State Questions

With elections coming up in less than a week, I thought readers might like to have a brief synopsis about each state question that will appear on the ballot. I have listed the 11 state questions that you will be voting on in a few days. Many have asked me my opinion on certain ones so I want to make it clear which ones I will be voting ‘yes’ on and which ones I think deserve a ‘no’ vote. To make it simple, I plan on voting yes to every state question except 744 and 750. As discussed in previous articles, I believe SQ 744 is an all-around bad idea for everyone involved. I strongly encourage you to vote ‘no’ on this one. I will also vote ‘no’ on SQ 750. I fear that requiring less signatures to get a question on the ballot would make it too easy for animal rights groups, and people against our way of life in Southwest Oklahoma, to attack animal agriculture or sportsman activities like hunting and fishing. I will vote ‘yes’ on every other question except for these 2, which could both have devastating effects. Please take a look at each state question below and read the summary of what each one represents.

SQ744- A yes vote would mandate the state spend up to $1 billion more per year on common education to meet a regional average. This would be done by raising taxes 32% statewide, or cutting all other state agencies and services by at least 20% each.

SQ746- A yes vote makes voters show proof of identity-voter ID.

SQ747- A yes vote would make all state-wide elected offices have a term limit of 8 yrs, except Corp. Comm., which would be 12 years.

SQ748- Every 10 years redistricting is done by the legislature; if they fail to act then a commission does the job. A yes vote changes the number of people on the commission from 3 to 7, and makes it bi-partisan, with the Lt. Governor as the non-voting chairman.

SQ750- A yes vote would require less signatures on the initiative and referendum petitions. The least election with the Governor on the ballot, instead of the last election with the President on the ballot would be used to determine the signatures needed.

SQ751- A yes vote makes English the common language of Oklahoma.

SQ752- A yes vote modifies the Judicial Nominating Commission, which recommends candidates to the Governor to appoint. Currently, it is made up of 12 (6 non-lawyers appointed by the Governor & 6 lawyers appointed by the OBA.) This measure adds 2 non-lawyer members appointed by the Speaker of the House and the President Pro-Tempore of the Senate.

SQ754- A yes vote would ensure that the appropriations and budgeting process set up by the Oklahoma Constitution stays the way that it currently is. It would stop any unions or government agencies from demanding that they be funded in a different or higher way.

SQ755- A yes vote forbids Oklahoma courts from using Sharia (Islamic) or international law to decide cases in our state courts.

SQ756- A yes vote allows OK residents to opt-out of Federal health care.

SQ757- A yes vote increases rainy day fund from 10% to 15% of certified funds from the previous years state budget.

Please take advantage of your right as an American citizen and cast your ballot on Tuesday, November 2nd. Remember, one vote really can make a difference. See ya at the polls!
If you would like to contact me while I am at the Capitol, please do not hesitate to call
1-800-522-8502 or send an e-mail to donarmes@okhouse.gov.

And here’s a little something to think about as you go down the road:
“The margin is narrow, but the responsibility is clear.” – President John F. Kennedy