1889 Institute: OK Bar Association lawsuit exposes issues beyond just free speech

ISSUES WITH ATTORNEY LICENSING BIGGER THAN SCHELL v. WILLIAMS

The problems go beyond violations of free speech

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (March 29, 2019) – In its February 2019 report, “The Oklahoma Supreme Court’s Unchecked Abuse of Power in Attorney Regulation,” the 1889 Institute brought up the free speech issue over which Mark Schell, a Tulsa attorney, is suing the Oklahoma Bar Association. The lawsuit, and 1889’s report, argue that requiring attorneys to be members of, and pay mandatory dues to, the Oklahoma Bar Association violates the First Amendment. These requirements amount to forced speech since the Association uses part of the dues to advocate political positions many attorneys find personally objectionable.

The 1889 Institute’s report identifies another highly important issue not being litigated, but that should be urgently addressed. As described in the publication, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has violated the fundamental constitutional principle of the separation of powers. It did so by commandeering legislative and executive powers, declaring for itself sole power to authorize and administer attorney licensing in Oklahoma. In so doing, the Oklahoma Supreme Court declared it had the power to control all aspects of the practice of law in Oklahoma, not just practice before Oklahoma’s state courts. The other two branches did nothing to protect their usurped constitutional powers.

“My hope is that this lawsuit will spark a wider discussion and ultimately, more extensive reform in both how Oklahoma regulates attorneys and in how we select our judges,” said Ben Lepak, Legal Fellow at the 1889 Institute. “Judges and attorneys in Oklahoma are part of a system of regulation that violates the Oklahoma and U.S. Constitutions, undermining the Rule of Law,” he said.

“The federal lawsuit is attempting to tackle one narrow aspect of the problem,” said Lepak. “That is a positive development, but far more fundamental reform is needed. If the state Supreme Court won’t act on its own to remedy these constitutional violations, the state legislature and governor should re-assert their authority and override the Court.”


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, “The Oklahoma Supreme Court’s Unchecked Abuse of Power in Attorney Regulation” can be found on the nonprofit’s website at http://www.1889institute.org/licensing. 

Gov. Stitt requests audit of OMES division

GOVERNOR KEVIN STITT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER JOHN BUDD ANNOUNCE PLANS TO AUDIT FINANCES OF INFORMATION SERVICES DIVISION OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND ENTERPRISE SERVICES

Oklahoma City, Okla. (March 28, 2019)— Governor Kevin Stitt, in conjunction with his Chief Operating Officer John Budd, announced today that he has submitted a request to the Oklahoma Auditor and Inspector’s Office for an audit of the finances of the Information Services Division of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services for the period July 1, 2017 through February 28, 2019.

“We expect all state agencies to be accountable to Oklahoma taxpayers,” said Stitt. “OMES is no exception. We have every reason to believe that OMES has unmet funding needs for the Information Services Division, as noted in the agency’s supplemental budget request. At the same time, as we have spent the first two months of our administration digging into ISD’s finances, we believe that an outside-in view of the division’s budgeting, billing, accounts receivable, and accounts payable processes will help us better understand the inherited cash-flow issues and how we can make permanent improvements.”

“The agency submitted a request for roughly $23 million in supplemental funds last October,” said Budd, who also has served as OMES Director since January. “Since our new administration arrived on Inauguration Day in January, we have further examined the numbers and have reduced that request by about one-third. We are continuing to look for efficiencies. Every additional day our team spends trying to explain a situation the new administration inherited is a day we are not focused on making service better for other State Agencies and the citizens of Oklahoma. The State Auditor’s team will do an exceptional job of assessing OMES’s processes and history, and we welcome their involvement in delivering a better, more efficient state agency.”

Gov. Stitt and COO Budd have asked that the scope of the audit include the following:

• Review of processes to estimate cash in-flows and out-flows for Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2019, as part of budgeting process
• Performance audit of OMES ISD billing and accounts receivable processes
• Performance audit of OMES ISD accountable payable process

Bipartisan Task Force Recommends Restarting House Page Program

Bipartisan Task Force Recommends Restarting House Page Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – The bipartisan task force assigned to evaluate the House of Representatives’ Page Program has voted unanimously to restart the program beginning next week with the implementation of immediate changes. The Page Program Task Force has recommended moving to male only and female only weeks through the end of the legislative session as they continue to evaluate the program and study best practices from other states. The Task Force has also recommended increasing security for the program. Based upon those recommendations, House Speaker Charles McCall (R-Atoka) announced the program will restart beginning Monday, April 1. The Task Force will continue to meet as it evaluates the program to consider additional changes.

“We believe this is a program worth having, and that we should continue to provide these opportunities for our students,” said Task Force Chairman Terry O’Donnell, R-Catoosa. “We are taking the protection of our pages very seriously, and we are making immediate changes that will enhance safety for our participants. We will continue to look at the program from a long-term perspective as the task force meets over the next few weeks. The page program is a very valuable experience for our students who participate and it is a way for lawmakers to connect with their communities. We will continue to be diligent in examining our current procedures, but we don’t want to punish those young people who hope to learn about the Legislature and maybe develop a life-long appreciation for public service.”

“The page program is a unique and historic education opportunity for Oklahoma students,” said House Minority Leader Emily Virgin, D-Norman. “I appreciate the quick work of committee members to ensure that students from across the state still have access to the program.”

“The safety of our pages is my number one priority in this process,” said Task Force Vice Chair Carol Bush, R-Tulsa. “We have looked at our current protocols and made some adjustments that we believe will protect our students and allow the program to be reinstated quickly. This is just the first step. We will continue to evaluate the program and make recommendations for changes that will protect our students in the long term.”

“This committee had two primary goals,” said Task Force member Ben Loring, D-Miami. “First, we wanted to make certain that future pages will be safe. Second, as long as we accomplished the first goal, we wanted to keep the program open and accessible to Oklahoma students throughout the remainder of session. I feel like we have accomplished both of these goals.”

Voter Registration Maps: Party Growth, 2018 to 2019

Continuing my Voter Registration Maps series update, here are maps representing the changes in percentage by county of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.

The OKGOP posted the lowest statewide increase and lost ground in more counties than any other year since I started making these voter registration maps in 2013. Republicans gained as a percentage of registered voters in 71 counties, while declining in 6 counties. The greatest loss was in Oklahoma County (-0.8%) while the greatest increase was in Haskell County (+4.35%).

The six counties that posted GOP slides were Oklahoma (-0.8%), Tulsa (-0.6%), Cleveland (-0.45%), Canadian (-0.26%), Garfield (-0.19%), and Payne (-0.08%).

Counties in the west, south, and southeast had the best growth for the GOP, ranging from +2.5% to +4.35% as a percentage of voters.

As with every year since 2014, Democrats declined as a percentage of registered voters in all 77 counties. The smallest loss was in Oklahoma County (-0.28%) while the greatest was in Haskell County (-5.19%).

The bleeding is slowing in metro counties -- Oklahoma (-0.28%), Cleveland (0.55%), Canadian (-0.66%), and Tulsa (-0.37%), as well as Payne County (-0.9%). These five counties have declined by less than 1% this year and last year

Independents recovered from their nearly-stagnant growth last year, increasing as a percentage of voters in all but four counties. Harper County had the greatest loss at -0.27%, while Cherokee County had the greatest growth at 1.31%.

Map: Majority/Plurality Party by County

In this update to my Voter Registration Maps series, we're looking at majority/plurality party by county.

Republican majority: 31 counties (27 in 2018)
Republican plurality: 12 counties (13 in 2018)
Democratic plurality: 12 counties (8 in 2018)
Democratic majority: 22 counties (29 in 2018)

There are multiple majority-Democratic counties that are in the low-50% range, and many of them will likely slip down into plurality status next year.

For comparison, here's the map from last year. Carter, Garvin, and Roger Mills counties flipped from Democratic pluralities last year to Republican pluralities this year.

Treat appoints senators to pension working group

Pro Tem Greg Treat appoints senators to pension working group

OKLAHOMA CITY – President Pro Tempore Greg Treat appointed seven senators on Monday to serve on a pension working group to study long-term pension reform as well as make recommendations to his office on pending pension reform legislation.

Pending in the Senate is a House bill that would provide a 4 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) to retired public employees at a price tag of $850 million to the retirement systems. Pro Tem Treat said the working group would review that legislation, as well as study how to protect and further the gains made to improve the financial stability of state pension funds.

“When Republicans took over in 2010, many of the state pension systems were in poor financial shape after years of mismanagement by previous leaders at the Capitol. Not only did that threaten the retirement of future state employees, it negatively affected the state’s bond rating and made it more expensive for schools, local governments, and the state to borrow money for important capital projects,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “Republican leaders made considerable progress in reforming pensions, most notably requiring COLAs to be fully funded. Senate Republicans understand public employees, who have served the state admirably, want a COLA; however, it’s important we take prudent fiscal action to ensure we don’t threaten the progress made in making our pension systems more stable. The working group will help us gain a fuller picture of current pension legislation and other potential issues that need to be addressed moving forward.”

Pro Tem Treat gave the working group an April 4 deadline, one week before the April 11 committee deadline, to report recommendations to his office on pending pension legislation. The members of the pension working group are:

• Senator Jason Smalley, R-Stroud
• Senator Marty Quinn, R-Claremore
• Senator Gary Stanislawski, R-Tulsa
• Senator Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle
• Senator Dewayne Pemberton, R-Muskogee
• Senator Tom Dugger, R-Stillwater,
• Senator John Michael Montgomery, R-Lawton

OK congressional delegation comments on release of Mueller report

Following Sunday's release of Special Counsel Robert Meuller's report on the "Russian collusion" investigation that vindicated President Trump and his 2016 campaign, the Oklahoma congressional delegation (with the exception of 2nd District GOP Rep. Markwayne Mullin and 5th District Democratic Rep. Kendra Horn) issued their statements on the news:

REP. HERN STATEMENT ON CONCLUSION OF SPECIAL COUNSEL INVESTIGATION

WASHINGTON, DC - Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after the conclusion of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into President Donald Trump.

“As I expected, Special Counsel Robert Mueller found no evidence of conspiracy or collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. Tens of millions of taxpayer dollars and nearly two years of time were wasted in pursuit of this pointless investigation,” said Rep. Hern.  “I think many of my colleagues need to apologize for the hateful and baseless accusations they’ve made against the President, looking to divide our country and discredit the accomplishments of President Trump’s administration. I look forward to the speedy release of the full report to Congress and the public. The American people deserve to see the full results of this massive waste of time and money. In the meantime, Congress can return our focus to the real issues in our country, eliminating regulations on job creators, putting Americans back to work, empowering our people to earn better wages and realize their American Dream.”

On March 14, 2019, Congress unanimously voted in favor of a resolution to make the full report of the investigation public. Rep. Hern supported this bill, you can find his statement on its passage here.

Inhofe Statement on Mueller Report

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made the following statement after Attorney General Barr released his primary conclusions from the Mueller investigation:

“The summary of the Mueller report Attorney General Barr provided to Congress today was clear: there was no evidence of collusion or obstruction of justice—and this was after nearly a two-year investigation with virtually bottomless resources. Maybe now the Democrats can stop feeding Russia’s goal of sowing discord and start working with Republicans on behalf of American families.”

Senator Lankford Issues Statement on Mueller Report

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement on the conclusion of the investigation lead by Robert Mueller into interference by Russia in the 2016 presidential election.

“After two years, $25 million, 500 interviews, 2,800 subpoenas, 500 search warrants, and a team of 19 lawyers and 40 FBI agents, Mr. Mueller was able to complete an exhaustive, comprehensive report that concluded that President Trump did not conspire with Russia to interfere in the 2016 election. The initial summary of the report did not find any evidence that his campaign or anyone associated with it cooperated with Russia to interfere in the election. Now that the investigation has concluded, I believe that the American people should be able to read as much as possible of the report and Congress should get back to legislating.

“During my time on the Senate Intelligence Committee, we worked on a bipartisan investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. We also did not find that anyone with the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to interfere, but it was clear that Russia has continued to work to infiltrate our elections. They were unsuccessful in 2016, but Congress should remain vigilant to address the weaknesses in our voting systems to stop any foreign adversaries from meddling in our election system in the future.”

Lucas Statement on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Report

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement regarding the completion of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation and the principal summary written by United States Attorney General William Barr.

“After two years, two congressional investigations, more than 2,800 subpoenas, 500 witness interviews, and millions of taxpayer dollars, it is undeniably clear that there was no collusion between President Donald Trump’s campaign and the Russian government. The summary of the Special Counsel’s investigation, written by Attorney General William Barr, clearly validates what millions of Americans already knew and what the frenzied media and Democrats refused to acknowledge: that Democrats have lost touch with main street America and will push outlandish theories in order to discredit a President.

I hope the report will at last bring a close to the wild-goose chase perpetuated by Democrats so that we may finally focus on the issues that affect the lives of the American people.”

Cole Statement on Special Counsel Mueller’s Completed Investigation

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement regarding completion of Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation and the principal summary of the findings described by Attorney General William Barr. The Special Counsel’s report determined that there was no collusion between Russia and President Donald Trump or his campaign, nor did President Trump commit obstruction according to Attorney General Barr and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein.

“While it’s unfortunate that it took a costly and lengthy investigation to reach this point, Democratic suspicions were finally proven false. There was no collusion between Russia and the Campaign of President Donald Trump,” said Cole. “With completion of the Special Counsel’s incredibly thorough investigation, I hope Democrats will decide to accept the truth of the conclusions and turn their attention and energy toward working on more important issues for the American people. There is no reason for more damaging and divisive distractions that are motivated simply by the desire to condemn President Trump.”

Music Monday: Transcendental Étude No. 4, "Mazeppa"

This week's Music Monday is Transcendental Étude No. 4 in D minor, "Mazeppa", composed by 19th-century Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, and performed here by Russian virtuoso pianist Daniil Trifonov.

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.

March 18th, 2019: St. Patrick's Day in the Morning
March 11th, 2019: What Wondrous Love is This
March 4th, 2019: Scandinavian Waltz
February 18th, 2019: Adagio for Strings
February 11th, 2019: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 4th, 2019: Columbia, Gem of the Ocean
January 7th, 2019: Loch Lomond
December 31st, 2018: Auld Lang Syne
December 24th, 2018: Remember O, thou Man
December 17th, 2018: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 10th, 2018: Carol of the Bells (medley)
December 3rd, 2018: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 26th, 2018: Happy Birthday
November 19th, 2018: My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness
November 12th, 2018: Hymn to the Fallen
October 29th, 2018: A Mighty Fortress is Our God
October 22nd, 2018: Hymn to Red October
October 15th, 2018:  Indian Reservation ("Cherokee People")
October 8th, 2018: Wagner's 'Columbus Overture'
October 1st, 2018: Danny Boy
September 24th, 2018: Dvorak's 'From The New World' Symphony, 4th Movement
September 17th, 2018: Deep River
September 10th, 2018: Muleskinner Blues
September 3rd, 2018: Boomer Sooner
August 20th, 2018: Psalm 23
August 13th, 2018: Ashokan Farewell
August 6, 2018: How the West Was Won
July 23rd, 2018: I Just Can't Wait to Be King
July 16th, 2018: 'Jupiter' from 'The Planets'
July 9th, 2018: Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
July 2nd, 2018: Turn The Tide
June 25th, 2018: Good Guys Win
June 18th, 2018: Watching You
June 11th, 2018: Adoration
June 4th, 2018: March from 'A Moorside Suite'
May 28th, 2018: Taps
May 21st, 2018: Listz's La Campanella
May 14th, 2018: Handful of Weeds
May 7th, 2018: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
April 30th, 2018: Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 ("Heroic")
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

County-by-county voter registration swings, 2018 to 2019

This Voter Registration Maps series post shows the county-by-county trend in voter registration since last January.

Registration swung toward the Republican Party in 75 counties, with the only exceptions being Tulsa and Oklahoma counties. Haskell County had the largest swing, posting a shift to the GOP of 9.55%. Oklahoma County slid 0.53% toward the Democrats, and Tulsa County shifted 0.23% toward the Democrats.

Oklahoma Voter Registration Map, January 2019

(click image to view larger)

In the latest installment of my long-running Voter Registration Maps series, we will once again take a look at voter registration across the state. These statistics are from the annual January 15th report from the State Election Board. I'm a bit behind on posting these, but better late than never.

Since last January, the GOP has taken a one-voter lead(!) in Roger Mills County as well as taken the lead in Garvin and Carter counties. Looking forward, the next counties likely to fall to the red wave are Comanche (1.37% Democrat lead), Cotton (1.61% Democrat lead), Marshall (4.85% Democrat lead), Pontotoc (current 4.91% Democrat lead), and Kiowa (5.45% Democrat lead).

Coal County is now the lone county with over 70% registered Democrats -- but just barely (70.94%). Major County is the most polarized county, with 76.98% Republicans and 14.93% Democrats.

Comanche County has the highest percentage of registered Independent voters at 19.35%, while Payne County has the highest percentage of registered Libertarians at 0.662%.

Pro Tem Treat announces bipartisan working group for Senate confirmation process

Pro Tem Greg Treat announces bipartisan working group for Senate confirmation process

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat on Wednesday announced the members of a bipartisan working group to study the Senate’s confirmation process for executive nominations.

Pro Tem Treat made the announcement a week after new laws went into effect giving the governor the ability to hire and fire the heads of five of the largest state agencies. To ensure the proper vetting of executive nominations moving forward, Pro Tem Treat said he has tasked the working group with developing recommendations on how to make the Senate confirmation process more thorough and complete.

“I made the commitment to members of the Senate while advocating for this new appointment power for the governor that I would appoint a bipartisan working group to ensure the Senate confirmation process would be thorough and complete,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “Senate confirmation of executive nominations has always been an important function of the institution. With the new gubernatorial appointments of agency directors, it’s even more important that we get it right and thoroughly vet executive nominations to ensure the men and women nominated are qualified and capable leaders who will serve the state of Oklahoma well. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations of the working group.”

Pro Tem Treat has set a deadline of April 4th for the working group to submit its recommendations to his office. The members of the working group are:

• Senator Kim David, R-Porter
• Senator Roger Thompson, R-Okemah
• Senator Frank Simpson, R-Springer
• Senator Rob Standridge, R-Norman
• Senator Darrell Weaver, R-Moore
• Senator Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City
• Senator Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City

Music Monday: St. Patrick's Day in the Morning

This week's Music Monday is St. Patrick's Day in the Morning, an old Irish jig from the mid-1700s (although it may have originated from a Scottish composer). This particular recording is played on a fiddle believed to have been owned by American frontiersman and folk hero Davy Crockett. 

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.

March 11th, 2019: What Wondrous Love is This
March 4th, 2019: Scandinavian Waltz
February 18th, 2019: Adagio for Strings
February 11th, 2019: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 4th, 2019: Columbia, Gem of the Ocean
January 7th, 2019: Loch Lomond
December 31st, 2018: Auld Lang Syne
December 24th, 2018: Remember O, thou Man
December 17th, 2018: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 10th, 2018: Carol of the Bells (medley)
December 3rd, 2018: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 26th, 2018: Happy Birthday
November 19th, 2018: My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness
November 12th, 2018: Hymn to the Fallen
October 29th, 2018: A Mighty Fortress is Our God
October 22nd, 2018: Hymn to Red October
October 15th, 2018:  Indian Reservation ("Cherokee People")
October 8th, 2018: Wagner's 'Columbus Overture'
October 1st, 2018: Danny Boy
September 24th, 2018: Dvorak's 'From The New World' Symphony, 4th Movement
September 17th, 2018: Deep River
September 10th, 2018: Muleskinner Blues
September 3rd, 2018: Boomer Sooner
August 20th, 2018: Psalm 23
August 13th, 2018: Ashokan Farewell
August 6, 2018: How the West Was Won
July 23rd, 2018: I Just Can't Wait to Be King
July 16th, 2018: 'Jupiter' from 'The Planets'
July 9th, 2018: Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
July 2nd, 2018: Turn The Tide
June 25th, 2018: Good Guys Win
June 18th, 2018: Watching You
June 11th, 2018: Adoration
June 4th, 2018: March from 'A Moorside Suite'
May 28th, 2018: Taps
May 21st, 2018: Listz's La Campanella
May 14th, 2018: Handful of Weeds
May 7th, 2018: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
April 30th, 2018: Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 ("Heroic")
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

OCPA column: SB605 is bad policy, no matter where you try it

Senate Bill 605 is bad policy, no matter where you try it

By Kaitlyn Finley, policy research fellow at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

Although Oklahomans have wisely rejected repeated attempts to expand Medicaid under Obamacare, new proposals keeping popping up in their place like the many-headed Hydra.

The latest expansion proposal at the Oklahoma Capitol, Senate Bill 605, claims to be a “conservative” alternative to traditional Medicaid expansion. But SB 605 is just Obamacare Medicaid expansion by another name.

SB 605 would expand medical welfare benefits to a potential 628,000 able-bodied, working-age adults in Oklahoma. The program would be designed under the authority of a federal waiver. These new welfare beneficiaries would receive Medicaid benefits through commercial plans administered by another state-run program, Insure Oklahoma. If implemented, the federal government would pick up 90 percent of costs accrued from new expansion enrollees while Oklahoma state taxpayers would pay for the remaining 10 percent of costs. Based on the number of eligible enrollees and average per-person costs, Oklahoma state taxpayers could be on the hook for $374 million annually if they implemented SB 605.

Despite real-world fiscal nightmares in other states, some expansion proponents still claim that expanding Medicaid through a waiver and utilizing private commercial health plans will be a cheaper way to expand Medicaid. These are unfounded claims. Look no further than Arkansas, Iowa, and New Hampshire. These states implemented a plan similar to the one proposed in SB 605 and it left them in a financial mess.

Arkansas’ “private option” expansion plan has accrued more than $1.4 billion in cost overruns in the past three years. Iowa and New Hampshire decided to scrap their alternative expansion plans altogether in 2015 and 2018, respectively. To make matters worse, these states’ “conservative” expansion plans turned out to be even more expensive than if they had just adopted traditional Medicaid expansion in the first place.

Oklahoma lawmakers should be wary of any “conservative” option, like SB 605, to expand Medicaid through a federal waiver. Putting aside the price tag, any supposedly conservative features may be rescinded by the next liberal president, leaving Oklahoma paying the tab for all the costs from a new entitlement class of hundreds of thousands of able-bodied, working-age adults.

Oklahoma has already seen this happen when the Obama administration threatened to gut Insure Oklahoma and push individuals onto the expensive Obamacare exchange. The Obama administration did not want to approve an extension for Insure Oklahoma because the program has enrollment caps in place and generally requires beneficiaries to be working in order to receive partially subsidized health insurance. Oklahoma’s recent history with the Obama administration shows how foolish it would be to rely on temporary waivers, where authority lies solely with the federal government, particularly for proposals that have shown to be an inefficient use of taxpayer dollars.

With all the financial nightmares and program chaos surrounding waivers for Medicaid expansion and the rapid rise in Medicaid enrollment in general, states like Oklahoma should be wary of any expansion proposal. This is especially true when the whole plan relies on a temporary waiver and on promises of reimbursements from a benefactor that is already $22 trillion dollars in debt.


Kaitlyn Finley serves as a policy research fellow focusing on health care and welfare policy for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

Local School Protection Bill Passes House

Local School Protection Bill Passes House

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill authorizing local school boards to adopt policies allowing authorized personnel to carry guns on campus passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wednesday evening.

House Bill 2336 would allow districts to authorize certain personnel to carry a handgun on school property, as long as the personnel holds a valid reserve peace officer certification or possesses a valid handgun license.

The bill’s author, Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, said some districts struggle to find personnel willing to undergo the required private security guard training. The legislation would allow districts to work with law enforcement on alternative instruction.

“Having someone onsite who can respond to a potentially dangerous situation is critical,” Roberts said. “This legislation is especially important in our rural areas, where law enforcement is sometimes half an hour away when they receive a call. I was glad to work with county sheriffs on this bill and I’m grateful for their leadership and expertise in this area.”

HB2336 passed the House 72-25 and is now eligible to be heard by the Senate.

1889 Institute argues against Medicaid expansion

INSTITUTE ARGUES AGAINST MEDICAID EXPANSION

Less affordable than it seems

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (March 18, 2019) – The 1889 Institute has published “Obamacare Medicaid Expansion: Still a Bad Idea,” which points out the drawbacks of Oklahoma expanding Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

In analyzing the possibility of expanding Medicaid in Oklahoma, regardless of how it is done, three broad issues emerge. First, advocates exaggerate need but minimize fiscal risks. Second, Obamacare Medicaid expansion would only exacerbate the health care price spiral above general inflation. And third, while expansion would enrich the already-rich health industry, Oklahoma would be prevented from efficiently and effectively solving its own problems.

“What has always galled me about Obamacare is it was sold as a solution to high health care prices, but it doubled down on the very policies that caused the high prices in the first place,” said the paper’s author, Dr. Byron Schlomach, economist and Director of the 1889 Institute. Dr. Schlomach blames the poor incentives that arise when consumers rely on “third-party payers” to pay for services – Medicaid, Medicare, and health insurance – for causing high health care prices.

The 1889 Institute’s publication refutes three main arguments of advocates for Medicaid expansion. First, it disputes that more federal money will have a significant economic impact or that Oklahomans are truly paying taxes for other states’ expansions. Second, it disputes whether most hospitals need additional funds while acknowledging that there might be a need to help specific rural hospitals. And third, it disputes alleged benefits from expanded health coverage.

Dr. Schlomach argues that Obamacare Medicaid expansion would make Oklahomans more dependent than citizens of other states and that expansion risks larger cuts in education and other programs when the state suffers revenue shortfalls. “Demand for Medicaid rises when finances are tightest, and our low cost of living causes people with good standards of living to qualify for assistance in higher numbers than in other states, since the federal poverty level is not adjusted for cost of living,” he said.

Finally, the publication asks several tough questions, including: Already consuming 1/7th of the economy, how much greater of a share does health care need? And, if all hospitals need financial help, why are so many constructing new facilities and expanding right now?


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, “Obamacare Medicaid Expansion: Still a Bad Idea” can be found on the nonprofit’s website at http://www.1889institute.org/health-care.

Treat's abortion "trigger" bill changed to 2020 state question, passes Senate

Senate approves Pro Tem Treat bill to call a legislative referendum on abortion

Bill would let people vote to restrict Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ability to construe right to an abortion in state constitution

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate on Thursday in a bipartisan vote approved a bill from President Pro Tempore Greg Treat that would put a legislative referendum on the 2020 ballot to let voters decide whether to restrict the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ability to construe a right to an abortion in the state constitution.

Senate Bill 195 passed on a 40-8 vote and now heads to the House for consideration.

“The Oklahoma Constitution contains no language that guarantees a right to an abortion, yet the Oklahoma Supreme Court has crept dangerously closer to inventing such a right,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “Recently, Planned Parenthood and others have strategically challenged pro-life legislation in state courts in the hope that the Oklahoma Supreme Court will find a right to an abortion in the state constitution. By allowing these cases to advance in state court rather than federal court, the Oklahoma Supreme Court is implicitly showing their willingness to make up out of whole cloth a right to an abortion in the state Constitution where none exists. We cannot allow that to happen as it would be a tremendous setback for the pro-life movement. Senate Bill 195 gives the people of Oklahoma the ability to loudly proclaim their strong desire to protect the sanctity of life.”

A previous version of SB 195 contained “trigger” language that would have made enforceable Oklahoma’s prohibition on abortion in the event the central holding of Roe v. Wade or Planned Parenthood v. Casey were overturned by the federal courts, or if the U.S. Constitution were amended to protect life. Due to the findings of those two federal court cases, Oklahoma’s prohibition on abortion – which has existed since 1910 – is unenforceable.

“I still hope and pray that one day soon the U.S. Supreme Court will correct the judicial mistake of the past that legalized abortion in Roe versus Wade and Planned Parenthood versus Casey. But it’s far more likely, in the short-term, that the Oklahoma Supreme Court finds an invented right to an abortion in the state constitution than the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe or Casey,” Treat said.

Treat said he expects to pursue the “trigger” language in another bill at some point in the future.

State House Passes Bill to Protect Election Integrity

House Passes Bill to Protect Election Integrity

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a bill Tuesday evening to authorize the State Election Board to check various databases to confirm the citizenship status of a person registering to vote.

House Bill 2429 by Rep. Sean Roberts, R-Hominy, authorizes the State Election Board to conduct a data validation of Oklahoma’s voter registration database with other state and federal databases to confirm someone’s citizenship status.

“This bill would help restore faith in the electoral process by verifying only those prescribed by law are voting,” Roberts said. “Our democracy is based on the principle of each citizen having one vote, and this bill is another safeguard to protect the integrity of elections within our state.”

Roberts said the measure is especially necessary in the case of close elections, such as last year’s attorney general primary race.

HB2429 passed the House floor with a 66-26 vote and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Rep. Sean Roberts, a Republican, serves District 36 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes Osage and Tulsa Counties.