Cox’s Corner (5-14-09)

Greetings from your State Capitol.  As of this writing the House and Senate have agreed on a state budget and are in negotiations with the executive branch.

I voted in favor of a lawsuit reform compromise bill that will reduce frivolous lawsuits.  The compromise included input from business advocates, doctors, and trial lawyers.  Today, too many Oklahoma women have to drive too far to deliver a baby because no local doctors will perform that service due to lawsuit threat and high insurance rates.  Today, Oklahoma taxpayers subsidize medical training of students who then leave our state to practice in states where the risk of a frivolous lawsuit is less.  I feel this bill will help correct these issues.

A law cracking down on unlicensed drivers by increasing the penalty also had my support. A person driving with a suspended license can now face up to $3,000 fine and up to five years in jail if they are involved in a accident.

Requiring doctors to list their specialty and license in any advertising and also in their office so it is clearly visible also had my support.  This prevents non-licensed people from holding themselves out as genuine medical professionals.

We also strengthened property rights by increasing the penalties for a repeat trespasser.  I supported this issue.

I voted against a measure that would allow a farm or ranch to add facilities after they had been annexed into a municipality.  It’s not that I am against the possibility of expansion but I felt the bill rendered a city’s zoning board ineffective.  The bill passed in spite of my “no” vote.

I also voted against a bill that I feel ties our judge’s hands when dealing with sex-offenders.  The bill took away their ability to change their sentences based on good behavior or extenuating circumstances. Believing in our justice system, I voted against the bill but it passed overwhelmingly.

Well the drought is over.  Now we need the waters to recede as we head closer to the Memorial Day weekend that is so important to N.E. Oklahoma’s tourism industry.  I am looking forward to the closure of the legislative session at the end of the month and a chance to come home, travel the district, and visit with many of you.

Cox’s Corner (5-7-09)

Greetings from your State Capitol!

Oklahoma stands to lose $7 million of federal grants due to over 20% of Oklahoma stores selling tobacco products to minors.  If you are a retail clerk please id all purchasers of tobacco products, no matter how old they look!  Be advised that the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission is stepping up their sting operations to catch violators.

I had a good visit with the new president of NEO A&M College, Jeff Hale.  He, like the U.S. president, has been on the job a little over 100 days. Dr. Hale will be a great asset to the college and northeast Oklahoma.  Welcome!

The bill to put the Ten Commandments monument at the State Capitol has received a lot of press.  This country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles.  If everyone lived their lives by the Ten Commandments we would have fewer Oklahomans in prison, fewer children in foster care, and save millions that we spend on social programs.

Our country, while based on Christianity, is tolerant of all religions, much more so than any other country.

Last year I refused a copy of the Koran, not because I have anything against the Muslin religion but because of the argument that the Capitol is a place for legislative issues and churches are the place for religious issues. The same argument could be made about this monument.

After listening to questions and debate on the issue I voted in favor of the Ten Commandments monument.

A bill was passed for the people to vote on making English the official language of our state government.  I was satisfied that in its final form the bill protected Native American languages and health care facilities are exempt.  Private individuals and businesses will still be allowed to use whatever language they choose.  Only official government business would be affected.  I voted for the measure.

I also voted for a measure to increase public scrutiny and oversight of state contracts awarded to private attorneys.  Problems with Oklahoma’s questionable “no bid” government attorney contracts have gained unfavorable national attention for our state.

In closing—did you know that the Boy Scout organization was founded in Pawhuska Oklahoma?  See you next week!

Cox’s Corner (4-30-09)

Veteran’s Appreciation Day at your State Capitol was a moving experience.  The Oklahoma Department of Veteran Affairs is one of the six agencies that are under my domain as Chairman of an Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee.  Oklahoma is ranked as the most “Veteran Friendly” state in America.  Allow me to explain what we have done.  Following is a list of State benefits (these are in addition to any U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs federal benefits):

Oklahoma operates seven long term care facilities for disabled and senior veterans unable to live at home.

Veterans living in Oklahoma get a state tax deduction for Armed Forces retirement income up to $10,000.  Reduced fee auto tags are available for veterans that are 50% service connected disabled.  Veterans that are 100% service connected disabled are eligible for sales tax, excise tax, property tax, and “household” property tax exemptions.

Financial assistance programs are available for Veterans who served 90 days of wartime service, have one year of Oklahoma residency and are temporarily injured or whose income is reduced or changed due to illness, death or disaster.

Veterans are admitted free to state parks and museums.  Free hunting and fishing permits are available to Oklahoma Veterans with 60% or more service or non-service connected disabilities.

Employment preferences are given to Veterans when applying for state jobs, with even more consideration for those with service connected disabilities.  County Clerks in each county of the State will record and furnish copies of military discharges without cost.  Any custodian of public records shall furnish any war veteran with certified copies of public records needed to secure state and/or federal benefits.

If any Veteran needs more information about state benefits you may call 888-655-2838, or my Capitol office at 405-557-7415,

We are proud and appreciative of our Veterans.  Young people should consider a career in the Armed Forces.  Tell any out of state veteran, as they say on the Price Is Right T.V. show-—“Come on down!!” to Oklahoma.

Cox’s Corner (2-19-09)

Your Capitol has been a buzz of activity this week as bills are moving through committees, to the House floor on their way to becoming law.

Several bills encouraging the use of energy efficient automobiles and geothermal home heating and cooling are well on their way. One of the bills is designed to encourage the construction of more filling stations to serve cars that use compressed natural gas.

Illegal aliens in state prisons could soon face federal deportation, saving the state of Oklahoma millions of dollars. There are 166 offenders currently in state prisons that would be immediately eligible for transfer to federal facilities. The state currently pays about $20,000 per year to house each inmate. In addition to the 166 inmates immediately eligible for deportation under the bill, another 188 illegal alien inmates should be eligible by the end of the next fiscal year.

We are also trying to toughen the penalties on uninsured motorists. Many of you have called or emailed me about this issue. Under the new bill, uninsured motorists would be prevented from suing other drivers for anything except actual medical costs, property damage, and lost income. The bill specifically prevents uninsured drivers from suing for vague “pain and suffering” awards.

It was great to see some folks from home this week. Jennifer Lawson and Jill McAbee were here representing the Delaware County Children’s Special Advocacy Network. They had a informative display in the Capitol Rotunda. David Disco and David Krzemien drove over from Jay to show support for a bill before the House.

I also ran into Grove Graduate Matt Clouse at the Capitol. Matt is working for an Oklahoma City Bank.

Be sure and call (405)-557-7415 or email dougcox@okhouse.gov if you have ideas or concerns regarding issues before your legislature.