Runway to Win: Fashion Designers in Support of Obama 2012
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Oklahoma Democratic Party
The Official Blog
Meet Debbie Bosanek, otherwise known as Warren Buffett’s secretary—and the inspiration behind the “Buffett Rule.”
Do top elected Oklahoma Republicans deserve a pay raise?
Inman Blasts Potential Pay Increases for Top Elected Officials
Leader Inman has blasted a potential pay increase for top republican elected officials, ones that have repeatedly attacked middle class Oklahomans this past year particularly Governor Mary Fallin, Insurance Commissioner John Doak, Superintendent of Education Janet Barresi, and Labor Commissioner Mark Costello. It starts with the subtle fact that statewide officials salaries are tied to the judiciary.
The Board on Judicial Compensation voted in September to support an across the board 6% increase in the salaries of Oklahoma judges.
The Governor’s salary, for example, is tied to that of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who currently makes $147,000 per year. A 6% bump in salary will bring the Governor’s compensation to $155,820.00, with another $2,130.00 in increased benefits.
“At a time when average Oklahoma families are struggling to put food on the table, haven’t had a pay increase in years, and are suffering through rising costs in medical care, it would be unconscionable for the Republican leadership and the Governor to stand by and allow over $350,000 in pay increases for elected state officials,” Inman said.
The Judicial Compensation Board presented this pay increase recommendation to the House of Representatives and to the Governor four months ago for their approval. No comments have been forthcoming as to plans to disapprove this pending pay increase.
Leader Inman noted that the pay increases would be “egregiously hypocritical” if approved.
“To give the issue some perspective, the Governor and the Republican leadership would be giving a raise to politicians who have assaulted the pay and job security of teachers, firefighters, police officers, and many others who struggle to make ends meet.” Leader Inman said.
These potential pay increases would be going to a Governor that does not support insurance for newborns.
A labor commissioner that thinks of teachers as “feral hogs” and has asked for legislation from Senator Dan Newberry (R)-Tulsa to be written that attacks protections for 25,000 employees.
Superintendent Barresi last year declined to fund the National Board Certified Teacher program, which offered a $5,000 annual bonus to teachers with that certification. Teachers who completed the rigorous program on the promises of this merit pay received in effect a 12% pay cut due to Supt. Barresi’s decision.
“To top it all off, there are serious efforts underway to further reduce state revenue and eliminate the few credits on the books that aid middle and lower-income families. If the decision of the Governor and the Republican leadership is to do nothing and let this pay increase take effect, it would be not only inappropriate, but irresponsible as well.”
Inman said, “It has been six years since state employees received a pay increase. A lot of these statewide elected officials make three to five times more than average Oklahomans who take home little more than $30,000 a year. Today I call on all our statewide elected officials to reject this pay raise. To do anything less is inexcusable!”
Oklahoma City- Under legislation state Rep. Joe Dorman plans to file next week, companies that take a waste product and turn it into a new, usable product would qualify for Oklahoma’s Quality Jobs program. “The chairman of the task force looking at tax credits has praised the Oklahoma Quality Jobs program again and again and I think we should expand it to include companies involved in business-side recycling and remanufacturing,” Dorman, D-Rush Springs, said. “These businesses reduce trash, which is a major headache for government entities at all levels. They also create a product and jobs. Businesses must produce jobs to qualify, so taxpayers are ensured a return on their investment.”
(Source: okhouse.gov)
Oklahoma Senator Dan Newberry (R) - Tulsa seeks to eliminate employment protections for nearly 25,000 state workers. The bill provides that “appointing authorities shall not convey any right or expectation of continued employment to all employees…the appointing authority may separate each employee at any time with or without cause.”
“This legislation, if enacted, would bolster the ‘good ‘ole boy’ system that has plagued Oklahoma for so long,” Rep. Lockhart said. “Senator Newberry’s bill would increase the influence an elected official could have on the hiring and firing of state employees.”
(Source: kotv.images.worldnow.com)
That HQ mural we told you about the other day just got painted in. Here’s some before-and-after.
![pantslessprogressive:
” […] homeless families and troubled children were not the biggest beneficiaries of ‘Operation Good Neighbor.’ Instead, the foundation spent most of its money to run itself, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees for fundraising, administration and office rental paid to Santorum’s political allies.
The charity also had significant overlap with the senator’s campaigns and his work on Capitol Hill. Among the leading donors to the foundation were Pennsylvania development and finance firms that had donated to his election efforts and had interests that Santorum had supported in the Senate.
Santorum, whose last-minute surge in the Iowa caucuses has brought new attention to his presidential bid, portrays himself as a common man concerned about the gap between the nation’s rich and poor. But in the case of his charity, his efforts ended up mostly helping his cadre of political friends.
Before it folded in 2007, the foundation raised $2.58 million, with 39 percent of that donated directly to groups helping the needy. By industry standards, such philanthropic groups should be donating nearly twice that, from 75 to 85 percent of their funds.” - Carol D. Leonnig and Dan Eggen
Santorum charity for the poor spent most of its money on management, political friends](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxr44bsbai1qzr73ro1_500.jpg)
” […] homeless families and troubled children were not the biggest beneficiaries of ‘Operation Good Neighbor.’ Instead, the foundation spent most of its money to run itself, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees for fundraising, administration and office rental paid to Santorum’s political allies.
The charity also had significant overlap with the senator’s campaigns and his work on Capitol Hill. Among the leading donors to the foundation were Pennsylvania development and finance firms that had donated to his election efforts and had interests that Santorum had supported in the Senate.
Santorum, whose last-minute surge in the Iowa caucuses has brought new attention to his presidential bid, portrays himself as a common man concerned about the gap between the nation’s rich and poor. But in the case of his charity, his efforts ended up mostly helping his cadre of political friends.
Before it folded in 2007, the foundation raised $2.58 million, with 39 percent of that donated directly to groups helping the needy. By industry standards, such philanthropic groups should be donating nearly twice that, from 75 to 85 percent of their funds.” - Carol D. Leonnig and Dan Eggen
Santorum charity for the poor spent most of its money on management, political friends
Senator Andrew Rice’s final pieces of advice
To the Republicans at the Capitol: Being entirely dismissive of the minority party’s views is just as toxic to good government as it was when the ruling Democrats did it. Little good comes from single-party rule — regardless of which party is in charge. Don’t become what you used to abhor.
To Republican voters in OKC: Many of you are much more moderate than you realize. This shouldn’t scare you. Oklahoma City’s dynamic growth over the past 20 years has come from a mixture of both conservative and progressive initiatives between city government and the private sector. The day soon may present itself that a centrist Democrat or independent candidate is more in line with your policy positions than a conservative Republican candidate.
To straight allies of Oklahoma’s LGBT community: The far right in Oklahoma cannot hold back the inevitable evolution taking place in regard to LGBT equal rights across America, even in this deeply red state. But your gay and lesbian sibling, colleague or friend needs you to step up publicly more often and affirm that he or she plays an important role in the mainstream culture and commerce of this city and state.
To Oklahoma Democrats: Despite what many in the local media say about the reasons for the demise of the Democratic Party here, we local Democrats bear little of the blame. What could we have done to stop right-wing talk radio and cable news, political activism from evangelical pulpits, and the political money from Oklahoma’s business community that all have effectively made the Democratic brand unacceptable to the state’s swing voters? I suggest holding your ground in the political middle, while elected Republicans try to outrace each other to the far right.
To public-education reformers: I trust you realize there is no easy fix. But I maintain much of the most important and difficult work to do is outside of the classroom, not inside of it. Kids from low-income families bring to the classroom a host of domestic, emotional and economic problems that can overwhelm even the most dedicated and experienced teacher. Check out Educare in south OKC, and learn how that facility creates stability for the entire family of the student.
To future candidates for the Legislature: Campaigning door-to door is a must. It does not ensure victory, but it’s very hard to win if you don’t do it. It will inoculate you well from your opponent’s attacks, and will build a unique trust between you and your future constituents. Plus, it will provide meaningful memories on those days at N.E. 23rd Street and Lincoln Boulevard when you ask yourself, “Why in the world did I do this to myself and my family?”
To my constituents: Thank you for entrusting me with the privilege and responsibility of being your senator for six years. I tried to match your fierce, independent-minded spirit in my day-today work. It was an honor to serve you.
And lastly: Go, Thunder!
Andrew Rice is a member of the Oklahoma Senate, representing District 46. He is resigning his seat Jan. 15 to move with his family to another state.
Lawmaker States School Board Flouts Teacher Evaluation Law
Oklahoma Representative Ed Cannaday sent out a press release today giving comments on Supt. of Education Janet Barresi’s apparent disregard for the law in teacher evaluations. You can read his full comments on the Oklahoma Democratic Party website.
Obama for America Poster Contest Winners Announced
An Oklahoma-based designer, Jeff Rogers, recently won the Poster Contest sponsored by the OFA campaign. Obama for America invited artists from across the country to volunteer their creativity to support President Obama’s jobs plan and the campaign by entering our Art Works poster design contest.
The Obama Campaign announced that Jeff’s design was selected on Thursday, December 22nd.
Out of thousands of submissions Jeff’s design was one of the top 3 selected. He will receive a signed print of his work by the President. You can view his poster and buy a print along with the other two winning designs at the online campaign store.
