Whatzup Politics (1562)
Written by
Rep. Rick West
Education Plan Promises Additional Funding to Local Schools
The House this week passed a bill that would add more than $9.6 million to schools attended by students who live in House District 3.
House bill 2775 would increase funding for public schools throughout the state by $500 million. With that money, every teacher not designated as an administrator would get a $2,500 pay raise; $50 million would be sent to schools that receive below-average funding from local tax revenue; and $300 million would be distributed to public school districts on a per-pupil basis to be spent on specific classroom materials or supplies or on the students for additional learning.
Here's the breakdown of how much additional funding each school district attended by a constituent in House District 3 would receive under this plan based on current student counts:
Arkoma: $467,531.71
Bokoshe: $166,841.14
Cameron: $288,664.60
Heavener: $1,047,453.48
Hodgen: $343,579.55
Howe: $819,380.50
Keota: $512,3030.90
Monroe: $132,123.91
Panama: $725,789.12
Pocola: $861,393.93
Poteau: $2,431,513.99
Shady Point: $166,167.37
Spiro: $1,141,004.02
Wister: $558,591.93
HB2775 outlines how the appropriated monies can be spent, including on teacher and support staff raises, STEM programs, instructional materials, fees for nationally standardized assessments, summer education programs, after-school programs, student support services, or tuition and fees for concurrent enrollment.
We also passed House Bill 1935 that creates the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act, which would allow a $5,000 annual tax credit for parents of eligible students that attend private schools and a $2,500 credit for students educated by other means. The bill includes a provision allowing parents to request an advance on the tax credit to help pay for the upcoming semester.
Many parents have told lawmakers they want additional choices when it comes to education for their children This plan adds money to the local public school districts but also gives those parents who want something different a chance to direct some of their tax dollars toward that goal.
The tax credit can be applied toward private school tuition or fees or for qualified expenses for homeschooled children, including classes, textbooks and other instructional materials, extracurricular activities and programs and concurrent enrollment courses.
On a different note, on March 7, Oklahomans will be asked whether or not to legalize recreational marijuana use for those over the age of 21.
Oklahoma currently is reported to be No. 1 for marijuana use in the nation with one in 10 adults possessing a medical marijuana card. There are currently 369,468 patient license holders, 1,554 caregiver licenses, 7,078 grow licenses and 2,877 dispensaries.
I would encourage everyone to do their homework on this important issue and then go exercise your right to vote.
Remember to listen to me on KPRV Radio at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday for my legislative update.
As always, if I can help you with anything, feel free to call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
Written by
Rep. Rick West
Bills Would Ban Transgender surgeries
The Senate this week passed a bill that would prohibit gender transition procedures for children under the age of 18. The House, meanwhile, has House Bill 2177 that would prohibit a health care professional from referring, performing, or attempting to perform these procedures.
Children with specific medical disorders could be treated.
The author of the Senate bill explained that these transition treatments are permanent, irreversible, and can lead to a host of medical problems later in life. I like to explain it this way: If I cut off my leg because it suddenly felt good to me to do so, I'd likely be locked up in a mental institution. Why are we allowing kids to make these life-altering decisions that can absolutely wreck their physical and their mental health when there is no verifiable medical reason to do?
Four of my own bills passed committee last week.
House Bill 1006 would require schools to grant an excused absence for students participating in 4-H activities that are approved by the county 4-H facilitator. Students would be allowed to make up any work missed and their grades would not be adversely affected by an absence for an allowed activity.
House Bill 1010 would allow state agencies to purchase equipment and supplies from a local business without first getting approval from the State Purchasing Division if they are in a county without a contracted vendor.
House Bill 1008 creates the Oklahoma Right to Garden Act. Believe it or not, the government can regulate where or if a private garden is allowed. This bill ensures people can grow their own food.
House Bill 1026 removes the ability of the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) to certify as a peace officer any person with resident alien status.
Several of my other bills will be heard in committee this week.
Back home, I'm getting a lot of calls about the trash on the side of the roads in LeFlore County. I talked with the Department of Corrections this week to discuss a possible deal between them and the county sheriff to allow inmates to help pick up the trash. They seemed receptive to the idea.
I also contacted the Kansas City Railroad about their trains tying up crossings in Heavener. This creates quite a public safety issue as fire trucks and other emergency vehicles can't get through. Residents also are impeded. We discussed a possible overpass. I make no promises, but they are at least aware of the issue.
Remember to listen to me on KPRV Radio at 7:30 a.m. every Thursday for my legislative update.
As always, if I can help you with anything, feel free to call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
- Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
Written by
Ronnie Burgess for Street Commissioner
Burgess for Poteau Street Commissioner
I am now officially a candidate for City of Poteau Street Commissioner.
Thank you to all those who have supported me this far and those who will support me the entire way.
My plan moving forward it to hit the streets and meet everyone I can, answer questions, discuss with citizens ways to help, work closely with the city council just like I have been since day one, and make the best positive changes for Poteau.
Vote Ronnie Burgess Poteau Street Commissioner April 4, 2023.
Written by
David Deaton
Request for Absentee Ballots - deadline is Feb 20
The deadline to request absentee ballots by mail is approaching.
Applications must be received by the County Election Board no later than 5 p.m. Monday, February 20.
Leflore County Election Board Secretary, Sharon Steele, says absentee voting is available to all voters and can be submitted several ways.
"In Oklahoma, no excuse is needed to vote by absentee ballot, and it's easy to apply! Voters can submit their application online, in-person, by fax, mail, or even email."
Voters can apply online using the OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp. Applications are also available at the County Election Board or can be downloaded at oklahoma.gov/elections.
Steele reminds voters that only the applicant can submit his or her own absentee ballot application. It is against the law to submit an absentee ballot application for another person. Voters who submit their application in-person at the County Election Board will be asked to provide proof of identity.
Voters with questions about absentee voting should contact the County Election Board at 918-647-3701 or e-mail leflorecounty@elections.ok.gov
The Le Flore County Election Board is located at 103 N. Church St., Poteau and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Written by
News release
House Democrats Oppose Plan to Move $250 million in Public Funds to Private Schools
OKLAHOMA CITY – House Democratic Caucus Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City said house democrats will continue to vote against any plan that would redirect public funding to private schools.
“HB 1935 is a $250 million dollar proposal to fund private schools,” Rep. Munson said.
HB 1935 passed the House A&B committee today.
"Oklahoma still ranks at the bottom of the region in per-pupil funding and Oklahoma teachers are some of the lowest paid teachers in the nation," Rep. Munson said.
House democrats said accountability and financial oversight have been major concerns with education funding.
Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa said that the bill does not provide any accountability.
“We don’t want another Epic. We don’t want another Class Wallet. We don’t want the funds to be spent on Christmas trees and video games,” she said.
Provenzano also added that the proposal will create long-term inequities.
“We are creating two systems: Public schools who take every student and private schools who take the students they choose. It is unethical and inequitable.”
HB 1935 is headed for a vote on the House Floor.
Written by
Press Release
Dempsey Appointed to Serve on Energy and Environment Committee
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, will serve on the Energy and Environment Committee for The Council of State Governments Southern Office.
House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, appointed Dempsey to the position.
"Energy is a crucial part of our state's economy and history," Dempsey said. "I am honored to take on this role, and I look forward to examining the issues relating to our region's natural resources and their central role in Oklahoma's economic success."
The term is one year and will end on December 31, 2023.
The Council of State Governments Southern Office (CSG South) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan member organization serving the southern legislatures. Its mission is to promote and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation among its member states.
Dempsey, a Republican, has served House District 1 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2020.
Written by
Rep. Rick West
Legislative Session Starts
The First Session of the 59th Legislature got underway last week. The governor outlined his priorities in his annual State of the State address.
His first call was for education savings accounts, which would allow parents to use part of their tax dollars for education options of their choosing. He also would like to grant teacher pay raises based on performance and not just give across-the-board increases.
The governor also wants to expand concurrent enrollment courses for high school students so they can more easily earn college credit even before they graduate high school.
He also suggested we rethink our CareerTech funding model, which was created over 60 years ago. Instead of just building new buildings, the governor said he would like us to invest in high school freshmen so they graduate ready to start a career in cybersecurity, diesel mechanics, or many other fields.
The governor mentioned the state savings account, which he said is $4 billion. We also have a $1.8 billion surplus this year.
The governor said this gives us the perfect opportunity to cut taxes. He wants to eliminate the state portion of the grocery tax and lower the individual income tax, returning more tax dollars back to the people. He wants to fund law enforcement and continue to fight against federal overreach.
Also this week, the House observed Rose Day. This is held each year near the beginning of the legislative session. Hundreds of people who support the protection of life for the unborn usually visit the Capitol and distribute roses to their state legislators, the governor and the lieutenant governor. Each rose symbolizes the life of an unborn child.
I would like to thank the members of my church, Big Creek Baptist, that made the long trip to the Capitol to take part in Rose Day. We didn't have as many people at this year's gathering as in the past. That may be because Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. But I want to encourage people not to let their guard down. The fight is not over. There are some who want to grant exceptions to allow more abortions. I signed a statement this week with other lawmakers in support of our current abortion laws, which are the most comprehensive in the country. We intend to defend these current laws as they stand, with the only allowed exception being to save the life of the mother. We are compassionate toward women who face sometimes very difficult or even heartbreaking circumstances, but in the end we believe that each and every child has a right to life.
Rep. Rick West welcomed Mindy White, LeFlore County Court Clerk; April Caughern, County Treasurer; and Deanna Morrison, County Assessor to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.
As always, if I can help you with anything, feel free to call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
Written by
Jarrod Ridenour
Ridenour Announces Candidacy for Poteau Mayor
It is with a servant’s heart; I’m honored to announce my candidacy to serve as the Mayor of Poteau.
To serve Poteau effectively, I believe in building a foundation of:
1: Accessibility to create accountability.
2: Transparency to build trust; and
3: Partnerships for progress
I believe in being accessible to you. By discussing the needs of the city, we will create accountability between city hall and our citizens.
By hearing your voice, we will create true transparency; which will build the trust that citizens deserve.
With trust comes partnerships. Alone, a person cannot accomplish much, but by working together, we will create the progress Poteau needs.
I look forward to sharing my vision and having passionate discussions on how to move Poteau forward. I humbly ask for your support and vote on April 4th to serve you.
Follow the campaign on the Facebook Page: “Jarrod Ridenour for Poteau Mayor”; contact by calling/texting 918-413-0928.
Best wishes,
Jarrod Ridenour
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
- Psalm 82:3-4.”
Written by
News release
Polling Place Change for March 7 Election
The polling place for Precinct 201 has been changed, Sharon Steele, Secretary of the LeFlore County Election Board, announced today.
Voters in Precinct 201 formerly voted at Dog Creek Community Church, 29484 Dog Creek Road, Shady Point.
Effective immediately, the new polling place will be Latham Fire Dept. Building, 29844 Latham Rd in Shady Point. The first election held at the new location will be the State Special Election scheduled to March 7.
Voters who have questions or concerns, should contact the LeFlore County Election Board at 918-647-3701 or leflorecounty@elections.ok.gov. The County Election Board is located at 103 N. Church St., Poteau. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Written by
News release
FEBRUARY 14, 2023 ELECTION DAY REMINDERS AND TIPS
Voters will head to the polls on February 14 to decide a number of issues. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Leflore County Election Board Secretary, Sharon Steele recommends voters with questions about their eligibility or polling place call before Election Day.
"We provide a number of additional services to voters on Election Day, so it can get very busy. If you have any questions, we strongly suggest you call or come by the week before Election Day if possible. If you find that you do have a question on Election Day, however, don't hesitate to call."
Steele says the State Election Board's OK Voter Portal is the easiest way for voters to verify their registration or locate their polling place. The OK Voter Portal can be found at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp.
The LeFlore County Election Board reminds voters to bring a current federal or Oklahoma state-issued photo ID, or federally-recognized tribal ID to their polling place. An official Voter Identification Card can also be used as proof of identity. If you forget your ID, you may still cast a provisional ballot by signing an affidavit. Provisional ballots will be verified and counted after Election Day and before the election is certified.
For questions, please contact the Leflore County Election Board at 918-647-3701 or leflorecounty@elections.ok.gov. The County Election Board is located at 103 N. Church St., Poteau. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.