Ken Miller Sunday's Guest On The Verdict

State Treasurer Ken Miller is Sunday's guest on The Verdict.

The show airs at 9 a.m. on Cox Channels 3 and 703. It is rebroadcast on Monday at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

Share |

Is It Public Safety...Or Political Payback?

[REVISED] Governor Henry's advocacy of a new, statewide system of highway "spy" cameras to catch vehicle insurance scofflaws is touted as a means to public safety, a step forward in the use of new technology to make certain insurance laws are being obeyed.

But is the proposed new system all about public safety, or is it political payback to the man many believe is responsible for Henry's surprise election victory in 2002?

The questions arise because The McCarville Report Online has identified former OU and Dallas Cowboys football coach Barry Switzer as a key player in the nationwide movement to land lucrative highway camera administration contacts for the Chicago-based firm InsureNet. The firm is considered a "sole source provider," meaning that governmental entities using the system must hire it to administer it if they want to scan all license plates (including those from other states).

Switzer, research shows, has surfaced in at least two states on behalf of InsureNet, which is the only firm in the nation (it claims on its website) with the ability to institute the new highway "spy" camera system that would scan all plates.

Henry proposed the scanning plan to raise, he claims, $50 million in additional revenue for the state. But what doesn't show in the budget is that InsureNet, for example, would be paid 30 percent of everything collected; in short, the firm's "windfall" would be in the millions of dollars in the first year of operation alone.

Read More: www.axiomamuse.wordpress.com

Switzer's name had not publicly surfaced in connection with the plan before TMRO began researching the use of the cameras. And Switzer denies he's discussed the plan with Henry; he told Fox 25 News reporter Michael Henrich he's had no contact with the governor on the issue.

The name of Edmond insurance agent Wayne Pettigrew, a former Republican House leader, had not emerged, either. Yet Pettigrew and Switzer, records in Kansas show, both represent InsureNet in its efforts to launch the highway camera systems here and across the nation. Pettigrew also has been the firm's registered lobbyist in Nevada.

The name of Norman insurance agent Tinker Owens, who played tight end for Switzer at OU, had not emerged, either, but he, too, surfaced in the Kansas effort.

Following the thread of disjointed information about InsureNet's efforts to bring the controversial cameras to Oklahoma highways also shines light on the involvement of others, including Republican Rep. Ken Miller of Edmond, the chairman of the powerful House Appropriations and Budget Committee and a candidate for state treasurer. Miller authored House Bill 3326 in the 2008 session which authorized creation of the new license plates, which apparently became the first step in instituting the system and was a member of the committee that designed the plates. Miller, however, says the system would have worked with the state's previous license plates.

And, as with Henry, there's a political connection between Switzer and Miller.

Oklahoma Ethics Commission reports show Switzer donated $2,500 to Miller's 2010 reelection campaign.

But Miller today told The McCarville Report Online there is no connection between the two, that he never advocated the highway camera system and that the barcode on the new plates has nothing to do with InsureNet's system; he said its system reads the actual license letters and numbers.

Miller said the barcode is not necessary for InsureNet's purposes. This is how InsureNet describes its system on its website: "The InsureNet technology assigns a 'UC', (Unique Code), to each combination of policy and VIN, (Vehicle Identification Number), which becomes the 'bridge' between insurers and government entities and records." (The phrase "unique code" indicates "barcode" to most of those in the industry.)

Miller said any inference that he has been involved in a scheme to implement the system is in error.

Miller said he was aware that Switzer and Pettigrew were involved because they came to several hearings at which he was present.

Switzer was a key factor in Henry's election in 2002; some credit the popular former coach with being instrumental in Henry's victory. Switzer endorsed Henry and raised a huge sum of money for him as part of his campaign finance operation. Switzer made hundreds of telephone calls seeking donations. He also placed and arranged payment for a last-minute series of radio commercials that included a Henry campaign jingle. That jingle became the hallmark of Henry's campaign and gets credit by some for pushing Henry to victory over Republican Steve Largent.

In Henry's reelection campaign in 2006, Switzer repeated his 2002 donation generosity to Henry; he donated the maximum, $5,000.

Henry's communications director, Paul Sund, said no political payback in involved and any suggestion it is is "absolutely untrue." He noted the vendor will be chosen by competitive bid. It appears at least four firms, including InsureNet, submitted bids.

Share |

New License Plate Part Of 'Spy Cam' Plan?

[UPDATED] Governor Henry's plan to install more than 220 highway "spy" cameras to record vehicle license plates has been flying below the radar in state government for years and despite a few sporadic news stories, the full extent of the system, and those involved in implementing it, has not become apparent until now.

Read all of The McCarville Report Online's revealing stories by clicking on InsureNet Oklahoma in "Labels" below.

It appears planning for the system has been underway for at least four years.

Henry's budget proposal listed the system as the generator of $50 million in new revenue for the state. But in all the discussions, there's been no public mention that can be found of the tiny barcodes on the new plates.

The new license plates were designed to allow the use of highway "spy cameras" to read them and identify the vehicle as insured or uninsured, state records show.

The plates, first issued last year, contain the small barcode across the bottom on the right that is inconspicuous and not noticed by most owners. The sample plates issued by the state and distributed to the media did not contain a barcode sample; that space was empty. Defenders of the system say today that the barcode is not part of the highway camera plan.

The new plate movement sparked interest more than a year ago when Republican Rep. Ken Miller discussed his House Bill 2013, and what he said was the need for a new plate design, on the House floor. During the discussion, he was questioned by Reps. Charles Key and Mike Reynolds.

At one point in the discussion, Miller was asked if there had been discussion between involved parties and InsureNet and if the new or altered language is the result of that communication. Miller said (paraphrasing) that, “Yes,” there had been communication and while InsureNet submitted suggestions, none of their language was used.

Reynolds asked what would be InsureNet’s interest in changes. Miller says because they (InsureNet) would like to be the carrier (for a new highway camera license-reading system).

Miller said he has never advocated the highway camera plan, that his desire to see a new license plate for the state is not related to the plan in any way, and that the barcode is not a part of the technology.

InsureNet technology assigns a "UC", (Unique Code), to each combination of policy and VIN, (Vehicle Identification Number), which becomes the 'bridge' between insurers and government entities and records. In other words, the code allows instant access to information about the vehicle and its owner.

The use of codes on license plates has raised privacy concerns; in Nevada, gun owners protested a similar plan because they said it would allow others to trace them by using their license plate information. InsureNet assures that privacy is protected, but skeptics remain.

Said Reynolds of the highway cameras last year: “That’s a horrible idea. It’s Big Brother at its finest.”

Share |

Agency Heads Paint Grim SQ744 Picture

If State Question 744 is approved by the voters next fall, planned roads and bridges wouldn’t be built, thousands of prisoners would have to be released, mentally ill Oklahomans would be left without care leaving them destined for the streets or prison, thousands would be dropped from the Medicaid rolls and several health services would be eliminated, fewer state troopers would protect Oklahoma streets, more children and senior citizens would be cut out of state care and college tuition would increase across the state, House members were told by agency directors at an interim study today.

The interim study was requested to examine the potential effects of the passage of State Question 744, which would tie the state’s Common Education funding to an arbitrary regional average set by Oklahoma’s surrounding states.

Today, officials with seven state agencies varying from health care, human services to public safety testified that if the state question is approved, and the diversion of funds is paid for solely with budget cuts to other state agencies, the results will be dire for all Oklahomans.

If approved, the state question will require a diversion of at least $850 million in state funds to Common Education. In order to fulfill that requirement, lawmakers would likely have to look at income or sales tax increases possibly as high as 40 percent or budget reductions in other agencies of as much as 20 percent across the board.

“The level of services to Oklahomans that would have to be cut to accommodate State Question 744 is stark and would be hugely damaging to our state,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “Approval of the state question would divert millions of dollars to Common Education, but at what cost with no guarantee of improved achievement results?”

“While the petitioners of State Question 744 may be well-intended, the question is irresponsible—it is a zero-sum game where one budget component benefits to the detriment of the other vital state services like transportation, public safety and health care,” said Rep. Ken Miller, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, which is overseeing the study.

Share |

Miller Forms Treasurer Steering Committee

Rep. Ken Miller of Edmond has formed a committee to help him prepare a race for the Republican nomination for state treasurer next year.

Serving on Miller's campaign steering committee, he said, are Howard Barnett, managing director of TSF Capital; Patrice Douglas, executive vice president of First Fidelity Bank; Mark Funke, president of Bank of Oklahoma; Harold Hamm, chairman and CEO of Continental Resources; Don Millican, CFO of Kaiser-Francis; Larry Nichols, chairman and CEO of Devon Energy; Tom Price, senior vice president of Chesapeake Corporation; David Rainbolt, president of BancFirst; and Lew Ward, chairman of Ward Petroleum.

Miller holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics, a master’s degree in business administration, and a doctorate in political economics.

Miller has not yet officially announced as a candidate; he said he will not raise or expend in excess of $500 to comply with the Oklahoma State Ethics Commission regulations.

The incumbent Democrat, Scott Meacham, has not yet announced if he'll seek reeelection.

Share |

Miller Pulls Out Of Speaker's Race, Backs Steele

Rep. Ken Miller of Edmond has pulled out of the race for House Speaker and endorsed Rep. Kris Steele (pictured) of Shawnee for the post.

The two had been vying for votes in the Republican Caucus.

Miller's announcement first came in an email to fellow GOP House members. He said he and Steele met over the weekend.

"After having positive and substantive discussions over the weekend, I am pleased to announce my support of Representative Steele in his efforts to become the next Speaker of the House,” said Miller in a mid-morning news release.

“While I am honored to have been a part of the conversation concerning future House leadership, I do not plan to seek the position of speaker-designate in the fall and look forward to working closely with Rep. Steele to move our state forward," he said.

With no other House Republicans expressing interest in the position, Steele is likely to become the next Speaker of the House.

“Representative Ken Miller is a valuable member and a talented legislator. I’m honored and pleased to have his support and look forward to working together with him to grow our economy and tackle the important issues facing our state,” said Steele, who is currently the speaker pro-tempore of the House.

“The dialogue that Representative Miller and I have had will move the Republican caucus forward more unified than ever and that’s a tribute to his leadership,” said Steele, R-Shawnee.

Speaker Chris Benge, who is term limited and cannot seek re-election, praised Steele and Miller as strong leaders and said House Republicans will be in capable hands.

“This has been a very positive process and it demonstrates that Republicans have the ability to govern while smoothly transitioning leadership,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.

“I look forward to working with both of these leaders of our caucus as we enter next session and continue the pro-growth policies that have improved Oklahoma so much over the past few years.”

Though Benge remains Speaker of the House through November of 2010, Republicans will formally vote on Benge’s replacement this October. The winner will receive the title of “Speaker-Designate” and stand before the entire House for election as Speaker in November of 2010.

Share |

Reynolds Questions Caucus Use Of State Facilities

Rep. Mike Reynolds has asked Attorney General Drew Edmondson for a legal opinion on the use of state-owned facilities by political caucuses.

Reynolds' request followed a letter from a member of his own Republican Caucus, Rep. Ken Miller of Edmond, who wrote to members on House stationary about his campaign to become speaker of the House. Miller and Rep. Kris Steele of Shawnee seek the speaker's seat. Reynolds said his request was not directed at Miller.

Reynolds said he wants to know if it's constitutional to use state-owned computers and envelopes to support caucus issues.

Reynolds says he doesn't understand how the Republican and Democratic caucuses in the Legislature can use state resources for their own benefit.

Share |

AP Analyzes Race For House Speaker

Tim Talley Of The Associated Press reports on the race for speaker of the Oklahoma House: An economist from Edmond and an associate pastor at a Methodist church in Shawnee are the leading contenders to be the next Republican speaker of the Oklahoma House.

Rep. Ken Miller, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee who holds a doctorate in political economics from the University of Oklahoma, and House Speaker Pro Tem Kris Steele, an associate pastor at the Wesley United Methodist Church of Shawnee who now holds the House’s second ranking position, are vying to replace House Speaker Chris Benge of Tulsa.

Read the entire article at http://newsok.com/two-lead-race-for-oklahoma-house-speaker/article/3375999.

Share |

State Leaders Announce Budget Agreement

State leaders have agreed on a $7.2 billion budget that uses federal stimulus dollars to avoid drastic cuts.

The budget projects a 7 percent cut in state appropriations, or $494 million less than in 2009, the current fiscal year.

House Appropriations and Budget Committee Chairman Ken Miller, R-Edmond, said the budget agreement means there will be no widespread consumer fee increases, no rollback in prior tax cuts, no tax increases and no tapping into the state's "rainy day" fund.

The agreement means that tax cuts won't happen.

The budget agreement likely means the Legislature will adjourn by May 22, a week early.

The agreement apparently means that common education, health care, public safety and transportation elements of the budget won't be cut. Higher education, in fact, is slated for a 3 percent increase, about $32 million.

Share |

Miller Responds To Special Session Idea

House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Ken Miller said today the request by the Ethics Commission for a special session to address its funding and threat of a lawsuit "seems to show a disregard for the taxpayer's money."

“The Legislature was able to show support for the Ethics Commission with a record 30 percent increase this year, despite a standstill budget for almost every other agency,” said Miller, R-Edmond. “Their request for an expensive special session and threat of a lawsuit fails to recognize the progress that has been made and seems to show a disregard for the taxpayer’s money. We are always willing to discuss additional funding needs as they arise and plan to continue a dialogue with the Ethics Commission throughout the interim, just as we will with all state agencies.”

Share |

Plate Revenue Would Keep DL Sites Open

Revenue collected from the reissuance of Oklahoma license plates will go toward ensuring driver’s license testing sites do not have to close this year, House Republican leaders said today.

House Bill 3326, which is pending before the governor, would redesign and reissue license plates to all Oklahomans when they renew their annual tag in 2010. The new plate will not cost Oklahomans any additional money over their annual tag fee unless they want to keep their current license plate number. The fee to keep the same number will be $15, and is expected to bring in over $2 million in new revenue.

The Department of Public Safety is considering reducing their number of driver’s license examination stations from 59 to 27.

House Bill 2348 passed out of the House GCCA committee today and would dedicate that new revenue to DPS to keep all their testing sites open for at least the next year until legislators can further study the issue and develop a long-term solution, said Rep. Ken Miller, author of the bill.

Share |

Henry, Legislative Leaders Find Budget Accord

Governor Henry and legislative leaders today announced a bipartisan budget agreement that will effectively provide “standstill” appropriations to state agencies and programs next fiscal year.

Today’s announcement comes after many weeks of negotiations between the legislative and executive branches. Because of a reduced revenue estimate issued in February, lawmakers had limited resources at their disposal to meet state needs.

The agreement will be executed in a general appropriations bill that funds all of state government in a single piece of legislation.

“In a very challenging budget year, we did our best to stretch the state’s limited resources as far as possible,” said Henry. “Certainly, we wanted to do much more for education, health care, roads, public safety and other important priority areas, but we had to live within our budget constraints.

“This was not an easy job, and I want to thank Treasurer Scott Meacham, the leaders of the House and Senate and all lawmakers for their hard work.”

Legislative budget leaders echoed the governor’s remarks. “We worked diligently and constructively in this tight financial year to ensure all agencies have at least standstill budgets without any cuts,” said Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond and chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.

“We were able to work well together to stretch taxpayer dollars as far as possible.

“We always wish we could do more, but are pleased that current services will be funded at vital departments like Education and Human Services. Additionally, we funded the Corrections Department for a full year based on the recommendations made in the performance audit,” Miller said.

“This is not a perfect budget, but given the weakening national economy and deep budget cuts that are occurring in other states, we're pretty fortunate to have a good economy and a standstill budget here in Oklahoma. This agreement for a general appropriations bill ensures that funding will be available to continue basic government services next year," said Senator Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Budget negotiators used a combination of certified revenues, carryover funds and other available moneys to create a standstill budget for state government. The agreement does not call for any new taxes or a withdrawal from the Rainy Day Fund.

Lawmakers have also set aside funding to provide additional supplemental appropriations to education to address a shortfall in the 1017 fund.

Share |

Education Supplemental Agreement Reached

Governor Brad Henry and legislative budget leaders Rep. Ken Miller and Senators Johnnie Crutchfield and Mike Johnson assured education officials their April budgets will not have to be cut because of a shortfall in the state's 1017 fund.

The governor and legislative leaders today announced an initial supplemental appropriation to the public schools to address the shortfall in the education fund. The bipartisan agreement also contains additional funding for an educational achievement program and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

The agreement includes: Department of Education: $10 million in 1017 shortfall funds; $1.5 million to the Academic Achievement Award program; Corporation Commission: $3.1 million to supplement delayed federal funding.

Henry and budget leaders believe additional money will be needed in the remaining three months of this fiscal year to make up the projected 1017 fund shortfall. But, the priority was to get a first supplemental installment to the school districts before their April budget checks had to be cut.
The projected shortfall has decreased since the education department's initial funding request and may continue to do so as actual revenue collections are made. Once they have a better revenue picture later in April, the governor and legislative leaders have committed to provide a second supplemental appropriation to education to address its remaining 1017 fund needs if the initial supplemental proves to be inadequate to address the shortfall.

"This is a good first step to addressing our public schools' immediate budget needs, but it is only a first step," said Henry. "It is critical that we deliver additional funds to common education as quickly as possible to address the remaining school funding shortfall. I commend legislative leaders for their work to date and will work with them to appropriate the additional funds."

"This agreement heads off the April budget cuts for schools that had been planned by Superintendent Garrett, and addresses shortfalls in the Academic Achievement Awards program and for the Corporation Commission," said Senator Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "As budget negotiations continue, we will monitor the projected shortfall in the 1017 fund and will consider additional supplemental funding when it becomes necessary."

"This bipartisan agreement that includes necessary funding to keep schools across Oklahoma operating shows our commitment to education," Crutchfield, Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee said. "In a tight budget year we know we have to work harder to put together the pieces of the budget puzzle and we are committed to doing our part to make certain our schools are on strong financial footing. Once we know with certainty the total shortfall of the 1017 fund we will provide additional supplemental funding to eliminate that shortfall."

"This initial payment ensures our schools will get their full funding for April," said Miller, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. "Moving forward we will be mindful of additional supplemental needs for the Education Department while also working to craft an overall budget. We are especially pleased to fund the AAA program because that proves our schools are going above and beyond in competing for these awards."

Share |

Committee Approves New License Plate Design

Oklahomans will be driving with a newly designed vehicle license plate if House Bill 3326 becomes law.

The bill, by state Rep. Ken Miller (pictured), R-Edmond, passed out of the House Appropriations and Budget committee today.

It creates a new license plate to be issued to all Oklahoma cars in 2009 and would be the firstnew tag design in almost 16 years. Under the legislation, drivers will not have to pay any new charge to receive the updated license plate and it will be a convenient and seamless process, Miller said.

Vehicle owners will receive the new plate when they renew their tag on their regular registration date.

Share |

Henry, Legislative Leaders Agree On DOC Funding

Governor Brad Henry and legislative budget leaders announced Thursday that a bipartisan agreement has been reached on supplemental funding for the Department of Corrections and the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

The agreement includes: $24 million for the Department of Corrections and $2 million for the Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Budget talks are expected to continue early next week. Negotiators will continue to review other agencies’ supplemental funding requests, and will discuss funding issues for the 2009 fiscal year.

“I appreciate the good work of legislative leaders, their respective budget chairmen, Treasurer Meacham and the many others involved in negotiating this agreement,” Henry said. “It is critical that we address the immediate needs of our prison system, and this agreement does that. Our goal now is to craft a larger budget that will adequately fund corrections for the entire fiscal year and eliminate the need for annual supplemental appropriations to DOC.”

“Public safety has been and will remain a top priority for the Legislature this session. This bipartisan agreement on supplementals only four weeks into session shows that,” said Chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee Ken Miller, R-Edmond. “We look forward to continuing to work hard on the budget as we seek additional agreements on the other requested supplementals and funding for fiscal year 2010.”

“This early, bipartisan agreement on supplemental funding for two critical public safety agencies is a positive indicator that the budget process can run smoothly this session,” stated Senate Appropriations Committee Co-Chairman Mike Johnson (R-Kingfisher). “It is also the first step in keeping our pledge to fully fund the Department of Corrections now and in the future.”

“We felt it was extremely important to make funding the public safety needs of our state our first priority,” Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, Senate budget panel co-chairman (D-Ardmore) said. “Now that we have an agreement that will help create a safer Oklahoma, we can continue working on the funding needs of our state’s educational institutions and other critical state services upon which all Oklahomans depend.”

Henry concluded, “This is just a small, first step in what will be a very challenging budget process, but it is an important step, and I applaud everyone for working together in an inclusive, bipartisan manner. If we continue to cooperate in this fashion, and I believe we will, we will be able to address the state’s budget challenges and other issues in an efficient and effective manner.”

Share |

GOP Leaders Confident Budget Can Be Crafted

The state Board of Equalization certified the final amount lawmakers will have to spend for fiscal year 2009 today.

Despite a reduction from the initial certification last December, House Republican leaders are confident a budget can be crafted this year that is good for vital government services like education and public safety, while also protecting the taxpayers.

“Our position has not changed; we have said all along we would be cautious as we enter budget negotiations this year, and we plan to proceed along that same path,” said Rep. Ken Miller, chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. “It is no secret the economy has been slowing nationwide, so these decreased numbers are not a surprise.”

Oklahoma has bucked a national trend of states seeing sharp budget cuts because of a slowing economy.

Governor Henry said today, "It's just not time to panic. We've been through worse."

Henry said he doesn't think the revenue picture is bad enough to tap the state's "Rainy Day" fund that holds $571 million.

“Our state has been insulated this long from the downward trend because of recent efforts to restrain government spending and a reduction in our state’s income tax rate, which has put more money back into the taxpayers’ pockets,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa. “Good financial years recently also allowed us to build a robust savings in our Rainy Day Fund.”

Miller, R-Edmond, said he looks forward to getting to work on the state budget. “As we move forward, we will continue to look for ways to make government more efficient and modern at a cost savings to the taxpayers,” he said. “And, as always, we will be mindful of the state’s full financial picture as we start negotiating the budget this year.”

Share |

Jones, Derby, Trebilcock, Denney Named To House Leadership Posts By House Speaker Chris Benge

House Speaker Chris Benge named Rep. Tad Jones to the vice-chairmanship of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee today. Jones, R-Claremore, will also continue to serve as chairman of the House Education Committee.

“Representative Jones has extensive budgeting experience from his time as education chairman and will be a true asset to the House in his new role on the full budget committee,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.

Two state lawmakers were also appointed today to serve on a House committee and subcommittee in the place of Rep. Ken Miller, R-Edmond, who was recently named budget chairman.

Rep. David Derby, R-Owasso, will now serve on the House Government Modernization, Agency Review and Administrative Rules Subcommittee and Rep. John Trebilcock, R-Broken Arrow, will serve on the House Energy and Technology Committee.

Benge also announced today Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing, has been tapped to serve on his leadership team.

Share |

GOP Leaders Criticize Henry's Proposed Budget

By The Oklahoman's Michael McNutt At www.newsok.com ~ Republican legislative leaders criticized the Democratic governor’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, saying it does not show how the state would pay for the proposal's stated goals.

Sen. Mike Johnson, co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, called Gov. Brad Henry’s budget “a political document full of lofty proposals.”

“We just want to make sure everybody understands there’s a lot of promises in here (but) there’s not the revenues to deliver them,” he said today.

Johnson and Rep. Ken Miller, newly named chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee, said Henry’s $7.3 billion proposal is too vague about paying for certain proposals, such as extending the school year by five days and funding endowed chairs in higher education.
Miller called the budget “typical Brad Henry – he is for everything.”

“Gov. Henry’s budget is big on expensive programs but light on financial details,” he said.
Johnson, R-Kingfisher, said Republicans want to work with Henry to “develop a bipartisan budget agreement” and that both parties work together.
However, Johnson and Miller said they had not talked with the governor’s staff about their concerns.
“There certainly will be time for that,” said Miller, R-Edmond. “This is a normal process that the governor proposes and we answer and then we roll up our sleeves and work together to get it done.”

Paul Sund, a Henry spokesman, said the governor is hoping legislative leaders will give his proposals “a full and fair hearing before passing judgment.”

“If legislative leaders had sincere questions about the budget, we trust they would have contacted us directly instead of staging a publicity stunt for the news media,” Sund said.

Share |

Benge Names Miller Chairman of A&B Committee

Rep. Ken Miller, Edmond Republican, was named chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee today by House Speaker Chris Benge.

Miller has served for the last year as vice-chairman of the committee under Benge, who vacated the chairmanship for his new role.

As chairman of the Appropriations and Budget Committee, Miller will play a vital role in hearing the first round of budget bills through committee this session, and will have a key part in determining how the state will spend taxpayer dollars this year.

Miller, first elected in 2004, is an economics professor at Oklahoma Christian University.

Share |

Miller Says Revenue Growth Shows Overtaxation

State Rep. Ken Miller, Edmond Republican and vice chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Committee, issued the following statement today regarding the announcement of new revenue figures earlier in the day by the Office of State Finance:

“The pro-growth policies we’ve implemented in the Legislature over the past few years continue to have a positive impact. This year, per the Office of State Finance’s figures, the state’s revenue growth has totaled $224 million, when you figure revenue growth plus what we’ll deposit in the state’s rainy day fund. That means taxpayers have been overcharged. We made a commitment to Oklahoma's hard-working families to bring them tax relief, and we need to keep that promise.”

Share |