FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 19, 2012

Democratic Leader Scott M. Inman
State Capitol Building Rm. 548
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
Contact: Eric Russell
405-962-7819

Files bills to increase furlough notice, assist families & victims of domestic violence

Oklahoma City, OK (January 19, 2012) As the 2nd session of the 53rd Legislature approaches, lawmakers begin to prepare for what are sure to be difficult days ahead. With deadlines looming, Democratic Leader Scott Inman, D-Del City, filed legislation today in an effort to address the interests of his district as well as the needs of the state. “Oklahoma’s economy is looking up, but many families are still struggling,” Inman said, “I hope to alleviate those struggles this session.”

Leader Inman said today that he plans to fight efforts to reduce the income tax rate at a time when our state holds over $1.2 billion in outstanding debt in bonds and nearly $247 million in notes payable. He noted that not only is this fiscally irresponsible, but the methods proposed to allow this tax cut would actually raise taxes on working Oklahoma families and impoverished seniors while slashing taxes only for the highest-income households in the state.

The preservation and improvement of our public education system is also a priority for Leader Inman, as well as to help returning veterans successfully transition from military operations to civilian jobs.

Other issues on the forefront include protecting pensions of firefighters, law enforcement officers and state employees, safeguarding medical care and coverage, especially for our most vulnerable infants from ages 0-1, increasing the number of college graduates in our state, supporting senior citizen programs, investing more resources for our crumbling roads and bridges, and defending the rights of all Oklahomans.

One issue that has troubled Leader Inman since its inception is the lack of back-to-school supplies eligible for a tax exemption during what is touted as the “back-to-school” sales tax holiday.

“Most families assume that during the tax holiday, they would be able to purchase items that are actually used at school,” Leader Inman said. “They would be wrong.”

Leader Inman’s legislation expands the number of eligible items for purchase to things like #2 pencils, pencil cases, loose leaf paper, pocket folders, crayons, erasers, glue, and scissors. In turn, his bill excludes items currently deemed eligible by the Tax Commission, such as household and shop aprons, bathing suits and caps, garters and garter belts, girdles, lab coats, slippers, and wedding apparel.

“Why the legislature thought it was a good idea to include garter belts and not pencils on the list of back-to-school sales tax items is beyond me,” Leader Inman remarked.

In response to furloughs imposed on state employees, Leader Inman filed a bill to extend the amount of advance notice of pending furloughs. Current rules require notice of only two working days.

“I recognize the burden and uncertainty little notice of furlough days can place on employees, and the stress that comes with wondering whether they can pay all the bills given their cut in hours,” said Leader Inman. “While the state should make every effort to avoid furlough, I think there should be a thirty-day notice of any furlough should it become necessary. This would give these employees the opportunity to adjust their schedules and payment arrangements.”

Since 2008 the state workforce has decreased by over three thousand employees. Employees who survived reductions in force and voluntary buyouts have contended with mandatory furlough days, which is equivalent to a pay cut.

At the peak of the crisis, the Department of Corrections, already struggling with the loss of four hundred employees through voluntary buyouts, were forced to furlough over three thousand officers.

“Currently, merit rules require notification of only two working days,” said Sterling Zearley, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Public Employees Association (OPEA.) “Employees need more than two days to plan their family budget and prepare for losing funds from their pay checks.”

Leader Inman filed a bill this session to strengthen domestic violence laws by increasing the penalties of those violating a protective order. Oklahoma ranks 11th highest in the nation for domestic violent deaths of women, and according to the OSBI Uniform Crime Report, there were 25,442 domestic abuse offenses in our state in 2010. Offenses include murder, sex crimes, assault and assault and battery.

Leader Inman stated he was also “disturbed” to learn that 71% of incarcerated women in Oklahoma have been victims of domestic violence or sexual assault at some point in their lives.

“I feel it’s imperative that we first and foremost protect victims of domestic violence,” said Leader Inman. “I am baffled why our laws impose a stricter penalty for those who abuse animals than those who abuse women. My aim is to restrict the rights of repeat offenders of domestic violence, and to that end my bill denies bail based on personal recognizance.”

The House of Representatives will reconvene on Monday, February 6th, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.

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