by Paula Peterson,

asst. to editor

State Representative Charles Ortega addressed the crowd at the Kiwanis Legislative Luncheon on Friday, March 19. Ortega brought his own cheering section with his wife, sisters and cousin in attendance.

Ortega started off with good news. The oil and gas production revenues were up for February 2010, unexpectedly bringing in 20-24 million dollars. This was the first improvement in revenues in 14 months, but it was still lower than the February 2009 figures, according to Ortega. Hopefully, the upward trend in revenue may continue. The proposed budget cuts will continue until they see a substantial, consistent shift in the state’s income. Ortega feels that government is bound to grow, by nature, but this is an opportunity to maintain services at an operational level for our state government.

Ortega gave a short list of concerns facing Oklahoma. One of them is energy stabilization. The state’s economy is based largely on oil and gas production. The volatility of those products swings the pendulum of our economy from one side to the other in 5 to 10 year cycles. If there could be substantial savings during the fat years, it could profit and steady our economy during the lean ones.

There are some trends toward modernizing our government. Ortega thinks this should be approached carefully. One such positive move would be the Open Books Policy which allows citizens to research how the state spends the tax payers’ money. Ortega is certain we’d all appreciate that.

Tax credit transparency would help to determine which credits are worthy and which should be eliminated. Our state gives $150 million in tax credits. Ortega feels there should be more accountability with these credits. Later Ortega mentioned the electric car project which makes it possible to get these vehicles at little cost. There must be accountability, he reiterated.

The ice storm was an opportunity to examine how well our State Emergency Management is conducted in the face of calamity. “They are doing all they can,” Ortega remarked.. But Ortega did mention the 12 ?% the state is supposed to chip in to help counties pay for disasters. Certainly Ortega knows Jackson County and Altus are still waiting for their 12 ? % for the tornadoes/downbursts sustained in June of 2008. Ortega said that Joe Dorman wants to provide a box on state income tax forms for people to be able to contribute to disaster relief. Ortega said that is fine, but it may cost more to change the forms than would be donated. “It’s hard to tell. There may be some improvement,” he said, “but don’t hold your breath.”

There is a move to help fire fighters with their expenses toward continuing education.

Health care is a big concern right now. There is some effort in the legislature to attempt to exempt Oklahoma from a federal health care program, should one be enacted.

If a bill passes to become law, certain community workers would become mandated reporters for the disabled and elderly. If a city worker observed evidence that caused them to wonder at a vulnerable citizen’s safety, he or she could report it for investigation.

Texting while driving and people with learners permits using cell phones would be illegal if a certain bill passes in Oklahoma. This would prevent many accidents.

One bill concerns a central place for people to apply to start a new business. It shortens the process for required permits.

Another bill has generated a lot of talk. The firearm law says that these weapons made in Oklahoma are not subject to federal law while in Oklahoma. Ortega’s take on that was to comment that we are dependent on federal funding for many things. Perhaps we are not in a position to actually be independent in this case.

Eminent domain questions have arisen lately with the wind energy issues. In Chickasha, the city condemned land and then did not use it for the stated project. This bill, if it became law, would return land to the previous owner if it was not used for that stated purpose within a 10 year term.

Ortega has worked for quite a while on trying to get a quality insurance plan for state employees. Now there is a task force to make recommendations and may evaluate the agency as a whole. He wants affordable, comprehensive health insurance for state employees.

Predators are not deterred by any method that has been engaged by the penal system. “We must protect our kids from these predators,” Ortega said with conviction. Now a bill proposes the death penalty for raping a child under 6 years of age. It also deals with repeat offenders.

“The budget,” he said, “is first and foremost. Oklahoma has been through a lot tougher situations than this time.” He is in the legislature to do his best.

In a question and answer time, one person asked about the grocery tax. Ortega said it “doesn’t sound smart at this time,” (to remove the grocery tax.). Generally speaking he said, “Less taxes usually make more sense.” Many cities have enacted MAPS projects to pay for things in their communities. Removing the grocery taxes would decrease their tax base to pay for such projects.

Ortega mentioned the 48th annual Quail Breakfast to be held in Washington D.C on March 25. This is currently sponsored by Oklahoma’s Senator James Inhofe.

The next Kiwanis Legislative Luncheon will be held April 16, and the final one of this session will be held June 9.