Reps. Tom Gann, Rick West Call on Fallin to Abandon Tax Hikes, Refocus on Efficiency

L: State Rep. Tom Gann; R: State Rep. Rick West

State Representatives Call on Governor to Abandon Tax Hikes and Refocus on Efficiency

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Reps. Tom Gann, R-Inola, and Rick West, R-Heavener, are calling on Governor Mary Fallin's administration to abandon its drive for tax increases and to instead return their focus to eliminating the many costly inefficiencies in state government.

The representatives said they are alarmed at the findings of today's legislative hearing by the House Government Modernization Committee.

The representatives asked for the hearing after state employee constitutes began informing them of costly and wasteful inefficiencies within a key state purchasing contract.

Testimony to the committee was provided by individuals from a variety of state agencies and revealed the following findings:

State agencies are not taking advantage of savings opportunities available through a key state purchasing contract; and

Other agencies are forced to use a massive purchasing contract that appears to be costing the agencies money (state purchasing officials have indicated a plan to re-negotiate this contract);

A year-over-year increase of more than $100,000 in the Department of Education's appropriation is being spent on to the Department's propensity for making color copies instead of the black and white copies utilized by the previous administration;

A review of the Department of Corrections found $150,000 in savings opportunities that could be realized through very basic reforms in the management of department assets. One state vendor testified that there are a number Department of Corrections' assets that no one appears to be responsible for -- including a 60" WII entertainment system and numerous computers that have not been used in months; and

Some state officials appear to have an attitude of "it's not our money so we don't care" – this according to a vendor who testified of the many savings opportunities.

"After this hearing and with the breaking news of the alleged fiscal mismanagement at the Department of Health, there is no doubt that the executive branch's consuming focus on tax raises is taking them away from their foremost responsibility: streamlining and making state government is efficient," said Gann, the vice-chair of the committee.

"I've already had a number of state employee constituents explain this waste and show me the costly inefficiencies of state government. We need to let these employees do their job to save the taxpayers money, and that's why we asked for this hearing," West said. "This is just the start. The chairman of the Government Modernization Committee has ensured me that he will allow us to continue exposing these inefficiencies with more hearings like this one when the legislative session gets under way next spring."

The representatives indicated they are going to continue to monitor the re-negotiation of the costly state purchasing contract, the implementation of the Department of Correction's reform plan and the other issues raised during today's hearing.

Rep. Rick West Hosts Study Targeting Government Waste

Rep. Rick West Hosts Study Targeting Government Waste

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Rick West hosted an interim study today on Oklahoma’s Central Purchasing Act during a House Government Modernization Committee meeting. The study included presentations from three state agency representatives who claim mandatory state contracts force agencies to purchase items at a higher cost than what they could pay locally.

“I first learned about central purchasing concerns from agency employees in my district who were frustrated with the mandatory contracts,” said West, R-Heavener. “And if you find a problem at multiple agencies locally, there’s a good chance you’ll find the same problem elsewhere in our state. This practice of overpaying for basic items is unacceptable, and it has to stop.”

Speakers from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation appeared before committee members Tuesday saying policies put in place by the Office of Management & Enterprise Services (OMES) are inefficient and enable government waste.

“OMES is a good partner,” said Cathy Menefee, Chief Financial Officer for the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department. “But there is still work to be done.”

Menefee expressed frustration with mandatory contracts, but conceded there were ways around the traditional purchasing agreement. Ultimately, Menefee said obtaining exceptions for a multimillion state agency with dozens of locations across Oklahoma is “an onerous process.”

“Running government efficiently means reducing the administrative overhead. Decreased appropriations have led to lower staffing levels and we have less time to carry this administrative burden,” Menefee said. “We have to work to simplify the rules.”

OMES rebutted, saying the agency has not received any vendor complaints this year. State Central Purchasing Director Ferris Barger said agencies were losing sight of the smaller costs associated with procurement. He said there were simple steps state agencies could take to receive purchasing exceptions.

“If you’ve got to jump through fire and monkey hoops that you’ve created, then that’s what you’ve done,” Barger said.

West said agencies in his House district are forced to purchase standard items outside of LeFlore County. At least one contract requires purchases be made in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

West said rooting out government inefficiency is critical, especially when the state is trying to fill a substantial budget hole. Reforming central purchasing is a simple way the Legislature could redistribute control to local agencies and potentially save the state millions of dollars, he said.

“Sometimes we get so caught up in Oklahoma City that we lose sight of the big picture,” said West, R-Heavener. “Well, trimming fat so agencies can operate more fully within their means should always be the big picture.”

OCPA's Small: Just Let Them Learn

Just Let Them Learn

by OCPA President Jonathan Small

As the results of Oklahoma public school student performance on state assessment tests emerge, the news is sobering.

After decades of lying about student performance, administrators have finally adapted state tests to line up with national benchmarks.

The results expose a decades-old scam: Regardless of total funding levels for public education, most Oklahoma students are not proficient in subjects like mathematics and English language arts – subjects that are crucial to helping any person thrive.

Nowhere is the crisis more severe than in Oklahoma City and Tulsa public schools, districts with some of the state’s highest per-pupil spending.

Shockingly, four out of five of the third- and fourth-graders in Oklahoma’s largest school districts are not proficient in English or math. In OKCPS, 90 percent of eighth-graders aren’t proficient in math. In Tulsa, 89 percent of eighth-graders aren’t proficient in math.

In OKCPS, astonishingly, in all of the tested grades (third through eighth grade and 10th grade), at least 75 percent of students are not proficient in English. Also in OKCPS, astonishingly, in all of the tested grades, at least 81 percent of students are not proficient in math.

In TPS, astonishingly, in all tested grades, at least 71 percent of students are not proficient in English. Again in TPS, astonishingly, in all tested grades, at least 77 percent of students are not proficient in math.

These are crisis numbers – most importantly, countless personal and family crises in these communities and across our state.

The response of Oklahoma City and Tulsa public schools is telling: intervening in a lawsuit to prevent equitable funding for public charter schools. These two districts spend vast sums of money already – $10,925 per student per year in OKCPS and $12,180 per student per year in TPS, including all revenues. They should focus on teaching their own students and stop trying to block a settlement of the charter school equitable-funding lawsuit.

Tens of thousands of Oklahoma kids and families are in a crisis now. It is clear that a one-size-fits-all approach to education doesn’t work. Parents need options because what works for one child may not work for another. That’s why school choice matters; it allows parents to find the best fit for their children.

If OKCPS and TPS are serious about education and serving the most vulnerable among us, they’ll stop their tax-funded legal intervention. Administrators in Oklahoma City and Tulsa Public Schools should stop trying to restrict choices and support for some of their most vulnerable students and just let them learn.

Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (www.ocpathink.org).

Happy Reformation Day!

Today marks 500 years since Martin Luther (according to legend) nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. His writings and preaching fanned the wildfire of Reformation across Europe that had been slowly smoldering for several hundred years.

The foundational teachings of the Protestant Reformation have been summed up in what is commonly called the Five Solas: Grace Alone (Sola Gratia), Faith Alone (Sola Fide), Christ Alone (Solus Christus), Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura), Glory to God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria).

Justification by faith alone, apart from any works of man to attain or maintain, is the crux upon which true Christianity stands. Anything less, or anything more, is a perverted gospel, and thus no gospel at all.

“This one and firm rock, which we call the doctrine of justification, is the chief article of the whole Christian doctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness.” - Martin Luther

Today, we celebrate the Reformation, and the reclaiming of Biblical truth that it brought. Soli Deo Gloria!

Dan Fisher answers survey on special session

Last Monday, I emailed the Republican candidates for Governor for their thoughts on the budget agreement that Governor Fallin had announced. At the time, the plan included about $200M in increased spending (primarily through pay raises) and about $443M in tax hikes.

Dan Fisher was the only candidate to get back with me on this particular survey. Here's what he had to say:

JF: What is your opinion on the agreement as announced?  
DF: This is exactly what I expected because there is a total lack of innovative thinking in government today. Predictable, self-created problems appear because government refuses to “police” itself and then old solutions (that almost always grow government and raise taxes) are taken off of the shelf, dusted off, and then “sold” to the people as the only option. The Legislature braces to endure a few weeks of criticism and then when the people realize their voice means little, it’s back to business as usual until the next predictable self-created crisis emerges.

JF: If you were Governor, what would you be proposing (if different)? 
DF: My response would NOT be the knee-jerk reaction of going back to the people to demand more of their hard earned money.  If I were governor, I would prove what we all intuitively know:  there is easily enough waste, abuse, misappropriation, and duplication of services in government to find the $215,000,000 needed right now if leaders were willing to lead and do the hard work of investigating and trimming government.  Until that hard work is done, I’d simply reduce government by the $215 million we are short – which amounts to around a 2.38% reduction across the board.  That’s what the rest of us do when our personal finances are tight. 

JF: What is your position on giving pay raises at a time when the state budget has an existing deficit and a projected deficit for the upcoming fiscal year?
DF: I believe pay-raises are in order when we can afford them.  I am not for pay raises because of political pressure. The cost burden associated with pay raises is not just borne in the year the raises are given; these increased costs become the new “normal” and are shouldered for generations to come.  Increases in government spending are hardly ever reduced later.  As we have seen time and time again, by its nature, government grows rather than shrinks.  I will not put hard working Oklahomans on the hook to lose more of their income because of political expediency.  We've all had enough of that.

JF: What is your position on increasing the fuel tax to plug other budgetary holes, rather than directing those monies to increased funding for transportation?
DF: You’ve worded this question properly and we're once again being asked to "plug" another hole. Eventually, the Captain of the Titanic, Edward John Smith, realized that you can only "plug" so many holes. We need to stop looking for corks to fix budget problems and “audit everything,” find the waste and misspending in our government, and then fundamentally fix those structural problems instead of continuing to "plug" holes and thereby continue running what I call a “gimmick” government.

Music Monday: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

In honor of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation tomorrow, this week's Music Monday is the great old hymn 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God' by German reformer and theologian Martin Luther.


Here's another version with about 3,00 pastors and church leaders at the 2016 Shepherds' Conference (hosted by John MacArthur's Grace Community Church) singing this powerful song:



Enjoy!


See below for all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.


October 23rd, 2017: In Christ Alone
October 16th, 2017: When I'm Knee Deep In Bluegrass
October 9th, 2017: I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb
October 2nd, 2017: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major (Brahms)
September 25th, 2017: Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C minor ('Pathétique')
September 11th, 2017: Have You Forgotten?
September 4th, 2017: Bach's Double Violin Concerto
August 28th, 2017: Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord
August 21st, 2017: The Heavens Are Telling The Glory of God
August 14th, 2017: Beethoven's 5th Symphony
August 7th, 2017: 'Lift High The Name Of Jesus' medley
July 31st, 2017: Fanfare for the Common Man
July 24th, 2017: Variations on 'Happy Birthday'
July 10th, 2017: Summer (Presto) from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
July 3rd, 2017: Freelance Fireworks Hall of Fame
June 26th, 2017: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
June 19th, 2017: A Christian Home
June 12th, 2017: Ol' Man River
June 5th, 2017: Choctaw Cowboy
May 29th, 2017: Armed Forces Salute
May 22nd, 2017: Double Bass Concerto No.2 in B minor
May 15th, 2017: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major
May 8th, 2017: The Army Goes Rolling Along
April 17th, 2017: He Is Alive
April 10th, 2017: Surely He Hath Borne/And With His Stripes/All We Like Sheep
April 3rd, 2017: Here Comes Carolina
March 27th, 2017: 'Spring' from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'
March 20th, 2017: Symphony No. 5 ("Reformation") Finale
March 13th, 2017: The Pigeon on the Gate
March 6th, 2017: Finlandia
February 27th, 2017: When I Can Read My Title Clear
February 20th, 2017: William Tell Overture - Finale
February 13th, 2017: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 6th, 2017: White Winter Hymnal
January 30th, 2017: Hail, Columbia
January 23rd, 2017: Hail to the Chief
January 16th, 2017: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
January 2nd, 2017: Auld Lang Syne
December 26th, 2016: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
December 19th, 2016: I Wonder as I Wander
December 12th, 2016: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 5th, 2016: A Christmas Festival
November 28th, 2016: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 21st: Beethoven's 'Hymn of Thanksgiving'
November 14th: Hymn to the Fallen
November 7th: This World Is Not My Home
October 31st, 2016: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 24th, 2016: 'Mars', from 'The Planets'
October 17th, 2016: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
October 10th, 2016: Spain
October 3rd, 2016: International Harvester
September 26th, 2016: 'The Imperial March' from Star Wars
September 19th, 2016: Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound
September 12th, 2016: Before the Throne of God Above
September 5th, 2016: The Hunt
August 29th, 2016: Liberty
August 22nd, 2016: Summon the Heroes
August 15th, 2016: Bugler's Dream
August 8th, 2016: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
August 1st, 2016: 'Prelude' and 'Parade of the Charioteers' from Ben-Hur
July 25th, 2016: How The West Was Won
July 18th, 2016: Six Studies in English Folk Song
July 11th, 2016: From Everlasting To Everlasting
July 4th, 2016: The Stars and Stripes Forever
June 27th, 2016: Rule, Britannia!
June 20st, 2016: Bugler's Holiday
June 13th, 2016: Ride of the Valkyries
June 6th, 2016: Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, Allegro Vivace
May 30th, 2016: Armed Forces Salute
May 23rd, 2016: Paid in Full (Through Jesus, Amen)
May 16th, 2016: Overture from 'Carmen'
May 9th, 2016: L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1 - Prelude
May 2nd, 2016: My God Is a Rock
April 25th, 2016: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
April 18th, 2016: Paganini's Caprice No. 24 in A Minor
April 11th, 2016: Fantasia on a 17th Century Tune
April 4th, 2016: Hark The Sound/I'm a Tarheel Born
March 28th, 2016: Rustle of Spring
March 21st, 2016: 'Ode to Joy' sung by a 10,000-voice choir
March 14th, 2016: Hard Times Come Again No More
March 7th, 2016: 'The Suite' from Downton Abbey
February 29th, 2016: Moonlight Sonata
February 22nd, 2016: Liebestraum No. 3
February 15th, 2016: Help Is On The Way
February 8th, 2016: God of Grace and God of Glory
February 1st, 2016: 'My Story'
January 25th, 2016: Israeli Concertino
January 18th, 2016: What Grace is Mine
January 11th, 2016: "Meditation" from Thaïs
January 4th, 2016: Praeludium and Allegro
December 28th, 2015: Appalachian Carol
December 21st, 2015: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 14th, 2015: O Holy Night
December 7th, 2015: Christmas Fantasy
November 23rd, 2015: Simple Gifts
November 16th, 2015: Preacher Tell Me Like It Is
November 9th, 2015: Armed Forces Salute
November 2nd, 2015: Amazing Grace
October 26th, 2015: The Harmonious Blacksmith
October 19th, 2015: Liberty Fanfare
October 12th, 2015: The Majesty and Glory of Your Name
October 5th, 2015: Elgar's 'Enigma' Finale
September 28th, 2015: Stayed on Jesus
September 21st, 2015: Great Gate of Kiev
September 14th, 2015: Nearer, My God, To Thee

Fallin comments on Doerflinger taking over State Department of Health after Commissioner's Resignation

Governor Mary Fallin Statement on Change of Leadership at State Health Department

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin tonight issued this statement on leadership changes being made at the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH):

“I applaud the Board of Health in taking swift action and making necessary changes to stabilize the financial situation. The board’s appointment of Secretary of Finance, Administration and Information Technology Preston Doerflinger is a step toward putting the agency back on firm financial ground. I know Secretary Doerflinger will lead the state Health Department with stable and capable leadership, as he did the Department of Human Services in 2012 when he served as interim director. Secretary Doerflinger has served on my Cabinet for seven years, and I have complete confidence in his ability to fix the financial problems that have occurred at this agency.

“My office has enlisted the help of the fiscal staff of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the state attorney general’s office and the office of the state auditor and inspector to look into the matter to immediately investigate and bring forth clarity to the situation and offer solutions to ensure proper fiscal management of the state Health Department. Legislative leaders have been briefed about the situation.

“It’s critical to restore confidence in the operations and delivery of public health services. We will work with every resource available to get the agency back on firm financial ground.”

Richardson blames Lamb for Tourism Department misdoings

Continuing his theme of attacking gubernatorial campaign rival Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Gary Richardson is attempting to tie recent revelations of financial misconduct in the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation to Lamb.

I'll have some corrections to Richardson's comments below his press release.

GARY RICHARDSON DEMANDS INVESTIGATION INTO
LT. GOVERNOR’S TOURISM AGENCY
[corrected release]

October 29, 2017 -- GOP candidate for Governor, Gary Richardson, wants law enforcement to investigate allegations of corruption at the Oklahoma Tourism Department.  Richardson is a former U.S. Attorney who earned a national reputation for aggressively prosecuting fraud, waste and abuse.

The allegations of corruption were revealed by Fox 25 Investigative Reporter, Phil Cross, during the Wednesday night newscast. Richardson hopes the Attorney General, State Auditor’s Office and OSBI have taken notice and will act.

“The Lt. Governor is supposed to be in charge of the Tourism Department.  How long has he known about this?  Why hasn’t he acted before now?” Gary Richardson asks.  “I suspect the Lt. Governor is so busy traveling the state campaigning with the taxpayer's money, he completely fails to do the job we pay him to do.  He either knew about it and is complicit, or he didn't know about it, which means he's not taking care of business.  It must be one or the other.”

Lt. Governor serves as Chairman of the Tourism Department.  It is the only chairmanship duty assigned to the Lt. Governor's office.

“If our Lt. Governor will not manage the only agency under his watch, why would anyone trust him to manage the entire state as Governor?” says Richardson. “Oklahoma is facing a serious crisis and we need serious people to find solutions.  This report says more than I ever could about why we must audit every state agency, trust and authority.”

Richardson states "According to the Oklahoma State Constitution, the Lt. Governor serves as Chairman of the Tourism Department."  That is not correct. The Tourism Department is not a constitutionally-created agency (it is, however, a statutorily-created one), nor is the chairmanship of the nine-member Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission assigned by statute to the Lieutenant Governor. Rather, the chairmanship is appointed by the Governor. [the original release has been corrected since first publication]

Richardson calls Lamb the "Chairman of the Tourism Department", and "in charge" of the Department. However, that's not the exact situation. The Lieutenant Governor is an ex-officio member of the nine-member Tourism and Recreation Commission, which oversees and appoints the Executive Director, who in turn actually runs the Department. Lamb is chairman of the Commission (not the Department) by appointment from Governor Fallin.

While the executive director is hired by the Tourism Commission, the director appears to pretty much have free rein in operating the Tourism Department and carrying out objectives and policies set by the Commission.

Richardson's campaign seems to be developing a habit of stretching or mischaracterizing the duties and authorities of the Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor. I'm not a big fan of such negative campaign tactics; pointing out differences in past record, public statements or proposed policies is one thing, but it should be kept factual and truthful.

I do agree with Richardson's sentiment that state agencies need more oversight. The FOX 25 story is more evidence of how important the State Auditor's office is in uncovering misconduct and waste in state government. The Legislature should be looking for ways to keep a tighter rein on government spending, and utilize and fund the Auditor's office more in order to accomplish that. Every dollar spent in the State Auditor's office goes to ensuring that every other dollar spent by the state is properly used and not wasted.

Fallin comments on tax bill failing in House JCAB

Governor Mary Fallin Statement on House Committee Failure to Advance Budget Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY –  Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement after the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget (JCAB) failed to advance House Bill 1054x:

“I was hopeful that the Senate’s resolution would have provided a path for success. It met the elements of most of my special session call: providing a teacher and state employee pay raise; putting Oklahoma on a path to long-term stability by making more recurring revenue available; and reducing the use of one-time funds to balance our budget.

“I’m extremely disheartened by the inability of the House Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget (JCAB) to advance House Bill 1054x. I believe Oklahomans lost today by the House committee’s inability to move this budget solution forward.

“It appears that as a result of the House JCAB’s failure to pass the budget bill,  we will have to prepare a budget that will include drastic across-the-board cuts for all state agencies to deal with the loss of revenue. The House JCAB’s inability to pass a meaningful revenue bill means our state will not have enough funds for agencies to deliver essential core services that work for our people. As a result, worst-case scenarios will become reality. Our state is at a fiscal crossroads, and it’s unfortunate that this House committee couldn’t get the job done and failed so miserably by keeping us on a road to failure.

“Oklahomans deserve better!”

New Poll Shows Bi-Partisan Support to Halt Gas Tax and Public Employee Raises

AFP-OK Releases New Poll: Survey Shows Bi-Partisan Support to 

Halt Gas Tax and Public Employee Raises

Oklahomans are united behind belief that government should not raise taxes

Oklahoma City, OK – Americans for Prosperity-Oklahoma (AFP-OK), released the following response to a new poll released by SoonerPoll.com today showing Oklahomans are united in demanding that their legislature not raise taxes or increase public employee salaries.

AFP-OK’s state director, John Tidwell released the following statement: 

“This poll demonstrates that Oklahomans are frustrated by politicians who campaign as fiscal conservatives and then go to the capital to vote for $500 million in new taxes and more government.  Let’s hope this poll serves as a wake-up call to the legislature, which needs to stop rummaging through our wallets and instead start to cut wasteful spending.”

The SoonerPoll.com study shows Oklahomans expect a government that is limited in size and scope, and operates within its means and budget. This polling continues to show that a large majority of everyday Oklahomans believe that state government, much like the federal government, must live within its means.

Republican lawmakers should be aware of several important findings from today’s poll:

• 81% of Republican and Democrat voters believe that their taxes are either ‘too high’ or ‘about right.’
• 59% of self-described conservative voters OPPOSE a $1,000 pay raise for all state employees.
• 55% of Republican voters oppose the gas tax, while 44% of Democrats strongly oppose it.

“State lawmakers should be demanding that leadership immediately address legislation that seeks to reduce spending in responsible ways,” continued Tidwell.  “Our citizens should not have to bear the lasting burden of an increased gas tax only because state lawmakers have frittered away their opportunities to solve what they have termed a ‘crisis’.”

Cornett Raises $900k for Gubernatorial Race

Cornett Raises $900,000 for Gubernatorial Race

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahomans for Mick Cornett 2018 announced Friday it has surpassed $900,000 in total amount raised, from more than 900 contributors, while pulling in $620,000 in the third quarter.

“Everywhere we go on this campaign, I am met by people who are supportive in so many ways,” Oklahoma City Mayor and Republican candidate for Governor Mick Cornett said. “I am humbled by the incredible amount of support I’ve received throughout Oklahoma. Our fundraising quarter ensures we are highly competitive in driving our positive message about Oklahoma’s future. Our support grows every day and we are in a strong position to win.”

 “Our greatest advantage is Mick’s record of accomplishment as a leader in Oklahoma City,” said Renzi Stone, campaign chairman. “All across the state, voters are showing us Mick is the leader they want to fix the mess state government has created and is still creating. With more than $900,000 raised to-date, and an ever-growing fundraising base, our campaign is in a strong position to share Mick’s vision across the state.”

House committee deadlocks in tie vote on GPT increase

Just a few minutes ago, the House Joint Committee on Appropriations deadlocked 11-11 on the new tax hike plan that included raising the Gross Production Tax on new wells to 4% for the first 36 months.

The measure, HB 1054X, would have raised an estimated $186M for the remainder of the current fiscal year and $455M for following years. Here is the roll call from the JCAB vote:

YEAS: 11 -- Caldwell (R), Casey (R), Cockroft (R), Dunnington (D), Echols (R), Ortega (R), L. Osborn (R), Ownbey (R), D. Roberts (R), Sears (R), Watson (R)

NAYS: 11 -- Calvey (R), Hall (R), Kouplen (D), Lepak (R), Loring (D), Murphey (R), O'Donnell (R), Pfeiffer (R), Proctor (D), Stone (D), Virgin (D)

The measure can be brought back up for another vote. Committee ch‎airman Kevin Wallace (R) did not cast what would have been a tie breaking vote. According to news reports, he opted against doing so, as the lack of Democratic support (1 for, 5 against) indicated that it would fail in a vote on the House floor.

Lamb campaign tops $2.7M raised, $2.4M on hand

Lamb Campaign Tops $2.7 Million

Includes Over $2.4 Million Cash-On-Hand; Support From All 77 Counties

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, October 26, 2017 – Oklahomans for Lamb announced today it finished the third quarter fundraising period with a total amount raised of over $2.7 million and more than $2.4 million cash-on-hand. The Lamb campaign added $625,000 in contributions during the third quarter which concluded September 30th. The campaign also has over 1,400 individual contributors representing all 77 Oklahoma counties.

“As I have stated many times, a successful statewide campaign requires more than just good fundraising, yet I am simply overwhelmed by the continued generosity of Oklahomans from all 77 counties,” Todd Lamb said. “With multiple candidates, the race for governor will be very expensive and strong financial support is going to be extremely important, however so is a 77-county network of grassroot supporters. The advancement of Oklahoma requires a statewide effort with input from all corners of Oklahoma, and I am proud my campaign is receiving that input. As I continue to visit with voters regarding my plan to ‘Renew Oklahoma’ I know my proven conservative message is the right one for Oklahoma.”

“Statewide campaigns continue to be more expensive each election cycle, and Todd Lamb is in an extremely strong financial position when you consider how much actual cash our campaign has on hand,” said Keith Beall, Oklahomans for Lamb campaign manager. “What sets our campaign apart is that our support is both broad and deep. No campaign reaches the entire state the way we do, and no campaign has as many committed donors as we do. Whether it is $25 from a retiree in Altus or $1,000 from a small business owner in Tulsa, we have genuine Oklahomans committed to electing Todd Lamb.”

          *          *          *          *          *

Blogger's note: Lamb has a long history of extreme efficiency in his campaign spending, routinely showing low burn rates and high percentages of cash-on-hand until the heavy spending period of the campaign.

Rep. Sean Roberts Comments on Vote on HB1035

Rep. Sean Roberts Comments on Vote on House Bill 1035

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Sean Roberts [yesterday] issued the following statement after House Bill 1035 failed to receive the constitutionally required three-fourths majority in the House of Representatives. HB 1035 would have increased taxes on tobacco products and motor fuel. It also would have restored the Earned Income Tax Credit.

“The legislation that came before the House of Representatives this morning was flawed from the beginning, and I stand firmly against it. House Bill 1035 would have been the largest tax increase in a generation, placing the burden on low- and middle-income Oklahoma families. Conservative principles are clear: we need to cut government waste and protect core services. This bill was not conservative, and I am relieved dozens of lawmakers saw the fundamental problems with HB 1035.

Moving forward, I know agencies are anxious about what is to come. My suggestion is to use the $83 million in carryover funds from the previous fiscal year and cut $0.17 out of every $10 the government spends. Then, as our economy continues to rebound and money comes in above projections, we should appropriate the surplus to our core services. This is a conservative plan that protects Oklahomans without endangering our most vulnerable citizens.”

Blogger's note: Roberts is the co-chair of the conservative 'Republican Platform Caucus' in the House.

Senate passes resolution asking House to add GPT to budget deal

Senate approves bipartisan resolution asking House to add GPT increase to budget deal

OKLAHOMA CITY – To deliver teachers a $3,000 pay raise and to prevent massive cuts to mental health and other health care services, the Oklahoma Senate in a bipartisan vote approved a resolution Thursday requesting the House of Representatives amend the budget deal to include an increase in the gross production tax of oil and natural gas.

The Senate resolution asks the House to amend the budget agreement bill (HB 1035X) to include an increase in the gross production tax on new oil and gas wells to four percent for a period of 36 months.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus, said: “Teachers deserve a pay raise and we can’t let mental health services, rural hospitals and child welfare services bear the brunt of massive budget cuts. Though the deal we announced earlier this week achieved those goals, it’s clear it cannot pass unless gross production taxes are included. Adding GPT to the budget deal certainly wasn’t my first choice, but if it breaks the stalemate it is an option we have to pursue. We now have an opportunity to deliver on teacher pay raises, stop massive budget cuts to health care, and eliminate the constant budget problems plaguing our state. I’m grateful my Democratic and Republican colleagues in the Senate showed leadership in approving this compromise to move Oklahoma forward. We’re hopeful our colleagues in the House will act quickly and join us in solving this problem.”

Senate Democratic Leader John Sparks, D-Norman, said: “This is the time for leadership, real compromise and a long-term plan of action for Oklahoma and its people. We are committed to working together with the Governor and Senate and House leadership toward a resolution that benefits all Oklahomans.”

STUNNER: Minority Leader Inman resigns, drops gubernatorial bid

House Minority Leader Scott Inman (D-Del City) stunned observers today by announcing his resignation from office and the end of his gubernatorial campaign. Here's the statement he made:

For the last eleven years, it has been my honor and privilege to represent the people of my hometown of Del City at the State Capitol. For the last seven years it has been a true pleasure to lead the honorable women and men of the House Democratic Caucus as House Minority Leader. And for the last six months, it has been the dream of a lifetime to travel across this great state to visit with my fellow Oklahomans about the issues important to them in my campaign for Governor.

Those roles and responsibilities, while at times enjoyable and rewarding, did not come without a price. Unfortunately, that price was paid by those nearest and dearest to me. The stresses and strains of my career, the time away from my family, and the choice to wrongly prioritize my life’s decisions have brought me to this moment. I can no longer ask my wife and children to sacrifice for me. It is time for me to reprioritize what is important in this world.

Therefore, I am announcing today, that I will be immediately ending my campaign for Governor of Oklahoma and will be stepping down from the legislature at the beginning of next year, leaving me time to complete the important work of the special session before us in the legislature.

To those who believed and invested in me over the years, especially during these last six months, I am truly grateful for your support. To the kind-hearted citizens who called, emailed, and messaged me during the campaign to encourage my family and me along the journey, I offer a sincere thank you. To those who volunteered for my campaign, sacrificing their time and talent to aid in our run for Governor, I thank you as well. To the campaign team that helped make my dream a reality, I will never forget your devotion, drive, and passion to make a real change in this state. To the incredibly talented and thoughtful Representatives with whom I have served in the House Democratic Caucus, those who honored me by allowing me to serve as their leader, words cannot express the love and gratitude I have for you. To the citizens of House District 94, my hometown, serving you will always stand as one of the highest honors of my life. And to my family, both immediate and extended, what you have sacrificed for me will leave me forever indebted to you.

This moment is certainly disappointing for me and I am certain it will come as a disappointment to those who believed in my campaign and our vision for Oklahoma’s future. To you, I would offer that my time in the legislature has taught me ideals and goals are much bigger than one person or one campaign. Those things we collectively fought for like better public schools for our children, access to quality health care for all of our citizens, a more fair and just criminal justice system, and a tax structure that fairly balances the burden of funding core services in this state are no less important or no less worthy today.

I implore you to keep up the fight. Always hold those in power accountable for the decisions they make that have sweeping effects on the nearly four million people who call our state home. And never forget that those of us blessed to be called Representative, Senator, or Governor work for you.

The next few days will be challenging for my friends and family. I ask for your understanding, your prayers, and privacy during this time. And I once again thank you for the allowing me to take part in this incredible journey. I have been abundantly blessed. I pray God will bless each of you.

Sincerely,
Scott

Rumors are swirling as to the impetus to the sudden announcement, and the final paragraph of the House Democratic Caucus statement below seems to lend credence to what's going around.

House Democrats Respond to Leader Inman’s Resignation

 OKLAHOMA CITY – Upon hearing House Minority Leader Scott Inman’s plans to resign from the House of Representatives, the House Democratic Caucus released the following statement:

“For the last 11 years, Minority Leader Scott Inman has been a voice for the voiceless in the Oklahoma Legislature. In an environment where big business and special interest rule, Scott has been the canary in the mine shaft by tirelessly voicing opposition to policies that prey on working class Oklahomans to the benefit of some of the wealthiest individuals in our state.

 As the leader of our caucus, Scott has encouraged us to fight for the future of Oklahoma by protecting and promoting democratic values. He has supported us when it seemed like the whole world was against not only us but the constituents we represent. He has done these things not with words but with true leadership.

 Moving forward, we echo his request to allow him and his family privacy through this difficulty period, and we simply want to thank him for the work he has done for this caucus, the Legislature, and Oklahoma.”

Fallin Tax Hike plan to be voted on today; cost figures released

The Oklahoma Legislature is set to vote on a budget package today that increases taxes and increases spending, all while meeting in a special session that was called to fill a $215M budget hole created by the passage and overturning of unconstitutional tax measures.

The fiscal impacts have been released on the bills - all we had previously were educated guesses. Here they are:

HB1035X - "imposing additional tax levy upon cigarettes and tobacco products; imposing tax on gasoline and diesel fuel; taxes applicable to low-point beer" (fiscal impact statement 1, statement 2)

• Increase Cigarette Excise Tax ($1.50 per pack): $107.4M for FY18, $243.5M for FY19 and following
• Apply 13.5% Mixed Beverage Tax on low-point beer: $14.5M for FY18, $14.5M for FY19 and following
• Increase Excise Tax on Gasoline and Diesel by 6¢ per gallon: $56.8M for FY18, $170.4M for FY19 and following
• Tax Little Cigars as Cigarettes: $694K for FY18, $1.6M for FY19 and following
• Increase on smokeless tobacco products: $3.7M for FY18, $11.2M for FY19 and following
• Reduce discount on cigarette stamps from 15¢ to 1¢: $495K for FY18, $1.2M for FY19 and following

Total for the remainder of FY18 would be $183,758,000, while the total for following fiscal years would be $442,590,000.

HB1036X - $3,000 pay raise for "certified teachers, defined as any certified, full time employee who is employed as a charter school teacher, district wide teacher, elementary teacher, junior high teacher, middle school teacher, senior high teacher or resource teacher." (fiscal impact statement)

• FY19 and following cost: $144,041,783 (includes additional costs incurred for FICA and retirement)

HB1037X - state employee pay raise (fiscal impact statement)

• FY19 and following cost: $34,949,363 (includes additional costs incurred for FICA and retirement)

For more on my take on these tax and spending increases, see Will this be Taxapalooza Tuesday? and Special Session Teacher Pay Raise: Worthy Goal, but Misguided Timing.

Fallin Applauds House, Senate JCABs for passing Tax-and-Spend bills

Governor Mary Fallin Applauds House, Senate Budget Committees for Passing Appropriation Bills

OKLAHOMA CITY –  Governor Mary Fallin today commended the House and Senate joint committees on appropriations and budget for their support of House Bill 1035 and other measures dealing with adjusting the current 2018 fiscal year budget: 

“These measures are part of the budget agreement that will help fill our budget hole for the current fiscal year as well as put Oklahoma on a more stable budget path and allow us to address the funding of core services going forward. The budget package provides much-needed pay raises for public school teachers, which I hope will begin a longer term commitment to our educators. It also includes pay raises for Oklahoma’s hard-working state employees as well as tax relief for low-income Oklahomans. I appreciate the support of both committees in approving these vital measures.”

Supreme Court overturns electric/hybrid car tax; Fallin, Richardson comment

Governor Mary Fallin Statement on the Oklahoma Supreme Court Striking Down Electric, Hybrid Vehicle Registration Fee

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today issued the following statement in response to the Oklahoma Supreme Court striking down a registration fee for electric and hybrid vehicles:

 “I’m disappointed with the Oklahoma Supreme Court striking down the registration fee for electric and hybrid vehicles. Fortunately, lawmakers are in special session now working on how to adjust a shortfall of $215 million of state appropriations caused when the state Supreme Court earlier this year struck down a proposed smoking cessation fee.”

[Governor's Press Office] Note: House Bill 1449 would have established a $100 fee for the registration of an electric vehicle and a $30 fee for a hybrid vehicle. Revenue from the fees, which was to have gone into effect Jan. 1, would have gone to the state's highway construction and maintenance fund. The measure was projected to raise more than $506,000 for the current 2018 fiscal year, and $1.01 million for the 2019 fiscal year. The measure passed the House, 61-36, and the Senate, 29-11.

Richardson Successfully Overturns Electric Car Tax Increase [*]

Tulsa, OK, October 24, 2017 – Gary Richardson, Republican candidate for Governor,  celebrated the overturning of the Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax Fee that he challenged in the Oklahoma Supreme Court this summer.

"I am thankful that the State Supreme Court recognized that the Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax Fee leveed on hybrid and electric vehicles was an illegal tax increase," said Richardson.  Richardson referred to the ruling in favor of the Sierra Club, which challenged the same fee as Richardson did in his suit.

"Oklahoma deserves a leader who puts their words into actions," said Richardson.  "I am the only candidate for Governor who even attempted to stop the tax increases and I'm not even an elected official like some of my opponents.  Imagine what will happen when I get elected as Governor."


[* - I wouldn't call the headline 'Richardson Successfully Overturns' strictly accurate. While Richardson's lawsuit was practically identical in argument to the Sierra Club's, the Court did not rule on his lawsuit, choosing the other instead.]

CNN "This is an Apple" ad BRILLIANTLY trolled

CNN posted this video yesterday as part of a "Facts First" campaigned, seemingly aimed at President Trump and conservatives who cry "Fake New" over some of the mainstream media's reporting:

“Some people might try to tell you that it’s a banana.” #FactsFirst pic.twitter.com/LbmRKiGJe9

— CNN (@CNN) October 23, 2017

Since the video was posted, it has been lampooned, but none have been as brilliant as this:



Badum-TSHH!

Kevin Hern Signs Term Limit Pledge

Kevin Hern Signs Term Limit Pledge

Tulsa, OK – U.S. Congressional candidate Kevin Hern, a businessman of Tulsa, is announcing today that he has signed the Term Limits Amendment pledge to support term limits for ALL members of Congress. Hern is seeking the Republican nomination in the special election for Oklahoma’s First Congressional District after Representative Jim Bridenstine was nominated by President Trump to head NASA.

The U.S. Term Limits Constitutional Amendment has been introduced in both the U.S. Senate by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and the House of Representatives by Representative Ron DeSantis (R-FL). The term limits amendment pledge is provided to every announced candidate for federal office. It reads, “I pledge that as a member of Congress I will cosponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits Amendment of three (3) House terms and two (2) Senate terms and no longer limit.”

“Washington is ineffective and broken. The big part of the problem in D.C. as Dr. Tom Coburn often says, 'When we send someone to Washington and they get the best job they have ever had with the most money they’ve ever made and a pension they would not get in any other field – we are setting ourselves up for failure.' We keep doing that all across the country and then wonder why things don’t ever change,” Hern said. “More than ever, the American people understand that we need proven problem solvers, who understand how to create jobs, representing the people’s interest in Washington, D.C. I believe the dysfunction and incompetence in Washington must end, and I will use my experience to change the way business is done.”

As the owner of KTAK Corporation, Kevin leads the operations that own 10 McDonald’s restaurants that employ over 400 people in the Tulsa area. Kevin has served in various regional and national leadership positions within the McDonald’s Franchise System. Most recently, he served five years as the Chairman of the Systems Economic Team for over 3,000 franchisees that own all 15,000 restaurants across the entire country.

Will this be Taxapalooza Tuesday?

It's being reported that the State House will most likely be voting on the Fallin tax-and-spend plan today.

Constitutionally, tax-raising measures must begin in the House of Representatives; it appears that Legislative leadership will follow constitutional procedure this time, as opposed to how they handled the Smoking Cessation Fee Tax at the end of the Regular Session in May.

Less than 12 months ago, Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly shot down a $615M tax increase. Governor Fallin, Speaker McCall, Pro Tem Schulz and other leading Republicans are now thumbing their nose at the Oklahoma voter and persisting on their path to raise taxes in spite of the clear voice against that plan.

Worse still, Fallin and gang are shamefully using teachers and state employees as political pawns, daring legislators who respect the vote of the people to vote against the plan, and be on record as being "against" teacher and state employee pay raises in the process.

It's irresponsible to increase spending when faced with a deficit. Yet, that's what Fallin, McCall and Schulz seek to do, calculating that it will be political suicide for anyone to [very sensibly] oppose this teacher pay raise. Legislators are having a small carrot dangled in front of them, while under the shadow of a huge club.

As I said on Friday, a teacher pay raise is a worthy goal, but doing so during a deficit and by increasing taxes on Oklahomans is the wrong time and manner. Using it as blackmail to induce legislators to vote for higher taxes is disgraceful.


Go to OKLegislature.gov to find your legislator's contact information, and urge them to oppose the Fallin tax-and-spend plan.

Trump vs. Fallin: A Tale of Two Tax Plans

Amid all the news about the budget 'agreement' announced by Governor Fallin and legislative leaders, there's something that's being missed.

Driving home from work this evening, I was listening to the news on the radio. Two of the top stories dealt with taxes. The first was on the federal level, the second was on the state level.

The news station played a brief clip of Sen. James Lankford, touting the President Trump's plan to cut taxes.

Two stories later, they played a clip of Governor Mary Fallin, touting her plan to raise taxes on Oklahomans in order to cover new spending.

How ironic that Oklahoma Republicans on the federal level are promoting lower taxes at the same time that Oklahoma Republicans on the state level are pushing higher taxes.

What's the cost of the new budget proposal?

Governor Mary Fallin, House Speaker Charles McCall, and Senate Pro Tem Mike Schulz announced a budget proposal this morning that includes a bevy of tax hikes and new spending. Not included in the initial press release was a total of the cost associated with the plan.

I asked Governor Fallin's press office for the details, but as of this hour have not received any response. I've attempted to locate the costs by looking at previous legislative plans and adjusting for the different levels, to get an idea of the figures. Here's what I've come up with (the Tulsa World also has some figures here, although they differ from mine in some instances).


Tax hikes: ~$413M to ~$458M

• $1.50 tax on a package of cigarettes: approximately $215M (Tulsa World says $260M, which is odd given that the $215M shortfall was due to the exact same fee tax being ruled unconstitutional)
• The plan includes taxing smokeless tobacco and cigars: about $13M (per Tulsa World's figures)
• 6-cent fuel tax increase: based off this 2016 article, approximately $170M (Tulsa World agrees with my figure)
• Revise taxes on alcoholic beverages: Tulsa World says about $15M

Additional spending: ~$194M to ~$225M

• Restoring the Earned Income Tax credit: approximately $15M based off legislation earlier this year (Tulsa World says about $29M)
• $3,000 teacher pay increase: approximately $160M based off legislation earlier this year (Tulsa World says $144M)
• $1,000 increase for state employees: approximately $35M according to the OPEA's figures (Tulsa World says $36M)

According to the Tulsa World, the plan also includes $25M of Rainy Day Fund monies.

If I get a response back with the official figures, I'll post it.

Richardson Calls on Lt. Gov. Lamb to Block Proposed Tax Increases

Richardson Calls on Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb to Block Proposed Tax Increases

Tulsa, OK, October 23, 2017 – Gary Richardson, Republican candidate for Governor, issued a statement today in regard to the proposed budget deal announced by Governor Fallin.
"Once again, our GOP leaders have failed to follow the principles of their party by supporting massive tax increases on gasoline, beer, and cigarettes," said Richardson.  "As much as I support increasing teacher pay, we must first audit every state agency, trust, and authority before considering any new tax increases."

Richardson continued, "I urge Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb to exercise his constitutional duties as President of the State Senate to reject this deal. He alone could step in and stop these tax increases by taking over the gavel in the State Senate. And if Lamb refuses to stand for conservative principles, I urge the GOP legislators to vote against this budget deal and demand a budget plan that will fund our budget without raising taxes."

Gary Richardson is a Republican candidate for Governor of Oklahoma.  He is a former U.S. Attorney appointed by President Ronald Reagan and a founding member of the law firm, Richardson, Richardson, and Boudreaux.  Gary and his wife, Lanna, reside in Tulsa. Together, they have five children and eleven grandchildren. They are active members of South Tulsa Baptist Church.  Learn more at GaryRichardson.org.

          *          *          *          *          *

Blogger's comment: Richardson continues to pound this idea that the Lieutenant Governor can single-handedly take over the State Senate and ignore Senate rules and parliamentary procedure. I think it's a mistaken notion. While Lt. Gov. Lamb absolutely should be more outspoken about the ongoing budget situation and these proposed tax increases, I don't believe he has the constitutional authority to dictate what the Senate can and cannot do.

Music Monday: In Christ Alone

This week's Music Monday is In Christ Alone, written in 2001 by modern hymnwriters Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, sung here by Getty's wife Kristyn. The lyrics, posted below the video, are some of the most powerful in all of Christian music, and the song deserves its place among the best hymns of all time.

Enjoy!



Lyrics:

“In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev’ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow’r of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.”

See below for all previous Music Monday posts. Do you have a song you'd like to suggest for a future Music Monday? Email me at JamisonFaught@MuskogeePolitico.com.


October 16th, 2017: When I'm Knee Deep In Bluegrass
October 9th, 2017: I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb
October 2nd, 2017: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major (Brahms)
September 25th, 2017: Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C minor ('Pathétique')
September 11th, 2017: Have You Forgotten?
September 4th, 2017: Bach's Double Violin Concerto
August 28th, 2017: Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord
August 21st, 2017: The Heavens Are Telling The Glory of God
August 14th, 2017: Beethoven's 5th Symphony
August 7th, 2017: 'Lift High The Name Of Jesus' medley
July 31st, 2017: Fanfare for the Common Man
July 24th, 2017: Variations on 'Happy Birthday'
July 10th, 2017: Summer (Presto) from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
July 3rd, 2017: Freelance Fireworks Hall of Fame
June 26th, 2017: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
June 19th, 2017: A Christian Home
June 12th, 2017: Ol' Man River
June 5th, 2017: Choctaw Cowboy
May 29th, 2017: Armed Forces Salute
May 22nd, 2017: Double Bass Concerto No.2 in B minor
May 15th, 2017: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major
May 8th, 2017: The Army Goes Rolling Along
April 17th, 2017: He Is Alive
April 10th, 2017: Surely He Hath Borne/And With His Stripes/All We Like Sheep
April 3rd, 2017: Here Comes Carolina
March 27th, 2017: 'Spring' from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'
March 20th, 2017: Symphony No. 5 ("Reformation") Finale
March 13th, 2017: The Pigeon on the Gate
March 6th, 2017: Finlandia
February 27th, 2017: When I Can Read My Title Clear
February 20th, 2017: William Tell Overture - Finale
February 13th, 2017: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 6th, 2017: White Winter Hymnal
January 30th, 2017: Hail, Columbia
January 23rd, 2017: Hail to the Chief
January 16th, 2017: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
January 2nd, 2017: Auld Lang Syne
December 26th, 2016: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
December 19th, 2016: I Wonder as I Wander
December 12th, 2016: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 5th, 2016: A Christmas Festival
November 28th, 2016: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 21st: Beethoven's 'Hymn of Thanksgiving'
November 14th: Hymn to the Fallen
November 7th: This World Is Not My Home
October 31st, 2016: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 24th, 2016: 'Mars', from 'The Planets'
October 17th, 2016: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
October 10th, 2016: Spain
October 3rd, 2016: International Harvester
September 26th, 2016: 'The Imperial March' from Star Wars
September 19th, 2016: Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound
September 12th, 2016: Before the Throne of God Above
September 5th, 2016: The Hunt
August 29th, 2016: Liberty
August 22nd, 2016: Summon the Heroes
August 15th, 2016: Bugler's Dream
August 8th, 2016: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
August 1st, 2016: 'Prelude' and 'Parade of the Charioteers' from Ben-Hur
July 25th, 2016: How The West Was Won
July 18th, 2016: Six Studies in English Folk Song
July 11th, 2016: From Everlasting To Everlasting
July 4th, 2016: The Stars and Stripes Forever
June 27th, 2016: Rule, Britannia!
June 20st, 2016: Bugler's Holiday
June 13th, 2016: Ride of the Valkyries
June 6th, 2016: Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, Allegro Vivace
May 30th, 2016: Armed Forces Salute
May 23rd, 2016: Paid in Full (Through Jesus, Amen)
May 16th, 2016: Overture from 'Carmen'
May 9th, 2016: L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1 - Prelude
May 2nd, 2016: My God Is a Rock
April 25th, 2016: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
April 18th, 2016: Paganini's Caprice No. 24 in A Minor
April 11th, 2016: Fantasia on a 17th Century Tune
April 4th, 2016: Hark The Sound/I'm a Tarheel Born
March 28th, 2016: Rustle of Spring
March 21st, 2016: 'Ode to Joy' sung by a 10,000-voice choir
March 14th, 2016: Hard Times Come Again No More
March 7th, 2016: 'The Suite' from Downton Abbey
February 29th, 2016: Moonlight Sonata
February 22nd, 2016: Liebestraum No. 3
February 15th, 2016: Help Is On The Way
February 8th, 2016: God of Grace and God of Glory
February 1st, 2016: 'My Story'
January 25th, 2016: Israeli Concertino
January 18th, 2016: What Grace is Mine
January 11th, 2016: "Meditation" from Thaïs
January 4th, 2016: Praeludium and Allegro
December 28th, 2015: Appalachian Carol
December 21st, 2015: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 14th, 2015: O Holy Night
December 7th, 2015: Christmas Fantasy
November 23rd, 2015: Simple Gifts
November 16th, 2015: Preacher Tell Me Like It Is
November 9th, 2015: Armed Forces Salute
November 2nd, 2015: Amazing Grace
October 26th, 2015: The Harmonious Blacksmith
October 19th, 2015: Liberty Fanfare
October 12th, 2015: The Majesty and Glory of Your Name
October 5th, 2015: Elgar's 'Enigma' Finale
September 28th, 2015: Stayed on Jesus
September 21st, 2015: Great Gate of Kiev
September 14th, 2015: Nearer, My God, To Thee