House Democrats Fight for Progress in the Face of Adversity

Democrats in the Oklahoma House of Representatives are calling for swift action on measures to implement commons sense reforms in education, insurance, and public safety in the 2010 Legislative Agenda announced this week. 

The agenda highlights legislation offered by various Democratic House members in the areas of the budget and economic development, education, insurance reform, public safety, consumer protection and open government.

“I believe that this agenda is very proactive. I think it also stresses the importance of strengthening our working families and helping to provide the assistance that they need in today’s difficult economic conditions,” said Rep. Danny Morgan of Prague, Democratic Leader in the House. “This is a critical time that calls for leadership and hard work, and during this session we think Oklahomans will see that it is the Democratic Party that fights for the things that can have a real positive impact on their lives.” 

“As Democrats, we will do everything in our power to stand up for the working men and women of Oklahoma,” added Democratic Caucus Chairman Chuck Hoskin of Vinita. 

The agenda includes a strong focus on common sense initiatives that provide progress for Oklahoma with little or no cost, such as the Buy Oklahoma First Act and a related measure that would require state government to give preference to goods and services produced in Oklahoma in contracts and purchasing. 

“We are facing the greatest challenge since the oil and banking bust of the 1980s,” commented Rep. Scott Inman, Democratic Leader-elect for 2011. “When the new legislative session opens on Monday,  we must find ways to bridge the $1.3 billion gap between what we will receive and what we have budgeted, and do so in a way that enables us to continue providing essential services average Oklahomans depend on every day. We want to do this without causing unnecessary pain to folks who need us most, people like senior citizens, children in our public schools, victims of domestic abuse and those with mental health issues.” 

House Democratic Floor Leader Mike Brown criticized Republicans for wasting time pandering on national issues while ignoring local problems or making them worse. 

“We cannot afford to waste time debating and voting on a lot of things that are just symbolic in nature and have more to do with things that are going on in Washington, D.C. than they do with the real problems we have here in Oklahoma,” said Democratic Floor Leader Mike Brown of Tahlequah. “We are fighting for measures that will create and protect jobs in Oklahoma, and provide greater protection for consumers in areas like drug labeling, health insurance and banking practices. These are the kinds of things for which Democrats have always fought, and we hope the Republicans will join us for a change.” 

Democratic Caucus 2010 Legislative Agenda: Fighting for Progress in the Face of Adversity 

Over a short period of time, the new Republican leaders of the Oklahoma Legislature have demonstrated that what they say, and what they do, are often very different things. 

While Democrats are working to maintain critical government services on which average Oklahomans depend, the Republicans are committed to creating new agencies that duplicate services. 

They have invited hardship with tax policies that have helped the privileged few at the expense of average Oklahomans, and which have reduced the funding available for essential state services. At times, they sat back doing little to nothing, neglecting their responsibilities, while claiming to be doing their best. 

Today, we pledge a return to core moral principles, such as stewardship, service to others, personal responsibility, shared sacrifice and equal opportunity for all. Today, Oklahoma Democrats offer leaders worthy of this state’s trust, who will work to restore the dream of a better future for our children, and who reject the Republican vision of an economy in which our children must fight for low-wage jobs against competitors in the Third World.  We cannot keep doing the same things and expect different results, but that’s what the other side continues to propose. During this session we’ll learn where the true priorities of the two parties lie – it will be revealed by our deeds, our purpose, and the commitments we keep. 

The Budget and Economic Development

We are offering bills to promote Oklahoma businesses and industry when government contracts are awarded, and which encourage the private sector to do the same. We remain committed to funding the Rural Economic Action Plan program, which is vital to many smaller communities.

Improving Our Education System to Benefit All Residents

We know that quality school systems are among the key components of economic development. Today’s corporate leaders create new job opportunities only in states where residents have the skills, training and knowledge needed to meet their needs, and which have schools that prepare students to compete in our global economy.

Improving Health Care & Insurance at the State Level

Democrats will work to improve the health care available to Oklahomans through insurance reforms, better drug labeling, and aiding veterans who have been failed by federal programs.

Enhancing Public Safety and Security

We are dedicated to reducing the threat posed to innocent drivers by those who engage in texting and other distractions while behind the wheel. We will offer new legislation to protect children, to keep Oklahoma at the forefront of the nation’s efforts against methamphetamine, and continue our tradition of support for law enforcement agencies and corrections officers.

Consumer Protection and Social Equity

We are proposing legislation to expand consumer protection on credit cards and phone cards, and to require that taxpayer-financed health insurance benefits for state legislators do not exceed those provided to our educators.

Open, Accountable and Ethical Government 

As a party that values candor, accountability, and fairness, we insist that a government of the people must be open and honest, and champion the interests of all Oklahoman families, rather than those of powerful individuals and special interests.