Gov. Fallin Signs HB 3399 to Repeal and Replace Common Core

OK-SAFE, Inc. – OK Governor Mary Fallin today issued a press release, indicating she had finally signed HB 3399, the bill to repeal and replace the controversial Common Core state standards. 

Hopeful as this is, it must be remembered that Fallin is a professional politician, with strong ties to the NGA and the corporate world, both of which want Common Core adopted.  Those opposed to the Common Core state standards will need to remain vigilant, to make sure that the “replacement” standards are more substantial than just a name change.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2014

Governor Mary Fallin Signs HB 3399 to Repeal and Replace Common Core Standards

New Standards will be developed in Oklahoma and Increase Academic Rigor

OKLAHOMA CITY—Governor Mary Fallin today signed HB 3399, a bill that replaces the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English and math with academic standards to be designed by the state of Oklahoma.

HB 3399 repeals the adoption of CCSS and directs the State Board of Education to create new, more rigorous standards by August 2016. For the first time in state history, the State Regents for Higher Education, the State Board of Career and Technology Education, and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce will be asked to formally evaluate those standards to determine they are “college and career ready.” While those new standards are being written, the state standards for English and math will revert to the Oklahoma Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS) standards used from 2003 to 2010.

HB 3399 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers, 71-18 in the House and 31-10 in the Senate.

Fallin signed the bill, stating:

“We are capable of developing our own Oklahoma academic standards that will be better than Common Core. Now is the time for Oklahomans – parents, citizens, educators, employers and elected officials – to unite behind the common goal of improving our schools. That begins with doing the hard work of building new, more rigorous Oklahoma standards.

“All Oklahomans want our children to get a quality education and to live the American Dream. To ensure our children have that opportunity, Oklahoma – and every state—must raise the bar for education standards so that our children can compete worldwide.

“Common Core was created with that well-intentioned goal in mind. It was intended to develop a set of high standards in classrooms across the nation that would ensure children graduated from high school prepared for college and a career in an increasingly competitive workforce. It was originally designed as a state-lead – not federal – initiative that each state could choose to voluntarily adopt.

“Unfortunately, federal overreach has tainted Common Core. President Obama and Washington bureaucrats have usurped Common Core in an attempt to influence state education standards. The results are predictable. What should have been a bipartisan policy is now widely regarded as the president’s plan to establish federal control of curricula, testing and teaching strategies.

“We cannot ignore the widespread concern of citizens, parents, educators and legislators who have expressed fear that adopting Common Core gives up local control of Oklahoma’s public schools. The words ‘Common Core’ in Oklahoma are now so divisive that they have become a distraction that interferes with our mission of providing the best education possible for our children. If we are going to improve our standards in the classroom, now is the time to get to work.

“For that reason I am signing HB 3399 to repeal and replace Common Core with Oklahoma designed and implemented education standards. I am committed, now more than ever, to ensuring these standards are rigorous. They must raise the bar – beyond what Common Core offers – on what we expect of our students. Above all, they must be developed with the goal of teaching children to think critically and creatively and to complete high school with the knowledge they need to succeed in college and in the workforce. I also ‘get it’ that Oklahoma standards must be exceptional, so when businesses and military families move to Oklahoma they can rest assured knowing their children will get a great education.

“The process of developing new, higher standards will not take place overnight, nor will it be easy. It will require hard work and collaboration between parents, educators, employers and lawmakers. Developing these standards is worth the effort; because our children’s education is that important to our state. Their futures, as well as Oklahoma’s future prosperity, depend on our ability to write and implement education standards that will prepare our children for success. I know Oklahoma is up to that challenge.

“My thanks go out to the educators and schools that have already worked hard to raise expectations and standards for our children. I know they will continue to build on those efforts as we move forward together as a state.”

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STOP Obamacare Penalties NOW Rally in Bartlesville on Saturday Jan 11th!

You are invited!  This should be a most informative rally with information on legislation in the works to STOP Obamacare Penalties NOW.  Find out how you can help and be a part of the solution this legislative session!

DATE: January 11, 2014

TIME: 10AM – 12 NOON

PLACE:  First Floor – Room 100

 Bartlesville Public Library

 600 S. Johnstone

 Bartlesville, OK 74003

Share the flyer! (pdf format downloadable/printable below on Scribd)

View this document on Scribd

FEATURING

Senator Nathan Dahm

Insurance Commissioner Doak

Amanda Teegarden for OK-SAFE

Bob Donohoo for STOP

Congressman Bridenstine may send a rep from his office to speak on his behalf

Senator Ford, Rep Martin and Rep Sears have been invited

LaShelle Griffith will MC event

Group Sponsors:

Washington County Grassroots Prayer Team — LaShelle Griffith

OK-SAFE – Amanda Teegarden

Osage County Republican Party – Celia Lanham

R3publicans – Sandra Crosnoe

Bartians for Academic Freedom  – Joy Molina Collins

Tulsa 9.12 Project – Ronda Vuillemont-Smith

Oklahoma John Birch Society/STOP Coordinator – Bob Donohoo

Stop Obamacare Penalties Now – Charles Key

(teeshirts and buttons available at the rally for suggested donations of $15 and $1 respectively)

Stop Obamacare Penalties Now (rallies in 12 cities planned)

OKGrassroots

Coming to Oklahoma? National Popular Vote and Convention of States?

OK-SAFE, Inc. – Things are already percolating for Oklahoma’s upcoming 2014 legislative session.  And it  looks like the ol’ Constitution is being targeted for reform…again.

Just a heads up on a couple of items being proposed for the upcoming 2014 legislative session.

I. Popular Vote

It is reported that Rep. Don Armes and Sen. Rob Johnson are considering legislation that would modify the electoral college system and adopt a national popular vote for electing the President.
This information is from a legislator approached by the lobbyist promoting the idea.

Here’s the group (we believe) pushing the adoption of a National Popular Vote:

• National Popular Vote: http://www.nationalpopularvote.com

According to their website they have 10 jurisdictions already on board.

Over 50% of the Way to Activating the National Popular Vote Bill – August 8, 2012
The National Popular Vote bill has now been signed into law in 10 jurisdictions possessing 136 electoral votes — 50.4% of the 270 electoral votes needed to bring the National Popular Vote interstate compact into effect.

• District of Columbia – 3 electoral votes
• Hawaii – 4 electoral votes
• Illinois – 20 electoral votes
• Maryland – 10 electoral votes
• Massachusetts – 11 electoral votes
• New Jersey – 14 electoral votes
• Washington – 12 electoral votes
• Vermont – 3 electoral votes
• California – 55 electoral votes
• Rhode Island – 4 electoral votes

This call to do away with/modify the electoral college and go with a popular vote comes up from time to time.  This time the effort seems pretty well organized.  They even have some current and former elected officials on board.

Below are various explanations of the Electoral College process.  [This is not necessarily an endorsement of these organizations – they just happen to have pretty good explanations of the electoral system.]

• From the Heritage Foundation: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2004/11/the-electoral-college-enlightened-democracy#pgfId-1139116

• From the League of Women Voters: http://www.lwv.org/content/who-will-elect-president-electoral-college-system

• From About.com:   http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/thepoliticalsystem/a/electcollege.htm

• ALEC’s support of the Electoral College, 2007: http://www.oksenate.gov/publications/senate_studies/13-27/Handout-ALEC%20Resolution%20about%20Electoral%20College.pdf

From JBS: http://www.jbs.org/news/national-popular-vote-would-end-states-role-in-elections-for-president

II. Convention of States

There is also a general call being floated around for a Convention of States, promoted by Citizens for Self Governance. Such a call would require 34 states to pass legislation calling for such a Convention. From their website: “Rather than calling a convention for a specific amendment, Citizens for Self-Governance (CSG) has launched the Convention of the States Project to urge state legislatures to properly use Article V to call a convention for a particular subject—reducing the power of Washington, D.C.”

• Convention of States: http://conventionofstates.com/

It is good to be prepared – you might be good to study up on both issues ahead of session.

The first day of the OK Legislative session is Monday, February 3rd, 2014.  Deadlines for filing bills is in December 2013.

PSO Plans for Full AMI (SmartMeter) Deployment

OK-SAFE, Inc. – Prepare to be sick:  Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) leadership has approved the full AMI (Smart Meter) deployment across their 30,000 sq. mile service territory.  This means another 522,000 smart meters are coming to a neighborhood near you.

AMI – “Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is an architecture for automated, two-way communication between a smart utility meter with an IP address and a utility company.  The goal of an AMI is to provides utility companies with real-time data about power consumption and allow customers to make informed choices about energy usage based on the price at the time of use.   AMI is seen as an important part of any smart grid initiative.”

Below is the message sent from Howard Ground of AEP to OK House members on November 8, 2013:

PSO Plans for Full AMI Deployment

AEP’s executive leadership team has approved full deployment of its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program across PSO’s 30,000 square mile service territory. The project is contingent on regulatory approval, which will be filed in January of 2014. The $120 million project is slated to start in late 2014. 

AMI utilization across PSO will include modern upgrades to PSO’s existing infrastructure including the replacement of 522,000 meters with advanced digital meters over a three year period. The result will mean greater benefits for customers. Potential benefits include:

· Accessible account information – energy use and price information will be accessible by customers via an on-line web portal.

· Enhanced energy management – data available to customers will empower them to more effectively control energy use. In addition, customers will be able to participate in voluntary energy efficiency and demand reduction programs.

· Improved outage restoration – remote connection abilities will enable PSO to detect pocket outages, leading to more efficient response times.

· Enhanced customer service – quicker response to services including remote meter reading and service connections performed within seconds.

The AMI portion of the gridSMART program has already been implemented in Owasso, Sand Springs, Okmulgee, and at the University of Tulsa campus. A total of 31,500 advanced digital meters were installed.

“This program has helped many customers in our pilot areas control their energy usage and has led to greater customer service and increased customer satisfaction,” said Derek Lewellen, manager gridSMART and MRO.

But customers aren’t the only ones benefiting from the cutting-edge technology. There are many benefits to PSO as well including fewer trips made to access customer facilities and more efficient outage restoration.

“We are already planning the implementation phase of the project, which includes working with vendors to ensure a smooth transition,” said Lewellen. “We are excited to expand this program, allowing more customers to benefit from the technology.”

To voice your opposition to this planned deployment you may wish to contact the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. 

 

OCC Street Address
2101 North Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

OCC Mailing Address
P.O. Box 52000
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-2000
(405) 521-2211

Tulsa Office
440 S. Houston Ave., Suite 114
Tulsa, OK 74127
(918) 581-2296

For more information on EMF health concerns and Smart Meters:

EMFSafetyNetwork

StopSmartMeters

Stop Smart Meters in Oklahoma;

RefuseSmartMeters.org;

MichiganStopSmartMeters

StopSmartMetersNY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amendment Curtailing the NSA Fails in the House

OK-SAFE, Inc. – On Wednesday, July 24, 2013 the U.S. House failed to pass an amendment to the 2014 Defense funding bill that would have ensured none of the funds could be used by the National Security Agency (NSA) to “collect records, including telephone call records that pertain to persons who are not subject to an investigation under Section 215” of the Patriot Act.

The Amash amendment (Amendment #100) to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2014 was defeated on Wednesday July 24^th by a vote of 205-217.

The White House and NSA Director General Keith Alexander lobbied Congress heavily to defeat this amendment.

Global Economy – Data Driven

Living in a borderless “global economy” means the end of everything, as we once knew it – nation, law, and boundaries.  Those boundaries are not just those within and around a country, state, institution or agency, but personal boundaries as well, including what we have thought of as our inherent right to privacy. 

Our so-called global economy is knowledge-based and data-dependent; information is the “fuel” that feeds it. “Privacy” and “rights” are considered antiquated and inconvenient ideals; barriers that, in the minds of some, must be eliminated.

NSA – Data Vampire

One of those entities that believe that individual privacy and rights are a hindrance to their objectives is the National Security Agency (NSA). The NSA wants to know everything about everybody, everywhere, at anytime, without restriction.

For a visual reminder of the NSA’s objectives, see the their 2008 publication entitled Vision 2015 – A Globally integrated and Networked Intelligence Enterprise.

Vision 2015 Excerpt:

Strategy:

Integrate foreign, military, and domestic intelligence capabilities through policy, personnel and technology actions to provide decision advantage to policy makers, warfighters and homeland security officials and law enforcement personnel.- J.M. McConnell – Director of National Intelligence

We live in a dynamic world in which the pace, scope, and complexity of change are increasing. The continued march of globalization, the growing number of independent actors, and advancing technology have increased global connectivity, interdependence and complexity, creating greater uncertainties, systemic risk and a less predictable future. These changes have led to reduced warning times and compressed decision cycles. Although this interconnected world offers many opportunities for technological innovation and economic growth, it also presents unique challenges and threats. In this environment, the key to achieving lasting strategic advantage is the ability to rapidly and accurately anticipate and adapt to complex challenges.

Not only will thetype of customer change within our existing federal policy-making sets, but the range of customers will broaden to emphasize other federal departments (e.g., Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Commerce), state and local agencies, international organizations,and private sector and non-governmental organizations. 

The Amash amendment:

An amendment, offered by Mr. Amash, numbered 100 printed in House Report 113-170 to end authority for the blanket collection of records under the Patriot Act. It would also bar the NSA and other agencies from using Section 215 of the Patriot Act to collect records, including telephone call records that pertain to persons who are not subject to an investigation under Section 215.

Congressman Justin Amash is from Michigan.

OK Delegation Votes on Amash Amendment:

Yea:  Bridenstine, Mullin

Nay: Cole, Lankford, and Lucas

The House did pass the Pompeo amendment (Amendment #99) by a vote of 409-12.

The Pompeo amendment:

An amendment, offered by Mr. Pompeo, numbered 99 printed in House Report 113-170 to ensure none of the funds may be used by the NSA to target a U.S. person or acquire and store the content of a U.S. person’s communications, including phone calls and e-mails.

Congressman Mike Pompeo is from Kansas.

OK Delegation Votes on Pompeo Amendment:

Yea: Bridenstine, Cole, Lankford, Lucas, Mullin

H.R. 2397 Text

For the full text of H.R. 2397, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act 2014, click here.

For a full listing of the proposed amendments to H.R. 2397 click here.

Protecting Yourself?

There is growing interest in cryptography (electronic encryption).  But you can also try going old school before you forget how to do so.  For starters you can reduce your electronic footprint. (Oh, one can hear the sighing)

For instance, do not put your life’s details online (via email, Facebook, etc.).  Email and social media communications are a mine of information for the data-gatherers and reveals a lot about you, your activities and your associations. And the information you post is out there…forever.

Do your banking in person, not on your phone or computer.  Pay your bills by check and mail them. Better yet, pay cash wherever and whenever you can.

As best you can, avoid interacting with state/government run agencies, all of which are now collecting and reporting data about each encounter with a citizen.

Do not answer nosy questionnaires, even those that assure you that the data will remain anonymous and be de-identified.

Want to communicate with someone?  Write them a letter and mail it. Or wait to talk to them in person.  (Novel idea, right?)

Try it for a while and you might just find that you like it.  And if it slows down entities like the NSA, so much the better.

OK-SAFE July 4th Money Bomb! Help Us Continue Our Work in Oklahoma

The people of Oklahoma have made it abundantly clear – they do not want “Obama Care” in this state.^[1]

Neither does OK-SAFE. 

Who We Are

OK-SAFE, Inc. is a 501c4, non-profit Oklahoma Corporation, founded in late 2006 by 13 Oklahomans.  We are dedicated to the principles of constitutionally limited government, and the promotion of the American free enterprise system. 

We act only to secure Life, Liberty and Property (Pursuit of Happiness) in the state of Oklahoma, recognizing that these rights are endowments from God, not privileges dispensed by man.

In line with this purpose, OK-SAFE has made opposition to the Affordable Care Act (aka “Obama Care”) a primary focus of its efforts for the last couple of years.

Help OK-SAFE continue its’ work! Make plans today to donate to the JULY 4^TH MONEY BOMB!  [Click HERE to donate.]

Principle Over Politics

OK-SAFE is a non-partisan policy organization dedicated to Principle over Politics.

We are not affiliated with any national organization and conduct original research.   The result is that OK-SAFE is able to direct its’ attention where the research and evidence demands – and not where any out-of-state entity dictates.

This intentional independence allows us to remain nimble and effective as an organization.

What We Do – Research

OK-SAFE actually reads the bills, unlike many of our elected officials!

We read the entire Affordable Care Act; we read and exposed the $54 M Early Innovator Grant for what it was – the means of implementing “Obama Care” in this state.

Not only did we lead the fight against this federal intrusion, weled Oklahoma’s successful push back against Insurance Exchanges, not once, but three times.

What We Have – Proven Credibility

OK-SAFE conducts its’ our own research and source all of its’ work.

In fact, OK-SAFE was the only grassroots group invited to give testimony to the 2011 Joint Legislative Committee on Federal Health Care Law in Oklahoma.

This same presentation, entitled Health Care Reform – IT, Security and Privacy Concerns has been read online over 3,500 times by people from across the country.   

The five months we dedicated to researching “Obama Care” enabled us to help other states launch their own successful anti-Obama Care efforts. (Kansas and South Dakota, for example.)

This research also laid the foundation for the creation of our single-subject website Exposing Health Care Reform, now used by researchers from across the nation.

Help OK-SAFE continue its’ work. Make plans today to donate to the July 4^th MONEY BOMB.

Outreach and Grassroots Training – Essential Elements

OK-SAFE Executive Director, Amanda Teegarden, has been and continues to be a frequent featured guest speaker at both in-state and out-of-state events, and has even been featured in a full-length documentary film entitled Behold a Pale Horse – America’s Last Chance.

Our organization has been featured at several national conferences, including three Freedom 21 Conferences.

Recognizing the importance of a well-informed electorate^[2], we have developed (and copyrighted) an in-depth grassroots-training program entitled Citizen Involvement in the Legislative Process.

These training programs, conducted several times a year, serve to educate everyday citizens about the legislative process, and have improved the effectiveness of other grassroots organizations in this state.

Attendees come away with a working knowledge of how the legislative process works, better able to distinguish good policy from bad, and with an understanding of how to decipher political double-speak.

OK-SAFE needs your help in fighting “Obama Care” in this state.   

Additionally, we need your support in order to address other critical issues.

Over the last 8 years, OK-SAFE has researched and helped expose such issues as the Trans-Texas Corridor; the REAL ID Act and the collection of biometrics; subversive data collection and surveillance systems; and the political agenda known as Sustainable Development. 

OK-SAFE Goals and Objectives

We plan to continue and expand our work exposing those policies that undermine the rights of the individual; that hinder our ability to enjoy our inherent rights to life, liberty and property; and that interfere in the traditional free enterprise system.  

We will be taking our internet radio show, America in the Balance, live, enabling us to reach a wider audience with the truth.

Seeing the value in last year’s successful Research Summit, we plan to make this an annual event, inviting the best and brightest in the research field to attend – credible researchers willing to share and network with each other to help get the facts out there so real decisions can be made.  This “sharing of intelligence” serves us all, especially when addressing the key issues facing our country and state today.

We plan to do more outreach and training classes to help increase the effectiveness of Oklahoma’s grassroots groups.

All of this takes financial resources to make happen.

Please help us continue and expand our work in Oklahoma by DONATING TO OK-SAFE’s JULY 4TH MONEY BOMB!  [Click HERE to donate.]

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[1] In November of 2010 SQ 756 passed overwhelmingly.  This constitutional amendment was referred to as the Oklahoma Health Care Freedom Amendment, and added a new section of law to the State Constitution – Section 37 to Article 2. It defined “health care system.” This section prohibits making a person participate in a health care system.

[2]Thomas Jefferson said, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”  The infusion of knowledge and an enlightened citizenry are essential elements required to maintain liberty.

Just ask a Mom! Common Core is Not Welcome in Oklahoma

OK-SAFE, Inc. – Note to Oklahoma’s Republican leadership:  Common Core is about as welcome in the state of Oklahoma as Obama Care – the people don’t want either one.

From ROPE’s (Restore OK Public Education) post 6/12/13:

Lies, Damned Lies and Common Core

“…It is in this vein that I present to you a word-for-word, blow-by-blow of State Superintendent Janet Barresi’s visit with the Wagner County GOP June 2013.  This was written by a woman named Karen Cuellar – an Oklahoma home schooling mom.

I refuse to edit or manipulate in any way her original email.  She hit this out of the ballpark – she needs no assistance.  Please, read, pass on and become involved TODAY!

“I went to the Wagoner County GOP monthly meeting on Thursday night to see what Barresi could possibly say to defend or sell Common Core to the public. Luckily, this was a group of very informed, anti-common core voters who had done their research. She spent a good 30 minutes on “fake fluff” – really avoiding the details of Common Core and speaking in generalities on how great it was. I could tell the audience wasn’t falling for the usual politician talk.

We were asked to write questions down and submit them to be answered to keep the crowd under control since this is a very controversial topic.

The first question chosen was mine, and it was this: “Our two Republican Senators and Speaker Shannon have publicly come out against Common Core. The RNC and the Oklahoma state GOP both have added very specific language against Common Core to the party platforms. How do you reconcile that – running as a Republican, on a Republican ticket, when your stand is in direct opposition to our party platform?”

I think it caught her by surprise. She seemed uncomfortable, fumbling for an answer, and replied that the party platforms had language about “government intrusion” but not specifically Common Core.  I held up a copy of both platforms and called her out on it. The RNC has 2 full pages that specifically name and deal with all of the aspects of Common Core, and our state platform has one paragraph, but also specifically names Common Core. I had copies of both.

She seemed irritated by that, and then continued down a path that had absolutely nothing to do with the party platform or the direct question I asked. I could tell the crowd noticed it, and was just as upset as I was that she didn’t answer the question.

There were several other questions pertaining to the reading parts of Common Core, specifically removing the Classical literature and replacing it with technical manuals. She said numerous times that the reading was optional, and only “suggested” reading material. She also said over and over that teachers have the choice to pick what they want their students to read…”

Read the rest of this account by one well-informed mom here.

 

 

Moore Tornado Disaster Relief Drop off Locations – Updated 4:34 pm

[5/21/13 UPDATE From KFOR in Oklahoma City:  “The medical examiner’s office has confirmed 24 people have been killed in Monday’s Moore tornado; at least 230 have been injured.  Amy Ellis with the medical examiner’s office said of the 24, nine are children. Ellis said in a press conference Tuesday seven of those children were found in the Plaza Towers Elementary School and two more were found elsewhere.”]

OK-SAFE, Inc. – May 21, 2013, the day after a monstrous tornado struck the Moore, OK area, killing an estimated 91 people 24 people, many nine of whom were children.

Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families who have suffered loss in yesterday’s tornado.  We thank the Lord for all the lives spared.

People are wanting to help.  One way to do so is by helping local churches (Moore, Edmond, and Oklahoma City) who are active in the relief effort.  Local churches are good to support because they know the people and their needs (emotional and physical), and have the means to direct that help where it is needed most.

Partial List of Churches Helping

Here are three local churches helping in the Moore disaster relief effort:

1. First Baptist Church in Moore – 301 NE. 27th Street, Moore, OK. (Right off I-35, just north of where tornado hit).        Phone: 405-793-2600   Pastor: Kevin Clarkson.  Huge parking lot with disaster relief HQ and mobile kitchen set up.
2. Fairview Baptist Church in Edmond – 1230 N. Sooner Rd., Edmond, OK.  Phone: 405-348-1745   Pastor: Paul Blair.  Church will be delivering donations, including financial donations, to First Baptist Church of Moore.
3. Windsor Hills Baptist Church – 5517 NW 23rd, Oklahoma City, OK.  Phone: 405-943-3326.  Pastor: Tom Vineyard.  Church will be collecting items for families from Moore Baptist Temple who lost their homes.  Financial assistance needed.

Initial needs: Bottled water, Gatorade, wipes, diapers, flash lights and batteries, and ready to eat food items.

Other Relief Efforts

News station KFOR in Oklahoma City has a great running list of Tornado Relief drop off sights.  Click on the link below to find a location near to you:

http://kfor.com/2013/05/21/tornado-relief-drop-off-locations-around-metro-okc/

Hit the refresh button to check for updated information.

From the Salvation Army:

Salvation Army Gearing Up to Respond in Moore, OK

May 20, 2013 – 9:18 PM EDT
Christopher Priest
chris_priest@uss.salvationarmy.org
(404) 728-6704

The Salvation Army is currently mobilizing disaster response units to serve hard-hit areas in Central Oklahoma, including Moore and South Oklahoma City. Major Steve Morris, Divisional Commander of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division of The Salvation Army is on the ground in Moore, OK.. In a statement he said “The Salvation Army is calling on everyone to pray for all of those impacted by the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma.” “Many of these impacted communities will take months or even years to recover. The Salvation Army is committed to being there with them throughout and providing aid wherever it’s needed.” More information will follow.

The Salvation Army is welcoming cash donations that will help provide food, water, ice and other necessities in the initial response. The Salvation Army is also providing emotional and spiritual comfort to those affected.

Donors are encouraged to give online at http://www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”

Oklahomans are known for pulling together in a disaster to help each other.  It looks like this time is no different.  This is a good place to live.

Help Stop Common Core in Oklahoma – Calls Needed!

OK-SAFE, Inc. – By now everyone knows how dangerous the Common Core State Standards are for our children and state education.  (See here, here, here, here, and here.)

Everyone, that is, except OK Governor Mary Fallin, State Superintendent Janet Barresi, and Senator John Ford.

It appears that OK Speaker T.W. Shannon has come out against the Common Core state standards and is willing to run legislation (hopefully this session) to repeal one of the components of this egregious education system.  (HB 1719 may end up being the legislative vehicle for the repeal of the Common Core standards bill, but that has not been confirmed as of this writing.)

Please call your Senator and Representative and tell them you want Common Core repealed in Oklahoma.  Especially, call and email Pro-Tem Brian Bingman and Sen. John Ford and tell them to say YES to the repeal of the Common Core in Oklahoma.

• Senate Pro-Tem Brian Bingman   405-521-5528   Email: bingman@oksenate.gov
• Sen. John Ford                                 405-521-5634  Email: fordj@oksenate.gov

See this important message from ROPE (Restore Oklahoma Public Education), dated 5/16/13:

WE NEED YOUR HELP IMMEDIATELY!

A bill to separate Oklahoma from the Common Core could be coming to a vote in the Senate early next week! Remember the legislature is attempting to be out of session by next Wednesday or Thursday, so now is crunch time! Call and/or email your Senator IMMEDIATELY and ask them to pass ANY bill that comes to the senate that STOPS the Common Core. As you know, our previous bills to stop the Common Core have been prevented from being allowed even a hearing in either the House or Senate Education Committees by Representative Ann Coody and Senator John Ford.

House Speaker T.W. Shannon has now come out against the Common Core setting the tone for the House! Shannon announced Thursday that with just two weeks left in the legislative session he is unveiling a measure to repeal a 2010 law that requires common core to be implemented by Oklahoma school districts.

Please thank him via phone call 405-557-7374,   Email: tw.shannon@okhouse.gov or post to his Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/twshannon?ref=ts&fref=ts).

A bill to STOP the Common Core MUST FINALLY GET A HEARING in the Senate.

Please contact the following senators INCLUDING your own! Email, call, do whatever you can to let your voice be heard telling them, “COMMON CORE IS NOT OK!”

A J Griffin                                 405-521-5628  Email: griffin@oksenate.gov

Senator Mike Schulz              405-521-5612  Email: schulz@oksenate.gov

Senator Earl Garrison           405-521-5533   Email: whitep@oksenate.gov

Senator Kim David                405-521-5590   Email: david@oksenate.gov

Senator Greg Treat               405-521-5632   Email: Treat@oksenate.gov

Jenni White

President

Restore Oklahoma Public Education

www.RestoreOkPublicEducation.com

 __________________________________________________________

OK-SAFE Background Information – Linking Education Reform and Health Care Reform

There are no accidents in politics.  While the state of Oklahoma was implementing “ObamaCare” compliant health care reform, (Electronic Health Records, OHIET, etc.), education reform was running on a parallel track, instituted via SB 222 in 2009 (P-20 Data Council) and SB 2033 in 2010 (K-12 Common Core). These bills had the support of Republican leadership.

Think these data systems are to be kept separate?  Look at this diagram describing what the Statewide “Identify as a Service” federated identity management system (federated = single-sign on accesses several systems) would look like.  It clearly links the Department of Education system and the Department of Human Services systems.  (Diagram is from a ppt entitled “Federated ID Management & SICAM in Oklahoma HHS Agencies”, dated July 2011, accessed through OHCA records.)  More information in that power point included linking together other state agencies/systems into one interconnected system.  These agencies have information sharing agreements with agencies and entities outside the state.  Feel better now?

The Common Core “standards” concept came out of the same tech-cesspool as the ObamaCare “standards”.  In both sectors the “standards” have nothing to do with actual education or health care.  They have everything to do with the “standards” that enable these technology systems (i.e. “standardized” computer hardware and software systems technology) to be interoperable.  They are to be interconnected one with another. The standardized, interconnected technology systems are what enable an electronic “cradle-to-grave” (longitudinal) record on every single person.

For an idea of what this means for the people of this state, of this country, see the OK-SAFE image below from our pending power point presentation entitled The Architecture Defines the Policy.

OK-SAFE image

SB 640 Medicaid Expansion Bill Won’t Be Heard This Session

Ok-SAFE – As evidence that the backlash against the expansion of Medicaid in Oklahoma has been successful, the following three articles have appeared in the Tulsa World.

Of particular note is the announcement today by Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman that SB 640 by Crain/Cox will not be heard this session.  The Crain/Cox bill was attempting to authorize the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to use the existing Insure Oklahoma system to expand Medicaid in the state of Oklahoma.

Follow these links for the complete stories.

Bill to take Medicaid money won’t be heard this year

The bill would main alive for consideration next year.

Published: 5/9/2013
Format: Online

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Insure Oklahoma to lose federal funding unless it conforms to ‘Obamacare’

Federal officials say they won’t continue to help pay for the Insure Oklahoma program unless the state agrees to changes to make it conform with ‘Obamacare.’

Published: 5/9/2013
Format: Newspaper

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Insure Oklahoma program in danger if changes aren’t made, officials say

‘This is the latest bad news in the ongoing train wreck that is the Affordable Care Act,’ Gov. Mary Fallin said in response to a Tuesday letter from the federal director of the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Published: 5/8/2013
Format: Online