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.