Posts Tagged ‘Oklahoma’

From Tulsa Today:

Governor Henry’s veto of a bill that would allow Oklahoma to opt out of Obamacare was overriden in the House this morning. The vote was 72-24; 68 votes, or two-thirds of the 101-members, were needed. The override still needs two-thirds approval, or 32 votes, in the 48-member Senate.

The override attempt there may come tomorrow, but many, including Rep. Charles Key, believe it likely will fail in the Senate. Key said, “…the likelihood of such a vote passing the Senate with the numbers necessary is tenuous at best. With less than 10 days left in this year’s legislative session, it is critical that we act immediately to protect Oklahomans from the federal healthcare mandates and the only option left is passing SJR 59, authored by Representative Mike Thompson and Senator Dan Newberry.

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From TulsaWorld:

Senate Democrats derailed an agreement to plug holes in the 2010 budget Monday.

They said they were upset that $2.5 million hadn’t been found to restore funds cut from the senior nutrition program through the end of this fiscal year.

The program provides home-delivered meals and hot meals in community nutrition centers.

Paul Sund, a spokesman for Gov. Brad Henry, said, “We are aware of the budget snag in the Senate and will be talking to Republican and Democratic legislative leaders to see what can be done to resolve the dispute.”

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From Tulsa World:

The Senate on Wednesday passed three measures critical of federal health care reform.

Some Democratic senators argued the measures did little and were political posturing by Republicans, who control the upper chamber during an election year. Federal health care reform is pending before Congress.

Senate Joint Resolution 59 by Sen. Dan Newberry would let Oklahomans vote on opting out of proposed federal health care reform. The vote was 30-16.

“The bill simply says Oklahomans shall not be forced by a federal system or national system to buy health insurance,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa.

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From NewsOK.com:

The Legislature’s two leaders said they will strive to pass measures reforming the state’s workers’ compensation system and public schools during the upcoming second session of the 52nd Legislature — their last as lawmakers.
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House Speaker Chris Benge and Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee are term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Much attention will be on the state’s budget as declining revenues in the past year are resulting in lawmakers having about $1.3 billion less to spend compared with last year.

But Benge, R-Tulsa, and Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, said they hope to shepherd legislation through this session that will continue a pro-business trend since Republicans captured the House in 2004. Republicans gained a majority in the Senate in the 2008 elections.

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From kosu.org:

The Republican majority in the Senate unveiled its agenda for the upcoming session which starts February 1st.

2010 marks only the second year for the GOP to be in the majority facing a reduced state budget and an election year.

About ten member of the Senate Republican Party, addressed reporters on Tuesday in one of the rooms where committee meetings will start in less than three weeks.

The GOP is facing a current fiscal year with a revenue failure of nearly $1 billion, some of it already covered by cuts to state agencies, and an upcoming 2011 budget with a shortfall of $966 million compared to 2010.

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