OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 30, 2009) - House Democratic leadership today noted that though several bills are set to become law Nov. 1, Republicans still don't seem to understand that they have avoided addressing several problems affecting hard-working Oklahomans.

"In spite of record revenue shortfalls, Republicans failed to address the budget in a way that would preserve important programs in the short term and ensure we're still investing in Oklahoma's future," said Rep. Mike Brown, D-Tahlequah. "Some of the issues Republicans avoided - including creating meaningful health insurance reform, fostering jobs in alternative energies and ensuring critical services in this difficult economy - have hurt families across the state."

Some of the needed actions not going into effect over the weekend are:

● Controlling skyrocketing costs of health insurance and shifting decision-making power into the hands of patients, not at the feet of insurance companies.

● Ending a series of so-called reforms that have done nothing but strip away consumers' rights.  Though Republicans keep claiming tort reform and workers' compensation reform will reduce health care costs, grow jobs and stop doctor and nurse shortages, consumers haven't seen any of those results - only limits on their rights.

● Ensuring that children born in poverty will receive a good education or that seniors struggling at the end of life have access to proper nutrition.

● Addressing the pressing needs of children with autism who need assistance now, and preventing families of these children from being discriminated against by insurance companies who put profit ahead of these children's future.

● Helping the majority of small businesses and family farms in our state to weather through the troubled economy or plan for the future.

● Promoting usage of wind power or erection of wind turbines in our state, even though many small businesses and consumers have been asking legislators to find a way to make it easier for them to use this clean and abundant source of power.

● Keeping our best and most experienced schoolteachers from leaving the state to seek better-paying jobs elsewhere.

● Encouraging the Republican House leadership to practice fiscal conservatism and release their nearly $7 million slush fund to preserve our state's top funding priorities, such as public safety, veterans' services, education and senior nutrition.

"If Republicans think they are doing what's right for our state, then they are sorely mistaken," said Rep. Brown. "They failed to make the tough budget decisions, and now Oklahoma families are paying the price.

"These decisions are going to be more difficult next session, and if we can expect only the Republican status quo, then we can't expect real solutions to any of the major problems we face."

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