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Education |
The following is a list
of the candidates and issues that I support.
State Questions Vote NO: State Question 744, also called the Hope Amendment, is a proposed amendment that would require the state to increase spending on education to a level equal to the regional average. The regional average being that spent by our neighboring states, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado. Passage of the amendment by voters would increase Oklahoma’s spending on education by about $900 million. It should not be a surprise that the Oklahoma Education Association (teacher’s union) has pushed very hard for this amendment and in fact lead the fight to get it on the ballot. The state education
budget is already 34% of the state’s total budget. How on earth
is Oklahoma going to come up with an additional $900 million dollars
should voter pass this amendment? Well, there are three ways, (1)
raise taxes, (2) cut spending in areas other than education and (3)
raise taxes and cut spending. When it is all said and done, would Oklahoma have more schools, better supplies and newer school buses? Of course we would, but would we have better educated children? History has shown the answer is no, not unless we address the need for better teachers and teaching methods, something this amendment does not address. Click my "Education" link to learn more about what should be done to improve public education. Vote YES: State Question 754, co-authored by Todd Lamb (my choice for Lieutenant Governor) would attempt to negate SQ744 by prohibiting state spending based on criteria set by other governments, specific formulas, or how much other states spend on a function. In essence, it allows our state government the freedom to set budgets based on the needs of Oklahoma, not based on decisions and formulas that may become burdensome or obsolete in the future. I support SQ754. At the time this was written, there was some question as to if SQ745 would be in the July ballot or on November's. Vote YES: State Question 747, would limit lieutenant governors, attorneys general, state auditors, labor commissioners, insurance commissioners and superintendents of public instruction to two four-year terms. Corporation commissioners, who serve six-year terms, would also be limited to two terms. My support for passage of this question is passionate. For more on term limits, click the “Term Limits” link. Vote YES: State
Question 746: This would require government-issued photo
identification to vote. Proponents say it is necessary to prevent voter
fraud. Opponents say it may be unconstitutional; they also point out
that Oklahoma has had no convictions or even credible allegations of
voter fraud in decades. Every time I vote, I find it bewildering
that I am not required to show proof of my identity. As you know,
all you need to do is sign your name on the dotted line and you will be
given a ballot. This is another state question
that I support.
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Governor:
Randy Brogdon
Lieutenant Governor: Todd Lamb
Fifth
Congressional District: James Lankford
State
Schools Superintendent: Janet Barresi