Lexington Observer II (Lexington, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 1, Ed. 1 Monday, March 1, 2010 Page: 3 of 8
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Coffee Talk
By Senator Glenn Coffee, President Pro Tempore
Oklahoma families must live within their means.
Individuals must do the same. It is no different for state
government. As we began the 2010 legislative session, we as
lawmakers faced the challenge we meet each and every year,
which is to write and pass a balanced budget. It is a process I have
been a part of 11 times. Each year presents its own difficulties and
opportunities. That is certainly true this session as we deal with a
shortfall of more than one billion dollars in the current fiscal year,
and prepare for the probability of further declines next year.
Our state’s situation is not unique, and there are many with
far worse economic conditions and higher unemployment rates.
We are in an advantageous situation when compared to many of
our neighbors throughout the country due to the foresight of the
framers of our state’s constitution, the lessons learned during past
economic crises, and a cautious approach to federal dollars during
the 2009 session.
One critical aspect of our state’s constitution is the fact that
we must write and pass a balanced budget. We cannot spend more
than the amount certified for appropriation each year by our State
Equalization Board. It was a wise decision by those attending
Oklahoma’s Constitutional Convention more than 100 years ago,
and their wisdom has proven itself time and time again.
Having weathered the oil bust of the 1980’s, the citizens of
this state realized the importance of having an emergency savings
account, and voted to create the state’s Rainy Day Fund. A few
years later, the voters strengthened the language in our constitution
to ensure those dollars were only used in case of a real emergency.
The third point in our favor is that when Oklahoma, like
all other states, received federal stimulus dollars in 2009, we
resisted pressure to spend more of it than we did, knowing this
recession could be a prolonged one. The wisdom of these fiscally
conservative approaches in our balanced budget requirement,
in the creation and strengthening of our Rainy Day Fund and in
our approach to federal stimulus dollars ensure Oklahoma will
continue to be in much better shape than other states, and prevent
deeper cuts than those we already face.
We have not forgotten in the midst of this that people's
lives are being affected. Even in the State Senate, we are taking
budget cuts, eliminating costs, and like other state agencies,
are looking at the possibility of furloughs. These are not easy
decisions to make, but it is a reality faced in every part of our state
and throughout our country. Still, it is important to remember that
we have faced economic difficulties in the past, and we know that
eventually, the recession will ease and our economy w ill recover.
Now is the time to prepare for that recovery.
Senators w.ithjn the Republican Caucus have called for an
increase in the amount we deposit in our Rainy Day Fund, as have
Democrats and Governor Henry. I also remain more convinced
than ever that my proposal for an Office of Accountability will
help-us better identify significant savings while improving services
our citizens depend upon. I will also work with my fellow
members to ensure we leave adequate resources this year in the
Rainy Day Fund to help us deal with economic difficulties still
ahead. We will find ways to live within our means, and at the same
time, work to ensure Oklahoma emerges stronger and even better
prepared for whatever the future may bring.
Results of Ice Storm at Joseph Harp Correctional Center
Sgt. Anthony Manual knocks ice of the razor wire above the secured
entry gate of the facility.
You know that it spices up desserts and apple cider, but did
you know that cinnamon also helps lower blood sugar? In
one study researchers found that eating as little as one gram
of cinnamon - less than half a teaspoon - promotes normal
blood sugar levels!
54th Annual Forestry &
Wildlife Summer Camp
Application Sought
Want to get your kids in the woods this summer? Enroll
them now in one of Oklahoma’s premier summer camps!
The 54th Annual Oklahoma Youth Forestry & Wildlife
Camp is accepting on-line applications for campers aged
13 to 15 years old that want to get outdoors and learn about
forestry, wildlife and natural resources. The week-long camp
will be held June 7-12 in beautiful Beavers Bend State Park
near Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and is open to boys and girls
from across the region.
“Only 50 spots are available, so we urge interested camp-
ers to sign up now,” said camp director Christina Stallings
Roberson. “We are also recruiting volunteer adult leaders
and camp counselors to assist with camp. Adult leaders are
also eligible to bring one camper for no charge.”
Camp counselors, ages 18 to 22, should be mature,
responsible young adults with an interest in education or
outdoor careers such as forestry or wildlife. In addition to
working with the younger campers and gaining valuable
experience in their field, camp counselors will receive a
stipend of $200 for the week.
The fee for campers is $175 and covers all costs includ-
ing lodging, meals, transportation at camp, field trips, and
workshops. A limited number of partial scholarships are
available. Applications will be accepted until May 3, 2010
and are available at www.forestry.ok.gov or by calling (405)
522-6158. The website also has additional camp information
as well as photos from past camps.
By experiencing nature in a fun atmosphere, students
will gain a life-long awareness and respect for the world in
which they live while learning from some of the top natural
resource professionals in the state. So don’t wait, apply now
for this memorable outdoor experience.
Moving Oklahoma
Forward Through
Education
By Senator John Ford
When it comes to improving lives in our commu-
nity and in our state, one of the best ways to accomplish
that goal is to keep our young people from dropping out
of high school. I believed that when I was first elected
to the State Senate, and as Senate Education Chairman
today, I am even more convinced of this truth.
Yet the fact is on the average only 75 out of 100
Oklahoma freshmen complete high school; the numbers
are even lower for minorities and in some schools. Only
44 out of those 100 students will actually go to college,
but only 17 will earn a degree.
Our prisons and welfare roles are filled with indi-
viduals who never completed their educations. Whether
these men and women are in the custody of the Depart-
ment of Corrections (DOC) or relying on services provid-
ed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), ulti-
mately Oklahoma taxpayers are impacted by this state's
drop out rate. Nearly a third of Oklahoma adults on food
stamps failed to graduate high school or earn a GED. In
2009, 51 percent of incoming DOC inmates reported they
were drop outs.
If we want to turn Oklahoma around, then we've
got to turn our high drop out rates around. This ses-
sion I've authored SB 2139 which creates a formula for
schools to set new graduation targets. Those schools
would be given two years to meet those goals. Schools
unable to meet their graduation target rate will receive
assistance from the State Department of Education to
develop and implement a plan to improve graduation
rates. Once those goals have been met, new targets will
be established. Ultimately, the goal of every high school
in this state should be a graduation rate of 100 percent.
The rewards for achieving these goals will be tre-
mendous. The average yearly salary for a drop out is just
over $19,000. The federal poverty level for a family of
four is just over $22,000. But on average, a person with
a high school diploma earns more than $28,600 a year.
If that individual then attains an associate’s degree, their
average earnings jump to more than $36,000. With a
bachelor’s degree, the average salary jumps to more than
$51,500 a year. Over a lifetime, the difference in earn-
ing potential between a high school diploma and college
degree is $1.4 million.
Clearly, one of the most important components of
a comprehensive approach to improving Oklahoma’s
economy and the quality of life for our citizens must be
improved graduation rates. Our youth, our communities,
and our state have much to gain if we do—and just as
much to lose if we do not.
Sen. John Ford is chairman of the Senate Education Com-
mittee and represents Craig, Nowata and Washington
counties
Observer March 2010 3
Christian Life Assembly of God
Rev. Greg Wheat - Pastor
209 NE 2nd, Lexington
527-7165
Be Our Guest!
Sunday 10:30 A.M. Wednesday 7:00 P.M.
Ministry for all ages/Nursery provided
“You’ll fit in and feel at Lome!”
www.christianlifeok.com
FIRST BAPTIST
CHURCH
LEXINGTON
Connecting People With God and One Another
Team KWt * The Way (Youth)
Upward • Senior Activities
Sunday Schoo. 9:45
Morning Worship 8:30 -10:45 * Evening 6:00
fltosly Canty
flwtor
SOO E. BROADWAY ♦ LEXINGTON
527-6758
First United Methodist Church
631 E. Ash
527-3506
Rev. Adam Shahan, Pastor
Services: Sunday Morning: 9:30 AM
Sunday School: 10:30 AM
Evening Services: 7:30 PM
Wednesday Bible study: 10:00 AM
Youth Group: Wednesday 6:00 PM
THE
9500 East Highway 39
2 miles East of Lexington
527-5006
John Eldred Smith, Pastor
Sunday—10:00 AM -- Sunday Evening—6:00 PM
Wednesday Evening—7.00 PM
Maguire Baptist C hurch
*801 Maguire Road. Noble, OK,'3<i6X
4O5-872-3S45
‘Pastor: (Pro. ‘Roberts
Home .405-872-8613
Cellphone 405-227-830?
Email mcrobens.^robe'is>'t com
First Free Will Baptist Church
2nd & West Beech,
Lexington, OK
Pastor John Ballard
Sunday Service at 11:00 AM
Evening Service at 6:00 PM
GRACE CHAPEL
HIP CENTER
Sunday 10:00 a.m.
and 6:30 p.m
Wednesday 7:00 p.m
Pa-.tor Buck & Juanitu Jordan
118 W Broadway / Lexington. OK 527-5726
Come Grow With Us • - Every one Welcome'
LIBERTY GOSPEL TABERNACLE
13401 Slaughterville Rd - Lexington, OK
Located 5 1/4 Miles east of Hwv 77
405-527-9755
Reverend Ken Anderson
Pastor/Founder
Sunday Worship 10:15 am
Children's church during Sunday Worship
Sunday Evening Worship 6:30 pm
Wednesday Evening Family Night 7:00 pm
SPRING HILL FREE WILL BAPTIST
CHURCH
120th & Hwy. 39, 4 miles East of Lexington
527-3665
Pastor: Rick Schultz
Sunday School 10 am; Worship 11 am & 6 pm
Teen Bible study 6 pm • fellowship following
Wed Come @ 6 for eatin’ • Stay @ 7 for meetin'
Pat K. Craig
Minister
Eastside church of Christ
4th & Ash
Lexington. OK 73051
(405) 527-3131 Office
(405) 527-8967 Home
"Go ye therefore and teach all nations Man.28-19
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Edwards, Olvis. Lexington Observer II (Lexington, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 1, Ed. 1 Monday, March 1, 2010, newspaper, March 1, 2010; Lexington, Oklahoma. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc1599815/m1/3/: accessed July 18, 2024), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.