployment rate remains well below the national rate of 8.9 percent. A U.S. Labor Department report issued Friday found that Oklahoma lost 7,500 jobs from March to April. Oklahoma has lost 24,800 jobs since April 2008. The state's unemployment rate was 3.5 percent at that time.
The biggest losses are in manufacturing, professional and business services and mining and logging which includes the oil industry. In April, Michigan reported the highest jobless rate at 12.9 percent. The states with the next highest rates were Oregon, 12 percent; South Carolina, 11.5 percent; Rhode Island, 11.1 percent; California, 11.0 percent; North Carolina, 10.8 percent; Nevada, 10.6 percent; and Ohio, 10.2 percent.
Lawmakers to adjourn legislative session
5/22/09, 9:55 a.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma lawmakers are preparing to wrap up their regular legislative session one week early. The Legislature plans to adjourn on Friday after reaching agreement on a $7.2 billion state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The Senate-passed budget received final passage from the House Thursday evening and was sent to Gov. Brad Henry for his signature.
Lawmakers were required by the state Constitution to adjourn on May 29, the last Friday in May. But they announced their intentions in mid-March to adjourn one week early. Lawmakers will return to their districts after adopting hundreds of pieces of legislation, including a bill supporters say will cut down on frivolous lawsuits and reduce insurance costs in Oklahoma. It passed the House and Senate by large bipartisan margins.
Federal board rejects challenge to I-40 project
5/22/09, 9:30 a.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A federal agency has approved an application to relocate a railway line that lies directly in the path of the Crosstown Expressway project in Oklahoma City. The Surface Transportation Board on Tuesday granted the application of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co. to relocate about a mile of rail line it owns that lies in the path of the Interstate 40 relocation project.
Construction of the $500 million, 4.5-mile project is under way and completion is scheduled for 2012. But Gary Ridley, director of
the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, had said construction work could not begin on a one-mile stretch until the rail line was moved. Opponents have said relocating the line will disrupt a critical east-west rail path that connects southwest Oklahoma with eastern
parts of the state.
Measure could derail school funding plan
5/21/09, 8:02 a.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Senate has adopted a resolution designed to counter an initiative petition seeking to compel lawmakers to significantly increase education spending. The resolution calls for a statewide vote on amending the Constitution to bar any formula for distributing funds appropriated by the Legislature.
The Republican-sponsored bill was approved along party lines, with all 26 Republicans voting for it and all 22 Democrats opposing it. Democrats say the plan will create confusion at the ballot box and called it an attempt to usurp the rights of citizens to petition for changes in their government. Republicans say they are protecting the Legislature from being
controlled by special interests.
The Helping Oklahoma Public Education initiative petition requires lawmakers to appropriate an extra $850 million for schools over a three-year period. It is sponsored by Oklahoma Education Association and school support groups and is headed for a 2010
statewide vote.
Edmondson says 2 state gun laws will stand
5/21/09, 7:54 a.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Attorney General Drew Edmondson says two Oklahoma laws that allow firearms to be stored in locked vehicles on company property will stand. The filing deadline passed Tuesday for appeals on a decision in the case rendered in February by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver.
Edmondson's office and the National Rifle Association had defended the laws, which prohibit businesses from forbidding their employees to store firearms in locked vehicles on company property. In 2004, a federal lawsuit claimed the state laws were unconstitutional and pre-empted by federal laws. A district court ruled the state laws were constitutional but that they were pre-empted by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Edmondson and the NRA appealed to the 10th Circuit court, which overturned the lower court's ruling.
Kaiser Foundation commits $40.2M to U. of Tulsa
5/21/09, 7:50 a.m.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The George Kaiser Family Foundation has promised to commit $40.2 million to the University of Tulsa as part of what is described as a multiyear initiative. Part of the Tulsa-based foundation's gift will be a so-called"bridge loan" of $24 million, which will allow TU to start construction this fall on a new 77,000-square-foot performance center.
University officials say the low-interest loan will provide about $2.7 million in interest savings to TU when compared to current bond market prices. Plans call for TU to begin reimbursing
the Kaiser Foundation in 2011. The bridge funding will cover the construction costs for the
performance center as previously made fundraising pledges for the center are paid during the coming years.
About $13.5 million of the gift will be used for various TU programs and about $4 million will be provided for operations and endowed positions at Gilcrease Museum, which TU operates under an agreement with the city of Tulsa.
State parks open for holiday, some limitations
5/20/09, 12:40 p.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - State tourism officials say all 50 Oklahoma state parks will be open for the Memorial Day weekend - but some have limited capacity. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department director Hardy Watkins says high water and debris at some parks means some park visitors will have to make adjustments. Watkins some campgrounds, boat docks, marinas and golf courses are closed or limited - particularly at parks in southeastern and northeastern Oklahoma. He says a list of high-water closures affecting Oklahoma state parks can be found at www.oklahomaparks.com.
Museum of Oklahoma pop culture proposed for Tulsa
5/20/09, 9:06 a.m.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The top official at the Oklahoma Historical Society and Tulsa leaders are announcing plans to build a $33 million museum of state popular culture in the city's Brady District. Bob Blackburn, the historical society's executive director, says that officials can't pull back from the project even during a tough economic time. The 45,000-square-foot museum would be known as the "Oklahoma Pop" and would take about three years to build once financing is in place.
To fund construction, Blackburn says he will ask the Legislature next year for a $25 million bond issue and also try to raise $8 million from private sources. The Tulsa-based George Kaiser Family Foundation already has pledged $1 million for the project. Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor says the museum will bring the historical society's "incredible expertise" to the state's second-largest city.
Gas prices increase
5/19/09, 5:35 p.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The average price of gasoline in Oklahoma has risen to $2.16 per gallon, about 15 cents lower than the national average of $2.31. AAA Oklahoma spokesman Chuck Mai said Tuesday that while gas prices have increased, they are still $1.50 below the state average of $3.66 in May 2008.
Regular, self-serve was $2.18 in Oklahoma City, about 29 cents more than last month's $1.89. In Tulsa, the price was $2.08, about 22 cents higher than April's average of $1.86. Gas prices averaged $3.63 in Oklahoma City and $3.62 in Tulsa in May 2008. According to AAA, other average prices included $2.19 in Lawton and Idabel; $2.17 in Enid; $2.16 in Ponca City and $2.15 in McAlester. The highest averages were Ardmore, $2.23, and Guymon, $2.26.
Senate approves worker's comp judge bill
5/19/09, 4:42 p.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Senate has given final approval to a measure calling for a statewide vote on requiring Senate confirmation of Oklahoma Worker's Compensation Court judges. The Republican-sponsored resolution was approved Tuesday by a 26-22 along party lines.
The vote comes less than a month after Democratic Gov. Brad Henry vetoed a bill to make the change by statute. Now voters will decide the issue. Critics say requiring Senate confirmation of judges will create political battles and gridlock. Work comp judges are now appointed by the governor based on three names submitted by the Judicial Nominating Commission.
Lawmakers announce way to fund REAP
5/19/09, 4:14 p.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - House and Senate budget leaders have agreed to a plan to provide money for rural infrastructure projects. The proposal would raise the late fees on vehicle license plate renewals from 25 cents per day to $1 a day for the Rural Economic Action Plan - or REAP. The fees are expected to raise about $14.4 million for REAP.
The $7.2 billion state budget plan was criticized by Democratic rural lawmakers who complained that it had no funding for REAP. The plan was announced today by House Appropriations Chairman Ken Miller and Senate Appropriations Chairman Mike Johnson.
Troopers may be furloughed because of budget cuts
5/19/09, 8:43 a.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - State Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Ward says budget cuts may mean furloughs for Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers.
The Public Safety Department faces a 6.5 percent budget cut for the coming fiscal year and Ward says troopers will be placed on furlough unless more money is provided. State Rep. Randy Terrill says lawmakers are working to avoid troopers being furloughed.
Terrill is chairman of the House appropriations subcommittee and says money will either be transferred before the Legislature adjourns are money will be provided when lawmakers return early next year.
Inhofe: Fort Sill to get new artillery regiment
5/19/09, 8:50 a.m.
FORT SILL, Okla. (AP) - Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma says the U.S. Army plans to activate a new artillery regiment at Fort Sill near Lawton as a part of force restructuring. Inhofe said Monday in Washington that the presence of the 4th Battalion, 3rd (4/3) Air Defense Artillery Regiment (Patriot) will mean an increase of 603 military personnel at Fort Sill by late 2010.
Inhofe says that as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure process, Fort Sill will host the Air Defense Artillery School that re-stationed from Fort Bliss, Texas. He says the new battalion's role will be to provide high-to-medium altitude air defense against ground combat forces, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
42 cases of H1N1 flu confirmed
5/18/09, 5:28 p.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma State Department of Health officials say the number of confirmed H1N1 flu cases in Oklahoma has reached 42. The department announced four new cases on its Web site Monday - two in Kay County and one each in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties.
According to the Web site, Oklahoma County has reported the most cases - 13 - followed by nine each in Kay and Tulsa counties and five in Cleveland County. Officials say three persons were known to be hospitalized who had underlying medical conditions, but almost all of those confirmed to have had the virus have recovered.
Oklahoma and 46 other states have a combined 5,123 confirmed and probable cases of the flu strain. Seventy-six people have died worldwide, including six in the United States.
Governor signs Ten Commandments bill
5/18/09, 5:25 p.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Gov. Brad Henry has signed a bill allowing for the creation of a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of the state Capitol. This was one of several bills he signed into law Monday. Civil libertarians and some religious groups argued that such a monument would be a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution.
Similar monuments have drawn legal challenges elsewhere. Rep. Mike Ritze, the House author of the bill, said there are hundreds of these types of monuments in public spaces across the country. He also said the Ten Commandments have great historical significance, aside from their religious aspect.
Changes to unemployment system reconsidered
5/18/09, 9:14 am.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - After initially being skeptical, Gov. Brad Henry has warmed to the idea of altering Oklahoma's unemployment insurance guidelines in order to bring in $75.9 million in funding from President Barack Obama's economic stimulus package.
Henry spokesman Paul Sund says Oklahoma already offers most benefits mandated by the federal program and passing on the stimulus funds could eventually force Oklahoma businesses to pay for unemployment funds. The changes are expected to cost Oklahoma only $3 million, with largest chunk involving eliminating the alternative base period.
Oklahoma normally uses the method, which tends to favor part-time, low-wage and intermittent workers, except when the unemployment system is under financial stress.
Expanding DNA sampling could cost state $800,000
5/18/09, 9:01 a.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The state's top investigative agency estimates that a bill that would expand the number of criminals subjected to DNA testing could cost up to $800,000 to implement. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Jessica Brown says the agency would seek federal grants to help offset the cost if the governor approves the expansion of the measure dubbed"Juli's Law."
Oklahoma already takes DNA samples from anyone convicted of a felony. The state House and Senate have approved an expansion of the law to collect DNA from people convicted of such misdemeanors as peeping Tom, domestic abuse, stalking, breaking and entering or negligent homicide. Anyone arrested on suspicion they committed a crime and found to be in the country illegally also could have a DNA sample taken.
Lemon Law one vote away from passage
5/18/09, 8:39 a.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Five years after she launched her one-woman campaign to improve consumer protections for car and truck buyers, Angie Gallant is just one vote away from wrapping up one of Oklahoma's greatest civics lessons. Gallant started pushing the issue after her Chevrolet Malibu started having problems just three weeks after she bought it in 2004.
The 38-year-old part-time teacher from Broken Arrow has made dozens of visits to the state Capitol to urge lawmakers to put consumers who buy defective vehicles on more equal footing when negotiating with a manufacturer. This week, her work could come to a fruitful finish when the Oklahoma House considers final passage of legislation that strengthens the so-called Lemon Law.
Rains flood state parks as Memorial Day approaches
5/18/09, 8:18 a.m.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Even after a pattern of rainy weather has moved out of Oklahoma, some Memorial Day weekend activities could be washed out by lingering flooding at state parks. Ten of Oklahoma's 50 state parks have problems with high water due to recent storms.
Most of Beavers Bend State Park in southeastern Oklahoma has been closed after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had to release water from Broken Bow Lake. Nine other parks have closed boat docks and limited camping. State tourism director Hardy Watkins says the reality is that there will be an impact on Memorial Day weekend, one of the department's three biggest weekends of the year. But he says even a short dry spell could make a big difference in how many parks can reopen by next weekend.
