March 25, 2010
Dear Friend,
I hope this letter finds you well. At the capitol we are in the thick of the 2010 legislative session, and it is my goal to work for responsible solutions to the issues facing Oklahomans.
This year, the top issue is the state budget. The national economic downturn is affecting states the same way it’s affecting Oklahoma families. We all need to be ready for some of the sacrifices that will need to be made. Because Oklahoma is comprised of hard-working, honest, and genuine people, Oklahoma will overcome the challenges we face today the same way we have overcome challenges in the past.
Here are the highlights of five bills I’ve filed this year:
- HB2889 allows groups covered by the state insurance plan to request and receive their claims data 100 days prior to the renewal. It would allow them to go out to bid in a competitive process.
- HB2886 allows the Department of Central Service to help state agencies get competitive bids on their workers compensation insurance. This will help lower workers comp costs, reducing costs to taxpayers.
- HB2888 creates a legislative oversight committee to oversee the state employee benefit plans, thus reducing costs to the taxpayers.
- HB2639 changes our workers compensation system to one that emphasizes rehabilitative solutions rather than using the expensive workers comp court system to remedy claims. This would be huge for the economy.
- HJR1067 freezes property taxes at the amount you paid for your homestead-exempted home. All ages would have been affected. It was placed in the Rules Committee.
Most importantly, we need to apply the “common sense test” to any new bills that go through the Legislature. Our first responsibility is to you, the taxpayer, and to represent your best interests at your state Capitol. It is an honor to serve as your voice in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. If you have questions or comments about state government, or if I may ever be of service to you, please contact me at my Capitol office by phone, 405-557-7400, or by email, lewis.moore@okhouse.gov .
Sincerely,
Lewis Moore
Representative, District 96