Jan
26
Oklahomans for Responsible Government released the following statement regarding Governor Brad Henry’s proposal for permanent EDGE funding and the effects that State Question 744, the HOPE initiative, would have on his plan.
“Governor Henry has laid out an aggressive plan for economic development and research with the EDGE endowment,” said Brian Downs, Executive Director of OFRG. “However, the idea to use earned interest from the Rainy Day Fund, which is deposited into general revenue, for future projects would only be possible if the mandate of SQ 744 was rejected by voters.”
“SQ 744, an $850 million price tag if passed, will not only block future EDGE projects but also eliminate the budgets of other state agencies and catastrophically cut state services such as; public safety, health care programs, state employee pension plans, and halt all road and bridge repair projects.”
“In contrast to what Governor Henry is asking for today, SQ 744 has no guaranteed revenue source and no language to guarantee that money will get to the classroom.”
“Governor Henry should publicly denounce the efforts of the OEA’s “HOPE” initiative and ask for a thorough review of current education dollars by focusing on the fact that more money should go to teachers and classrooms, not overpaid school administrators.”
Jan
12
Taxpayer Advocacy Group unveils 2009 Policy Agenda: Education and Term Limits top Policy Initiatives
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Oklahomans for Responsible Government (OFRG) today announced its policy agenda for 2009, with issues ranging from opposition to SQ 744 to term limits for state-wide elected officials. Five key initiatives were highlighted for the upcoming legislative session.
The organization has requested a legislative referendum be filed that, if approved, would limit all secondary state-wide elected officials to two consecutive terms for each office. In addition, OFRG plans to oppose and educate voters on the adverse effects of State Question 744, known as the Oklahoma Education Association’s HOPE initiative.
“Last session we were busy introducing our organization and working hard to pass term limits,” said Brian Downs, Executive Director of OFRG. “This year, we have expanded resources and credibility that will enable us to hold legislators more accountable and ensure taxpayers are getting the best return for their investment in our state.”
2009 OFRG Policy Agenda
- Term Limits for state-wide elected officials
File legislative referendum that would create term limits for all secondary state-wide elected officials. State question would be on the 2010 general election ballot. Policy would call for each official to only serve two consecutive terms for each office.
- Initiative Petition reform
Work to expand the number of days to collect signatures and lower the required percentage of collected signatures based on previous election. Develop a process to make sure petitions meet legal definitions prior to collecting signatures and organizing issue advocacy campaigns.
- Education Transparency
Advance legislation that allows parents to track student progress as well as teacher and school performance. Require all Oklahoma school districts to publish online operating budgets and check registers for taxpayer review.
- Opposing SQ 744
Develop coalition that will educate voters about SQ 744 and the adverse effects it would have on Oklahoma families and businesses.
- Tax Reform
Work with legislative leaders to prioritize spending and provide tax relief to Oklahoma families through reductions in the state income tax and personal property tax.
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