CareerTech Honors Given Morgan, Denney

House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan, D-Prague, and Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing, have been honored with Distinguished Service Awards at the 42nd Annual Oklahoma Career and Technology Education Summer Conference.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals or organizations outside the field of CareerTech for meritorious contributions to the significant statewide improvement, promotion, development and progress of CareerTech.

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House Democrats Launch New Website

The Oklahoma Democratic Party has announced the launch of a new website, okhousedems.com, to spread the House Democrats' message.

“We’re proud to be launching this new project, and we believe it will help us all keep our constituents better apprised of what we’re doing at the Capitol,” said Democratic Leader Danny Morgan, D-Prague. “House Democrats want to make every effort to be as open and accountable as possible to our constituents. A website is a great way to do offer the public as much information as we can give them so they can explore it on their own time.”

Morgan noted that the website remains an ongoing project, but already site visitors can find an archive of press releases, editorials and videos from this session featuring Democratic legislators.

“I think this site will complement the resources already available to the public on the House website. It gives Democratic members a chance to really tell the public our side of the story and talk about what we’re doing to fight for everyday Oklahomans,” Morgan added.

“Not all of our members have websites of their own to keep their constituents updated on what bills they’re bringing up or what issues they’re working on, so this gives all our Democratic members an opportunity to share their news and ideas.”

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House Democrats To Unveil Policy Agenda

From House Democrats ~ The House Democratic Caucus, led by Rep. Danny Morgan, will unveil their policy agenda for the 2009 session at a press conference at the State Capitol on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.

“Our caucus members have some great ideas this year for legislation that will help move Oklahoma forward,” said Morgan. “Our ideas address issues of highest priority to all Oklahomans, and we look forward to working with our House and Senate colleagues to implement some of this important legislation.”

This year’s House Democratic agenda addresses the core issues of importance to Oklahomans, including growing the economy, encouraging new energy industries and protecting Oklahoma’s families, Morgan said.

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Danny Morgan's Wife Dies Unexpectedly

Debbie Morgan, wife of Democrat leader Danny Morgan, D-Prague, passed away this evening at the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. She was 47.

Mrs. Morgan's death was unexpected; a cause of death has not been released.

“Kim and I are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of Debbie Morgan,” said Governor Brad Henry. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Danny, his children, and all their loved ones.”

Mrs. Morgan is survived by her husband Danny and children, Zac and Danielle.

Funeral services are pending.

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Angry House Democrats Stage Walkout

Angry House Democrats today walked out of the chamber to protest the refusal of Republican committee chairmen to allow those with whom they disagree to speak.

Rep. Chuck Hoskin, head of the House Democratic caucus, said it was bad enough that members of the public were not allowed to speak, but elected representatives also are being denied the right to ask questions in committee and on the floor.

Thursday morning, Rep. James Covey, D-Custer City, asked to be recognized on the House floor because he wanted to speak with House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, about how committee meetings are being conducted. But he was not recognized.

"That was the straw that broke the camel's back," said Rep. Eric Proctor, D-Tulsa.

House Minority Leader Danny Morgan, D-Prague, huddled with Benge and others in the speaker's office. Morgan said Benge agreed to review committee rules and will have an answer on Monday.

Morgan (pictured) said his members also are angry over the the refusal by Rep. Ron Peterson, R-Broken Arrow, to let supporters of a measure that would require insurance companies to cover costs associated with autism speak before his committee.

About 30 supporters showed up the past two weeks to speak to Peterson's committee, but Peterson killed the measure and denied supporters a chance to speak.

Last week Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, was not allowed to speak before a House committee that took up a bill that would make English the official language of the state. The chairman of that committee, Rep. Guy Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City, restricted comments to House members. The measure passed out of committee and is awaiting action on the House floor. House Speaker Chris Benge later apologized to Smith and said he should have been allowed to speak.

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Some Democrats Unhappy Their Bills Weren't Heard

House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan of Prague said today that more Democrat-authored bills have been heard in the House under new House Speaker Chris Benge than in previous years but that some Democrats are disappointed their bills were not heard and are effectively dead this year.

Morgan appeared to stop short of endorsing the remarks of Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes, who today criticized what he said were Republican political decisions to ignore many bills authored by Democrats.

Benge said bills written by Democrats and Republicans didn't make it through the legislative process this year.

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Benge Elected Speaker By Acclamation

Republican Rep. Chris Benge was elected speaker of the House today by acclamation after Democrat Leader Danny Morgan withdrew his name as a candidate.

“I would like to congratulate Representative Benge on his election as Speaker of the House,” said Morgan, D- Prague. “We have the opportunity to reach a historic level of bipartisanship in the House of Representatives. After the past couple of weeks events, it is imperative that Republicans and Democrats work together to restore integrity to the House.”

Morgan was nominated by fellow House Democratic Caucus colleagues as a candidate for the speaker position. However, Morgan withdrew from the race to show bipartisan support and hope for a productive 2008 Session.

“This election signals a new era of bipartisanship for Oklahoma,” said Democrat Caucus Chair Chuck Hoskin, D- Vinita. “In the past, only pieces of legislation that received the personal stamp of approval by Speakers Hiett and Cargill were ever allowed a fair hearing on the House Floor. That equates to a high percentage of Oklahomans’ voices being shut out of the legislative process. I believe that Speaker Benge knows better than this and will work with us to make new investments in Oklahoma.”

“Open debate and discussion are staples of American Democracy,” said Rep. Mike Brown, D-Tahlequah. “We look forward to working with Speaker Benge to ensure that all Oklahomans ideas are heard in committee and on the House Floor.”

“Now is the time for all Legislators to roll up their sleeves and work hard for their constituents,” said Morgan. “Ethics reform, quality education and major investments that take this state forward are all goals that House Democrats have laid out for this Session. It is time to deliver what we promised to the people of Oklahoma.”

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Henry Proposes Ethics Commission Budget Boost

Governor Brad Henry today proposed an increase in the budget of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission by $160,000. The agency says its operations budget has been cut in half in recent years.

House members acknowledge they are under the gun because of the public's anger over nonpayment of taxes and late payment of taxes by some lawmakers, plus ethics issues.

"They're all telling me the same thing -- what the heck is going on? It's embarrassing. And I'm embarrassed," Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R-Moore, told The Associated Press.

"The rank and file public out there are mad as hornets, and they should be," said the leader of House Democrats, Danny Morgan.

In his sixth annual State of the State address to the Oklahoma State Legislature, Henry outlined an agenda he says will strengthen education, create jobs, improve healthcare, toughen public safety and diversify the state’s economy.

“The centennial is over, but the story of Oklahoma continues -- a story that is bold and reinvigorated, a new beginning for a state constantly evolving,” he told the second session of the Oklahoma 51st Legislature.

“What we do now will set the course for our future. It’s time to build on the successes that you and I have accomplished together during the past five years. Our actions this session will buttress the unshakable foundation of our second century of statehood.”

Henry unveiled a number of proposals, ranging from keeping the state’s commitment to raise teacher pay to the regional average to a permanent funding mechanism for the EDGE Research Endowment. Stressing that challenges and opportunities typically go hand in hand in Oklahoma, Henry said it is important for legislators to find consensus on such issues as education, economic development, healthcare, transportation and public safety.

“House Democrats are elated that Governor Henry has advocated making sound investments in Oklahoma’s future,” said Democrat Leader Danny Morgan, D- Prague. “Investing in the EDGE Fund and raising teacher pay to the regional average while maintaining a fiscally sound budget are all goals that we look forward to making a reality in the House. I hope the new Speaker of the House has the same enthusiasm for Governor Henry’s agenda.”

Senate President Co-Pro Tem Glenn Coffee, however, said that, “With our state and nation facing so many critical challenges, I believe the people of Oklahoma were hoping to hear more of a vision for change and innovation from Governor Henry. Instead, much of what the governor discussed were repackaged old proposals, and he didn’t even mention many important issues facing our state.

“Senate Republicans have a bold and innovative agenda to move Oklahoma forward, and we hope to work with Governor Henry, Senate Democrats, and the new House leadership to do the people’s business,” Coffee said.

“Governor Henry proposed a a laundry list of spending today, but he did not give much detail on how he plans to pay for it. We will analyze the governor’s budget to make sure it is based in reality. We must be cautious to ensure we don’t dig a hole for future budget years,” he said.

Coffee expressed disappointment that Henry did not mention key issues such as lawsuit reform, tax relief, and government accountability.

“Given that the governor didn’t even mention lawsuit reform, one really must question how interested he is in finding a bipartisan solution. Senate Republicans want to work with Governor Henry to find common ground on lawsuit reform, but we’re not willing to take the “reforms” out of lawsuit reform just to get him to sign a bill.

“It was also disappointing that the governor didn’t talk about keeping the commitment made to taxpayers last session to reduce the income tax to 5.25% in January 2009. With the national economy slowing down, the Legislature and the governor need to do our part to keep Oklahoma’s economy by providing more tax relief,” stated Coffee.

“Streamlining government and making it more accountable, efficient and effective will be a major priority for the Legislature this year. I wish the governor would have discussed this important issue in his State of the State address,” he said.

Coffee said he appreciated the governor’s call to fully fund the Department of Corrections. However, Coffee questioned why the governor proposed increasing funding for drug courts, but did not proposed reforms for the program. An independent performance audit determined drug courts are failing to divert drug offenders from prison and have not resulted in the savings that were promised.

Coffee said he hopes the governor will support Senate Republicans’ plan to dedicate more of existing motor vehicle taxes to fix our roads and bridges.

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Danny Morgan Says Cargill Controversy Could Help Boost Democrats In Fall Legislative Elections

The Associated Press' Tim Talley Reports ~ The Oklahoma House's top Democrat said Wednesday circumstances surrounding the resignation of Republican Speaker Lance Cargill could give Democrats a boost in this fall's elections and possibly return them to majority status.

"I think we have a very good opportunity to move forward," House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan of Prague told reporters, editors and broadcasters at The Associated Press' annual legislative forum.

"If I'm not named speaker next week, I'll be named speaker next January," said Morgan, the only Democrat among five House members who are actively seeking the speaker's job.

The House's acting speaker, Speaker Pro Tem Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell, described Cargill's resignation as speaker as "a brave, courageous, selfless act" and said he does not believe the political divisiveness it has caused within the GOP caucus will have any effect on the upcoming elections.

"We're a long way from November," said Blackwell, who is also seeking the speaker's job. "I do not think it will hurt us. "Politics is local. It gets back to the person running," he said.

Other Republicans seeking the speaker's job are Reps. John Wright of Broken Arrow, Susan Winchester of Chickasha and Dale DeWitt of Braman.

The 101-member House plans to elect a new speaker shortly after the Legislature convenes on Feb. 4 to replace Cargill, who resigned on Monday following a series of embarrassing revelations.

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Morgan Wants Teen Cellphone-Driving Ban

A bill filed by House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan would make it illegal for teenagers to use cellphones or text while driving.

"Teenagers have their hands full just learning to drive," said Morgan, D-Prague. "If you add talking on the phone or texting friends into the mix, you're just creating the recipe for an accident. My legislation will provide a little incentive for those kids to focus on driving instead of talking on the phone."

House Bill 2964, by Morgan, would make it illegal for anyone younger than 18 to "operate a motor vehicle on a street or highway while using a cellular telephone or electronic communication device while the motor vehicle is in motion."

Teenagers caught talking while driving would face a $25 fine.

The bill contains exemptions in emergency situations requiring police or medical attention.

The link between cell-phone use and driver inattention has been the subject of several formal studies in recent years. The 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study, conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (released in April 2006), found that almost 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds of the event. The study found that the most common distraction is the use of cell phones.

Motorists who use cell phones while driving are also four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves, according to a July 2005 study of drivers in Perth, Australia, conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

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Liebmann: Democrats Exhibit 'Political Hypocrisy'

House Democrats are playing in the big leagues of political hypocrisy, Rep. Guy Liebmann (pictured) said today as he called on Democrats to apply the same standards to themselves that they claim to want applied to Republicans.

Liebmann cited reports showing that former Governor David Walters is hosting a political fundraiser for Democrats Tuesday. An invitation has been sent to Capitol lobbyists asking them to attend and donate, Liebmann said.

He added that in 1993, Walters became the first governor in the state to be indicted when he was accused of eight felonies, including conspiracy and perjury. Walters pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor for violating state campaign law in a plea agreement.

"Now, Democrats are using him to host a fundraiser for themselves," Liebmann said in a news release. "Last week, House Minority Leader Danny Morgan criticized Republicans for simply attending a fundraiser at the home of an individual who has never even been charged, much less convicted, of election law violations. Furthermore, the fundraiser was for a presidential candidate and not themselves.

“Clearly their finger-pointing was only a diversionary tactic to avoid drawing attention to their own fundraiser,” said Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City. “Last week, Morgan said he was “floored” to hear of House Republicans attending a presidential fundraiser. Sadly, we are not surprised by this Democratic behavior and hypocrisy.

"It’s becoming clear that whenever Democrats like Morgan call for ethics reform, Oklahomans can be sure that while they claim to be concerned about everyone else’s ethics, they have little regard for their own," he added.

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Danny Morgan Reacts To McMahan Indictment

Democratic House Leader Danny Morgan issued this statement this afternoon:

“House Democrats oppose any type of political corruption. We think it was said best by U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling that these practices are unacceptable. Public interests should never be awarded to the highest bidder. We, as public officials, should hold ourselves to the strictest of standards. Special interests receiving preferential treatment violate the public trust, and these practices shatter the integrity of our democratic system.

“Ethics reform will be a top priority of the House Democrats this Session. Unethical and illegal fundraising practices are absolutely intolerable. Our caucus will push for expansion of the Ethics Commission’s power to eliminate any corruption that exists. We hope House Republicans will join us to push for true and meaningful ethics reform. Oklahomans deserve a government that works for all of its citizens not just the special interests.”

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Cargill Says Democrat Complaints Are A Surprise

House Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah) said today that complaints from Democrats about House office renovations are a surprise to him.

“Not one House Democrat complained when we repaired their offices over the past two years, so I was surprised to learn they’re objecting now that the job is completed.

“Had it not been for decades of willful Democrat neglect when they controlled the Oklahoma House of Representatives, we would not have been forced to make such a significant expenditure on office repair. Instead of maintaining the House properly, the Democrats were shipping tax money to Gene Stipe and alleged dog food plants – actions that are now drawing federal scrutiny.

“I know that House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan sure didn’t seem upset when we spent over $25,000 on furniture for his office and conference room – an expenditure that I believe was justifiable due to years of Democrat neglect.

“After years of Democratic control, House offices had unsecured walls ready to collapse, desks on blocks and even chicken wire holding everything together. I wish I was kidding. But we got off lucky. The Democrats left the rest of state government with $9 billion in maintenance needs. We also face another $9 billion backlog to repair our roads and bridges – as anyone with a car has known for years.

“I am also surprised House Democrats would also complain about our House staff salaries, which are now market-based instead of patronage-based. If Representatives Morgan and Mike Brown truly believe we can fund pay raises for all state employees by eliminating a few members of House staff, they are less equipped to handle budget issues than I realized.

“Although House Democrats were unable to find any cost-savings during the 80 years they controlled the House, I certainly appreciate their newfound concern.”

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Danny Morgan Claims Cargill Boosts Expenditures; Cargill Says Cost-Saving Measures Working

State Rep. Danny Morgan, Prague Democrat, said today that Republican Speaker Lance Cargill may claim he's streamlined government, but “Just because you say it doesn’t make it true. The Speaker may say that he has streamlined government but the fact is that since the Republicans took control of the House in 2004 the number of the Speaker’s personal staff has nearly doubled and the House’s budget has increased.”

In 2004, the last year that Democrats had the majority in the House, the appropriation to the House of Representatives was $18 million whereas, in 2007 the appropriation was $19.1 million, Morgan said.

“Not only has the House budget increased but the Legislative Service Bureau’s budget has spiked over the past couple of years,” said Morgan. The Legislative Service Bureau, or LSB, is a state agency that provides support services to the House and Senate.

“The LSB’s budget has increased 63.2% since Republicans took control of the House and partial control of the Senate,” said Morgan. “The private audit of the Department of Corrections and printing costs for the House and Senate are a few examples of items paid out of LSB’s budget. When you take this into account, the Speaker is spending more money than any other Speaker over the past 4 years.”

In 2004 the Democratic Speaker’s press secretary made a salary of $41,000 per year. As of 2007 that position now makes nearly $80,000 under Republican Leadership, Morgan said. This is only one example of the extravagant pay raises that the Speaker has given his personal staff, Morgan claims.

“As a businessman I’ve met a budget and a payroll,” said Morgan. “I know what it takes to pay all your employees a fair wage and meet a fiscally sound budget. The Speaker has never done that in the private sector and he’s not doing it as leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.”

Morgan's statement came after Cargill issued a news release in which he said the GOP House leadership is reducing the cost of government: "For too long, Oklahoma government has been stuck in the horse-and-buggy era, needlessly wasting taxpayer funds without providing much benefit to working Oklahomans. Until recently, that mentality ruled even in the Legislature, but we are now leading the charge to improve state government in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. We are improving services, public offices and staffing without budget increases - something that was unheard of in the past.

"The Oklahoma House of Representative's appropriation has been frozen for the past two years under Republican leadership. In recent months, House leaders have conducted several hearings on modernizing state government, streamlining unnecessary bureaucracy and cutting back on government waste. The hearings have focused on opportunities for consolidation of agencies, boards and commissions, as well as possible cost savings through reforms of the state's purchasing system and technology upgrades."

Many of the reforms proposed for other agencies are already being implemented in the House of Representatives, Cargill noted. For example, the House has purchased lap tops for every member, allowing instant electronic access to bills instead of physically printing 101 copies of every measure for every representative. As a result, the House cancelled an annual $327,000 printing contract, which offset the cost of the laptops. The new computers also allowed legislators to be more accessible to constituents at all times thanks to e-mail access on the House floor.

Cargill also said that, thanks to similar cost-saving measures that increased efficiency and reallocations within the House budget, money was freed up for other projects such as major repair and refurbishing of House offices for the first time in years. Prior to the recent repairs, many offices had become dilapidated with desks actually sitting on blocks and office walls literally unsecured.

At the same time, he said, House leaders have implemented other financial reforms, such as requiring all House members to pay a portion of the cost whenever they travel out of state to official events.

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Budget Agreement Details Listed

One day after the enactment of a bipartisan tax relief package, legislative leaders and the governor on Tuesday announced the outlines of a $7.1 billion state budget agreement that speeds up tax cuts for working Oklahomans, boosts teacher pay and includes important funds for critical state services such as public safety and state prisons.

“This budget agreement is the result of hard work and bipartisan cooperation, Governor Brad Henry said, "and I thank legislative leaders of both parties for finding consensus on important issues. It hasn’t always been an easy process, but lawmakers ultimately came together to do significant things for Oklahoma, such as strengthening higher education, establishing a state bioenergy center and increasing teacher pay. This bipartisan budget addresses a number of other priorities, as well as ensuring tax relief. In all, it marks a win-win for Oklahoma."

“We said very early on that the hallmark of this legislative session would be fiscal restraint and restored accountability from government. This is the first time ever in the history of our state that a Legislature cut government spending when there was the opportunity to spend more,” said Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. “We delivered a responsible state budget that makes record investments in core services while putting in place reforms that make clear we expect in return quality performance and results. At the same time, we have achieved real tax relief for Oklahoma’s working families, the very people whose productivity has helped fuel our economic growth. Important reforms include taking a first step toward a merit-based pay system for Oklahoma teachers and motivating our OHLAP scholars to earn better grades while in college. And for the first time, we will take a major step toward fixing our state’s prison problem by conducting a top-to-bottom review of the Department of Corrections.”

“This budget agreement focuses on protecting middle class families and provides a fiscally-responsible framework for Oklahoma’s future by opening the door to educational opportunities for the next generation. It includes important funding to keep tuition increases to a minimum at our colleges and universities and establishes a permanent funding source to ensure the long-term stability of the Oklahoma’s Promise Scholarship Program,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan, D-Stillwater.

“This fiscally-responsible agreement builds on the bipartisan budget and tax relief plan passed by the Legislature earlier this session, and represents a common sense compromise that Oklahomans can all be proud of, especially the tax cuts for working families and the long-term fix for the Teacher Retirement System,” stated Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “The Senate’s power-sharing agreement has resulted in a spirit of cooperation in the Legislature’s upper chamber, and this bipartisanship is evident in today’s agreement. The stage is now set for an orderly and on-time adjournment of the 2007 legislative session.”

“Great things happen when different sides work out different priorities,” said House Minority Leader Danny Morgan, D- Prague. “Our constituents sent us to the Capitol to adequately fund state agencies that meet the needs of all Oklahomans. This inclusive bi-partisan budget is truly a victory for this state.”

Highlights of the agreement include: A four-point tax relief package to speed reduction of the state’s top marginal income tax rate, provide a childcare credit for stay-at-home parents, offer a back-to-school sales tax holiday and eliminate the franchise tax on most small businesses; An average $1,000 per-teacher pay increase, weighted toward veteran teachers and those with advanced degrees. Funds in this area also include an incentive-based program to encourage the hiring of specially-qualified teachers; $5 million to fund per diem increases at private prisons and halfway houses to ease state prison overcrowding; $1 million to the Department of Public Safety to replace obsolete vehicles; $3 million for drug courts and the “Smart on Crime Initiative"; A permanent funding source for the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) with new college GPA requirements for OHLAP scholarship students; A tuition-lock program that allows incoming in-state Oklahoma college and university students to opt in to a guaranteed tuition rate for four years; A $33 million increase for the State Regents for Higher Education to cover operational expenses; An increase of the authorization for endowed chairs at Oklahoma colleges and universities from the current $50 million to $100 million; A deposit of $10 million into the Oklahoma Teacher Retirement System as an initial down payment on a long-term historic reform to fund Oklahoma’s broken teacher retirement system that will pump more than $200 million into the system over the next five years; $15 million for the Oklahoma Centennial Commission, as that entity completes celebrations, plans and projects for the 2007 State Centennial; $10 million for a state Bioenergy Fund, using $4 million in existing appropriations from Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST).
$5 million in funds for Educare centers to match private funds from the George Kaiser Family Foundation; $16.5 million for capital projects at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and regional universities, including the state’s Cancer Center; $2.5 million for rural fire department equipment costs and $1.4 million for firefighter training; $6.5 million for the Conservation Commission to address critical needs for flood control structures across the state – leveraging state funds for 2-to-1 matching federal dollars; $10 million for State Emergency Fund and costs from devastating ice storms earlier this year.

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Edwards Claims Oklahoma Legislator Support

The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that 30 Democrats in the Oklahoma State Legislature have endorsed him for President. Among those endorsing Edwards are Oklahoma State Senate President Co-Pro Tempore Mike Morgan, State House Minority Leader Danny Morgan, 10 State Senators and 20 State Representatives.

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Ethics Reform Proposal Now Bipartisan Effort

As a House committee on Monday advanced an ethics reform proposal, House and Senate leaders signed on as co-authors of House Bill 2110 in an effort to craft a final bipartisan plan. House Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah) and House Democrat Leader DannyMorgan (D-Prague) said the bill is a work in progress that will change as bipartisan discussions continue.

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