“Coming from a rural area, I’m a little sensitive about the Waters of the United States rule,” said Lucas.

He stressed to McCarthy that the scientific data used to justify these burdensome regulations should be made available to the public for review.

Lucas also pointed out to McCarthy that comments from the Chairman of the EPA’s own Science Advisory Board and the President’s science advisor have reflected that the data used to justify regulations should be made publically available.

Lucas concluded his remarks saying, “there’s a fine line between doing things for people and doing things to people… there’s a perception across the country – whether it’s in ag or construction –you’re not doing things for people. You’re inevitably doing things to people.”

Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015. The bill prevents the EPA from implementing the WOTUS rule. It requires the agency to reconsider the thousands of public comments from concerned Americans and rewrite the rule to reflect the public’s perspective.

In February, Lucas introduced the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2015, legislation to ensure the science guiding EPA’s regulatory policy is objective and available for public review. The bipartisan bill passed the House of Representatives in March.

###

Effective July 31, District Director Joshua Grogis will depart the Oklahoma staff and join Fleske Holding Company, LLC in Norman as Director of Marketing and Leasing. A long-time member of the staff, Grogis first began serving in 2007 as Assistant to the Chairman while Cole was Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. Following the chairmanship, Grogis joined Cole’s legislative staff on Capitol Hill and then moved to Oklahoma in 2010, where he served as Field Representative and later as Campaign Manager. Since 2012, he has served with distinction as District Director.

“Josh Grogis has served with me for a long time, and I count him as not only a devoted staff member but a trusted friend,” said Congressman Cole. “Throughout all these years, I’ve had the great honor and privilege of watching him grow both personally and professionally. He’s fearless in the midst of any challenge, has incredible energy and leads my Oklahoma staff with great skill. I’m grateful for his tireless, exceptional work that has benefitted the people of the Fourth District. While his send-off is bittersweet, I could not be prouder of all that Josh has achieved and all that he will accomplish in the future.”

“Working for Congressman Tom Cole and the constituents he serves has been an incredible experience,” said Grogis. “I will forever be grateful to him, our staff and friends for their trust and support. Most importantly, because of Tom, I am thankful to now call Oklahoma my home, Jessica my wife and so many others my friends.”

Cole also announced the promotion of Jeff Peters to District Director. Since 2012, Peters has served as Field Representative for Cleveland and Oklahoma counties in the Fourth District; he also managed Cole’s most recent re-election campaign. Before joining the staff, Peters was active in other campaigns and party politics in the state, including Political Director of the Oklahoma Republican Party.

“I am very pleased to announce that Jeff Peters will assume the role of District Director this August,” said Congressman Cole. “A lifelong resident of Moore, Jeff knows the people, places and needs of the Fourth District well. Since joining my staff, he’s brought a thoughtful perspective and amazing work ethic that has inspired the entire team. As he takes on a new set of responsibilities in the days ahead, I am confident that he will continue to make a noticeable impact.”

“It has been an honor to work for Congressman Cole and serve in the area where I grew up and still call home,” said Peters. “I appreciate the opportunity I have been given and look forward to continuing in my new role.”

###

Contact: Randy Brogdon, Chairman Oklahoma Republican Party

405-528-3501

(Oklahoma City, OK) – Chairman Randy Brogdon announced on Friday that presidential candidate, Senator Ted Cruz will be joining the Oklahoma Republican Party Saturday, June 13th at 12:00pm for a luncheon at the Oklahoma Sport’s Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.

“Senator Cruz has been an outspoken advocate for the cause of conservatism and I am excited that he has chosen to come to Oklahoma to pitch his plan for the future of America,” Randy Brogdon, Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party said, “Oklahoma has some of the most active and informed grassroots Republicans around, so if Senator Cruz can sell his message here, he can do it anywhere.”

Tickets to the luncheon may be purchased online at www.OKGOP.com/CruzLunch through Friday, June 12th by 5:00pm. Tickets to only the luncheon are $50 per person with doors opening at 11:30am. Guests also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to a round table with Senator Cruz which will take place before the luncheon. Tickets sales from the luncheon will benefit the Oklahoma Republican Party.

– See more at: http://www.okgop.com/blog/2015/06/05/senator-ted-cruz-to-speak-at-okgop-luncheon-saturday-june-13th/#sthash.qZUi4iiL.dpuf

A.H. Strategies announced today the addition of Cameron Green to its staff. Green joined the firm this month, coming from former U.S. Senator Tom Coburn’s office where he worked before the senator’s departure from the Senate.

Green worked as a field representative serving the northeastern part of the state. Prior to that, he worked as Senator Coburn’s Office Manager in Washington D.C.

Green also has worked in Austin, Texas as a political consultant for various conservative think-tank organizations. Green brings experience in campaign operations as well as knowledge on legislative issues that are vital to the state of Oklahoma, said Fount Holland, the company’s founding partner. ““We view his addition as a sign of our commitment to being the leading company in our industry in the state.”

Cameron graduated from Jenks high School in Tulsa and attended Oklahoma State University, where he majored in Political Science. Holland said his knowledge of Tulsa and eastern Oklahoma will be important because of the significant work the firm does in that region of the state.

The Oklahoma Republican Party today announced that television ads have been stopped which were being aired by the American Action Network, a DC-based political action group, who was targeting a number of congressmen who oppose funding the president’s executive amnesty orders via the Department of Homeland Security budget.

AAN was formed in part by former RNC Chief of Staff Mike Shields, and in Oklahoma the ads were designed specifically to pressure Congressman Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) to drop his opposition to the aforementioned DHS budget deal.

OKGOP Chairman Dave Weston detailed, “I personally called Mike and expressed that I thought the ads were a bad idea and asked him that they stop since this type of messaging is not helpful, because no Republican group should be running ads that oppose our fellow brethren. And that goes for all groups conservative, moderate or Republican!”

“I further explained that Oklahoma might be a cheap media market, but Oklahomans are fiercely resistant to outside influences. And I gave him the example that almost all of the feedback we were receiving was positive towards Cong. Bridenstine and negative toward the ads.”

Weston continued, “We must be careful, I warned, that these constant attacks against our members play into the hands of Liberal-Regressives who practice Alinsky tactics that will defeat our (Republican) objective of re-establishing America as the Shining City on a Hill that the whole world can aspire to follow.”

“I’m encouraged that Mike was willing to listen to reason and that he agrees that a more positive approach toward our fellow associates will be the best way to move America forward. After all, our adversaries Obama, Biden, Clinton, Reid and Pelosi, et al, have left us a target rich environment that is ripe for reform. Energy independence, securing our borders, supporting our ally Israel, defeating the Islamic State and reforming our health care system via free market innovations are just some of the issues we could focus on.”

“We discussed the fact that an opportunity had been missed to give accolades to Speaker Boehner for having the courage to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress because of the distraction created by the ads.”

Weston concluded, “I’d like to publicly express my appreciation to Mike Shields and AAN for their willingness to listen and respond to our concerns in a positive manner by stopping these ads. This sets a great precedent for all of us to follow. Promoting the positives of the Republican Party and improving our negatives are going to be the best way to lead America. Today we took a step in the right direction by taking lemons and turning them into lemonade.”

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

(Oklahoma City)—Oklahoma House Bill 1097 (HB 1097) passed out of committee last Thursday which proposes to change the partisan nature of sheriffs’ election in Oklahoma.

Responding the news, the Executive Committee of the Oklahoma Republican Party, without opposition, recommended that House members vote down the bill. HB 1097, sponsored by Rep. Condit (D), proposes that sheriffs’ elections be made non-partisan.

OKGOP Chairman Dave Weston explained, “This may seem harmless on the surface, however making sheriffs’ elections non-partisan withholds valuable information from voters. Given the nature of public safety and on-going debates about gun rights, voters have a right to assess the issue positions any candidate for sheriff holds before entrusting them with their duties.”

“For example, a candidate’s political affiliation gives voters insight into his or her stance on these important issues. For instance, if the government moved to curtail Second Amendment rights, voters have a right to know if their elected official is affiliated with the party that is going to fight to uphold that right (Republican) or go along with government mandates (Democrat),” continued Weston.

The bill is expected to be among several election-related regulations that will come to the House floor in the next month. The Oklahoma Republican Party has maintained a high-level of involvement in the debate on these bills given their impact on how political parties in Oklahoma support candidates and engage voters.

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Saturday, January 31st: Biennial Republican Precinct Meetings
Saturday, March 7th: Tulsa County Republican Party County Conventions
Saturday, April 11th, Oklahoma Republican Party State Convention

Precinct Meetings
Biennial Precinct Meetings, called by the State Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party, will be held on Saturday, January 31st starting at 10:00 am. This is the meeting to:
(a) elect precinct officers to a two-year term;
(b) elect delegates to the Tulsa County Convention; and
(c) conduct other business as needed.
The location for your precinct meetings will be available at www.tulsagop.org in the near future.

Make sure your voter registration is up to date.
If you have moved since the precinct meetings two years ago and haven’t notified the Tulsa County Election Board, please ensure you do so well before January 31st by completing a Voter Registration form available:
(a) at any tag agency in Tulsa County; or
(b) at the Tulsa County Election board located at 544 North Denver in downtown Tulsa.

Important: Only Republicans residing and registered in a precinct may be elected (or continue to serve) as precinct officers for that precinct or be elected to serve as a delegate to the County Convention from that precinct. (That both these requirements are met will be verified by the County Convention Credentials Committee.)

You can confirm your current precinct number according the Oklahoma State Election Board at https://services.okelections.us/voterSearch.aspx

If you’ve moved and don’t know your current precinct, just call the Tulsa County Election Board at 918-596-5780. They can look it up for you based on your current resident address.

Here’s link to a map showing the boundaries of each precinct in Tulsa County.
http://www.tulsacounty.org/tulsacounty/ebmaps/Precincts.pdf

County and State Conventions
More details on the Tulsa County Convention and Oklahoma State Convention will be sent to you in the near future.

Mike McCutchin
Chairman | Republican Party of Tulsa County
918-627-5702
http://tulsagop.org/

Today, Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX) assigned Congressman Jim Bridenstine to the House Armed Services (HASC) Subcommittees on Strategic Forces and Seapower and Projection Forces.  Strategic Forces oversees our nation’s nuclear arsenal, missile defense, and space programs.  Seapower and Projection Forces covers Navy and Marine Corps procurement and research and development programs.  HASC authorizes funding for national security and sets Department of Defense policy.  The Committee annually drafts and passes the National Defense Authorization Act, legislation which Congress has passed over 50 years in a row.

Bridenstine said, “I am honored to serve on these subcommittees and look forward to ensuring Congress’ core constitutional responsibility to ‘provide for the common defense.’”          

 —  30  —

The January 22nd Tulsa March For Life will begin with a Mass offered by Bishop Edward J. Slattery at Holy Family Cathedral at 5:30 p.m. The March itself, for pro-life citizens of all faiths, will begin at 6:30 p.m. from 8th Street and Boulder Avenue in downtown Tulsa, proceeding to Centennial Green, where the principal speaker will be veteran pro-life legislative leader Rebecca Hamilton.

The George Washington Medal of Freedom is the foundation’s highest award and recognizes individuals in their communities who “go above and beyond the call of duty on a local, regional or national level which promote good works and serve their communities on an ongoing, day-to-day basis.”

“Community service and civic engagement are among the bedrock principles upon which our nation was founded. It’s an honor to serve the citizens of Oklahoma as attorney general, and I greatly appreciate receiving this award from the Freedoms Foundation,” Attorney General Pruitt said.

The Freedoms Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1949 that seeks to educate Americans about their rights as citizens and encourage them to participate in civic engagement.

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Oklahoma’s Conservative Senators Support Mary Fallin for Governor

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn and U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe today released statements endorsing Mary Fallin in her reelection campaign for governor. Their statements follow on the heels of key endorsements from conservative groups like the National Rifle Association, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, National Right to Life Committee, and the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

Senator Tom Coburn:
“I am supporting Mary Fallin for governor because she is the only candidate who will continue to fight the reckless expansion of Obamacare in Oklahoma.”

Senator Jim Inhofe:
“Governing successfully takes a big dose of two things: leadership, and a willingness to be a team player. Mary has shown both, and I’m proud to offer her my support as she runs for reelection.”

For Immediate Release September 24, 2014 For more information, contact Pastor Paul Blair at (405) 348-1745.  Pastor Blair will be travelling on Wednesday and Thursday (9/24-9/25) to speak out of state.  However, he will be able to return phone calls periodically. _____________________________________________________________________________________

Blair accepts challenge for debate!

On September 16, 2014, KWTV in Oklahoma City reported that Dr. Charles Kimball, a professor of Religious Studies at the University of Oklahoma, would “like to have a public conversation” with State Representative John Bennett regarding the subject of Islam.

Pastor Paul Blair, Director of Reclaiming America for Christ, stated, “I think a public forum is a wonderful idea.  There are certainly a lot of questions about this subject and we owe it to the good people of Oklahoma to have a healthy public discussion since the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is an important topic worldwide.”

“Since Dr. Kimball is identified in the article as a ‘religious scholar’ it hardly seems fair to debate religion with a military veteran and state representative,” Blair added.  Dr. Kimball professes to be an ordained Baptist minister who has studied the subject of Islam.  I also am an ordained Baptist minister who has studied the subject of Islam.  However, we come to differing conclusions.  I would love to have a healthy, one hour, prime time televised public discussion on the facts and let the people of Oklahoma decide for themselves.  I propose that we address the topic:  ‘Is Islam a religion of peace?’”

“I further propose that KWTV-9, since they were the ones who carried the initial invitation, cover the forum live and broadcast it across the state.  Perhaps, our Attorney General, Scott Pruitt, could serve as an unbiased moderator.  A discussion, debate or dialogue on a topic this important needs to be seen by all.”

End Release

Mullin Applauds Committee Passage of Bills to Rein in EPA Authority

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, applauded the Committee for approving several bills aimed at reining in the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority, providing regulatory certainty, and maintaining a balanced state-federal regulatory relationship.

H.R. 5078, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2014, introduced by U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland (R-FL), would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers from broadening the scope of the Clean Water Act and expanding the federal government’s regulatory authority. Click here for more information about H.R. 5078.

“Ensuring safe and clean water must always be a priority, but the EPA’s new proposed rule to expand the definition of navigable waters threatens agricultural and business operations in Oklahoma with no added protection to our water,” said Representative Mullin. “In practice, expanding regulations on the nation’s waters would significantly limit the amount of usable land for ranchers and farmers. As a rancher myself, I know that these types of overreaching federal regulation could put many family farms at risk.

“Additionally, it is every bit as important to provide clarity in our regulatory system. As it stands, this proposed rule is extremely ambiguous, giving our agriculture and business community zero certainty on what will actually be enforced. By moving this legislation forward, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has taken an important step towards limiting burdensome regs and instilling confidence among our nation’s industries.”

The legislation was also praised by Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Tom Buchanan.

“Oklahoma Farm Bureau greatly appreciates the action taken by the House Transportation Infrastructure Committee to prevent government overreach on regulatory decisions regarding the Clean Water Act and proposed rule by the EPA,” Buchanan said. “H.R. 5078 ensures that Oklahoma farmers and ranchers will be protected from unnecessary and burdensome regulations, while still maintaining the environment.”

H.R. 4854, the Regulatory Certainty Act, introduced by Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R-OH), defines the exact period of time the Environmental Protection Agency is allowed to restrict or deny a Clean Water Act dredge and fill (wetlands) permit under Section 404(c). Additionally, it clarifies that the EPA does not have the authority to disapprove or revoke such a permit before the Army Corps of Engineers has completed its review of a permit application or after the Corps of Engineers has issued the permit. Click here for more information about H.R. 4854.

“Here’s just another example of uncertainty created by our regulatory agencies,” said Mullin. “The EPA has time and time again stepped in and revoked Clean Water Act permits to businesses after they had already been approved! This administration seemingly fails to realize that it’s nearly impossible for industries to operate in this sort of regulatory environment.

“I am proud to have worked alongside my colleagues to pass The Regulatory Certainty Act of 2014 out of committee.

“This bill will help ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency does not overstep its bounds during project permitting processes, and it supports the interests of farmers and manufacturers in Oklahoma and across the country.”

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Contact:
Josh Miller

Apr 30, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jim Bridenstine has decided to oppose the Marketplace Fairness Act (HR 684). After researching the proposed legislation and conferring with various concerned constituents, the Congressman explained his stand:

Under current law, a state can only collect taxes from retailers that have a physical nexus (presence) in the state. The growth of online retailers has made it very difficult for states and local tax jurisdictions to generate revenue from their citizens who buy items online from other states. The Marketplace Fairness Act is federal legislation that empowers states to reach across their borders to compel internet businesses in other states to collect and remit taxes no matter where the online retailer is located. This would enable my state, Oklahoma, to charge sales tax (in some localities as much as 10%) to a business in New Hampshire when an Oklahoman buys something online from the New Hampshire business. The New Hampshire business would have to collect and remit the tax to Oklahoma, even though New Hampshire has a sales tax rate of 0.0%.

While I understand the desire of local governments to have access to this revenue, this legislation presents multiple unintended consequences.

1. Oklahoma online retailers could be required to open themselves to tax audits from 49 other states in addition to the IRS. This would be true of businesses in all other states as well.

2. Five U.S. states have worked very hard to have no sales tax and many internet businesses have located in these states for that reason. While these states have benefited from the resulting economic activity, this legislation would change the rules in the middle of the game and adversely affect these businesses and states.

3. While it is true that online sales taxes are not new taxes, this bill will have the same negative economic effect as a new tax as more money is taken out of the private sector.

4. Many businesses will simply choose to move offshore or lose business to other offshore retailers. The Marketplace Fairness Act cannot compel a business in Canada to collect and remit taxes to a U.S. state. Apart from the lost U.S. economic activity, offshoring will negatively affect U.S. federal revenues.

5. Brick and mortar retailers often assert that online retailers have an unfair tax advantage. However, once this bill passes the online retailers will be responsible for managing 9,600 or so tax jurisdictions, while the brick and mortar retailers will only manage one tax jurisdiction. This law doesn’t eliminate unfairness, it just reverses the unfairness.

6. In additional to the regulatory unfairness, this law institutionalizes tax unfairness. Only companies with over $1 million dollars in sales will be forced to participate. Straight from the Obama progressive playbook, successful businesses will be punished.

7. Businesses would be required to collect and remit taxes for over 9,600 tax jurisdictions. Each business will have representation in only one of these jurisdictions. No taxation without representation is a foundational American principle that this law overturns.

8. This bill empowers local authorities to establish “compacts” to homogenize tax rates. States and local jurisdictions will no longer compete for the best tax policies. In the private sector, this would be called price-fixing.

9. Once rates are homogenized, we can expect tax rates to increase since formerly competing tax jurisdictions will no longer compete for businesses to locate in their jurisdictions. In fact, the incentive will be to impose the highest tax rates to maximize tax revenue from out-of-state businesses.

10. The Republican Party should be the party of young people. It cannot become so by punishing web entrepreneurs and online commerce.

The current tax system is complex enough. Business decisions have been based on the current laws. Let’s not change the rules in the middle of the game unless we have a real improvement. Taxes must be simplified not made more complex, reduced not expanded. There exists a solution, but this is not it. I intend to oppose the Marketplace Fairness Act.

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CONTACT:

Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director

Phone: 202-225-2211

Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov

GOPAC’s Emerging Leader program is a yearlong initiative to coach, develop, and promote promising state legislators. The program’s cornerstone is the Annual Emerging Leaders’ Summit, taking place June 16-19, 2013 in New York City, which provides attendees with interactive seminars, leadership training, and networking opportunities. Aiding GOPAC with this event are four former Emerging Leaders who have signed on as Honorary Co-Chairs: Virginia State Senator Bryce Reeves, Florida State House Deputy Majority Leader and Majority Whip Dana Young, North Carolina State Representative Tom Murry, and Iowa State Representative Walt Rogers.

Members are nominated by GOPAC’s Legislative Leaders Advisory Board for their potential and ability to have an impact in their state and the Republican Party.

“Once again, this year’s Emerging Leaders represent the brightest up and coming leaders from states across the country,” said GOPAC Chairman Frank Donatelli. “The Emerging Leader program ensures the Republican Party has a deep bench of prepared and tested leaders. This year’s class of legislators exhibits the ability to lead and the drive to push our party forward; we’re thrilled to equip them with the tools to do so.”

GOPAC’s 2013 Emerging Leaders:

Florida State Representative Jason Brodeur

North Carolina State Representative Justin Burr

Illinois State Representative John Cabello

Virginia Delegate Peter Farrell

Tennessee State Senator Mark Green

Georgia State Senator Tyler Harper

Connecticut State Representative Tony Hwang

Ohio Representative Stephanie Kunze

Iowa State Representative John Landon

Colorado State Representative Polly Lawrence

Michigan State Representative Tom Leonard

Oklahoma State Representative Charles McCall

California Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez

Colorado State Representative Clarice Navarro-Ratzlaff

Ohio State Senator Larry Obhof

West Virginia Delegate Amanda Pasdon

Ohio State Senator Bob Peterson

Wisconsin State Senator Tom Tiffany

Texas State Representative Scott Turner

Indiana State Senator Carlin Yoder

New Mexico State Representative Monica Youngblood

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas is pleased to announce upcoming town hall meetings to be held in Canadian, Creek and Lincoln counties April 29 and 30.  All residents of these locations are invited to attend a meeting and express their opinions.  Congressman Lucas will be discussing current events in Washington, taking questions about issues important to constituents of the Third Congressional District, and asking for opinions and input on legislation currently before Congress.

 Monday, April 29:

Chandler Town Hall Meeting

9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m.

Chandler Public Library

1021 Manvel Avenue

Stroud Town Hall Meeting

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Heritage Hall, Old Elementary School Building

501 North 1st Avenue

Bristow Town Hall Meeting 

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Bristow Public Library, Large Conference Room

111 West 7th Street

Sapulpa Town Hall Meeting

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Collins Building, 2nd Floor Ballroom

317 East Lee

Tuesday, April 30:

Piedmont Town Hall Meeting

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

George Fina Municipal Building
314 Edmond Road Northwest

Yukon/Mustang Town Hall Meeting

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Canadian Valley Technology Center, Cowan Campus
1701 South Czech Hall Road

El Reno Town Hall Meeting

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Redlands Community College, Arts & Sciences Building, Room A-S 120
1300 South Country Club Road

–30–

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Richard Burr (R-NC), Tom Coburn (R-OK), and John Thune (R-SD) introduced the Public Employee Pension Transparency Act, legislation that will enhance transparency for state and local pensions and establish a clear federal prohibition on any future public pension bailouts by the federal government.

Congressman Devin Nunes (CA-21), Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (WI-1), and Government Reform and Oversight Chairman Darrell Issa (CA-49), will introduce companion legislation in the House this week.

“For too long, taxpayers and government employees have been denied information about how badly government worker pension plans are underfunded. My bill would simply shed some light on these enormous liabilities. This information is only for the purpose of public disclosure; it does not tread on the rights of states and local governments to fund and control their own pension plans,” said Senator Burr. “My bill also prevents a federal bailout of state and local government pension plans, empowering local governments to make the reforms needed to ensure problems cannot be dumped on taxpayers down the road.”

“This bill brings much needed transparency to the finances of public employee pension funds. Taxpayers and government employees currently do not have the tools necessary to identify mismanaged pension funds. This bill would change that by incentivizing states and local governments to submit reports detailing financial costs and solvency of public employee pension plans,” Dr. Coburn said. “This legislation also ensures taxpayers will not be required to bailout mismanaged pension funds. Shielding taxpayers from funding bailouts and providing the tools necessary for transparent reporting are two ways to protect the health of pension funds that will benefit both taxpayers and public employees alike.”

“State and local government pension liabilities across the country are currently being understated and taxpayers have a right to know the true dimensions of this looming problem,” said Senator Thune. “It is crucial that states provide more transparency and accountability regarding their pension liabilities and take necessary steps to get their balance sheets in order. While my state of South Dakota has a well-run pension plan that is not facing insolvency issues, there are a number of states that will exhaust their pension funding by 2020. Taxpayers should not be left on the hook for the unsustainable promises made by state and local governments. I hope my colleagues will join us in supporting this common-sense legislation to increase government transparency.”

The Public Employee Pension Transparency Act establishes new transparency rules, allowing plans to report their existing financial data but also requiring them to report their methods and assumptions. Public employee pension plans will also have to report their liabilities using a uniform accounting standard that provides realistic rates of return and ties assets to more reasonable fair market valuations.

The bill also specifically states that the federal government will not assume responsibility for any current or future shortfall in a state or local authority’s pension plan. This is a clear policy statement that will help state and local governments address their very real pension problems. No longer can proponents of the status quo claim that there will be an endless source of contributions from taxpayers to keep plans running no matter how badly managed or underfunded. States will now have the moral standing to bring all stakeholders together to solve their problems. Taxpayers are stakeholders and now they will truly know what they are on the hook for in the context of those discussions.

Independent studies demonstrate that public employee pensions had approximately $1.94 trillion set aside to pay retirement benefits promised to government workers as of 2008. However, these pensions have liabilities of $5.17 trillion, which means that they are underfunded by $3.23 trillion. Ten states are projected to run out of pension funds by 2020, and the vast majority of states will have exhausted their pension funds by 2030.

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For Immediate Release                                                                                   

April 23, 2013

John Hart, Communications Director

April 19, 2013

Governor Mary Fallin Statement on Oklahoma City Bombing Anniversary

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today released the following statement on the 18th anniversary of bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

“On this day 18 years ago, our city was forever changed when 168 lives were taken from us in the bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building. Today, we remember those who were lost, and offer support to the survivors and the families left behind. We also honor the heroic efforts of the emergency responders, firefighters and law enforcement personnel who worked tirelessly to recover survivors.

“In the days after the bombing, our city came together in a display of strength, unity and resiliency that would later become known as the ‘Oklahoma standard.’ That same spirit has allowed our city to overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger than ever.

“Our hearts also are burdened today as we grieve for the victims of the bombing attacks in Boston. Oklahoma City knows all too well the pain Boston is experiencing, and we continue to offer our prayers for the victims and their families. Oklahomans – just like all Americans – are a resilient and tough people. We have full confidence that our friends in Boston will emerge from this terrible tragedy stronger.”

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Washington, DC, April 6, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution charges Congress with establishing “an uniform Rule of Naturalization.” This is a constitutional duty I take very seriously. There is no controversy about the fact that our country has a broken immigration system and a broken border. The bills currently being developed by groups in the House and Senate have not been revealed, which makes it difficult to comment on specific legislation. Nevertheless, I believe it is important to provide my constituents with my philosophy regarding any immigration reform bill that may soon be presented.

1. I will definitely vote “no” on any bill that is not given sufficient time for reading, deliberating, and vetting. Immigration reform must not be passed in the same secretive, rushed, and frenzied manner as Obamacare, and Members of Congress must not shirk transparent discussions.

2. Immigration reform starts with accountable border security that includes regular audits and oversight from Congress.

3. We cannot reward people who broke our laws. The punishment must be proportional to the crime. It must be neither weak nor excessive.

4. We must improve the legal immigration system to reflect the economic needs of our nation. We need additional guest worker visas to fill immediate gaps in our workforce and continue growing our economy. Portability of guest worker visas could protect employees from exploitation and abuse by employers.

The United States has been from the beginning a nation of immigrants. Immigrants are self-selected, motivated workers who have a willingness to take risks, work hard, and raise the standard of living for themselves and for all Americans. Most Americans are descendants of this tradition and it is my desire to see our immigration system improved. As always, I will listen to my constituents and ask for all viewpoints when I consider legislation. I will also fiercely defend the independence of my vote from the pressure of political parties, special interest groups, or lobbyists. This is an Article I, Section 8 duty of the U.S. Congress and I will not take it lightly. Nothing less than the continued greatness of America is at stake.

— 30 —

Sheryl Kaufman
Communications Director
Congressman Jim Bridenstine, OK D-1
202-225-2211 (office) 202-578-5953 (office cell)
202-226-6610 (direct) 918-261-6031 (personal cell)
Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov
http://bridenstine.house.gov/
216 Cannon House Office Building
Washington DC 20515