Nov
11
Veteran’s Day - Saluting Our Heroes
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On today, November 11, 2008, we at OFRG along with all Oklahomans take a moment to ponder and reflect on the bravery, courage, and sacrifice of those who have served in the Armed Services.
Veteran’s Day was first set into law in 1938 and is observed on the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I – November 11, 1918. On this sacred day, we are reminded that freedom is never free.
To all our veterans – we thank you and salute you.
The Star-Spangled Banner
Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight’
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming.
And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Nov
7
Counting our Chickens Before They Hatch
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The old adage says not to count your chickens before they hatch, but with the new Republican majority in the state Senate, Oklahomans should expect more taxpayer friendly legislation to pass next session.
Republicans took majority of the Oklahoma State Senate this year for the first time in history. Picking up two seats, they now control the Senate 26-22. In the past, the Senate has been known as the graveyard where good bills would go to die.
Last session, Oklahomans for Responsible Government advocated a term limits bill for secondary state-wide elected officials. After passing overwhelmingly in the House, we saw it come short by one vote in the Senate.
Other important legislation such as tax cuts, school choice, and lawsuit reform never advanced either, but with new pro-growth business minded officials, OFRG is excited that common sense bills will finally be passed in the State Senate.
OFRG will again advocate for policy issues that limit the growth of government and build accountability into the process.
To stay updated on our efforts and policies that are important to taxpayers and our mission, sign up to receive our emails updates.
Nov
5
Election Results
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We are excited to see candidates across Oklahoma, men and women who stand for limited and transparent government, win their respective races last night.
Oklahomans for Responsible Government looks forward to working with all elected officials in protecting personal freedoms and increasing accountability throughout all levels of government across our state.
Nov
4
Election Day
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Oklahomans for Responsible Government wants to encourage everyone to cast their vote today and make an educated decision regarding candidates and local issues.
We are fortunate to live in such a country where we can actively participate in our government year round and elect those who represent us in all levels of government.
Oct
31
FREE Candidate Training for Community Leaders from American Majority
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American Majority, a national organization training local leaders in individual freedom through limited government and the free market, is hosting two training seminars for school board and city council candidates.
These training sessions will educate candidates on running a successful campaign, win their election, immediately step into public office, and become effective leaders in their local school board or city council.
The Tulsa training session is schedule for Friday, November 14th at the Embassy Suites located at 3332 South 79th East Avenue.
The Oklahoma City training session is schedule for Saturday, November 15th at the Crowne Plaza located at 2945 NW Expressway.
The first session in each seminar will begin at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude at 5:15 p.m. In addition, a continental breakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees.
For more information, please click on the flier below or contact Seth Brown at (405) 605-6338 or seth at americanmajority.org.
Oklahoma City Candidate Training Flier (PDF)
Tulsa Candidate Training Flier (PDF)
Oct
30
The folks at SunshineReivew.org (a wiki site dedicated to evaluating the degree of transparency of local governments) recently posted an article to their blog on the transparency of Oklahoma schools.
The post addresses the HOPE petition, but notes several discrepancies with the OEA.
… Oklahoma does not currently require transparency in education dollars, leaving taxpayers in the dark on how their money is spent now. No new transparency will be required with the new proposal- just more money.
Before any additional money is appropriated, there needs to be an open and thorough review of ALL school funding for every school district. How do the taxpayers know that schools need more money if they cannot see how their current tax dollars are being spent? School check books should be online so everyone can identify possible wasteful spending. But more importantly, why doesn’t the OEA push for more transparency? Too afraid of what you might find?
Before addressing the issue of a blank check lets see how tax dollars are being spent now, in ALL school districts. Transparency should be priority number one.
Oct
30
OKC Thunder: Wrong Forecast
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We at Oklahomans for Responsible Government were saddened by the loss of the OKC Thunder’s first game last night.
And as serious as we are about holding government accountable, we want to see Oklahoma’s first ever professional franchise win games! Watch out for us coach - going to be a long season…
GO THUNDER!
Oct
29
OFRG Issue Advocacy Calls
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Oct
29
Get Involved in Local Issues
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With the election just around the corner, most voters are already familiar with the candidates. But there are also local issues on ballots all across Oklahoma that often get forgotten until election day. Here is an example of an issue the voters of Edmond will be facing on Tuesday.
Oklahomans for Responsible Government encourages all citizens to take an educated look at their local issues before going to the polls on Tuesday.
Oct
28
Transparent and easily accessible information is vital in determining facts. Oklahomans for Responsible Government works everyday to promote transparency and accountability in government.
A clear example of neglect for these principals is the Broken Arrow School Board decision to fire its Superintendent. As we noted last week, the school board has refused public comments at open meetings, shut down their website with links to previous board meeting minutes, and has started using an audio recorder instead of the installed video recording system for board meetings.
This demonstration of a non-inclusive process should have Broken Arrow residents lining up to make a change.
Much debate has existed regarding the performance of former Superintendent Jim Sisney. It is not our goal to join that fight. However, we believe that open and accessible government is what the people of Broken Arrow and Oklahoma deserve. We will join that fight any day.
A group of parents has made an effort to gain additional information from the school board by submitting Freedom of Information Acts (FOIAs) on a number of items. You can read the FOIA requests at www.BAParentsvsBABOE.com.
