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[SIZE=2]SQ 744 – Education Budget Initiative[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]Devon[/SIZE][SIZE=2]’s position: Vote NO[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]This sets a minimum amount the state must spend on K-12 education each year, and it is based on the average amount spent by those states that surround Oklahoma. The problem is that because there is no specific funding source tied to this initiative, it could be funded only by a major tax increase or major reductions in other areas of the state budget. We see neither of those as a viable option. Put simply, this is a bad law, which would bring declines in critical services such as law enforcement, human services, corrections and others. While Devon has always been a strong supporter of education, this initiative is the wrong way to improve our schools. We encourage you to vote no.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=2]SQ 744 is being opposed by the Oklahoma State Chamber, the Oklahoma City Chamber and the Tulsa Chamber, plus all of the major labor unions except the teachers union. Additionally, it is opposed by University of Oklahoma President David Boren and Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis.[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=2]SQ 752 – Judicial Nominating Commission[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]Devon[/SIZE][SIZE=2]’s position: Vote YES[/SIZE]
[SIZE=2]This increases the members of Oklahoma’s Judicial Nominating Commission to 15, adding two new at-large slots that must be filled by non-lawyers. It adds a restriction that all non-lawyer members cannot have a lawyer in their immediate family. Currently, lawyers cannot serve on the commission, but the trial bar has circumvented this restriction by putting spouses of trial lawyers on the commission. This state question would eliminate this abuse. In addition, SQ 752 would specify that no more than two at-large members could be from the same political party. We believe this change will bring a bi-partisan layman’s voice to the process of appointing judges. We encourage you to vote yes.[/SIZE]