House Republicans Unveil 2008 Agenda

House Republicans unveiled their 2008 legislative agenda Tuesday with plans to push for a more accountable education system, a modern, efficient and ethical government and stronger and healthier Oklahoma families.

In 2007, House Republicans offered Oklahoma the Year of Ideas agenda.

"Now, at the dawn of Oklahoma’s second century, it's time to harness the energy and enthusiasm generated last year. It’s time to move forward with solutions," the GOP statement said.

“Ideas only get us so far. They are nothing without action,” said House Speaker Lance Cargill. “We spent a year gathering the best ideas, but now, as we move into our second century, we must build a state that is known not only for its original thinkers, but also for its ability to produce solutions.”

The agenda consists of four themes.

“When we say we want government modernization, you know we have been talking about an assessment of state assets and streamlining the state’s purchasing among other reforms,” said Cargill, R-Harrah. “But these are not the only solutions, and we will be seeking other ideas that may be incorporated into our agenda over the course of session.”

“We have diverse ideas among our Republican members,” said Cargill. “I want as many ideas as possible, so at the end of the day, we can have the best policy for the state.”

"The Year of Solutions agenda will build on conservative accomplishments realized since House Republicans took control in 2005 and bring a renewed focus to government accountability and education reforms, along with policies to help working families and improve our state’s quality of life," the statement continued.

The agenda includes:

Investment and Reform in Education
The House GOP supports continued investments in education, coupled with more accountability, increased standards and better results. A good first step towards that end is a performance pay plan for our school teachers, so that good teachers are rewarded for success. Teachers are professionals and they deserve to be paid like professionals. For too long, Oklahoma’s teachers have been held back by a “one size fits all” model of pay. “We have some of the best teacher’s in the country, and they deserve to be compenstated accordingly,” said House Education Committee Chairman Rep. Tad Jones, R-Claremore, said. “It is an insult to tell those great teachers that they are worth no more to this state than a mediocre peer.”

Government Modernization, Efficiency and Ethics Reform
Oklahoma has been stuck in an antiquated era of state government since our founding a century ago. It’s time to move into the next century by embracing new technologies to make the state more efficient and cost-effective. Let’s take a more businesslike approach to state government. Oklahoma’s leaders must also consolidate or end outmoded portions of government, while embracing innovative programs that allow agencies more flexibility. “Government needs to be run less like a good ol’ boys club and more like a modern-day business,” said Rep. Ken Miller, vice-chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. “We owe the taxpayers the best return on their investment we can give them.”

Stronger and Healthier Families
With a combination of reforms such as a childcare tax credit and pro-life legislation, the House GOP showed a strong commitment to Oklahoma’s middle class last year. That commitment continues with the Year of Solutions agenda -- with new reforms to help boost economic and physical well-being, increase public safety and advance further reforms to encourage faith-based organizations. “House Republicans will push to implement long-term solutions for public safety like those identified in the recently-released independent audit of the Corrections Department,” said Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, chairman of the House Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

Growing Oklahoma
The House GOP believes that government has a proper role to play in establishing the right conditions for economic growth -- through tax reforms, removing regulatory barriers, legal reforms and through investments in transportation and infrastructure. As Oklahoma moves into the 21st Century knowledge-based economy, we must do more to free our state’s entrepreneurial drive and to provide more and better job opportunities. “Education, tax and health care reforms are important, but they don’t mean anything if the roads you use to drive to the doctor or take your child to school are not safe,” said Rep. Guy Liebmann, chairman of the House General Government and Transportation Committee.

“In this election year, we must be willing to put aside our political differences and work toward solutions that will move this state forward,” said Cargill. “And the House Republicans will be leading the charge.”

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