An Update From The State Capitol
By State Rep. Earl Sears

Does anyone else find it odd that it's already March?

The year of 2008 still seems so fresh, but we're already into the third month on the calendar. As a state representative, that means that the first month of the legislative session is already in the books. And as your state representative, it's my duty to keep you up to date on the happenings in Oklahoma City, so that's why I'm writing to you today.

First off, let me fill you in on what goes on during the opening weeks of session, which always begins on the first Monday in February. The Governor kicked things off with his State of the State address. After that, the new legislative session got started in earnest. The first couple of weeks are always interesting, as they are filled with committee meetings and bill hearings. During that time, the representatives are busy in those meetings listening to their fellow members push bills they believe will be good for the state. After they explain the merits of their bill, the committee members will vote on the bill and if it passes, it goes on to a vote before all of the members on the House floor.

In the next few weeks, we will be voting on all of the bills which make it out of the committee process. Then, those that pass head over the the Senate, where they will be voted on again. If they pass there, the bills head to the governor's desk for approval and, if signed, they become law. While the entire process takes place in only four months, it's a very long and arduous process when it comes to legislative action on bills that could go to make Oklahoma a better place to live.

This session has been a good one so far, even with the issues we are facing. The biggest issue our state is looking at this spring is a budget shortfall. For the first time in years, our state revenue isn't higher than the year before. There will be some tough decisions that will need to be made. The $7.3 billion budget for the next fiscal year is indeed a big number and contains more than half a billion dollars in new spending proposals. If those are to be met, other areas will have to be adjusted. Much like your family budget, our state requires us to put together a balanced budget. And being a good steward of the peoples' tax dollars is very important to me. It is my pledge to you that I'll do all I can to ensure all monies allocated are being spent wisely and effectly for the people of Oklahoma.

I'll keep you updated on this matter as the session proceeds. If you have any comments or questions about anything the state is facing, do not hesitate to contact me. I'm here to represent your needs and issues and I take that responsibility very seriously.

Earl Sears (R- Bartlesville) serves District 11 of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He can be reached by phone at (405) 557-7358 or via e-mail at earl.sears@okhouse.gov.

All municipal citizens should tell Representative Earl Sears that HB 1739 as now written is harmful to them. It is:

Anti-Consumer: It creates a monopoly that could raise utility bills;

Anti-Democratic: It takes away the people’s right to vote on their utility provider and removes local oversight of utilities.

Call the House of Representatives at 405-521-2711 or 800-522-8502 or email earl.sears@okhouse.gov.

We need to do this today, please call or email today!!

Pam Polk
City Manager
City of Collinsville, OK

Thank you for your e-mail. I have read the bill and will vote No until the OML Municipal compromise is placed in the Bill. Bartlesville and Collinsville both want the OML position in this bill, and I support their position. The people should always have a voice in this matter and this bill takes that voice away. There are other reasons but this is the Big One. Let me know if you have any more questions regarding this issue.

Earl Sears (3-4-2008)