Music Monday: Chopin's "Heroic" Polonaise

This week's Music Monday is Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 ("Heroic"), by Polish composer Frederic Chopin.



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.

April 23rd, 2018: Blow Ye The Trumpet
April 16th, 2018: Asturias (Leyenda)
April 9th, 2018: Old Mountain Dew
April 2nd, 2018: His Life For Mine
March 19th, 2018: See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes!
March 12th, 2018: Choctaw Nation
March 5th, 2018: Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal
February 19th, 2018: The Olympic Spirit
February 12th, 2018: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
January 29th, 2018: Hail to the Chief
January 23rd, 2018: Waltz in A-Flat Major, Op. 39 No. 15
January 15th, 2018: Bleed The Same
January 8th, 2018: Saint-Saëns' Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Maestoso)
December 25th, 2017: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 18th, 2017: I Saw Three Ships (The Piano Guys)
December 11th, 2017:Who Is He In Yonder Stall
December 4th, 2017: Carol of the Bells (Mannheim Steamroller)
November 27th, 2017: Joy to the World!
November 20th, 2017: We Gather Together
November 13th, 2017: Mansions of the Lord
November 6th, 2017: Träumerei
October 30th: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
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

Governor Fallin Signs FY2019 Budget Bill

Governor Mary Fallin Signs Budget Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today signed the Fiscal Year 2019 budget bill (Senate Bill 1600) into law, which includes historic teacher pay raises and increases for public schools as well as criminal justice reform measures that she recently signed into law. The $7.6 billion budget puts significantly more money toward education, mental health services, and public safety.

“The budget includes many of the priorities I have called for in my annual State of the State address to lawmakers the past three years. Core services of state government are prioritized throughout the budget. It provides for a teacher pay raise and additional funding for public schools as well as increased funding for mental health and corrections to implement criminal justice reform measures. The legislation also includes additional revenue growth to put Oklahoma on a stable foundation, and reduces reliance on one-time funds.

“The budget includes a 19.8 percent increase for common education, the largest appropriation for public schools in state history. The appropriation includes $353 million to fund teacher pay raises that average $6,100 per teacher, which move Oklahoma teacher from last in the seven-state region to second for average annual pay, and from 49th in the nation to 29th. When taking into account the cost of living, Oklahoma teachers will be the 12th-highest-paid in the country. It also has $52 million for support personnel pay raises, $24 million for flex health benefits; $33 million for textbooks, and $17 in new funding for the school funding formula.

“This budget includes $11 million for multiple criminal justice reform measures, such as:

• $5 million to the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services - $4 million to fund risk/needs assessments, and $1 million to drug and mental health treatment courts.
• $4.8 million to the Department of Corrections to fund a new system that will allow the agency to track and monitor offenders on probation in one system, and will allow for shared data regarding offenders to be shared in one database statewide.
• $500,000 for the Pay for Success program, which reduces the number of women sent to prison and the resulting impact incarceration has on their children.

“The budget also includes about $23 million for the Department of Human Services to help Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens. This will fully fund the Pinnacle Plan, which calls for improving services to our children in state custody, and restoring provider rates that had been cut, as well as addressing those on the Developmental Disabilities Service Division waiting list.

“For the first time in years, no agency is receiving a cut. This budget provides a long-term solution to the re-occurring budget deficits and helps reduce the reliance on one-time funds. The people of Oklahoma expect excellence and demand we solve our state’s problems. This budget provides an opportunity to bring forth an enduring reality for a promising future.” – Governor Mary Fallin

Freedom Caucus founder Jim Jordan doing fundraiser for Coleman next Saturday

Congressman Jim Jordan, founder and former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, is coming to Tulsa next Saturday for a fundraising event for 1st District GOP candidate Andy Coleman. Jordan is one of seven Freedom Caucus members who have endorsed Coleman to date.

Jay Steagall announces for HD43

Jay Steagall Announces Candidacy for State Representative 

Serving Yukon and Parts of Oklahoma City

Republican Jay Steagall announces his candidacy for the open State Representative seat in district 43, being vacated by Rep. John Paul Jordan. 

“I am pleased and honored to announce my candidacy to serve House District 43. As a business owner with nearly 22 years of military service, including eight deployments and over 100 combat sorties, I feel it is my duty to continue service to this country in new capacity, elected office.” Jay Steagall, a Major in the US Air Force Reserves, will deploy for a short stint beginning next week, and will continue his campaign digitally, by phone, while overseas. “While I will be serving our country on this short deployment, I also have arranged time to communicate through daily phone calls with voters to discuss the issues that matter to my fellow Oklahomans. It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve Americans abroad and I am equally honored to work to earn your vote to serve my fellow Oklahomans in office.”

In addition to his military service as a senior pilot for the Air Force Reserves, Jay Steagall and his wife Kim own and operate Cloverleaf Precision, LLC, a firearms store in Yukon, and manage Canadian Ranges in El Reno. Steagall also provides defensive and competitive firearms training, as well as providing gunsmithing services.

Jay Steagall grew up just outside of Chickasha, where his family owns and operates Steagall Oil Company. Jay graduated from Alex Public Schools, and also earned his State FFA degree his senior year. In 2002, Steagall graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

“If elected, my first priority will be to defend the lives of the unborn. As a Christian, I believe life begins at conception; as a 22-year veteran, I fight for the rights of all Americans, including the unborn,” Steagall stated.

“My next priority will be to defend Oklahoman’s Constitutional Second Amendment rights.  The oath I took, and the promise I made to all Americans, was to defend our Constitution line by line. Every day I fight to defend our way of life as a pilot in the Air Force Reserves. My intimate understanding of the importance of our right to bear arms not only comes from my military service - I also own a gun store, operate a shooting range, and provide firearms instruction to enable gun owners to properly defend themselves.”

“Another central focus of my candidacy is the importance of law and order. As a constitutional republic, we are a nation of laws. To protect and defend the citizens of this community, state, and nation, it is the responsibility of law makers and law enforcement officers to support and carry out justice quickly and decisively. The recent national surge in violence toward our law enforcement agents is disgraceful and should not be tolerated. I will make it a top priority as a representative to support those officers who carry out their duties honorably. I will also support the prohibition of sanctuary city policies in the state of Oklahoma.”

“It’s time for a new direction and proven leadership in our state government that provides accountability for the budget and responsible spending. I’m asking you to join me as I continue the fight to defend life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all Oklahomans.”

For more information, please visit facebook.com/VoteSteagall and on the web at www.jaysteagall.com.

New Richardson ad focuses on illegal immigration

GARY RICHARDSON TARGETS ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN NEW AD CAMPAIGN

    Conservative GOP Candidate for Governor, Gary Richardson, launches an ad campaign on both radio and TV this week targeting illegal immigration.  As a budget hawk, Richardson plans to lift the burden on all taxpayers who fund government services for illegal immigrants who should not be in Oklahoma.

    "Oklahoma embraces all cultures and welcomes people from all over the world — as long as they’re obeying the law,” Gary Richardson says.  “But no working taxpayer should be expected to foot the bill for people who don’t pay taxes because they’re working here illegally.  The data shows this problem costs Oklahomans are an extra $464 million in taxes each year.  That ends on my watch.  The investigative audits I’ll demand will pinpoint the people exploiting the taxpayers and push them off the government roles.  It’s the fair thing to do."

    The new Richardson for Governor ad also references the case of Gustavo Gutierrez, a thrice-deported illegal alien, who killed beloved Oklahoma City sportscaster, Bob Barry, Jr. in 2015 while driving under the influence. It will air statewide.

Keating, Coburn urge Senate to pass SB888 and end wind subsidies

Gov. Frank Keating and Dr. Tom Coburn Urge State Senate to Take Up Senate Bill 888 and End Exploding Wind Subsidies

Yesterday, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 888 which eliminates the ability for producers of wind energy to cash in unused subsidies. Gov. Frank Keating and Dr. Tom Coburn issued the following statements:

From Gov. Frank Keating:

“It’s time to end cash subsidies for wind production in Oklahoma. The wind production subsidy program has grown wildly beyond what was presented to me and lawmakers when we first approved the credits. As policymakers, when we realize that an act of government isn’t working or has gone way beyond what was intended, it is our duty to change it.” said former Gov. Frank Keating, who signed the first iteration of wind production tax credits when he served as the 25th Governor of Oklahoma.
“Protecting millions of Oklahomans from being forced to unjustly subsidize a wasteful and now unnecessary government program is far superior and morally right rather than adhering to a flawed scheme. The drafting of SB 888 treats refundable wind subsidies in a prospective manner, just as lawmakers have done with the constitutional elimination of the refundability of the Oklahoma Earned Income Tax Credit.”

From Dr. Tom Coburn:

“Since 2015, policymakers at the state Capitol have raised taxes and annual revenue on Oklahomans by $1.1 billion—even raising Oklahomans’ personal income taxes since 2016 by at least $185 million annually alone. Given how much in taxes have been raised on millions of Oklahomans who don’t have an army of well-paid lobbyists to represent them at the state Capitol, it’s unconscionable that Oklahoma would continue the kind of crony-capitalist policy that is a major part of state government’s over-spending addiction that got us into this problem in the first place,” said Dr. Tom Coburn, who served as a United States Senator for Oklahoma.

“I encourage Oklahoma State Senators to cut through the hyperbole and scare tactics presented by crony capitalists who want to continue to massively benefit at the expense of millions of Oklahoma taxpayers. A vote in favor of SB 888 is the exact kind of reform and oversight that lawmakers can support to keep their promise to voters to protect them from wasteful government spending. Wind production in Oklahoma is receiving more than $110 million a year in subsidies from state taxpayers. With some estimates showing state subsidies for one wind turbine exceed the starting salary of an Oklahoma teacher even after the legislatively enacted pay raise, this boondoggle must end.”

7th Freedom Caucus member endorses Andy Coleman for Congress

1st District GOP candidate Andy Coleman has added his seventh endorsement by current members of the House Freedom Caucus (plus a former HFC member):

Congressman Andy Harris Endorses Coleman for U.S. Congress

TULSA, OK:  Today, Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD) officially endorsed Captain Andy Coleman, a Republican, in his bid to be the next U.S. congressman for Oklahoma’s First District.

“I am pleased to endorse Andy Coleman to be Oklahoma’s next member of Congress,” shared Congressman Harris. “As a fellow veteran myself, I have deep respect for Andy’s dedication to protecting our nation’s freedoms and security around the globe. To his core, Andy is someone that conservatives can trust to go to Congress and fight for their values just as hard as he fought to keep our nation safe.”

“I’m honored to have Congressman Harris’ support,” expressed Coleman.  “His conservative approach is built on years of serving in complex roles.  Our country needs more experienced, conservative leaders like Congressman Harris in those federal seats.  I look forward to serving along his side in the U.S. Congress, and lending my own unique background and conservative views to help our nation.” 

Congressman Harris, a conservative Republican U.S. House member, previously served as a professor and physician at Johns Hopkins University, and as a U.S. naval officer.  Harris joins a thundering series of conservative endorsements for Coleman’s campaign, including former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum, Dr. Everett Piper, along with Congressmen Jim Jordan, Mark Meadows, Steve King, Ken Buck, Randy Weber, Brian Babin, Jody Hice, and Tom Garrett. Conservative groups like the Combat Veterans for Congress and the Madison Project also endorsed him. 

Captain Andy Coleman graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, served as a military intelligence officer in Iraq, and held leadership positions with conservative groups like the Federalist Society and Christian Legal Society. Coleman later led field efforts to aid persecuted Christians in difficult countries for the Voice of the Martyrs, a Christian ministry based in Bartlesville. Andy and his wife, Liz, have three children and reside in Owasso.

Constitutional Carry Bill Clears State House

Constitutional Carry Bill Clears House

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, issued the following statement today following the House passage of Senate Bill 1212. The measure allows any person at least 21 years of age or a person who is at least 18 years of age and in the military to carry a firearm concealed or unconcealed if the person is not otherwise disqualified from the possession or purchase of a firearm. The amendment excludes persons convicted of certain crimes from carrying a firearm. Roberts is the House author of the legislation, which passed the chamber with a vote of 59-28. It now goes back to the Senate to accept House amendments.

“The right for law-abiding citizens to openly carry firearms already exists in the United States Constitution – it’s called the Second Amendment. It’s time we put a stop to bureaucratic roadblocks that infringe on these rights and instead codify a citizen’s ability to carry a firearm. Oklahoma prides itself on being a state that values individual freedoms, yet we’ve put red tape between people and their basic rights. With today’s House passage of Senate Bill 1212, we’re one step closer to rectifying that problem. I’m thankful for my colleagues’ support.”

Donald Trump Jr headlining Lamb fundraiser next week

Donald Trump, Jr. to Appear at Lamb Campaign Event

President’s Oldest Son to Offer Support

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, April 25, 2018 – President Donald Trump’s oldest son, Donald Trump, Jr., will appear at a campaign rally and fundraiser May 2 on behalf of Republican gubernatorial candidate Todd Lamb. The event will be held at the Renaissance Waterford Hotel in Oklahoma City. Trump, Jr. and Lamb developed a friendship in 2016 when Trump, Jr. was a special guest at the Lt. Governor’s Turkey Hunt, an annual economic development and business networking event hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

“Donald Trump, Jr. and I forged a relationship two years ago when he attended the turkey hunt,” Lamb said. “I was impressed with his deep knowledge of both federal and state issues, particularly issues related to commerce and the economy. Like his father, our nation’s 45th President, he understands what it takes to grow an economy and create jobs. I very much enjoyed our time together then, and I am honored he is taking time from his family and busy schedule to attend my campaign event and offer his support.”

1889 Institute calls for end to most social worker licensing

1889 INSTITUTE CALLS FOR END TO MOST SOCIAL WORKER LICENSING

Risk to the public is non-existent 

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (April 25, 2018) – The 1889 Institute, an Oklahoma state policy think tank, has published “Social Worker Licensure in Oklahoma.” It finds no public interest justification for the continued licensure of social workers who are not clinical social workers. Very few social workers practice their trade outside of some level of supervision. Most states, like California, do not require social workers with only a bachelor’s degree, especially those who work under supervision, to have a license the way Oklahoma does.

This latest short study, or Policy Prescription, from the 1889 Institute explains that neither of two conditions that must simultaneously exist to justify occupational licensing are present for social work. These are, first, that there must be real, significant risk for patrons, and, second, there must be little or no market and legal incentives for service providers to take proper precautions.

“While social work has become a valued profession now that corporations and government have taken on the work of family and charity, we never needed priests and family to be licensed when they did the same sort of work,” said Dr. Byron Schlomach, economist, Director of the 1889 Institute, and co-author of the report.

The 1889 Institute has produced several other publications regarding occupational licensing, including “The Need to Review and Reform Occupational Licensing in Oklahoma” and “Policy Maker’s Guide to Evaluating Proposed and Existing Occupational Licensing Laws.” These two previous reports lay out, in detail, the intellectual and policy justifications for eliminating many of the occupational licensing laws in Oklahoma and other states.

About the 1889 Institute
The 1889 Institute is an Oklahoma think tank committed to independent, principled state policy fostering limited and responsible government, free enterprise and a robust civil society. The publication, “Social Worker Licensure in Oklahoma,” and other reports mentioned, can be found on the nonprofit’s website at http://www.1889institute.org/licensing.html.

Keating endorses Lamb for Governor

Todd Lamb's gubernatorial campaign is releasing an endorsement for each of the last 77 days of the primary ("77 Endorsements in 77 Days"). One of the recent endorsements was former Governor Frank Keating:

“Twenty-three years ago today Todd Lamb was by my side during the darkest day in Oklahoma history. From that experience to his tenure in the United States Secret Service, Todd understands how important it is to have a detailed plan. He is a committed and proven conservative with a detailed plan to implement the reforms necessary to advance Oklahoma to the level our citizens deserve and expect. I am proud to endorse his candidacy.” – Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating

Additional noteworthy endorsements so far are former State Rep. Pam Peterson, former OKGOP National Committeeman Lynn Windel, former Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation Gary Ridley, and former State Rep. Lisa Billy.

Rafael Cruz endorses Hern for Congress

Pastor Rafael Cruz Endorses Kevin Hern For Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional Seat

Tulsa, OK – Kevin Hern today received the endorsement of Pastor Rafael Cruz. Hern is a conservative Christian businessman running for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional district in the June 26th primary.

“Kevin Hern is a man of true Christian faith. I am confidant that Kevin's business experience and conservative values have prepared him to be a highly effective Congressman. He is best prepared to fight for our faith, families and freedoms. I believe that Kevin Hern will be a constant defender of the Constitution and a strong advocate of our conservative principles in Washington. I am proud to add my name to his list of endorsements, and I strongly encourage conservatives to support Kevin Hern.”

Rafael Cruz is a Cuban-American Christian preacher, public speaker, and father of Texas U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate Ted Cruz.

“I am humbled and proud to have received the endorsement of Rafael Cruz in my race for Congress,” said Hern. “Pastor Cruz travels across the country sharing the message of our founding fathers and the Christian principles our country was founded upon. The Declaration of Independence proclaims that all Americans have rights endowed to us by our Creator: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Our rights do not come from a big government, but from a big God. As a free-market conservative and business owner, I will stand for the Constitution and limited government; I will stand for life - I will stand for the 2nd Amendment - I will stand for our religious freedoms. It is time to put God first in our country and reverse the course we take this nation."

As the owner of KTAK Corporation, Kevin leads the operations that own ten 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 5 years as the CFO for over 3,000 franchisees that own all 15,000 restaurants across the entire country. Kevin and family are members of the Church at Battle Creek.

State Senate approves $7.6B FY'19 budget

Oklahoma Senate approves FY’19 budget giving education, mental health, criminal justice reform significant increases

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday approved a $7.6 billion general appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2019 that gives significant funding increases for common education, mental health services, child welfare programs, and criminal justice reform.

“For the first time in years, we have a budget in which no agency receives a cut. The budget contains a 19 percent increase for common education, more than $24 million for the Department of Human Services to fully fund the Pinnacle Plan, and $11 million for multiple criminal justice reform measures,” said President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz, R-Altus. “This budget puts additional resources toward core services like education, mental health, child welfare services, and public safety. And early approval of this budget increases the likelihood the Legislature can adjourn early, saving the additional costs of a few more weeks of session.”

“In this budget, Oklahoma Senate Republicans undeniably have demonstrated our commitment to education. This budget contains $365 million for a $6,100 on average teacher pay raise, $52 million for support staff raises, $33 million for textbooks, and $17 million in new funding for the school funding formula. We also secured $7.5 million in funding for concurrent enrollment. Education is important to the success of our state which is why Senate Republicans worked so hard to secure significant increases for our students, teachers, and schools in this budget,” Schulz said.

Senate Appropriations Chair Kim David, R-Porter, said, “After years of economic recession in Oklahoma that led to massive cuts to the state budget, our state has finally turned the corner and this year’s budget reflects that. The fiscal year 2019 budget has $260 million in growth revenue due to policy changes and growth in the economy. That growth means our budget is on more stable financial footing because it has greatly reduced our reliance on so-called ‘one-time money.’ It’s a great feeling to have no agency budget cuts, and instead have a budget that puts significantly more money toward education, mental health services, and public safety.”

Highlights of the FY’19 budget:

- $7.6 billion budget

• Approximately $745 million increase over FY’18$365 million for teacher pay raises
• $54 million for state employee raises
• $260 million in growth revenue
• No cuts for any agency

- $2.9 billion for common education, a 19 percent increase

• $6,100 teacher pay raise, on average
• $52 million for support staff raises
• $33 million for textbooks
• $17 million in new state-aid funding formula
• $7.5 million increase for concurrent enrollment

- $24.6 million funding increase for Department of Human Services, fully funding Pinnacle Plan

• 7 percent increase for Medicaid Advantage waiver, Developmental Disability and Group Home rate increases
• 5 percent increase on foster care and adoption rates
• $2 million increase for the Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) wait list

- $11 million in criminal justice reform initiatives

• $5 million to Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
• $1.1 million to Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS)
• $1 million to District Attorney’s Council

- $2 million for agency performance audits conducted by Agency Performance and Accountability Commission

- $4.8 million to Department of Corrections to implement electronic offender management system

- $4 million to Office of Emergency Management for disaster relief

- $400,000 to Department of Agriculture for rural fire fighters

Senate voting on $7.5B FY2019 budget bill

The State Senate is hearing SB1600 (the FY2019 budget bill) right now. It appropriates $7.54B, an increase over FY2018 of 10.92%. Word is that after passing the budget this week, the Legislature will try to adjourn next week -- nearly four weeks early.

You can follow proceedings and legislative action by watching the Senate video feed, House video feed, or following this Twitter feed (includes House proceedings as well):

A Twitter List by JamisonFaught

Poll: Lamb and Stitt at 19%, Cornett 17%, Richardson 12%

Magellan Strategies released a brand new poll today on the gubernatorial race, showing the biggest shake-up yet:

Oklahoma 2018 Governor Republican Primary Election Survey Release

(link)

Today Magellan Strategies released the findings of an automated voice recorded survey of 644 likely Republican primary voters in Oklahoma. The interviews were conducted on April 18th, 19th and 22nd, 2018. This survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.86% at the 95 percent confidence interval. The results were weighted to reflect the voter turnout demographics of past Republican primary elections in Oklahoma.

Survey Findings

Our first survey looking at the Republican primary election for Oklahoma Governor finds a three-way tie. Among all respondents, 19% support Lt. Governor Todd Lamb, 19% support businessman Kevin Stitt and 17% support former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. Among the second tier of candidates, U.S. Attorney Gary Richardson has 12% support, former State Representative Dan Fisher has 5% support, State Auditor and Inspector Gary Jones has 5% support. Twenty-three percent of respondents are undecided.

In reviewing the ballot test by voter subgroup, we can see each candidate’s current strength and opportunities to build support. Among the all-important senior voter subgroup, (which constitutes 45% of likely voter turnout) we find Mick Cornett and Kevin Stitt in a tight battle with Todd Lamb close behind and 24% undecided. Among self-identified Trump Republicans and Evangelical Republicans, Kevin Stitt leads his opponents by 7 points and 5 points respectively. However, among self-identified traditional Republicans Mick Cornett leads Todd Lamb by 5 points and Kevin Stitt by 23 points. Looking at the ballot test by Congressional District, it is no surprise to see former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett’s support is coming mostly from CD-5 (which contains Oklahoma City). In contrast, both Todd Lamb and Kevin Stitt have broader geographic support across the state.

(click to view larger)

Oklahoma Governor Republican Primary Candidate Image Ratings

Among the three front-runners, Todd Lamb is the most well-known candidate at this time with 94% of respondents having heard of him and 60% having an opinion of him. The Lt. Governor also has a net-positive image rating with 35% of respondents having a favorable opinion of him and 25% having an unfavorable opinion. About 80% of Republican primary voters have heard of Kevin Stitt and Mick Cornett. Sixty-two percent of respondents have an opinion of Mick Cornett and 47% have an opinion of Kevin Stitt. Kevin Stitt’s image rating (28% favorable/19% unfavorable) is slightly more positive than Mick Cornett’s (33% favorable/29% unfavorable).

For more from the Magellan Strategies poll, including approval ratings and survey questions on teacher pay, go to this link.

Jim Olsen running for State House District 2

Jim Olsen Announces Candidacy for State Representative

Small Business Owner and Realtor Jim Olsen filed candidacy papers to run for State House District 2, to replace outgoing State Representative John Bennett. Olsen, a conservative Republican, will be on the November 6th ballot to represent Sequoyah County residents.

Jim Olsen has a diverse business background from developing trade skills in farm and factory jobs, to working his way up to operations management and business ownership. This experience has given him a broad understanding of challenges facing Oklahoma small business operators, which account for 97% of Oklahoma businesses open today.

Olsen's business acumen developed from a strong interest in learning, which positioned him to excel in studies and graduate from the State University of New York (SUNY) in Albany, with a degree in Business. Olsen also pursued additional courses of study, including Spanish language courses, Theology, and Liberal Arts studies. He has an additional interest in Constitutional Law, studying the Founder's Intent as they were wiling to sacrifice fortune and self for the potential of freedom to flourish. Those rights and freedoms carefully handed down from generation to generation are to be treasured, defended, and upheld in legislation and in leadership today.

As a businessman and avid researcher of history, Jim Olsen knows that country after country has proven that prosperity does not come as a result of taxation. As Oklahoma's economy is largely dependent on oil & gas, agriculture, and small businesses, we must do all we can to encourage more business opportunities to come to Oklahoma and broaden job opportunities and increased wage potential for Oklahomans.

Jim Olsen also has a strong commitment to education, with one daughter a certified teacher, and a second daughter serving as a teacher's assistant, both at Brushy Public School. He believes, as the Bible states, that workers are worthy of their hire. We must continue to advocate for money to reach the classroom and improve education outcomes and state rankings. In order for our children to be ready for 21st century job opportunities, we must insist on a strong foundation of quality education.

He also believes that government is not in existence to be the answer for all needs.  A standard of belief and following the commandments of the Bible shows that first and foremost, one is responsible for their own actions. His intent in service is to work for the people, balance the budget, defend the Constitution, and advance responsible legislation that puts the state back on track to manage core government services. Government's role should, just as importantly, seek to roll back its overreach and involvement in unnecessary pursuits that do nothing but damage the free market and limit innovation and ingenuity.

Jim Olsen operates from a core set of beliefs, based on Biblical principles. These values include: the protection of innocent and unborn life, support for traditional marriage, defending the Second Amendment, insisting on fiscal responsibility and audits to ensure that a manageable budget is created, advance local control of education and higher pay for teachers in a sustainable and fiscally responsible way, support the Rule of Law and fight against sanctuary cities, and fight against bureaucratic overreach and excessive regulations to encourage businesses to open, and stay open, in our community.

A committed Christian, Jim Olsen also serves as a Sunday School teacher at Watts Holiness Church in Sallisaw, OK. He and his wife Becky are parents to seven, three son-in-laws added to the family, and they are blessed with three grandchildren.

For more information, please visit facebook.com/olsenforok.

Lamb Campaign Releases Second Television Ad

Lamb Campaign Releases Second Television Ad

Primary Election - June 26

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, April 24, 2018 – Oklahomans for Lamb unveiled today its second television advertisement in support of Republican gubernatorial candidate Todd Lamb. The 30-second ad features Lamb’s daughter sharing her thoughts about her dad. In February the campaign released its first television ad highlighting Lamb’s career as a United States SecretService Agent. During his USSS career Lamb protected two U.S. presidents and investigated financial crimes nationally and internationally.

Watch the ad below:


“Nothing is more important to me than my family, and I am thankful they are so helpful on this campaign,” Lamb said. “This campaign is about all Oklahoma families, and if elected governor, I will commit each and every day to advancing opportunities and creating a culture that our children can flourish. As a proven conservative, my RENEW Oklahoma plan is the only detailed plan that does not increase taxes or use funny math to fund core government services. As I have stated many times, I will have a daily plan as governor to advance Oklahoma across many critically important spectrums, including the budget, education, the economy, corrections, public safety, human services and transportation infrastructure.”

Lamb’s RENEW Oklahoma plan focuses on five primary initiatives:

• Reform Government
• Education
• Neighborhoods
• Economic Growth
• Work

Lt. Col. Barry Niles running for HD31

Lt. Colonel Barry Niles  (Ret.) Announces Candidacy for State House, District 31

Decorated veteran and third generation Oklahoman, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Barry Niles, USAR, announces his candidacy on the Republican ticket for State Representative, District 31, an area that encompasses Guthrie, Cashion, Cedar Valley, Cimarron City, and Edmond. Niles and his wife Debra have lived and raised their 8 children in the South Logan County area for over 35 years.

Niles is a veteran of both the U.S. Army Reserve and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Niles performed 30 years of military service, and was deployed to active duty with a tour of Iraq in 2007. Niles was named Chief of a Military Transition Team, serving as Senior Adviser, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Division of the Kadahmiyah Security District, Baghdad. He was tasked with training the Iraqi Army and coordinating with local and national police to provide security for the people of Baghdad, and working with other US government agencies and Iraqi government authorities to repair and rebuild major infrastructure problems and failures.

“This assignment allowed me to go into a devastated region, deconstruct the processes that were flawed, develop a plan to correct, and then work with other groups to ensure that we assisted in the creation of a successful foundation for future growth. This experience prepared me with a unique skill set to face the ongoing challenges in our Oklahoma government, to find the areas that are not serving our state well, and develop a tactical plan to course correct. Oklahoma desperately needs people in government who can identify challenges, and then come forward with real solutions to ensure that our neighbors have stability and certainty in expectations of services, infrastructure, healthcare, education and a business positive approach to encourage free market growth,” Niles said. “I ask for your vote and your trust - I am ready to get to work to get our own state back on track."

Several area business leaders welcomed the announcement of Barry Niles’ entrance to the race. Trey Ayers, COO of the Dominion Group, stated, “I know Barry Niles to be a man of integrity, faith, and good Oklahoma know-how. I am pleased to support his endeavors in supporting my district - Barry Niles possesses strong leadership that will serve Oklahomans well.” The command positions held during Niles’ military service and his duties as a police officer, Detective and Internal Affairs Investigator, equipped Niles to identify failures, ask the hard questions and make the hard decisions required to tackle mismanagement, deconstruct failed systems, and rebuild with workable solutions that Oklahomans expect and deserve from their representatives.

In 36 years of service to the Oklahoma City police department, Niles worked his way up to Sergeant from a uniformed patrol position, serving a 10 year assignment in the Domestic Violence Unit, then Burglary Unit service, and then as an Investigator in the Office of Public Integrity (Internal Affairs).  Niles was a conscientious investigator; he worked hard to uncover corruption, expose fraud and bring criminals to justice while bringing closure to victims and their families.

Locally, in the course of his law enforcement career, Barry Niles’ varied assignments gave him a unique exposure to understanding dynamics in troubled areas. Niles has a strong commitment to youth, education, veterans, public safety, infrastructure, and mental and physical health. He knows that in order for Oklahoma to improve on state rankings in all of those categories, we must have transparency, accountability, restoration of a strong foundation, and a sustainable plan created and implemented so businesses and economic growth is encouraged.

Barry Niles is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma.  Barry and his wife Debra are faithful members of St. Mary Church. Three of their eight children are completing their career education, while others have already embarked on successful careers in carpentry, information technology, automotive industry, and co-owner of an electrical company. Their eldest daughter is a homemaker proudly raising a fourth generation of the Niles family here in Oklahoma.

For more information, please visit www.BarryNiles.com or on Facebook.com/BarryNilesForHouseDistrict31.

Music Monday: Blow Ye The Trumpet

This week's Music Monday is Blow Ye The Trumpet, by American composer Kirke Mechem and sung here by the Singing Statesmen of the Glee Club of the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.




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.

April 16th, 2018: Asturias (Leyenda)
April 9th, 2018: Old Mountain Dew
April 2nd, 2018: His Life For Mine
March 19th, 2018: See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes!
March 12th, 2018: Choctaw Nation
March 5th, 2018: Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal
February 19th, 2018: The Olympic Spirit
February 12th, 2018: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
January 29th, 2018: Hail to the Chief
January 23rd, 2018: Waltz in A-Flat Major, Op. 39 No. 15
January 15th, 2018: Bleed The Same
January 8th, 2018: Saint-Saëns' Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Maestoso)
December 25th, 2017: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 18th, 2017: I Saw Three Ships (The Piano Guys)
December 11th, 2017:Who Is He In Yonder Stall
December 4th, 2017: Carol of the Bells (Mannheim Steamroller)
November 27th, 2017: Joy to the World!
November 20th, 2017: We Gather Together
November 13th, 2017: Mansions of the Lord
November 6th, 2017: Träumerei
October 30th: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
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

OCPA column: PolitiFact’s Double Standard

PolitiFact’s Double Standard

by OCPA Fellow and Executive Vice President Trent England

When I moved to Oklahoma, I got a raise simply because things cost less here than in the Seattle area where I grew up. Housing, especially, is cheaper here than anywhere else I’ve lived.

So, it only seems fair to me, when comparing Oklahoma to other states, to consider differences in the cost of living. When you do, it turns out that Oklahoma does much better, and it exposes inconvenient truths, like the fact that California has the worst poverty in the country.

As Oklahomans debate education funding and teacher pay, people want to know: Where does our state rank compared to other states?

Considering the raw numbers: Oklahoma was near the bottom before the governor signed legislation to raise taxes and increase teacher pay (the average raise will be $6,100 per year). Yet when cost-of-living differences are factored in, even before the raise, Oklahoma teachers were somewhere in the 30s—not great, but hardly dead last.

The mainstream media’s self-appointed “fact-checkers” at PolitiFact, however, insist on ignoring this obvious economic reality. PolitiFact’s Jon Greenberg, writing about references to the cost of living in Oklahoma teacher pay debates, claims that “labor and education economists say it’s not that simple [to adjust for cost of living],” and declares that “people who study education labor markets raise big issues with using cost of living adjustments this way.”

The trouble is, PolitiFact is fine with considering cost-of-living differences in California or New York, just not in Oklahoma.

That statistic about California poverty? That comes from PolitiFact, which rated as “True” a claim that “California had the country’s worst poverty rate, after factoring in cost-of-living expenses.” PolitiFact’s explanation: “Experts said the distinction [cost-of-living differences] was important, because factors such as California’s huge housing costs affect the poverty rate.”

Another PolitiFact article evaluates a claim about “middle class” people in Manhattan by using an online cost-of-living calculator. It turns out that making adjustments for the cost of living is just fine—in coastal blue states, but not low-cost states in the heartland. Why?

This is a common trick used by those who want bigger government. By adjusting for cost of living in high-cost states, they make those states look poorer. Doing the opposite in low-cost states makes those states, places like Oklahoma, look poorer, too. So then everybody needs more government, right?

Some of the best things about states like Oklahoma is that the burden of government is lighter and life is somewhat less expensive. For its work on cost-of-living adjustments, PolitiFact has earned the rating: FALSE.

Trent England is a fellow and the executive vice president at The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (www.ocpathink.org).

Keating endorses Byrd for Auditor

GOVERNOR FRANK KEATING ENDORSES CINDY BYRD FOR STATE AUDITOR

    Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating today announces his endorsement of Cindy Byrd, CPA, for the post of State Auditor & Inspector.  In announcing his endorsement, Keating pointed to Byrd as a proven conservative, a staunch advocate for transparency and accountability, and the only candidate in the race for State Auditor with government auditing experience.

     “The reality is, now more than ever, people want to know how their tax dollars are being spent,” Gov. Keating says. “In Cindy Byrd, voters can feel confident she has the background, leadership abilities, and real world auditing experience the job demands and the people expect.  As Deputy State Auditor, Cindy has demonstrated her ability to work with county government officials to cooperatively improve transparency and accountability across all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. While Cindy prefers a handshake to a hammer, she has zealously worked on behalf of taxpayers to identify fraud, waste, and abuse of tax dollars when corruption by a few public officials was identified. She doesn’t shy away from the tough assignments.  Cindy Byrd is easily the only qualified candidate for this office. She is the right candidate at the right time and she will do an excellent job as the people’s watchdog.”

    In response to this endorsement, Cindy Byrd says, “I am extremely grateful to Governor Keating for his confidence in me. The State Auditor is the truest form of public service because the job isn’t about politics —  it’s about holding public officials accountable in the expenditure of taxpayer funds. We want to work with those responsible for governing to be successful in delivering government services effectively, efficiently, and openly. I have the strength of my conservative convictions and my background in government auditing means I’m the only candidate in this race who won’t need on-the-job training. From day one, Oklahomans will know they have a voice that understands the job, has the credentials to accomplish its responsibilities, and the leadership abilities to bring people together for the common good. I’m not divisive, I’m determined.”

    Cindy Byrd is the current Deputy State Auditor for Local Government Services, and has worked for the State Auditor's office for 21 years. Cindy Byrd is a CPA, and member of the Oklahoma State Society of CPAs, American Institute of CPAs, and member of the American Board of Forensic Accountants. Specifically tasked by the State Auditor & Inspector with auditing local and county government, Cindy Byrd stepped in and oversaw operations that cleared a five-year backlog of audits, exposed waste and corruption, and even in the last fiscal year oversaw 304 of the 411 audits published by the agency. Her expertise in the 77 county operations will allow her to step in on day one, and be ready to manage an effective auditor's office that is the guardian of taxpayer funds.

    The Republican primary election takes place on June 26, and the general election on November 6, 2018. For more information on Cindy Byrd, please visit www.CindyByrd.com or on Facebook: /ByrdforAuditor