Whatzup Politics (2009)
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Congressman Brecheen Votes for SAVE Act to Safeguard America’s Federal Elections
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen voted in favor of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which requires states to obtain proof of citizenship in person when registering an individual to vote and requires states to remove illegal aliens from existing voter rolls in federal elections.
“It should not be controversial to say that only American citizens should determine the direction of our country through the process of voting,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “The only reason Democrats and President Biden oppose this commonsense legislation is because they want millions of illegal aliens to vote so they can stay in power. House Republicans are taking action to ensure America’s elections are safe and secure.”
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Oklahoma Senators Mourn the Passing of Former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, and Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, today released the following statements mourning the passing of former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, a dedicated public servant who played a pivotal role in strengthening national security and supporting military facilities across the state of Oklahoma.
"Senator Jim Inhofe was a towering figure in Oklahoma politics and a steadfast champion for our military,” Sen. Pugh said. “His unwavering commitment to national security and his tireless efforts to enhance our state's military infrastructure have left an indelible mark. Sen. Inhofe’s legacy of service will continue to inspire us all. He fought tirelessly to keep some of our nation’s most critical military facilities open during tight budget years when the federal government was trying to close them. My continued thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."
Senator Rosino also shared his condolences.
"Senator Inhofe's dedication to our nation's defense and his advocacy for Oklahoma's military bases were unparalleled,” Sen. Rosino said. “He worked tirelessly to ensure our troops had the resources they needed and that our facilities remained at the forefront of national security. Jim Inhofe's passing is a profound loss for Oklahoma and for the entire nation. His contributions to national security and support for Oklahoma's military installations will be remembered and honored for years to come."
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House Democrats voice concerns following State Superintendent’s overhaul of social studies standards
OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democrats have voiced their concerns regarding an announcement from the State Superintendent that Oklahoma social studies standards will be completely overhauled.
The State Superintendent’s press release says these new standards include the introduction of the Bible as an instructional book and the implementation of a classical learning model.
House Democrats say it is a violation of constitutional rights and promotes American exceptionalism.
“The State Superintendent continues to put his extremist political agenda over the needs of Oklahoma’s students and teachers,” House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, said. “His Executive Review Committee is made up of extremist Republicans who are seeking to strip Oklahomans of their right to freedom of religion and a well-rounded, public education. It is a continued attack on Oklahomans and another attempt at erasing the valuable programs that are actively benefiting Oklahoma’s students and the future of our state. Our public school teachers are leaving the classroom in droves, and this latest action only exasperates this very real challenge we are facing in our public schools – both in urban and rural Oklahoma. Since the Republican supermajority has done very little to hold the State Superintendent accountable, he continues to be emboldened to dismantle, defund, and destroy our public school system daily.”
Former educator and current House Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, says this overhaul is a dangerous political tactic.
“The latest atrocity from OSDE is an affront to the Oklahoma educators who have always developed and refined our social studies standards,” Waldron said. “This ‘carpetbagger curriculum’ would be made up from whole cloth by a panel of out-of-state so-called experts, and would represent a dangerous politicization of our academic process. Simply put, this is un-American and un-Oklahoman.”
Former educator and current House Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman, says this overhaul does not address the needs of Oklahoma children and parents.
“We already know that the State Superintendent doesn’t care about the children and parents of Oklahoma; he only cares for himself and his next appearance on far-right news media,” Rosecrants said. “His enlisting of out-of-state extremists behind Project 2025 to revamp our own Oklahoma State standards in social studies only further proves this. The State Superintendent says Oklahomans want to erase the line between church and state, but that is simply not true. Oklahomans are disgusted by his blatant disregard of the Constitution.”
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Ceremonial signing held for bill establishing permanent Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board
OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City, has spent much of her legislative career championing efforts to better support survivors of sexual assault and bring predators to justice. On Tuesday, a ceremonial bill signing was held to mark the governor’s approval of Senate Bill 1933, making the state’s Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Task Force into a permanent board, ensuring its work will continue for years to come.
Floyd, who is term limited this year, said SB 1933 represented the culmination of work that has spanned her 12 years in the legislature to help sexual assault survivors pursue justice, utilizing a bipartisan approach and bringing all stakeholders, including law enforcement, prosecutors, survivors and advocates, to the table.
“When we first started, we had more than 7,000 untested rape kits, but by this past session, we’d reduced the backlog to about 700, and those should be cleared within a year. These efforts are proof of what we can achieve on behalf of our citizens through bipartisan cooperation,” Floyd said. “I’m grateful to my principal House author, Rep. Kevin Wallace, for his hard work, for the support of our fellow members on both sides of the aisle, and to Governor Kevin Stitt for signing this bill into law.”
"I'm thrilled to see this bill signed into law and thank everyone who played a role in passing this vital legislation,” said Wallace, R-Wellston. “This is necessary and important work to help us find and prosecute perpetrators and to help assist victims of these horrible crimes."
SB 1933 will take effect on Nov. 1, 2024.
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Pro Tem Treat Comments on the Passing of Former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe
OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, today released the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe.
“Senator Inhofe was a resolute Republican who served his state and nation for nearly six decades in various roles,” Pro Tem Treat said. “Unwavering in his beliefs and conservative values, he championed many causes during his career, including his support for the military, national defense and infrastructure. His dedication and influence in shaping policies in both Oklahoma and on a national level have left a lasting impact. My wife Maressa and I send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and many friends.”
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Rep. Jim Grego
Capitol Greetings July 9, 2024
Workforce development seems to be the phrase of the day lately. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell came to McAlester last week, meeting with the team at the local workforce development center as well as with McAlester Chamber of Commerce members in a discussion and question and answer type setting.
Everyone is keenly aware of the shortage of an available workforce in almost every occupation. Lt. Gov. Pinnell dove into some of the root causes. Several points that came forward were the need for affordable day care and housing. It was a productive meeting with many community business leaders present. Ironically, the next day I received a call from Oklahoma State University Extension asking for assistance in setting up some type of community meeting addressing the workforce shortage in rural Oklahoma. At least this seems to be on everybody's radar. Hopefully some meaningful solutions will be forthcoming.
We did pass some legislation over the past few years that should help in this area.
This year, Senate Bill 1447 was signed into law. This adds the Oklahoma Workforce Commission as a collaborator on the state's five-year economic development plan and requires the plan to include an economic development strategy that addresses target industries, site development and workforce needs.
House Bill 3449 establishes the University Hospitals Authority Behavioral Health Workforce Development Fund to help support workforce development in this field and facilitate access to behavioral health professionals.
Additional legislation has been in the area of CareerTech and Higher Education, better aligning workforce development at this stage to help the state fill critical job areas such as teachers, engineers, nurses and more.
As always, thank You for allowing me to serve you. I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim.grego@okhouse.gov.
-END-
Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and part and Pittsburg County.
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Congressman Brecheen Issues Statement in Memory of U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen issued the following statement after the passing of former United States Senator Jim Inhofe.
“I am very sad to hear of the passing of former Oklahoma United States Senator Jim Inhofe. Jim and his family devoted nearly sixty years of public service for the people of Oklahoma. May the peace that only the Lord can provide be with the Inhofe family during this difficult time,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.
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Congressman Josh Brecheen To Host Telephone Town Hall on July 10th at 7 PM CT
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen will be hosting a telephone town hall on July 10th at 7 PM CT.
During the call, Congressman Brecheen will provide an update on some of the most pressing policy issues facing our country, including our nearly $35 trillion national debt, and answer live questions from constituents.
Details for participating in the telephone town hall are below:
Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m. CT
Dial-in Number: 888-480-3675
Constituents should dial 888-480-3675 on July 10th at 7 PM CT if they would like to participate in the call. To watch a live stream of the call, constituents can visit our Facebook page here.
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Rep. Jim Grego
Capitol Greetings July 1, 2024
I was saddened to read about the Oklahoma Supreme Court's recent ruling against St Isidore Catholic Charter School. As a Catholic growing up in rural Oklahoma, I never had an opportunity for any Catholic influence on my education as so many of our city dwellers enjoy daily. I understand the naysayers about how all these other non-traditional religions would now start schools of their own, but how many of these other religions have schools now?
Catholics have had schools in our larger metropolitan areas for decades. I just see this as another avenue of educating children and a way to allow parents who pay taxes for education to choose this as an option for their children
On another topic, the Senate will reconvene in special session July 15 to consider the governor's nominee for an OSU Board of Regents seat. The Senate plans to pick a new president pro-tempore-elect. I am glad this will be resolved soon. I have been requested to resume my lobbying efforts of trying to restart our unique prison rodeo. I believe once senate leadership is established, I may be able to move forward with this proposal. One never knows about timing as the Department of Corrections is in somewhat of a turmoil over losing some contracts with one of their private providers.
This week, we celebrate our American tradition of independence. Too often we just think about fireworks' displays, but this holiday reflects so much more. It's about our choice to have a government of the people, by the people and for the people and the liberties we enjoy because of our Constitution and our Declaration of Independence. Please never take the freedoms we enjoy for granted.
At the same time, however, I do hope you are able to enjoy one or more of the numerous fireworks displays in our area. Always remember to thank the many sponsors who contribute to pay for us to enjoy these celebrations.
As always, thank You for allowing me to serve you. I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim.grego@okhouse.gov.
Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and part and Pittsburg County.
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Latino Caucus members react to preliminary injunction of unconstitutional law
OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in May that alleged HB 4156 violates constitutionality and the federal government’s sole jurisdiction over immigration and border issues. A preliminary injunction was issued, temporarily halting the law's enactment, which would have been on July 1, 2024.
“We stand firm in our commitment to uphold the constitutional rights of every individual residing in Oklahoma,” Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, said. “HB 4156 not only violates the fundamental principles of our nation but also instills fear and uncertainty within our communities. The Latino Caucus filed a lawsuit to challenge this unjust legislation and included a preliminary injunction to halt its implementation while the courts deliberate.”
The law further criminalizes illegal immigration by making the first offense a misdemeanor with jail time of up to a year, or a fine of $500, or both. The offender would have 72 hours from the time given to them to leave the State of Oklahoma and will not be allowed back in the state at any point afterward. The second offense would be a felony.
Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, says this law is political theater.
“This bill was a clear political stunt meant to secure the primary elections of our Republican leaders and it wasn’t even successful,” Menz said. “Instead, it targeted a large portion of Oklahoma, angered law enforcement officials, and attempted to bypass the constitution. An injunction is the obvious choice.”
Alonso-Sandoval assures Oklahomans that lawmakers will not stop working to protect them.
“We understand the anxiety and fear this legislation has caused among undocumented Oklahomans and their families,” Alonso-Sandoval said. “Please know that we are working tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure that this bill does not go into effect. HB 4156 is a cheap political move that will cost taxpayers millions and will only manage to lose an essential workforce to the state. Oklahoma will be so much better once we are willing to have conversations about actual solutions.”