Political Pulse

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - With President Obama and federal lawmakers
preparing to resume negotiations on a health care bill, Oklahoma
voters already are being given the option of opposing the plan.
The Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday approved a series of measures
designed to limit the impact of any federal legislation.
One measure calls for a statewide vote designed to let Oklahoma
“opt out” of federal provisions that require individuals,
employers or providers to participate in a plan.
Democrats debated vigorously against the proposal, with several
calling it a political ploy and premature since no federal
legislation has been passed.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures,
Oklahoma is one of at least 22 states seeking similar
constitutional amendments.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A Tulsa-area businessman says he plans to
run for state insurance commissioner this fall.
Republican John Doak said Tuesday he plans to mount a statewide
campaign for the job now held by Insurance Commissioner Kim
Holland, a Democrat who announced earlier this month she will seek
re-election.
Currently an insurance agent for State Farm, Doak says Oklahoma
needs conservative leaders at all levels of government.
He says the state’s insurance commissioner should be a strong
voice for Oklahoma consumers and be fair to businesses who create
jobs.
Doak says reforms are needed to combat rising insurance costs
but that they should occur at the state level, not in Washington.
He says he will work closely with state leaders to implement the
best reforms possible.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - While the state faces its worst budget
crisis in modern history, a Senate Democrat wants to eliminate
about $259 million in tax breaks to energy companies, manufacturers
and investors.
Sen. Tom Adelson of Tulsa says the growth of tax expenditures
has exploded in recent years and now totals more than $5.4 billion
each year.
The state faces a revenue shortfall this year of about $670
million and even larger projected deficit next year. Adelson says
now is the time to scale back some of the tax breaks.
He wants to target a $59 million break on drilling expenses by
oil and natural gas companies, $44 million in ad valorem exemptions
to manufacturers and nearly $50 million in sales tax exemptions for
advertising sales, among others.

MUSTANG, Okla. (AP) - Funeral services have been set for a
former state lawmaker who died of an apparent heart attack Sunday
at his home in suburban Oklahoma City.
A viewing for former state Rep. Tim Pope will be held from 1
p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at McNeil Funeral Home in Mustang. Funeral
services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Bridge Assembly of God
Church in Mustang.
The 52-year-old Republican collapsed and died in the backyard of
his home. He served 14 years in the Legislature before an
unsuccessful run for state labor commissioner in 2002.
Pope pleaded guilty last year to a misdemeanor charge of aiding
and abetting a political contribution in excess of the legal $5,000
limit.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Legislative leaders are blasting Governor
Henry’s top budget negotiator, saying he shouldn’t have threatened
a possible veto for a new state financial plan.
Treasurer Scott Meacham told The Associated Press on Wednesday
that Henry could veto a revised 2009-10 state budget if legislators
played hardball during negotiations. Meacham said education,
prisons and health care plans could suffer.
Senate President Glenn Coffee said Thursday that Meacham’s
remarks were inappropriate and suggested Meacham was trying to
“pick a fight.” House Speaker Chris Benge said Meacham’s comments
were not constructive.
Henry says be believes an agreement can be reached as Oklahoma
tries to address a $729 million budget deficit.