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.