UPDATE 1/31/12: One more training class left: Saturday, February 18, 2012 in Norman, OK. See time, location and agenda below. Remember to bring your pcs and/note taking material as these are working sessions. Handouts provided.
UPDATE: Due to Tulsa County’s precinct meetings being scheduled for Saturday, February 4th, 2012, the Norman Tea Party has agreed to move their Citizen Involvement training date to Saturday, February 18th, 2012. Same time, same location. Thanks!
OK-SAFE, Inc. – Upcoming Training Dates
In anticipation of the upcoming 2012 Legislative Session in Oklahoma, OK-SAFE will be conducting their annual Citizen Involvement in the Legislative Process Training. These training classes are working sessions, so please be prepared to bring a laptop/notebook pc and notepaper. Handouts will be provided.
These events are free and open to the public. We do ask, however, for a small donation to offset the associated expenses. Light refreshments will be served.
The Oklahoma Legislative session begins on the Monday, February 6, 2012 and runs through the last Friday of May. This year plans to every bit as contentious as last, since more people are aware of the bad legislation being passed in this state.
For instance, last year’s HB 2130, dealing with the health insurance exchanges, is still a live round. This highly controversial bill passed the OK House by a narrow margin on March 17th, 2011. Due to all the backlash the bill was not heard in the Senate, but because it was not voted on, it is still an active bill. Diligence will be needed by all those with concerns about the “Obama Care” health insurance exchanges – there will be several attempts by this legislature to establish one.
Training/Working Session Dates and Locations
Tulsa –
Date: Saturday, January 21, 2012 (COMPLETED – Thanks for attending)
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: HQ building, 1008-B N. Hickory Ave., Broken Arrow, OK
Oklahoma City –
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2012 (COMPLETED – Thanks for attending!)
Time: 1 pm to 5 pm
Location: The Village Library, 10307 N. Pennsylvania Ave., north Oklahoma City, OK
Norman, OK – NOTE NEW DATE!
Date: Saturday, February 4, 2012 February 18, 2012
Time: 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Location: First Assembly of God Church in Norman, 2500 E. Lindsey, Norman, OK (NOTE: Address Correction Made 1/18/12!)
Note: Host is Norman Tea Party.
Agenda:
1st Hour –
- Introductory – The basics of citizen involvement in the legislative process. 1) Overview of the Legislative Process in OK; 2) Identifying your legislator, 3) Entering contact information in cell phones and contact list; 4) How to write an email to a legislator; 5) Making the OK Legislature/OSCN your home pages.
2nd Hour –
- Intermediate – Builds on Hour 1. 1) The OK legislative process, i.e. interim studies, bills introduced, bill committee assignments; 2) The committee process, and when to advocate for a bill; 3) Creating group email lists for both House and Senate Committee members, 4) Understanding the role of Speaker, Pro-Temp, Floor leader, and Whips.
3rd Hour –
- Advanced – Builds on Hours 1 & 2. 1) Understanding political doublespeak, i.e. smaller, smarter government; economic development; knowledge-based economy; 2) How to read a bill with understanding and find the titles of law; 3) Understanding Health Care Reform and the OHIET Trust: 4) Federal grants and who benefits from the passage of legislation.
The OK Legislative Session begins on Monday, February 6, 2012 and ends on the last Friday on May. This year will prove to be
Stop Obamacare Penalties Now (rallies in 12 cities planned)
OK-SAFE, Inc. Blog 