EDMOND —
The list of bills to be considered this year by the Legislature has now been published. As hundreds of bills have been filed, it takes a careful observer to take note of a rather interesting fact. Perhaps unnoticed in the sea of proposed measures are a fascinating series of initiatives by one particular state representative. Check these out!
HB 1909 requires food stamp recipients to work, train for work or be involved in community service programs for at least 35 hours per week as a condition of eligibility for food stamps.
HB 1910 keeps state government moving down the path of liquidating unneeded real property assets. Revenue from the privatization of the assets would maintain those properties still needed. This avoids the costly practice of meeting deferred maintenance needs with debt.
HB 1911 makes it harder for people to file frivolous unemployment claims against small business owners. These claims drive up costs, punish small businesses and make life difficult for those hard-working individuals who are just trying to create jobs and build their businesses.
HB 1914 actually places a moratorium on the ability of state bureaucracies to increase fees. Those of us who take the calls from constituents who must deal with massive increases know first-hand the importance of this bill.
HB 1916 sets its sights on completely repealing the state’s punitive franchise tax. This form of double taxation on business is one of the most unfair!
HB 1917 requires state agencies to plan for reducing their dependence on federal funding. This is essential for the inevitable day of reckoning when the federal government will initiate austerity measures to deal with the budget crises. It also seeds the important concept that sometimes it is important to reject federal funds.
HJR 1036 places a limit on the amount of debt state government can incur. This proposal could bring an end to the practice of issuing debt. Debt issuance by state government has spiraled out of control since an incorrect and unfortunate decision by the Supreme Court in the late 1990s that opened the floodgates on debt issuances.
Upon reviewing this list, based on their years of experience, most Capitol insiders would likely rightly conclude that the bills are the work of a naive newcomer to the Legislature who hasn’t had time to become cynical. The author appears to function under the delusion that he can make a difference and does not realize that the special interests and House leadership likely will not even allow these aggressive bills to receive a committee hearing.
In making this observation, the insiders would normally be absolutely correct.
There is however one very important mitigating factor. These bills are sponsored by House leadership. Each of these bills has been sponsored by new Speaker of the House T.W. Shannon. Shannon’s legislation should send the strong message that times have changed and House members are now prepared to advance an aggressive portfolio of bills designed to fulfill our promise of truly working for limited government.
In my time participating in and observing the Legislature, I have never before observed this type of conservative governance by House leadership and I am very much looking forward to reporting to you on the progress that will be made in this session of the Legislature.
REP. JASON MURPHEY, R-Guthrie, represents House District 31, which encompasses all of Logan County and a portion of northern Edmond. He may be reached via email at jason.murphey@okhouse.gov, on Facebook at facebook.com/JasonMurphey and Twitter.com/JWMurphey.
Features
This is what conservative leadership looks like
- Features
-
-
Do a little research before donating to the cause
The outpouring of support for those affected by the horrendous tornadoes that recently ripped through central Oklahoma has been significant.
There are many different ways in which people can donate money, food, water, clothing and supplies. However, while most of these arevalid and helpful charities, there can be a few snakes in the grass, said Sissy Osteen, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension resource managementspecialist. -
Kebabs: Health kick on a stick
Grilling is a simple way to feed your family well this summer. Start with a lean meat and a healthful marinade and then allow the grill to strip away additional fat for a heart-healthy and waist-friendly final result. Plus, grilling caramelizes the natural sugars in foods, which adds flavor without additional calories and fat.
-
Boy Scouts: Yes to gay youths, no to adults
The Boy Scouts of America on Thursday ended its ban on openly gay youths but maintained a prohibition on gay adult leaders, a decision framed as a compromise but one that could lead to litigation and thousands of defections from one of America's largest youth organizations.
-
In fan fiction, your favorite characters do what you want them to
When J.J. Abrams took over the "Star Trek" franchise in 2009, he boldly went where the series hadn't gone before — romantically — pairing Uhura with Spock. Many fans disliked the change. Some loved it. Others didn't care, because they just wanted to see Kirk and Spock make out.
-
Where to get the best deal on beer, haircuts, movies
Looking for a good deal on a six-pack of beer? Try Charlotte. A haircut that won't burn a hole in your wallet? Harlingen, Texas, is your best bet. A trip to the movies? Hilo, Hawaii, is supposed to be nice this time of year.
-
VIDEO: How technology helps predict tornadoes
At the National Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma, the team charged with predicting tornadoes relies on ever-changing technology to determine when and where storms may strike.
-
Rude teens an example of emotional narcissism
Q: I went into my 17-year-old’s bedroom to wake him this morning. After some urging, he eventually got up and then told me he hated me. What is the appropriate consequence for this sort of disrespect?
-
The would’a, could’a, should’as of Edmond living
“Would’a, could’a, should’a” might be the most useless contractions in the English language — especially when preceded by “if only” — but I’m not letting that stop me.
If only I’d known what was coming, I would’a stayed out of Edmond’s seductive garden shops last weekend, but it’s been a long, cold winter and I couldn’t resist all those colorful flowery offerings begging, “Take me! “Take me!” -
VIDEO: Man hands out Abercrombie clothes on Skid Row in bid to shame brand
Anger has mounted online against clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch due to comments made by its chief executive and its strategy of not making women's clothing in any size above large.
-
Feces contaminates 58 percent of public swimming pools
Human feces taints more than half of public swimming pools, a finding U.S. health officials are using to urge better personal hygiene as the summer months approach.
- More Features Headlines
-
Do a little research before donating to the cause
