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Friday, May 31, 2019
[MuskogeePolitico.com] Arkansas River crests in Muskogee, advice for flood victims, Trump approves disaster aid
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OCPA column: State savings effort makes sense
Savings effort makes sense
By Jonathan Small
Oklahoma’s revenue collections are setting near-records, and this year’s state appropriated budget has topped $8 billion for the first time, yet Gov. Kevin Stitt and Republican leaders’ willingness to set aside $200 million–an amount equal to just 1.1 percent of total state spending—has been met with shock from some tax consumers.
By the end of the fiscal year, Oklahoma will have $1 billion in savings to guard against the inevitable future day when revenues will falter or decline. That’s a record amount, but represents only about 7 percent of total state spending.
If you don’t save when times are good, when are you going to save money, and how will you handle the inevitable downturns of a state economy that is highly reliant on oil prices? Those who criticize state savings don’t want to face the reality that most families face when doing their own budget: You can’t have everything you want whenever you want it, and everything is not a dire need.
State agencies’ funding requests show many government officials don’t understand that reality. Lawmakers started this year with roughly $600 million more to appropriate than last year. Yet the budget requests submitted by state agencies exceeded that amount by around $1 billion. And this year’s surplus, while primarily the result of economic growth, comes after lawmakers enacted $1.1 billion in annual tax increases and other revenue measures just since 2015.
Though they seldom admit it in frank terms, those who criticize putting money into savings think the answer to all financial challenges is to raise taxes year after year. Budget restraint and savings never enter their calculations.
But we know no amount of money will ever satisfy the demands of tax consumers. Unless legislators set priorities and maintain a healthy savings fund, it puts in danger the financial stability of both state government and the working families taxed to pay for state government.
This year’s budget provides much new spending, including the second round of teacher pay raises in two years, increased classroom funding for schools, and pay raises for many state government workers for the second year in a row. To pair those spending increases with sensible savings is a good idea. The governor and legislative leaders are to be commended for ignoring the rhetoric of those who will never be satisfied and exercising sensible restraint with our tax dollars.
Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Clean Pro gives advice to flood victims, information on relief groups
In other Clean Pro news, it's time for the Muskogee Daily Phoenix ‘Best of Muskogee Reader’s Choice’ award nominations. We're already heard from customers who have nominated Clean Pro once again for 'Best Carpet Cleaner', an award we won in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Click here to learn how you can join in on the action and submit nominations for the full awards voting (top five advance).
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| Click here to learn how to submit nominations for the 'Best in Muskogee' contest |
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| Clean Pro won 'Best Carpet Cleaner' in 2015, 2016, and 2017 |
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers endorses Neese in 5th District primary
Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) Endorses Terry Neese In Race For Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District Seat
McMorris Rodgers: “I’m endorsing Terry because we need her conservative voice, experience, and leadership in this battle for freedom over socialism.”
Oklahoma City, OK – Terry Neese, conservative Republican, entrepreneur, international executive, and small business advocate has earned the endorsement of Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). In a statement released today, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers lauded Neese as a proven leader and job creator who will be a strong Republican ally in the fight against socialism.
“Terry Neese is a proven conservative leader, successful job creator, and international voice for women entrepreneurs,” said Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers. “It’s this real-world experience that informs Terry’s thought leadership for conservative policy solutions that promote free markets, free enterprise, and lower taxes. Terry always stands above the crowd and would be a dynamic member of the House. I’m endorsing Terry because we need her conservative voice, experience, and leadership in this battle for freedom over socialism.”
“I am humbled and honored to have received Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers’ endorsement,” said Terry Neese. “Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers has fought fiercely for a smaller, more accountable federal government that will help ensure a stronger and more prosperous America. I look forward to joining Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers on Capitol Hill to further our shared mission so we can deliver real results for the hardworking men and women in Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District and throughout the nation.”
For more information on Terry Neese or her campaign, visit NeeseForCongress.com.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Sunday, May 26, 2019
End in sight? Arkansas River appears to have crested at Muskogee
As historic flooding continues to affect northeastern and east-central Oklahoma, the Army Corps of Engineers appears to be cautiously optimistic about the reduction in flooding in the Arkansas River at Muskogee.
From the Tulsa World:
“Right now, on our current path, we expect the river to be back within its banks at Muskogee around June 8, barring any additional significant weather,” [Tulsa District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spokesman Preston Chasteen] said.Releases from Keystone Lake are being bumped up from 250,000 cubic feet per second to 275,000 cfs by Monday morning. That will result in slightly higher flood levels in the Tulsa area. However, for residents in Muskogee and further south, discharge from the Grand River at Fort Gibson Lake has reduced from 211,000 cfs at midnight last night to 177,000 cfs at 6pm Sunday, which will result in an almost even swap with the increase from Keystone.
According to Muskogee County Commissioner Ken Doke, "the Corps intends to stagger the flows at other dams to keep this a net-neutral flow for our area [Muskogee, Fort Gibson, Braggs, Webbers Falls]."
Information from the Corps of Engineers appears to show that the Arkansas River crested, at least temporarily, at 46.39' at 9:00am this morning, and has fallen slightly to 46.21' as of 7pm. That is the same level the river was at at midnight. This is the first stretch of falling water levels since this flooding event began.
While forecasts are calling for more storms on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the potential for areas of significant rainfall, there is no rain in the forecast for Memorial Day, which will allow water levels to begin falling (even if its slowly) to hopefully compensate for any additional precipitation on Tuesday/Wednesday.
In other words, it's beginning to look like the end is in sight for flood-beleaguered communities up and down the Arkansas River!
The amount of rainfall that has occurred in the Arkansas River watershed is staggering, as shown in the above map from Oklahoma Mesonet. Everything that fell in area 'A' runs through the Three Forks at Muskogee, the confluence of the Arkansas, Verdigris, and Grand rivers.
It will still take plenty of time for inundated areas to become accessible for residents, restoration professionals, and volunteers. Due to the extreme contamination found in floodwaters, much of what has been affected by water damage in homes and businesses will need to be disposed of.
It is vitally important for health and safety that proper steps are taken when dealing with the aftermath of a house flooded by an incident such as this. Make sure that you work with restoration companies that have the proper training, equipment, and insurance to handle this type of work.
It is advisable to go ahead and call a water damage restoration company now in order to get on their list of jobs. Waiting until the waters have fully receded may put you behind multiple other customers.
Clean Pro, the company my family runs, has been serving customers in the Muskogee area since 1987. Water damage restoration is one of the services we provide, and we are IICRC-Certified in Water Damage Restoration. You can reach us by calling 918-686-0222, emailing CleanProMuskogee@gmail.com, visiting our website, or messaging us on Facebook.
We have already had customers call to line us up for work, which is going to be the case for all of the local restoration companies. There will be plenty of work to go around, and I have already heard of out-of-area companies that plan to head to our area to work. Whoever you end up using, make sure that they are properly trained, insured, and reputable.
To reiterate some information that I've posted previously, for official road highway closures, visit OKRoads.org. This does not cover county or city streets. Some local road closures can be found on the official Facebook pages of the City of Muskogee Emergency Management and the Muskogee County Emergency Management. You can also check out this video from Clean Pro posted yesterday, showing the flooding on the north and east side of Muskogee and giving out information for area flood donation dropoffs, updates from the City and County, and tips on what to do about damage at your home or business.
Current and recent river levels can be accessed here, and forecasts for river levels can be viewed here.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Pres. Trump approves Oklahoma request for flood aid in hard-hit counties
WHITE HOUSE APPROVES REQUEST FOR FLOOD AID
Gov. Stitt requested the first federal aid yesterday afternoon and the White House approved the request today less than 24 hours later.
Counties included in the emergency declaration are: Haskell, Kay, Le Flore, Muskogee, Noble, Osage, Pawnee, Sequoyah, Tulsa, and Wagoner.
The declaration authorizes federal resources to assist state and local governments as they continue to respond to the widespread, significant flooding. These resources may include industrial size generators, bottled water, cots and blankets.
State authorities will continue to assess the need for additional federal disaster aid to cover further response and recovery costs, including possible federal assistance for homeowners impacted by flooding. Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management is working with FEMA and local emergency management officials to secure all eligible assistance warranted by these dangerous floods.
“We appreciate the President’s prompt response to our request for federal aid and we will continue to stay in close touch with the White House and federal authorities as we try to help communities keep their residents safe from this deadly flooding,” said Gov. Stitt. “Many Oklahoma communities have been hit hard, and we will be doing everything possible to help them today in their time of need and in the weeks to come.”
Oklahoma remains under a statewide declaration of emergency.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Governor Stitt signs FY2020 state budget
GOVERNOR SIGNS GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR FY’20, $200 MILLION FOR STATE SAVINGS.
The FY’20 budget received overwhelming support in the House and Senate, breaking records with the state’s investments in core services while also putting Oklahoma on the path to saving more than $1 billion by the end of FY’20, the largest savings account in state history.
“Congratulations to the Legislature and leadership for their hard work this session. I am proud of the fiscally responsible budget we have signed into law,” said Gov. Stitt. “For the first time in state history, we will increase Oklahoma’s savings account, in order to protect core services in the future, without the law forcing it. For the first time in state history, we will give Oklahoma teachers a pay raise for a second year in a row. For the first time in state history, we will fully fund the Reading Sufficiency Act while also putting an additional $74 million into the funding formula for local classroom needs. For the first time in state history, we will fully fund our roads and bridges, and we will also make the largest deposit into the Quick Action closing fund, helping Oklahoma compete for new jobs. We will move the needle in criminal justice reform by investing in drug courts and diversion programs, and we will reform District Attorneys’ funding model so they are not reliant on high fines, fees and court costs that have created a debtor’s prison. We will prioritize funding for oversight, transparency and audits as well as funding to modernize the delivery of state services, making it customer-focused and cost efficient.”
“This year was capped by a terrific budget deal that makes significant investments in classroom funding, teacher pay raises, and criminal justice reforms,” said President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. “We also delivered on important policy fronts like constitutional carry, judicial redistricting, and workers’ compensation reforms. The totality of our work this session will bring positive, transformational changes and help make Oklahoma an even better state.”
“This is the best budget we have passed in a long time, and it is a budget that Oklahomans can be proud of,” said Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka. “We were able to fully fund many core services, drastically increase funding for public education, provide another teacher pay raise and another state employee pay raise, increase Medicaid provider reimbursement rates and maintain momentum in roads and bridges funding. And we put aside significant savings for the first time. I am grateful for the working relationship I have with Gov. Kevin Stitt and Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, and I am very optimistic about the direction and future of our state.”
The FY2020 Budget summary is as follows:
Common Education
For the first time in state history, Oklahoma teachers will receive a pay raise for two years in a row. For the first time, the Reading Sufficiency Act will be fully funded. With the additional $74M going to the classroom through the funding formula, public education will be funded at the highest levels in state history, exceeding the 2008 watermark of $2.5 billion.
The common education appropriation increased by $158 million, a 5.4% increase, which includes the following funding priorities:
- $58.9 million for an average $1,220 salary increase for 97% of Oklahoma’s public school teachers
- $19 million to pay for cost increases for teachers’ flexible benefit allowance
- $5.5 million for the Reading Sufficiency Act
- $74.3 million for local school districts to use to hire additional teachers, counselors, social works or address their unique needs in their districts.
Higher Education
- $18.1 million for faculty compensation Faculty compensation 3.5 percent increase - $18.1 million
- $3.3 million to fully fund senior concurrent enrollment programs Fully fund senior concurrent enrollment programs - $3.3 million
- $7 million for Section 13 capital offset allocation increase
Career and Technology Education
- $18.3 million funding increase for Career and Technology education
Transportation
For the first time in state history, the Department of Transportation’s 8-year program is fully funded, and the state is repaying the county roads program $30 million so that counties can get back on track with their 5-year plan.
Agriculture and Rural Oklahoma
- $500,000 to fund a public-private partnership to maintain clean water in Northeast Oklahoma and areas with high poultry density
- $90,000 to hire an additional state veterinarian
- $1.1 million for Wildfire mitigation funding and additional resources for rural fire fighters
- $1.6 million to improve rural flood control dams
GOVERNMENT MODERNIZATION
For the first time in state history, state employees will get a pay raise two consecutive years. Also, for the first time, Oklahoma will set aside one-time funds to bring state government services into the 21st century through digital modernization. This will make government more transparent, more cost efficient, and customer-focused.
- $37.7 million for an additional state employee pay raise of up to $1,500. This builds upon the state employee pay raises given in FY’2019 of up to $2,000 per employee.
- $15 million for digital transformation of state government services to enhance transparency and make customer service more efficient and effective
- $1.7 million for the creation of the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency
- $700,000 to hire more auditors and increase the State Auditor’s office capability to conduct more regular audits across state agencies
PUBLIC SAFETY
- Funding prioritization for two new trooper academies, putting an estimated 80 more troopers on the roads in 2020.
- $2 per hour pay increase for correctional officers, which is a 14% raise. This will bring correctional officer pay to the regional market average and in turn will bolster the Department’s recruitment effort to fill vacancies.
- $1 million to reduce the backlog of untested rape kits
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
The $10 million for Smart on Crimes programs in the Department of Mental Health sets a historic new level of funding for diversion programs to reduce recidivism rates. The $20 million additional dollars appropriated to District Attorney makes historic changes to replace the 991 and supervision fees funding DA offices.
- $20 million to reform the funding of District Attorney offices
- $10 million for Smart on Crime programs through the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
- $1.5 million for the Women in Recovery diversion program
- $1.7 million to provide drug court alternatives through mental health
JOBS / ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
For the first time in state history, Oklahoma will make the largest deposit into the Quick Action closing fund, helping state leaders compete for new jobs to diversify our state’s economy while the nation’s economy is booming.
- $19 million for the Quick Action Closing Fund, prioritizing recruitment opportunities to grow Oklahoma
- $1 million for additional job growth and economic development specifically in the automotive industry and in aerospace through the Department of Commerce’s Aerospace Commerce Economic Services (ACES) program
- $1 million to assist new entrepreneurs and small business innovators through the Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology
Healthcare
- FMAP increase will allow for a 5 percent provider rate increase in FY’20, which in turn will increase funding support to rural hospital and nursing homes
- $62.8 million for Graduate Medical Education program to support physician training for rural hospitals
- $29 million saved to a new preservation fund to preserve Medicaid provider rates when the federal government’s 3-year rolling average results in a rate decline.
- $10 million to decrease the Developmental Disability Services wait list and increase provider rates
- $4.6 million to increase immunizations and staff county health departments throughout the state
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Friday, May 24, 2019
City of Muskogee, Corps of Engineers release new inundation map for Muskogee area
From the City of Muskogee:
** FLOODING ALONG ARKANSAS RIVER ** UPDATED 5/24/19 1230
The U.S Army Corps of Engineers released a new inundation map for Muskogee to city officials this morning. This map shows projected areas where floodwaters may reach, which is more extensive than originally anticipated. Please consult the map for details. Be advised that this map does not show the amount of water in any given area, or the projected depth. Residents are urged to consider roadways and other points of entry and exit to their property before traveling. These points may be in lower lying areas than residential structures.
This map is based upon engineering projections, not guarantees. It is intended to be a planning tool for Emergency Management.
This new information from the United States Army Corps of Engineers indicate City services may be impacted as early as noon tomorrow.
The City’s highest priority is keeping the water treatment plant functional. The National Guard has worked with city staff throughout the night adding berms at the water treatment plant in an effort to hold back the floodwaters. The water plant, at the timing of this release, is fully functional. However, as waters continue to rise and new projects are made, there is a possibility that the water plant may temporarily be unable to produce water. If this happens, it may occur as early as noon on Saturday.
If the water plant suspends operations, Emergency Management officials will order a mandatory water rationing. This will ensure that the City’s reserve supply of water will last for three days beyond Saturday. Regardless, there is no possibility of water contamination.
Residents are urged to have a minimum additional three-day reserve supply of water.
Fire response would then be limited to structures with human lives in danger.
River water has reached the Muskogee Pollution Control plant and it is out of service at this time. We do not anticipate this to impact citizens and we are in compliance with ODEQ regulations at this time.
We will post frequent updates on the City of Muskogee Emergency Management Facebook Page.
Flood Inundation Map
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Optometric Physicians applaud passage of new optometry laws
Optometric Physicians Thank Governor, Legislature for Passage of New Optometry Laws
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma optometrists [Tuesday] thanked the Legislature and Governor Kevin Stitt for passing and signing legislation that will protect Oklahoma’s vision health standards while increasing convenience for consumers.
Senate Bill 100, authored by State Representative Carl Newton, himself an optometrist, removes from statute a prohibition on the sale of eyewear in non-medical, retail settings. It would allow retail stores to sell frames and lenses. It would also allow retail stores to lease space to optometrists. However, unlike previous proposals (including the previously rejected State Question 793), SB 100 contains vigorous protections for patient safety, quality of care, and the independence of the doctor.
Under SB 100, any optometry clinic leasing space from a retail store would need to be a separate legal entity owned and operated by an optometric physician licensed in Oklahoma. That optometrist cannot be an employee of the retail entity. Furthermore, the optometry clinic would be required to be physically separate from the retail space, with its own external entrance. The language maintains Oklahoma’s status as one of 16 so-called “two door” states, which include neighboring Texas and Kansas.
Also unlike State Question 793, SB 100 clarifies that the independently operating Board of Examiners in Optometry regulates optometrists’ scope-of- practice, and that a corporate entity cannot restrict or influence how a doctor practices.
Dr. Selina McGee, an Edmond optometrist and president of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians, said the bill is a positive development for optometric physicians and their patients.
“Our primary concern as eye doctors is protecting Oklahoma’s very high standards for quality of care and patient safety,” said Dr. McGee. “To preserve those high standards, optometrists need to be operating independently, free of corporate control or interference, and governed by a medical board. SB 100 is consistent with those principles, where State Question 793 and other previous proposals were not.”
More on SB 100:
SB 100 stipulates:
- That retail outlets may sell frames and lenses;
- That retail outlets may begin to lease space to optometric physicians in a phased-in, gradual manner with a timeline based on population density;
- That the doctor may not be an employee of the retail outlet;
- That the doctor will not receive any additional compensation for referring patients to the retail stores’ optical services;
- That the care given to the patient be the main concern of the optometric physician, or other physician providing vision care;
- That the doctor’s office be separate from the retail outlet’s optical shop; and
- That the current laws be followed in giving a patient a prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
SB 100 also:
- Defines the responsibility of the doctor to his patients;
- Sets out penalties for infraction of the law;
- Includes language disallowing the retailer to sell below costs; and
- Adds new language that puts into law requirements for a contact lens prescription and requirements for the renewal of contact lens prescriptions by persons other than the prescribing doctor.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
[MuskogeePolitico.com] Muskogee-area flooding map, info; Legislature adjourns
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