Business and Politics
Legislators rally against cuts
Senior Nutrition funding remains in question
There have been many events going on over this past week. We had about 30 legislators show up at the State Capitol for a rally to restore funds to the Senior Nutrition Sites around the Oklahoma.
Those of us present spoke to the crowd, which filled the entire second floor of the Capitol, and answered questions from the audience. Secretary of State Susan Savage also addressed those present on behalf of Governor Henry, while Lt. Governor Askins had her chief of staff on hand to assure them of her support.
Senator Kenneth Corn, one of the legislators who spent the night on the Capitol steps in protest, let the crowd know the Governor stated he would replace the cut funds if the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate would work with him to replace the funds in the legislative session.
We have not heard yet what decision Speaker Benge and Senator Coffee have made. I hope they agree to this so we can get the centers open every day and serving hot meals to our seniors.
There were also several activities involving students over the past week. The Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature met at the State Capitol and I had the chance to speak to them, along with Governor George Nigh and Speaker Chris Benge. Several students at Elgin hosted a blood drive and it looked like a great turnout while I was there. I also had the chance to speak to a school assembly at Sterling to their 7th though 12th graders.
Thursday night was the Grady County Democratic Party Annual Barbecue. There were almost 150 in attendance at the fairgrounds and they were served great brisket and heard music from the Bean Supper Band out of Canadian County. Several candidates for office were present and spoke about their campaigns. One update is that Senator Susan Paddack announced for State School Superintendent and one Democrat, Randall Gorman, decided to drop out of the race and support her in that endeavor.
On Friday night, Oklahoma 4-H celebrated their Centennial year with a banquet. It was great to see many of my friends from 4-H there, including the Rust and Filippo Families of Rush Springs, former Rep. Ryan McMullen, and Jonathan Smith, formerly of Duncan, who delivered the keynote address on how this program influenced his life. It was a fantastic evening for all present!
This week, we have several Veterans Day events, including gatherings at Chickasha, Elgin, Rush Springs and Fort Sill which I will attend. Please remember our veterans and especially keep those families of soldiers who lost their lives at Fort Hood this past week in your thoughts and prayers.
There are also Education Committee interim studies at the Capitol on Tuesday and Thursday discussing potential changes in policy and looking at where cuts have been made to this point with the budget shortfall. I will try to update you more on this in next week's column.
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It is an honor to represent your views at the State Capitol. If you wish to contact me and discuss one of these or another issue, I can be reached at my office in Oklahoma City toll-free at 1-800-522-8502, or directly at 1-405-557-7305. Email: joedorman@okhouse.gov at work. My mailing address is PO Box 559 , Rush Springs , OK 73082 and my website is www.joedorman.com on the Internet. Thank you for taking time to read this column and I look forward to seeing you soon.
- Business and Politics
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Agriculture, energy sectors drive Oklahoma’s economy
The two driving forces behind Oklahoma’s economy are the agriculture and energy sectors. It is important that we at the legislature ensure that we are business friendly and available to listen and respond, so we maintain these key industries of our state.
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Tourism big business in town
Your Chickasha Chamber of Commerce has a long tradition of recognizing Tourism as a driving “economic engine” for our city.
Tourism brought $6.1 Billion to Oklahoma in 2008, making it the state’s third largest industry. The Chamber supports, both directly and with the Economic Development Council, events that bring excitement, people, and money into our city: money spent at motels, at restaurants, at convenience stores and other retail establishments. -
Thanks for another term
I have to start off this week by thanking the voters of House District 65 for allowing me to serve another two years as your State Representative.
I was re-elected automatically last Wednesday at 5 pm due to no one else filing for the position. -
Spill response flawed from start
Last week marked a sad milestone: 50 days since the explosion on British Petroleum's Deepwater Horizon rig triggered the oil spill that is still gushing out of control.
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Session is officially over
These last few weeks were extremely hectic and stressful as we worked to get a budget deal together. At the beginning of last week, we had around 215 bills still working their way through the process.
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Mood tense, but not at risk of progress
We are in the final week of the legislative session for 2010. All my remaining bills have been passed by the House and await a hearing in the Senate or are on the desk of Governor Henry.
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Governor signs 210 bills
Work continues at the Capitol as we race for the finish. We have only three weeks remaining before Sine Die on Friday, May 28. As I mentioned before, these last weeks will consist of work on the budget and in conference committees to find agreeable language on the remaining bills.
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Dorman still waiting on 4 measures
The legislative session is progressing along slowly as we have considered a few bills each day.
We still have around 250 conference committee reports, many of which the leadership has not assigned the committee responsible for review. All four of my bills are still waiting an assignment, even though I have most of the work finished on how I would like to see them pass. -
Tax credits become a focus
Another week down inside the state Capitol. May is well underway and only three weeks remain of the 2010 session.
There are several issues I’d like to update you on, so without further ado, here’s the latest from Oklahoma City. -
Okla. Senate fails to override gun bill veto
The Republican-controlled Senate voted 28-16 on Wednesday with 36 votes needed to override Democratic Gov. Brad Henry's vet.
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Agriculture, energy sectors drive Oklahoma’s economy
