Even though Oklahoma’s 2009 legislative session is finished, one local representative is taking extra time this summer to get the ball rolling on two projects.

Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs, submitted 10 ideas for interim studies to the House in June.

Three were accepted, but two of Dorman’s favorite projects were overlooked. The interim studies are the first step in creating legislation.

Dorman strongly supports programs to deter high school dropouts, and he wants to find a direct revenue stream for the state to pay disaster reimbursement.

Without funding from the House of Representatives, Dorman is tackling these issues with his own time and money.

“These were two that I am very passionate about, and would like to see opened for discussion,” Dorman said. “I will have no additional dollars to supplement the cost of having experts come in, which I’m more than willing to do.”

Dorman has plans to gather information from surrounding states and bring in experts on the issues, which costs money. He said the bulk of funding will be accrued directly from his campaign budget.

These studies are not simply pet projects for Dorman. He said he has heard multiple requests from his constituents for help in these matters, and he is answering their call.



Students Call for Help

Chad Hagerman, a recent graduate of Elgin High School, called Dorman and requested he research high school drop out rates and their effect on his peers.

Hagerman is a member of the High School Advisory Team, which is made up of 50 students from around the state who provide feedback and information to administrators and legislators.

“It is such an issue, especially in our state it is really an epidemic,” Hagerman said.

Dorman said high school drop out rates are becoming increasingly alarming, especially in rural areas. He said he hopes to bring in members of the Oklahoma Department of Education as well as legislators for his study. State Superintendent Sandy Garret has similar plans to Dorman’s, which she expressed in her 2009 State of Education Address on July 15.

Garret said Oklahoma ranks 22nd nationally in drop out rates.

“But, we aren’t accepting that,” she said. “We’ve got to transform our schools to be more engaging for students.”

Garrett’s “Leave No Future Behind Plan” embraces new technology and innovation, and Dorman said he hopes there is common ground they can meet on. Both Garrett and Dorman agree the problem is multi-faceted and cannot be solved with a simple solution.



Finding a Revenue Stream

Dorman’s second study has been in the works for several years. He said he has been trying to find a revenue stream that will more quickly pay out funds set aside for disaster relief.

Dorman said disaster relief is split into three parts; 75 percent is paid by FEMA, 12.5 percent by local agencies and 12.5 percent by the State. FEMA and local agencies are required to pay up front, but he said the state has had problems paying victims in a timely manner. He said at one time it took six years for residents to receive disaster relief.

Dorman said Governor Brad Henry addressed the issue in February at his State of the State Address. Henry was also unavailable for comment.

In the past the state paid victims out of a rainy day fund, but with a $600 million budget shortfall in 2009 the rainy day fund is nearly dry. Dorman is now looking to any and all revenue streams to protect those disenfranchised by disaster.

“I’m looking into ideas to cover this cost,” Dorman said. “In Oklahoma we’re guaranteed to have at least one disaster every year. Whether it’s tornados, floods or fires, we’ve had it all.

Dorman has past experience and success studying issues without support of the House of Representatives. He said if this year’s studies go as planned he hopes to draft new bills for the 2010 legislative session.