Thanks to everyone who called, e-mailed and contacted legislators during the past week regarding the Silver Alert (HB 2030) and the Smoking Bill (SB 1036.) It’s a busy time at the State Capitol and we appreciate the efforts of our 770 Team. These are great examples of action opportunities for the 770 Team. As the Legislature continues to meet between now and the end of May and federal legislation comes up, we anticipate more grassroots advocacy opportunities. Keep in mind, we realize that from time to time you may not be able to support a particular piece of legislation and there is no expectation for you to do so.
Now that you’re starting to see some of the communication and advocacy opportunities, it’s also a good time to recruit your friends and contacts to be part of the 770 Team. We are still working toward our goal of at least 10 team members in each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties.
We are looking forward to seeing many of you in person at the Legislative Breakfast and Training on March 4th and 5th. If you have not yet returned your RSVP card and are planning to attend, please do so immediately or e-mail Melba Knight at mknight@aarp.org.
Legislative Updates:
*HB 2204, Rep. Trebilcock's bill to increase the amount of the sales tax relief credit and expand its eligibility, passed the House Revenue and Taxation committee this morning on a unanimous 10-0 vote. Rep. Trebilcock was unable to attend the meeting, but Speaker Pro Tem Kris Steele introduced the measure on his behalf. The bill will now be considered by the full House.
*House Bill 2030, by state Rep. Kris Steele, which directs the Department of Public Safety to develop and implement a statewide “silver alert” system to be activated on behalf of a missing senior citizen passed unanimously in the House Public Safety Committee. The bill now goes to the full House.
“The Amber Alert system has proven invaluable in locating missing or kidnapped children,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “I believe the Silver Alert will do the same in cases where an elderly person has walked away from a nursing home or simply cannot be located.”
In 2006, lawmakers approved a resolution calling for the creation of a Silver Alert system, but it is not required by law at this time. The system is primarily designed to find individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or similar health issues. Several other states have approved similar laws, Steele noted.
*SB 1036 (Myers) which would have strengthened anti-smoking legislation by removing language that allows designated smoking rooms in state, county and municipal buildings, exemptions granted licensed charitable bingo games, hotels and work places. The bill requires all restaurants to be totally nonsmoking by Sept. 1, 2010. THIS BILL WAS GUTTED AND AS NOW A TASK FORCE STUDYING THE ISSUE.
Three bills passed out of committee that we oppose:
HB 1320 (Reynolds)/HB 1750 (Martin, Scott)/ SB 831 (Bingman) We oppose these bills they it would raise electric rates to pay for the financing of multi-billion dollar nuclear power plants which is a bad idea in a bad economy. All three bills have passed out of committee.
