Oklahoma State Questions: A More Complete Rant
STATE QUESTION NO. 744 INITIATIVE PETITION NO. 391
The measure repeals a Section of the State Constitution. The repealed section required the Legislature annually to spend $42.00 for each common school student. Common schools offer pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.
The measure also adds a new Article to the Constitution. It sets a minimum average amount the State must annually spend on common schools. It requires the State to spend annually, no less than the average amount spent on each student by the surrounding states. Those surrounding states are Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado and New Mexico. When the average amount spent by surrounding states declines, Oklahoma must spend the amount it spent the year before.
The measure deals with money spent on day-to-day operations of the schools and school districts. This includes spending on instructions, support services and non-instruction services. The measure does not deal with money spent to pay debt, on buildings or on other capital needs.
The measure requires that increased spending begin in the first fiscal year after its passage. It requires that the surrounding state average be met in the third fiscal year after passage.
The measure does not raise taxes, nor does it provide new funding for the new spending requirements.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? NO
I know that for this one they have to take money from somewhere to put it into schools, but in my opinion, thats where we need it most - kids need educational opportunities and Oklahoma is a low ranking state with regards to education. With this proposal they can't decrease the amount spent on children, only be higher or at average with the states around us. So I pretty strongly agreed with the proposal. The main argument I heard with regards to this question was “where are they gonna get the money from”… well… if we have an extra 5% surplus revenue that we’re putting into a ‘lock-box’ or ‘rainy day fund’ to be used for an unknown source then I think we could put that 5% into education instead. Hey—here’s another idea, limit the number of emergency room visits for people on Medicaid, and if you have multiple ER visits that are absolutely necessary, well then, instate an approval process. Oh wait. Oklahoma hates improving the state of healthcare.
STATE QUESTION NO. 746 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 347
This measure amends statutes relating to voting requirements. It requires that each person appearing to vote present a document proving their identity. The document must meet the following requirements. It must have the name and photograph of the voter. It must have been issued by the federal, state or tribal government.
It must have an expiration date that is after the date of the election. No expiration date would be required on certain identity cards issued to persons 65 years of age or older.
In lieu of such a document, voters could present voter identification cards issued by the County Election Board.
A person who cannot or does not present the required identification may sign a sworn statement and cast a provisional ballot. Swearing to a false statement would be a felony.
These proof of identity requirements also apply to in-person absentee voting. If adopted by the people, the measure would become effective July 1, 2011.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? YES
This proposal would make it such that if, say, you went to go vote for an election and you happen to not renew your driver's license, and you just can’t find your voters card, you couldn't vote. ‘Wait, yes you can! You can vote PROVISIONALLY!” Well, I’m glad you brought that up, do any of you know how the full provisional voting process works? Lets just say, they rarely count, and if they do, its in a recount. Also… lets just think about this, the average age of people working for the election board is like… great-grandparent right? I am probably the youngest precinct worker in Oklahoma. They all LOVE working with me because I keep things moving. I can read quickly, hear well, move fast and I get things done. Now, lets fast-forward to the next election where the little old lady in the Judge Roll (The one that checks names) now has to ask you for your name 3 times, then scrutinize the book looking for your name, and now we’re going to strain her poor little eyes farther and make her check IDs. Lines should be shorter than ever, wouldn’t you say! That IS the part that takes the longest in the process and that IS the reason lines are so long. I know because I always work Judge and as a result whichever precinct I’m at has pretty much no lines all day long.
STATE QUESTION NO. 751 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 351
This measure amends the State Constitution. It adds a new Article to the Constitution. That Article deals with the State’s official actions. It dictates the language to be used in taking official State action. It requires that official State actions be in English. Native American languages could also be used. When Federal law requires, other languages could also be used.
These language requirements apply to the State’s “official actions.” The term “official actions” is not defined. The Legislature could pass laws determining the application of the language requirements. The Legislature would also pass laws implementing and enforcing the language requirements.
No lawsuit based on State law could be brought on the basis of a State agency’s failure to use a language other than English. Nor could such a lawsuit be brought against political subdivisions of the State.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? YES
No language other than English? But the rest of the world allllll has to know English as well as their language... Official Actions is not even defined, so a foreigner that doesn't speak English very well wouldn't get a fair shake? I mean, hello Holy Roman Empire… I hope anyone that voted on this leaves the country and gets arrested but never gets to understand why because they refuse to use English to tell you.
STATE QUESTION NO. 754 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 354
This measure adds a new section to the Oklahoma Constitution. It adds Section 55A to Article 5. The Legislature designates amounts of money to be used for certain functions. These designations are called appropriations. The measure deals with the appropriation process.
The measure limits how the Constitution could control that process. Under the measure the Constitution could not require the Legislature to fund state functions based on:
1. Predetermined constitutional formulas,
2. How much other states spend on a function,
3. How much any entity spends on a function.
Under the measure these limits on the Constitution’s power to control appropriations would apply even if: 1. A later constitutional amendment changed the Constitution, or
2. A constitutional amendment to the contrary was passed at the same time as this measure.
Thus, under the measure, once adopted, the measure could not be effectively amended. Nor could it be repealed.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? YES
I’m going to ignore the fact that this was created in case 744 passed so that it could counter it… instead I’m only going to focus on one line. “Thus, under the measure, once adopted, the measure could not be effectively amended. Nor could it be repealed. "No take backs" shouldn't be allowed in politics. That isn’t democracy, that’s the beginning of dictatorship.
STATE QUESTION NO. 755 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 355
This measure amends the State Constitution. It changes a section that deals with the courts of this state. It would amend Article 7, Section 1. It makes courts rely on federal and state law when deciding cases. It forbids courts from considering or using international law. It forbids courts from considering or using Sharia Law.
International law is also known as the law of nations. It deals with the conduct of international organizations and independent nations, such as countries, states and tribes. It deals with their relationship with each other. It also deals with some of their relationships with persons.
The law of nations is formed by the general assent of civilized nations. Sources of international law also include international agreements, as well as treaties.
Sharia Law is Islamic law. It is based on two principal sources, the Koran and the teaching of Mohammed.
WAS THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED? YES
no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no. If i were in another country I would sure hope they would at least consider International law.... its INTERNATIONAL LAW for a reason--its the basics of human decency--but not in oklahoma?? I would like to point out that the important part of this question is “forbids courts from considering or using international law” the “sharia law” part and the further qualifier of “the Koran and teachings of Mohammed” is really just put in there to rile people up to vote on this one. This has nothing to do with “muslim law” as I’ve heard so many people refer to it as. We aren’t making America the United States of Islam, we aren’t putting Muslims above the law whereas federal law doesn’t apply to them, we’re merely taking into consideration international laws when they apply to a specific situation—and that’s fair.
STATE QUESTION NO. 756 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 356
This measure adds a new section of law to the State Constitution. It adds Section 37 to Article 2. It defines “health care system.” It prohibits making a person participate in a health care system. It prohibits making an employer participate in a health care system. It prohibits making a health care provider provide treatment in a health care system. It allows persons and employees to pay for treatment directly. It allows a health care provider to accept payment for treatment directly. It allows the purchase of health care insurance in private health care systems. It allows the sale of health insurance in private health care systems.
The measure’s effect is limited. It would not affect any law or rule in effect as of January 1, 2010.
Nor could the measure affect or negate all federal laws or rules. The United States Constitution has a Supremacy Clause. That clause makes federal law the supreme law of the land. Under that clause Congress
has the power to preempt state law. When Congress intends to preempt state law, federal law controls. When Congress intends it, constitutionally enacted federal law would preempt some or all of the proposed measure.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? YES
As a person involved in healthcare I think everyone definitely needs to be required to have insurance. Otherwise you get the people that say "i'll pay if something ever happens to me" and then when something happens, they can't pay and it has to be taken out of special government or private organization grants--which is nice if you are between jobs and don't have insurance and its a freak occurrence but there are too many people that take advantage of this. The things that they are proposing sound sneaky because private healthcare would be offered on top of public healthcare under the national health plan anyhow. And why do we think we need to secede from the union? Why do we think if the rest of the nation gets a public healthcare plan we should “opt out” at all… what then is the point of the federal government if we’re just going to opt out of every thing we don’t like? I’m gonna opt out of the giving your license on voting day question… because I don’t like it. Beat that Oklahoma.
STATE QUESTION NO. 757 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 357
This measure amends the State Constitution. It amends Section 23 of Article 10. It increases the amount of surplus revenue which goes into a special fund. That fund is the Constitutional Reserve Fund. The amount would go from 10% to 15% of the funds certified as going to the General Revenue fund for the preceding fiscal year.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? YES
where are they not going to put money in order to save it? what are they saving it for? i think putting that money into health, education, city improvement, etc, is more important than keeping it in some dumb lock box.
And then there is Mary Fallin. That is a section I don’t think I’ll be touching on this post. *shudder*
I have a feeling Obama’s job just got a helluva lot harder, and you know what, while it was slow, THE ECONOMY WAS PROGRESSING. In all of the depressions that the US has gone through, not one time have they gotten out of a deep depression in 18 months. I’m so upset with the stupidity and blindness of the vote during this past election that I’ve lost more faith than when G.W. was reelected. It feels utterly hopeless.
The measure repeals a Section of the State Constitution. The repealed section required the Legislature annually to spend $42.00 for each common school student. Common schools offer pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.
The measure also adds a new Article to the Constitution. It sets a minimum average amount the State must annually spend on common schools. It requires the State to spend annually, no less than the average amount spent on each student by the surrounding states. Those surrounding states are Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado and New Mexico. When the average amount spent by surrounding states declines, Oklahoma must spend the amount it spent the year before.
The measure deals with money spent on day-to-day operations of the schools and school districts. This includes spending on instructions, support services and non-instruction services. The measure does not deal with money spent to pay debt, on buildings or on other capital needs.
The measure requires that increased spending begin in the first fiscal year after its passage. It requires that the surrounding state average be met in the third fiscal year after passage.
The measure does not raise taxes, nor does it provide new funding for the new spending requirements.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? NO
I know that for this one they have to take money from somewhere to put it into schools, but in my opinion, thats where we need it most - kids need educational opportunities and Oklahoma is a low ranking state with regards to education. With this proposal they can't decrease the amount spent on children, only be higher or at average with the states around us. So I pretty strongly agreed with the proposal. The main argument I heard with regards to this question was “where are they gonna get the money from”… well… if we have an extra 5% surplus revenue that we’re putting into a ‘lock-box’ or ‘rainy day fund’ to be used for an unknown source then I think we could put that 5% into education instead. Hey—here’s another idea, limit the number of emergency room visits for people on Medicaid, and if you have multiple ER visits that are absolutely necessary, well then, instate an approval process. Oh wait. Oklahoma hates improving the state of healthcare.
STATE QUESTION NO. 746 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 347
This measure amends statutes relating to voting requirements. It requires that each person appearing to vote present a document proving their identity. The document must meet the following requirements. It must have the name and photograph of the voter. It must have been issued by the federal, state or tribal government.
It must have an expiration date that is after the date of the election. No expiration date would be required on certain identity cards issued to persons 65 years of age or older.
In lieu of such a document, voters could present voter identification cards issued by the County Election Board.
A person who cannot or does not present the required identification may sign a sworn statement and cast a provisional ballot. Swearing to a false statement would be a felony.
These proof of identity requirements also apply to in-person absentee voting. If adopted by the people, the measure would become effective July 1, 2011.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? YES
This proposal would make it such that if, say, you went to go vote for an election and you happen to not renew your driver's license, and you just can’t find your voters card, you couldn't vote. ‘Wait, yes you can! You can vote PROVISIONALLY!” Well, I’m glad you brought that up, do any of you know how the full provisional voting process works? Lets just say, they rarely count, and if they do, its in a recount. Also… lets just think about this, the average age of people working for the election board is like… great-grandparent right? I am probably the youngest precinct worker in Oklahoma. They all LOVE working with me because I keep things moving. I can read quickly, hear well, move fast and I get things done. Now, lets fast-forward to the next election where the little old lady in the Judge Roll (The one that checks names) now has to ask you for your name 3 times, then scrutinize the book looking for your name, and now we’re going to strain her poor little eyes farther and make her check IDs. Lines should be shorter than ever, wouldn’t you say! That IS the part that takes the longest in the process and that IS the reason lines are so long. I know because I always work Judge and as a result whichever precinct I’m at has pretty much no lines all day long.
STATE QUESTION NO. 751 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 351
This measure amends the State Constitution. It adds a new Article to the Constitution. That Article deals with the State’s official actions. It dictates the language to be used in taking official State action. It requires that official State actions be in English. Native American languages could also be used. When Federal law requires, other languages could also be used.
These language requirements apply to the State’s “official actions.” The term “official actions” is not defined. The Legislature could pass laws determining the application of the language requirements. The Legislature would also pass laws implementing and enforcing the language requirements.
No lawsuit based on State law could be brought on the basis of a State agency’s failure to use a language other than English. Nor could such a lawsuit be brought against political subdivisions of the State.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? YES
No language other than English? But the rest of the world allllll has to know English as well as their language... Official Actions is not even defined, so a foreigner that doesn't speak English very well wouldn't get a fair shake? I mean, hello Holy Roman Empire… I hope anyone that voted on this leaves the country and gets arrested but never gets to understand why because they refuse to use English to tell you.
STATE QUESTION NO. 754 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 354
This measure adds a new section to the Oklahoma Constitution. It adds Section 55A to Article 5. The Legislature designates amounts of money to be used for certain functions. These designations are called appropriations. The measure deals with the appropriation process.
The measure limits how the Constitution could control that process. Under the measure the Constitution could not require the Legislature to fund state functions based on:
1. Predetermined constitutional formulas,
2. How much other states spend on a function,
3. How much any entity spends on a function.
Under the measure these limits on the Constitution’s power to control appropriations would apply even if: 1. A later constitutional amendment changed the Constitution, or
2. A constitutional amendment to the contrary was passed at the same time as this measure.
Thus, under the measure, once adopted, the measure could not be effectively amended. Nor could it be repealed.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? YES
I’m going to ignore the fact that this was created in case 744 passed so that it could counter it… instead I’m only going to focus on one line. “Thus, under the measure, once adopted, the measure could not be effectively amended. Nor could it be repealed. "No take backs" shouldn't be allowed in politics. That isn’t democracy, that’s the beginning of dictatorship.
STATE QUESTION NO. 755 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 355
This measure amends the State Constitution. It changes a section that deals with the courts of this state. It would amend Article 7, Section 1. It makes courts rely on federal and state law when deciding cases. It forbids courts from considering or using international law. It forbids courts from considering or using Sharia Law.
International law is also known as the law of nations. It deals with the conduct of international organizations and independent nations, such as countries, states and tribes. It deals with their relationship with each other. It also deals with some of their relationships with persons.
The law of nations is formed by the general assent of civilized nations. Sources of international law also include international agreements, as well as treaties.
Sharia Law is Islamic law. It is based on two principal sources, the Koran and the teaching of Mohammed.
WAS THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED? YES
no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no. If i were in another country I would sure hope they would at least consider International law.... its INTERNATIONAL LAW for a reason--its the basics of human decency--but not in oklahoma?? I would like to point out that the important part of this question is “forbids courts from considering or using international law” the “sharia law” part and the further qualifier of “the Koran and teachings of Mohammed” is really just put in there to rile people up to vote on this one. This has nothing to do with “muslim law” as I’ve heard so many people refer to it as. We aren’t making America the United States of Islam, we aren’t putting Muslims above the law whereas federal law doesn’t apply to them, we’re merely taking into consideration international laws when they apply to a specific situation—and that’s fair.
STATE QUESTION NO. 756 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 356
This measure adds a new section of law to the State Constitution. It adds Section 37 to Article 2. It defines “health care system.” It prohibits making a person participate in a health care system. It prohibits making an employer participate in a health care system. It prohibits making a health care provider provide treatment in a health care system. It allows persons and employees to pay for treatment directly. It allows a health care provider to accept payment for treatment directly. It allows the purchase of health care insurance in private health care systems. It allows the sale of health insurance in private health care systems.
The measure’s effect is limited. It would not affect any law or rule in effect as of January 1, 2010.
Nor could the measure affect or negate all federal laws or rules. The United States Constitution has a Supremacy Clause. That clause makes federal law the supreme law of the land. Under that clause Congress
has the power to preempt state law. When Congress intends to preempt state law, federal law controls. When Congress intends it, constitutionally enacted federal law would preempt some or all of the proposed measure.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? YES
As a person involved in healthcare I think everyone definitely needs to be required to have insurance. Otherwise you get the people that say "i'll pay if something ever happens to me" and then when something happens, they can't pay and it has to be taken out of special government or private organization grants--which is nice if you are between jobs and don't have insurance and its a freak occurrence but there are too many people that take advantage of this. The things that they are proposing sound sneaky because private healthcare would be offered on top of public healthcare under the national health plan anyhow. And why do we think we need to secede from the union? Why do we think if the rest of the nation gets a public healthcare plan we should “opt out” at all… what then is the point of the federal government if we’re just going to opt out of every thing we don’t like? I’m gonna opt out of the giving your license on voting day question… because I don’t like it. Beat that Oklahoma.
STATE QUESTION NO. 757 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 357
This measure amends the State Constitution. It amends Section 23 of Article 10. It increases the amount of surplus revenue which goes into a special fund. That fund is the Constitutional Reserve Fund. The amount would go from 10% to 15% of the funds certified as going to the General Revenue fund for the preceding fiscal year.
WAS THE PROPOSAL APPROVED? YES
where are they not going to put money in order to save it? what are they saving it for? i think putting that money into health, education, city improvement, etc, is more important than keeping it in some dumb lock box.
And then there is Mary Fallin. That is a section I don’t think I’ll be touching on this post. *shudder*
I have a feeling Obama’s job just got a helluva lot harder, and you know what, while it was slow, THE ECONOMY WAS PROGRESSING. In all of the depressions that the US has gone through, not one time have they gotten out of a deep depression in 18 months. I’m so upset with the stupidity and blindness of the vote during this past election that I’ve lost more faith than when G.W. was reelected. It feels utterly hopeless.
posted by bitterhoney at 1:04 PM
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