GOV. HENRY GIVES STATE OF STATE ADDRESS
The economy, energy, education, and healthcare topped the governor’s priorities when he delivered his State of the State address. The state of the nation, as well as Oklahoma, was of great concern for the governor. He reminded the members of both the House and the Senate of their responsibility to take action to move the state forward.
“Now, more than ever, it is time for all of us to put aside partisan differences and petty squabbles,” Henry said. “The stakes are too high, the consequences are too great to surrender to the divisiveness of partisan games.”
Among the priorities topping the governor’s agenda, he began with the state’s budget:
BUDGET
The responsibilities before the Legislature come at a time when Oklahoma families and state government face difficult economic times. This year, the Oklahoma State Board of Equalization stated that the state faces a budget hole of nearly $600 million. Therefore, the state government, much like Oklahoma families must make cuts where it can.
“As Oklahoma families take a hard look at their own expenses, we must do the same, “ Henry said. “Sate agencies must tighten their budgets and some projects must be put on hold.” However, Henry went on to say “a lack of funding is no excuse for lack of vision, and so this year we must continue building the foundation for a brighter future.”
HEALTH CARE
The governor applauded the success of Insure Oklahoma, a premium assistance program designed to help provide health insurance to more Oklahoma families. Henry proposed expanding a pilot program currently operating in Tulsa that targets point‐of‐service enrollment to help provide health care coverage to tens of thousands of Oklahomans.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Henry also offered his plans for boosting economic development in the state.
“The gateways to a thriving economy in the global age are biotechnology, aerospace, renewable energies and knowledge-based industries,” Henry said.
ENERGY & CONSERVATION
The governor also urged the Legislature to pursue policies that promote the growth of renewable energy and the conservation of energy.
“Through our state’s abundant resources and hard‐earned expertise, Oklahoma is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of a dynamic new age, an era that demands sustainable energy sources and commonsense conservation, “ he said.
SAVE THE DATE—2009 CAPITOL DAY
February Featured Sponsor‐OAHCP
OAHCP and OKALA invite you to join them for “Senior
Care Day at the Capitol”. For the first time, the
Oklahoma Association of Health Care Providers and
the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association are joining
forces at the state Capitol.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 7, 2009, and
join us at 1:30 pm in the Governor’s Blue Room.
Representative Doug Cox will be welcoming
participants to the Capitol. Our lobbying team, FKG
will also be giving a legislative update before we meet
with legislators.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
Kassie McCoy by email at kassie@careoklahoma.com
or by phone at (405) 524‐8338.
Hope to see you there!
Capitol News
For the first time in Oklahoma history, the Republicans have
control of both the House and the Senate. With the 2009
legislative session only a month in, the Republicans have
already set the tone for their agenda. On the House side, measures dealing with
lawsuit reform, voter identification, streamlining government purchasing, and
alternative energy sources are the big‐ticket items for the Republicans. Speaker
Chris Benge, R‐Tulsa, said he is very pleased bills pertaining to these issues
made it out of the House before the deadline.
As for the Senate Republicans, bills on voter identification, government efficiency, tax cuts, and worker’s compensation were at the top of the list.
For the Democrats in both the House and the Senate, they continue to fight for increased health insurance coverage and jobs. However, this year minority leaders argue they are spending far too much of their time on issues that do not effect the residence of Oklahoma.
Soul Fest 2009
Once again Grace NE 21st
hosted their annual Soul Fest.
This celebration began several
years ago as an opportunity for the staff
and residents to welcome the community
into the facility for food, music, and
fellowship. The staff not only helped the
residents enjoy the party, they also served
food to anyone who walked in.
For the second year in row, Rep.
Anastasia Pittman (pictured at top) attended
the celebration. Despite her hectic
schedule at the state Capitol, she spent
several hours visiting with the residents,
staff members, and locals.
For the first time, local media came to
cover Soul Fest. Three newscasters and two
newspapers covered the event. They were
amazed by the hundreds of people who
came to the facility for the festivities.
A local musician provided the
entertainment for the day. Residents,
staffers, visitors and even Rep. Pittman
made it on to the dance floor. With the
warm sunshine, delicious food, and great
music, it was a perfect day for a
celebration.
