July 28, 2025

Henryetta Free Lance
Login Subscribe Advertisers
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
The more things change, the less they stay the same
Commentary
March 20, 2019
The more things change, the less they stay the same

Jaded observers of Oklahoma politics often express their cynicism with the phrase, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” In other words, while we may think we

Jaded observers of Oklahoma politics often express their cynicism with the phrase, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” In other words, while we may think we are making a difference, in reality, we are all just spinning our wheels.

As someone who believes in the power of people to affect transformative change, I don’t like the phrase or its implications. So, at the risk of sounding like an Oklahoma version of Yogi Berra, I am coining a new one: “the more things change, the less they stay the same.” Engaged citizens are changing and improving Oklahoma every day, even if it sometimes feels like we are having the same conversations about the same problems. In fact, sometimes change happens because we insist on having those same old conversations until we break through.

For instance, consider a bill filed this year by House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka. House Bill 2502 would provide a $1,000 tax credit for teachers to claim for classroom expenditures and fees associated with the teacher certification process. As the Speaker pointed out, this bill would “get money directly into the classroom and also help those teachers recoup those costs so they don’t have to choose between their families and their students.”

The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 96-0 on March 11 and will now be up for consideration in the State Senate.

Back in 2008, one of my colleagues and I authored House Bill 2919, which would have at the time given a similar $500 break for teachers. The legislation filed by Former Rep. John Trebilcock, R-BrokenArrow, was not given a committee hearing. Politics, as well as budget issues of the time, hurt his proposed new law. But now this same idea has been resurrected and even strengthened, with a proposed tax break that is twice as large as the original proposal. I want to thank Speaker McCall for expanding and championing this idea in 2019, and giving a long overdue concept a chance to become reality.

Also filed this session was Senate Bill 1 by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City. This legislation creates the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) within the Legislative Service Bureau as well as a bicameral oversight committee. LOFT will assist the Legislature in:

1) Identifying economies and efficiencies for possible savings;

2) Examining the structure and design of agency programs;

3) Ensuring agency programs receive adequate resources;

4) Proposing or examining alternative agency or program services;

5) Providing objective performance measures for agency programs;

6) Ensuring the accuracy of public documents; and

7) Monitoring compliance with state law and relevant standards related to an agency program.

While some have balked at strengthening legislative services and support, I want to point out that about four decades ago, the current Legislative Service Bureau (LSB) provided the entire staff support to the House and Senate alike. Back then, paranoia by lawmakers broke this main service for both bodies into separate staff organizations for the Legislature. While the LSB is staffed today with competent and hardworking professionals, it is smaller and has capacity issues, especially given the wide-ranging policy issues it is asked to weigh-in and advise on.

A need to strengthen and expand the LSB was recognized years ago by Former Speaker Loyd Benson, D-Frederick. He championed a similar proposal in the late 1990’s very similar to Sen. Greg Treat’s, but it was not given the support needed to pass at that time.

As LOFT moves forward, it will restore much of what was provided in those olden days, but with modern technology to help the legislature accomplish their intended goal of better fiscal oversight for agencies. My thanks go out to Senator Treat and those filing similar concepts this year to give lawmakers the tools they need to provide effective agency oversight.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this column, cynics might see these proposals and criticize them as evidence that nothing really changes. I see something else entirely: evidence that persistence pays off and eventually delivers success. As I always say (starting with this column!), the more things change, the less they stay the same. As we move into the next round of consideration with bills discussed, OICA will work to keep you informed. Please sign up at OICA.org to receive our weekly email updates and action alerts.

New HPS Board Member Welcomed
A: Main, Lifestyle...
New HPS Board Member Welcomed
July 26, 2025
Willem Vandenborn is welcomed by Henryetta Public Schools Superintendent Jason Price after he was sworn in to fill the Ward 2 seat on the HPS board. The action came during a special meeting Thursday, ...
this is a test
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
A: Main, Lifestyle...
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
July 25, 2025
Patrons Bank is urging the community to be on high alert as phone scams targeting bank customers continue to rise across the country - and right here at home.Scammers are spoofing legitimate bank phon...
this is a test
Christmas in July is today
A: Main, Main...
Christmas in July is today
July 25, 2025
Downtown Henryetta is set to come alive with holiday spirit and summer sunshine today, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presents its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. The event, scheduled fr...
this is a test
A: Main
Back-to-School excitement builds
July 25, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year quickly approaches, Henryetta Public Schools and Dewar Public Schools are rolling out the red carpet for students and families with a series of exciting back-t...
this is a test
Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
A: Main
Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
July 25, 2025
The City of Henryetta has announced that the Main Street railroad crossing is currently closed to all traffic. Residents needing to cross the tracks are encouraged to use the Trudgeon Street crossing ...
this is a test
Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
A: Main
Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
July 25, 2025
Shoppers across Okmulgee County and throughout the state will soon get a much-needed break on back-to-school expenses, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, and runs through...
this is a test

e-Edition
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A: Main
Historical Museum open Saturday
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum continues to welcome guests through its doors this summer with its special every-other-weekend schedule - and this Saturday is no exception. The museum will be open Jul...
this is a test
News
OCEM Report
July 25, 2025
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
this is a test
Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
News
Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
July 25, 2025
Planning is in full swing for the much-anticipated 2025 Okmulgee County Fair, with the event officially set to take place Sept. 4-6 at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.Members of the Fair Volunteer Com...
this is a test
Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
News
Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held a lively and productive meeting on Thursday, July 17, at The Shack 2.0, welcoming new members, celebrating local heritage and preparing for several key community events o...
this is a test
News
Preston Schools announces Child Nutrition Program
July 25, 2025
Preston Public Schools announced they are participating in free lunch and/or breakfast program for the 2026 school year. All students enrolled in the district or the listed sites may participate in th...
this is a test
Facebook

HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE
208 E. Main Street
Henryetta, OK 74437

918.652.3311

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2022 Henryetta Free-Lance

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy