Calvey Capitol Update
Your source of info on Oklahoma State Government
By State Representative Kevin Calvey ( R-Del City )

Compiled from media reports and press releases

Week of January 13-20, 2006

Yesterday was the filing deadline for bills. I got mine filed. Some of them still need some redrafting, but we are mostly done with the drafts. From the looks of it, it will be a BUSY legislative session beginning in a couple of weeks.

I was glad that the editorial writers for The Daily Oklahoman agree with my comments in last week’s “Calvey Capitol Update” regarding the outrageous teachers’ union lawsuit, and with my inclination not to support increases in education funding until the lawsuit is dismissed. I was also heartened that several teachers responded, and all but one of them are opposed to the lawsuit.

As you will probably notice, the Updates will get longer for awhile, because legislative activity increases markedly when we are about to begin the session.

First, a little update on the tobacco tax fiasco:

Calvey: New Tobacco Rules Probably Illegal

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 17) - Governor Brad Henry's proposal to
arbitrarily cap the number of cigarette packs some tribal smoke shops
can sell may be illegal and is probably unenforceable, State Rep. Kevin
Calvey said today.
to read more click here

TV Channel 5 and Channel 9 aired stories on this next item.

Calvey Files Legislation Requiring State Employees to Report Illegal Immigrants

OKLAHOMA CITY- (January 19, 2006) -A state lawmaker filed legislation today that would require all state employees to report instances of illegal immigration that they discover on the job
to read more click here

4 th Annual Operation Outcry Event
to read more click here

Speaker Hiett & House GOP Leaders Introduce “Kelsey Briggs Act”: 3rd Plank of Keeping Oklahoma Kids Safe Initiative Seeks to Protect Children from Abuse

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 17, 2005) –  Speaker Hiett and House Republican leaders today introduced the third plank of their “Keeping Oklahoma Kids Safe” initiative, seeking new provisions to protect children from abuse and neglect.
to read more click here

Terrill Seeks Tax Break for Health Charities

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 18) - Organizations affiliated with Community
Health Charities could save more than $80,000 every year if legislation
filed by State Rep. Randy Terrill becomes law.
to read more click here

Trebilcock Renews Call to Ban Lawmaker-Lobbyists

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 18) - State Rep. John Trebilcock said today he
will renew his call to close the revolving door that allows state
lawmakers to become lobbyists.
to read more click here

Martin Seeks Legislation to Help Fight Against Child Predators

OKLAHOMA CITY - An Oklahoma legislator has filed a bill to help fund law
enforcement agencies in their fight against child predators.
to read more click here

Rep. Morrissette Statement on State's Proposal to GM 

OKLAHOMA CITY-(January 18, 2006)-Gov. Brad Henry, along with State Rep. Richard Morrissette (D-Oklahoma City), State Treasurer Scott Meacham, officials from United Auto Workers Union Local 1999 and officials from the State Department of Commerce, unveiled an incentive-laden proposal today that has recently been offered to General Motors in an effort to prevent the shutdown on the South Oklahoma City assembly plant.
to read more click here

House Speaker Todd Hiett Issues Statement on General Motors Plan

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 18, 2006) -  Speaker Todd Hiett issued a
statement responding to a plan released by the governor to keep GM from
closing its Oklahoma City plant.
to read more click here

Perry Seeks Property Tax Relief for Low-Income Senior Citizens

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 19) - State Rep. Fred Perry today announced he
will file a bill to give low-income senior citizens more property tax
relief. 
to read more click here

Bill Would Protect "Exclusive Remedy" of Workers Compensation Court

OKLAHOMA CITY- (January 19, 2006) - A recent Oklahoma State Supreme Court ruling could effectively eliminate the state's "exclusive remedy" of workers' compensation court, prompting State Rep. Ben Sherrer to file legislation to prevent that from happening.
to read more click here

Lawmaker Creates Fund for Soldiers' Funerals

OKLAHOMA CITY - An Oklahoma lawmaker has filed legislation that would
reimburse organizations that provide funeral detail services for fallen
soldiers.
to read more click here

I was able to assist several constituents this week. One lady had her bank account frozen when her husband died. We are researching why the entire account was frozen. The Tax Commission does freeze 10% of accounts, to ensure payment of any estate taxes that might be due (there were none due in this instance). If I can ever assist you at the State Capitol, please feel free to contact me at kevincalvey@okhouse.gov, or by phone at (405) 557-7370, or write Rep. Kevin Calvey, State Capitol Room 437, 2300 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Have a blessed day!