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Saving and Independence with OKSTABLE accounts
Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
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The City Sentinel print edition, January 2021, Ellyn Hefner's continuing series on the OK STABLE program:
Oklahoma STABLE accounts provide financial independence and independence for individuals with disabilities by dramatically increasing the ability to save. Before OKSTABLE accounts, individuals with disabilities could only save $2,000 before losing needs-based benefits.
Launched May 31, 2018, Oklahoma’s OKSTABLE account allows individuals with disabilities to save. An account holder can deposit up to $15,000 per year or if employed, an account holder can deposit up to $27,490 per year.
This month's article is about the owner of an OKSTABLE account, Ellie.
Ellie lives in a group home and loves her independence. Ellie, along with her parents looked for a group home that suited her. They found a home that is fantastic, Ellie liked it and after a trial period of 2 different weekends, Ellie packed her bags for the next weekend to live in her newfound home.
With her new home, also came a trial and error of “new” jobs until she found one that she really enjoyed. “Who knew she had a green thumb?” said her mom.
Ellie has been at her job working at a community garden/greenhouse for some time, and enjoys it. Because of OKSTABLE accounts, Ellie can have a job that she loves and make minimum wage and not lose her benefits. Ellie has savings to get things that she needs.
Like a phone. Her mom told me about the time Ellie’s phone broke. Ellie uses her phone for safety and the text is used for communication. Ellie had enough money saved in her ABLE account to purchase a new device that she needed for her safety and communication without affecting her benefits.
“No program can prove its value without gaining the testimonials of those it serves” stated Doug Jackson, Deputy Director of the national STABLE Account program. Jackson continued “This is why it is great to gain story after story like Ellie’s. Each story is likely to resonate with another individual or family with a disability. Then the next account is opened to benefit the next person, and this becomes the next testimonial.
OK STABLE changes one life at a time, and we do the work we do in administering this program to hear about these lives changed, when the next person gains the opportunity to save money and keep his/her supports such as Medicaid and SSI.”
Recently, I took my son to a store so he could use his OKSTABLE credit card to purchase something for himself. To be honest, I did not like his choice of what he purchased but he has to grow in his independence as well. His OKSTABLE credit card is also giving him an understanding of purchasing power…he was pretty proud of himself. He said, “I finally got to swipe my credit card!”
With growing independence and ability to save it gives myself and Ellie’s mom “peace of mind”. Our kids are OK and are learning how to take care of themselves.
Go to OKSTABLE.org to see if you are eligible to apply for an OKSTABLE account.
Questions? Ellyn Novak Hefner 405-640-9408
Saving and Independence with OKSTABLE accounts Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
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Representative Stephanie Bice, R-Oklahoma City, released the following statement regarding the January 13 vote to impeach President Donald Trump. The statement was sent Wednesday to news organizations, including the CapitolBeatOK.com, The City Sentinel newspaper:
“Today’s rushed vote is one for political expediency that will only impede efforts to heal the nation, and therefore I will not be voting to impeach President Trump. I will not vote to further divide this nation at a time when we should be focused on helping the American people and unifying the country.
“Every American has the right to a legal defense, including the President of the United States. In bringing the articles of impeachment against President Trump, there has been no substantive investigation, or process for evidence to be brought forth from both sides for members of the House to review. Additionally, there will be no time for a trial in the Senate before the transfer of power. Every American, including President Trump, has a right to defend themselves.
“There are just seven days left in this administration. The President and the Vice President have both agreed to a peaceful transition of power. Let us focus our energy on moving forward and putting government back to work for the betterment of our nation and its people, rather than wasting time to impeach a man who will no longer be in office.”
U.S. Representative Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma City on Wednesday’s impeachment vote Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK Oklahomas Noble Research Institute donates critical cold storage units for COVID-19 vaccine1/12/2021 ![]()
Darla Shelden, The City Sentinel
OKLAHOMA CITY — Noble Research Institute has coordinated with the Oklahoma State Department of Health to donate 11 ultra-cold industrial freezers that will be used to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine across the state of Oklahoma.
According to the website, NRI strives to be the preeminent agricultural research institute, a trusted source of transformational knowledge and products, education, and technology to advance agriculture and land stewardship
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome in safely distributing the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is that it must be shipped and stored in ultra-cold temperatures of about -94 degrees Fahrenheit, which is around four times colder than a standard home freezer.
This donation fills a critical need, as no County Health Department had sufficient cold storage prior to the donation. The 11 freezers will be placed in strategic locations across the state and are key to ensuring the vaccine can be distributed to all Oklahomans, particularly rural communities, in the long term.
(This is the Noble Research Institute website address: https://www.noble.org/) .
“We’re incredibly grateful to Noble Research Institute for this generous donation,” said Keith Reed, Deputy Commissioner with OSDH. “This ensures we can move forward with the phased vaccine distribution plan quickly and effectively and allow Oklahomans to receive the vaccine at their local healthcare providers, rather than traveling during the pandemic.
“These storage units are a critical piece in providing all Oklahomans, whether in a rural or urban area, with equal access to the COVID-19 vaccine,” Reed added.
The Ardmore-based Noble Research Institute agricultural research organization was uniquely positioned to help fill the need for cold storage.
Agricultural research being performed at Noble Research Institute often requires the use of ultra-cold freezers that can cost over $15,000 each.
“It’s been amazing to watch how Oklahoma organizations have come together to help provide solutions to the distribution of this vaccine,” said Steve Rhines, president and CEO of Noble Research Institute. “We are pleased that these freezers will — in some small way — support communities across the state of Oklahoma.”
The 11 freezers have been distributed to the state’s health department districts and are being put to use as shipments of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine arrive in the state.
Lloyd Noble established the Noble Research Institute, originally named The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, in 1945 to help revitalize agriculture after the Dust Bowl. Today, the Noble Research Institute is the largest nonprofit agricultural research organization in the U.S.
The Noble Research Institute’s mission is to deliver solutions to great agricultural challenges. The Institute was recognized as one of the Top 20 Workplaces in Oklahoma (https://ift.tt/3bAb6rN ) among large-sized companies.
For more information regarding the Noble Research Institute, visit noble.org .
Oklahoma’s Noble Research Institute donates critical cold storage units for COVID-19 vaccine Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors (AOGC), an 85-year-old trade association which represents Oklahoma road and bridge builders, urged legislators to maintain the 2021 construction budget despite funding from the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, to keep the construction work plan on target to provide state and local jobs. The group made its case in a Monday (January 11) press release.
The COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020 provides a placeholder budget for transportation agencies nationwide. This funding helps provide relief from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by including provisions that help create jobs for Oklahomans currently.
Additionally, amid a decreased demand for oil and gas, Oklahoma families that rely on the industry are hurting and are dependent on other jobs to sustain an income. Because of the consistent need for improvements to Oklahoma’s transportation system and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) 8 Year Plan, roads and bridge construction personnel are in high demand.
The AOGC release continued, “As Oklahoma is the crossroads of America, our interstate system is used by Oklahomans, visitors and corporations moving goods and services through our state which establishes a higher demand for these workers to help create safe and reliable roads and bridges.
“Transportation is the most used core function of Oklahoma’s State government and is in constant demand and in need of repair and improvements. It provides jobs, puts money into our economy and provides an opportunity for our state. With the existence of the 8 Year Plan, ODOT has the only, long-term, accountable, transparent financial plan in state government. This plan outlines how much money is spent in each county, every year, over an eight-year period. The projects in this plan are based on the safety of the traveling public.”
“Thank you to our legislators for making the construction work plan a priority and a special thank you to Senator Inhofe for the additional work on behalf of ODOT,” AOGC Executive Director Bobby Stem said. “Both of these moves will help not only keep the construction work plan on target but will also accelerate jobs.”
(AOGC website: https://www.webuildoklahoma.com/)
While Oklahomans will benefit significantly from the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, it does not solve the lingering need for funds to ensure the implementation of the 8 Year Plan. “Last year the Oklahoma legislature took more than 30% of the ODOT construction budget to balance the budget. They have, and need to remain, committed to replacing those dollars in this session.
“Oklahoma depends on strong roads and bridges to help stimulate our economy through jobs, and to keep motorists safe. We look forward to working with the leadership of Senator Pro Tempore Treat and Speaker McCall, along with all state legislators, this session to ensure state funding is not cut.”
About The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors: The Association of Oklahoma General Contractors is a statewide organization promoting transportation through the state members including service providers and contractors who work together for the advancement of Oklahoma’s economy through transportation projects. For more information, visit WeBuildOklahoma.com .
State Contractors Say: Stimulate Oklahoma’s economy through road and bridge building Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
Steve Fair Commentary
What a week! On Wednesday (January 6), a joint session of Congress convened to certify the 538 Electoral votes in the 2020 presidential race. Outside thousands of President Trump supporters gathered for a rally.
After being warmed up by Eric and Donald Jr., President Trump spoke to the passionate crowd just as the proceedings in the House chamber started.
“We will never give up; we will never concede. We will stop the steal. We’re going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, and we’re going to the Capitol…We’re going to try and give our Republicans, the weak ones…the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country.”
After the Electoral votes for Arizona were challenged, the two chambers went into debate. At that point, several hundred of the crowd breached the security blockades and begin to push their way into the Capitol. Some took to breaking windows out of the Capitol and crawling into the building.
An Air Force combat veteran was shot and killed by Capitol police crawling through a broken window. Lawmakers were rushed to secure locations and tear gas was used on those inside the Capitol. It took until late in the evening to clear the Capitol and get Congress back in session. The National Guard was called out and set up a perimeter around the Capitol.
At 3:30am, Vice President Mike Pence announced that Joe Biden was the winner of the 2020 president election.
Four observations:
First, there is no justification or excuse for desecrating the U.S. Capitol. Video of people hanging from the gallery balcony or sitting in the Speaker’s chair were disturbing and showed incredible disrespect for the building. It made America look like a third world country. Breaching security should result in consequences and it appears many have already been charged.
Second, frustration with their government fueled most of the protestors. That’s understandable, but it doesn’t justify breaking the law. Taking the law into your own hands is anarchy.
Many Americans share the frustration with an out of control, non-responsive government, but choose to not break the law.
Third, the Trump supporters are a persistent, dedicated group. Some call them crazed -- others committed, but clearly they are not going away. Elected official’s actions in the coming days are going to be under more scrutiny than in the last 50 years.
That is a good thing and people paying attention to their government – at all levels -- will improve it.
Fourth, Trump is not going away. Like it or not, he has maintained control over the national GOP. His handpicked Chair and Vice Chair at the RNC (Republican National Committee) were reelected in Florida, two days after the riot at the Capitol.
Donald Trump Jr. screamed, “This is Donald Trump’s Republican Party,” at the Capitol rally and it appears he was absolutely right.
The RNC will be nothing more than Trump’s PR and fundraising arm for the next four years.
That is unfortunate because the primary job of the national Party (Party leadership at all levels) leadership is to ‘conduct fair primaries’ and to help get the GOP nominee elected, not tilt the process to favor one candidate. When they do that, they lose all credibility with other Republicans.
By keeping the Trump team intact at the RNC, it sends a message the fix is in for 2024.
May God have mercy on America. Only He can heal this broken nation.
NOTE: Steve Fair’s commentaries on politics and culture appear in Oklahoma newspapers and on websites in the region. He is chairman for the Fourth Congressional District Republican party, and a well-known conservative commentator. He can be reached at [email protected].
Steve’s blog is stevefair.blogspot.com .
Commentary: What a Week! Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
Patrick B. McGuigan
In November of last year, commentator Neil Patel (affiliated with Creators, a service providing opinion pieces to American newspapers and online media organizations), had a reflection that caught my attention. It was this:
"In recent decades, the differences the right and left fight about have often been marginal. Debating a top tax rate of 35% versus 39% is not inconsequential, but it's not existential either. That's not the sort of thing the left is talking about these days. They are talking about structural changes to alter our system forever and a full march to the left in numerous policy areas."
In the course of recent days, events have captured my attention and then drove me into a sense of … not despair, but unusually deep reflection. Not really brooding and not quite depression, but what an earlier generation called “mulling things over.”
After a couple of days, I reached a conclusion. This is it:
Patel’s words are certainly apt for the times in which we are living.
It seems clear to me that restricting or banning a broad categories of citizens, based on their beliefs, from having the ability to communicate their beliefs with other citizens can reasonably be considered a structural change intended "to alter our system forever."
As it accelerates, close collusion between parts of the common government and private sector actors to achieve such a systemic altering of marks a profound moment in the history of any nation …, but to be clear, this is about our nation.
I have not yet been able to devise profundities to match Patel’s few words, and I probably never will.
Still, I found something to share. As is often the case, I found the right words – from the greatest Russian patriot of the Twentieth Century. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was not a perfect human being or one always easy to consider, but the greatest intellect I have encountered in the printed word.
In fact, his words bear witness to truths that extend across time. Rooted in the Russian experience, his reflections made him one of the most important voices for human reason in all of the world since … well, since forever.
In ‘The Gulag Archipelago,’ his masterful examination of the most methodical prison system yet devised, Solzhenitsyn wrote:
“Power is a poison well known for thousands of years. If only no one were ever to acquire material power over others! But to the human being who has faith in some force that holds dominion over all of us, and who is therefore conscious of his own limitations, power is not necessarily fatal. For those, however, who are unaware of any higher sphere, it is a deadly poison. For them there is no antidote.”
For a time at least, my time of deep reflection has receded, replaced about certainty that for our generation, referencing Thomas Paine words in the years before 1776 or Valley Forge: “These are the times that try men’s souls.”
And Charles Dickens: “The best of times … and the worst of times.”
That’s where we are.
For these times: Reflections on some things in particular, and everything in general Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
OKLAHOMA CITY – A recent poll shows that a majority of Oklahomans now believe that Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board should commute the sentence of Julius Jones, an Oklahoman on death row for a murder he says he did not commit.
Jones, who was arrested and convicted in 1999 for killing Edmond businessman Paul Howell, has always maintained his innocence.
Since his trial, multiple inmates have independently signed sworn affidavits alleging that Julius’ co-defendant framed him for the murder and testified against him in return for a plea deal.
Read the affidavits here: https://ift.tt/2LfjSRs
Celebrity activists – including Kim Kardashian, Bryan Stevenson, Russell Westbook, Blake Griffin, Baker Mayfield and Trae Young – have all worked to raise the profile of Jones’ case.
Over the New Year’s holiday, a group of Oklahomans who support Julius’ commutation and release held the New Justice/New Year Walk for Julius (https://capitolbeatok.worldsecuresystems.com/reports/activists-to-begin-131-mile-walk-on-december-31-in-support-of-clemency-for-julius-jones) organized by Oklahoma City rap artist and activist Jabee Williams.
Williams and others covered over 130 miles in snow and sleet from the State Capitol building in Oklahoma City to McAlester, where Jones has been on death row for nearly 20 years at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.
“We have been saying for years that if anyone takes a close look at Julius’ case, it is obvious that he did not receive a fair trial and that Julius is innocent,” said Federal Public Defender Dale Baich, a member of Julius’ legal team.
“As the people of Oklahoma learn more about Julius and his circumstances, they are drawing that same conclusion,” Baich continued. “Our hope now is that the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board and Governor Stitt approach his case with the same rigor and open-mindedness that the public has.”
The poll, conducted by Oklahoma City based public affairs firm Amber Integrated (https://amberintegrated.com/), surveyed 500 registered voters in Oklahoma from December 14-17. The poll has a margin of error of 4.38 percent.
The full poll and crosstabs can be viewed here: https://ift.tt/38qM1gZ (see page 9 ).
The poll asked, “Do you think the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board and Governor Kevin Stitt should commute Julius Jones’ sentence to something other than death?”
Sixty percent of all respondents answered, “yes,” including 70 percent of both independents and Democrats, and 49 percent of Republicans.
Among Republicans, only 29 percent opposed commutation. At 22 percent, Republicans were roughly twice as likely to say they were “unsure” as Democrats or independents.
“What we are seeing here is relatively broad support for the state not to execute Mr. Jones,” said Amber Integrated pollster Jackson Lisle (https://ift.tt/38sSQyY ). “This is specific to the case being made that Julius Jones may be innocent, and there is just too much doubt to move forward with this execution,” Lisle added.
Supporters who advocate for the state to commute Julius Jones’ sentence contend that the new data shows that there is widespread local support for Jones in Oklahoma, in addition to the nationwide activism surrounding his case.
“The case for Julius Jones has always been deeply personal and deeply rooted in Oklahoma and our values,” said Tulsa resident Brandy Laird, with the group Mothers for Change.
“The question is, are we going to allow our government – which is acting in our name and using our resources – to take the life of a man who did not receive a fair trial and that many believe is innocent?,” Laird asks.
“For me, I can’t accept that. It’s not just a moral stain on our government, it’s a moral stain on all of us. I think Oklahomans are seeing that very clearly.”
Pastor Jon Middendorf ( https://ift.tt/2LfS4fJ) with the Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene said that many in his congregation were also taking up Julius’ cause.
“There are people of faith who disagree on the morality of the death penalty,” said Middendorf. “But no one can accept standing by while a potentially innocent man is put to death.
“Like many others, I have prayed deeply on this issue, and I will continue to oppose an execution which I believe runs contrary to Christian values,” Middendort said.
Patrick B. McGuigan, publisher of The City Sentinel newspaper in Oklahoma City, said he and other Jones supporters were exhilarated at the news. “Years of hard work by a new generation of lawyers for Julius Jones – who have reasoned from the available evidence -- continued activism in his support, a series of detailed news reports, an acclaimed documentary, and careful consideration of all the evidence has led to this moment, a time of hope that Justice for Julius Jones is within reach. Oklahomans are fair people. They are responding to facts as they move into support to save the life of an innocent man.”
For more information regarding Julius Jones and his case, visit justiceforjuliusjones.com .
Poll shows 60 percent of Oklahoma voters support commutation for Julius Jones from a death row sentence Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
As the state endured a pandemic, high unemployment and an oil downturn, Gross Receipts to the Treasury show the Oklahoma economy pulled back by almost four percent during calendar year 2020, State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announced on Friday (January 8) .
Collections from all sources in calendar year 2020 reached $13.19 billion, down by $520.9 million, or 3.8 percent, from calendar year 2019. Gross receipts from December total $1.16 billion, below December receipts from a year ago by 4.8 million, or 0.4 percent.
“The state’s economy declined in 2020, but was bolstered by the resourcefulness of Oklahomans,” Treasurer McDaniel said. “The state has exceeded expectations during a year most of us would like to forget. Hopefully, we will see improvement in the months ahead as the vaccine becomes widely available.”
During the past year, the gross production tax on oil and gas took the biggest hit – down by almost $400 million and close to 40 percent. The remaining major revenue streams, including income, sales and use, and motor vehicle taxes, remained mostly flat. Individual income tax was down less than two percent for the year, while sale tax shrank by almost four percent. Motor vehicle taxes also were down for the year by more than two percent.
On the positive side, corporate income tax and use tax on out-of-state purchases were up by some 15 percent and 10 percent, respectively.
During December, combined income tax, gross production, and motor vehicle collections were down compared to December 2019 by rates ranging from 18.6 percent for gross production to 0.8 percent for combined income tax. Combined sales and use tax collections grew by 3.6 percent, due primarily to almost 30 percent growth in use tax receipts.
Other economic indicators
The unemployment rate in Oklahoma was set at 5.9 percent in November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s jobless rate is down from 6.1 percent in October, but up from 3.4 percent in November 2019. The seasonally adjusted number of Oklahomans listed as jobless was reported as 109,364. The U.S. unemployment rate was set at 6.7 percent in November.
The Oklahoma Business Conditions Index in December rose above growth neutral after dipping in November. The December index was set at 55.9, compared to 49.4 in November. Numbers above 50 indicate economic expansion is expected during the next three to six months.
December collections
Compared to gross receipts from December 2019, collections in December 2020 showed:
• Total December 2020 gross collections are $1.16 billion, down $4.8 million, or 0.4 percent.
• Gross income tax collections, a combination of individual and corporate income taxes, generated $424.8 million, down by $3.2 million, or 0.8 percent.
Individual income tax collections are $341.7 million, an increase of $22.8 million, or 7.2 percent.
• Corporate collections are $83.2 million, down by $26 million, or 23.8 percent.
• Combined sales and use tax collections, including remittances on behalf of cities and counties, total $485.2 million – up by $16.7 million, or 3.6 percent.
• Sales tax collections total $406.4 million, a decrease of $864,666, or 0.2 percent.
• Use tax receipts, collected on out-of-state purchases including internet sales, generated $78.9 million, an increase of $17.6 million, or 28.7 percent.
• Gross production taxes on oil and natural gas total $60.5 million, a decrease of $13.8 million, or 18.6 percent.
• Motor vehicle taxes produced $66.8 million, down by $3.2 million, or 4.5 percent.
• Other collections composed of some 60 different sources including taxes on fuel, tobacco, medical marijuana, and alcoholic beverages, produced $122.5 million – down by $1.3 million, or 1.1 percent.
• The medical marijuana tax produced $5.1 million, up by $1.8 million, or 53.8 percent from December 2019.
2020 collections
Combined gross receipts for the 2020 calendar year compared to the 2019 calendar year:
• Gross revenue totals $13.19 billion. That is $520.9 million, or 3.8 percent, below collections from the previous year.
• Gross income taxes generated $4.77 billion, reflecting an increase of $14.5 million, or 0.3 percent.
• Individual income tax collections total $4.11 billion, down by $69.1 million, or 1.7 percent.
• Corporate collections are $657.1 million, an increase of $83.6 million, or 14.6 percent.
• Combined sales and use taxes generated $5.47 billion, a drop of $112.1 million, or 2 percent.
• Gross sales tax receipts total $4.68 billion, down by $187.2 million, or 3.8 percent.
• Use tax collections generated $790.1 million, an increase of $75.1 million, or 10.5 percent.
• Oil and gas gross production tax collections generated $630.1 million, down by $396.3 million, or 38.6 percent.
• Motor vehicle collections total $775.8 million. This is a decrease of $18.8 million, or 2.4 percent.
• Other sources generated $1.55 billion, down by $8.3 million, or 0.5 percent.
• Medical marijuana taxes generated $56.2 million, up by $32.1 million, or 132.8 percent, from 2019 collections of $24.2 million.
About Gross Receipts to the Treasury
The monthly Gross Receipts to the Treasury report, developed by the state treasurer’s office, provides a timely and broad view of the state’s economy.
It is released in conjunction with the General Revenue Fund report from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, which provides information to state agencies for budgetary planning purposes.
The General Revenue Fund, the state’s main operating account, receives less than half of the state’s gross receipts with the remainder paid in rebates and refunds, remitted to cities and counties, and apportioned to other state funds.
Gross Receipts show slowdown in 2021, Treasurer Randy McDaniel reports Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
OKLAHOMA CITY – Delaware Humane Association (DHA ), where Joe Biden adopted his dog, and Pumpkin Pet Insurance Pumpkin Pet Insurance plan to host a virtual fundraising event on Sunday, January 17 to celebrate the inauguration, or in this case, the “Indoguration” of Major Biden, the first-ever rescue pup to become First Dog.
The event will celebrate Major’s journey from the shelter to the White House, raise funds for DHA to help more shelter animals like Major find their forever homes, and spread awareness about the need to help pet owners who are financially struggling to care for their furry family members.
(For information on Pumpkin Pet Insurance, visit: https://ift.tt/39YMjtV) .
In November 2018, a German shepherd was waiting for his forever home at the Delaware Humane Association (https://ift.tt/2rB1Hcw)
in Wilmington, when Joe and Dr. Jill Biden walked in and picked Major to be their new family member, according to People Magazine (https://people.com/pets/joe-biden-rescue-dog-major-inauguration-event/?fbclid=IwAR3qRi-fPoz6GGglLlJlWaeVTsHcu0B4LBuIULuiwaywe18J8lbK577oPrg).
"We are so happy to welcome Major to the Biden family, and we are grateful to the Delaware Humane Association for their work in finding forever homes for Major and countless other animals," the Bidens said in a statement shortly after the dog’s adoption (https://people.com/pets/joe-biden-adopts-german-shepherd-named-major/).
The rescue pooch is now preparing to move into the White House along with the Bidens' other dog Champ and the family future pet cat (https://people.com/pets/joe-biden-jill-biden-bringing-cat-to-white-house/).
The move to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will make Major the first shelter dog ever to live at the White House (https://ift.tt/3khlbuN) .
DHA and Pumpkin are inviting people and their pups to help set the record for the largest virtual gathering of dogs, with a goal of 1,000 attendees. (For information on Pumpkin Pet Care, visit: https://ift.tt/39YMjtV ).
Each participant is asked to donate a minimum of $10, with 100 percent of the funds raised directly benefiting DHA to help support the shelter’s vital pet and pet owner community services.
Jill Martin, Lifestyle Contributor for The Today Show, will emcee the event. Other notable rescue dogs and/or their parents joining the festivities include American former World Cup alpine USA Ski team member Lindsay Vonn’s three rescues, Bear, Lucy, and Leo. (http://www.lindseyvonn.com/en/home/).
Participants will also have the opportunity to nominate their own pup to be part of Major’s Cabinet for the Secretary of Rescue Dogs.
The top nominees will be announced during the virtual event and the winner will be ‘elected’ by 14 year old philanthropist, animal advocate, and founder of Beaux & Paws (https://ift.tt/2LztINX), Sir Darius Brown.
As the pandemic continues and the unemployment rate rises, many pet parents are faced with the heartbreaking decision of whether or not they need to surrender their animals due to financial insecurity.
“We are thrilled to participate in what will hopefully be the world’s largest Zoom call for dogs,” said DHA’s Executive Director, Patrick J. Carroll.
DHA saw record demand in 2020 as the organization offers essential relief efforts through its free pet food pantry and affordable veterinary care.
“2020 was a tough year for all of us financially – both for animal shelters and pet owners alike. Here at DHA our mission is to make ‘friends for life’ by connecting people with animals, and by building strong relationships to better serve our community,” Carroll added.
“With Major heading to the White House, it’s our sincere hope that we can continue to connect more homeless animals with families than ever before,” he said. “If a shelter dog is good enough for the White House, they’re good enough for your house.”
Pumpkin's Founder and CEO, Alexandre Douzet said, “I can't think of a better way to kick off the new year than by hosting this Indoguration with the Delaware Humane Association."
Douzet added, "Pumpkin is dedicated to the health and safety of animals, and through this fundraiser, we will be able to aid in DHA's crucial efforts to provide pet owners with the pet care support they need."
“We are excited for a successful event that will continue the conversation around encouraging the adoption of shelter pets.”
The announcement that Major will be the first rescue pet in the White House has already shed much-needed attention to the value of pet adoption with TIME Magazine (https://ift.tt/2Wajfut) naming Rescue Animals as this year’s “Pet of the Year”.
To help commemorate such a milestone, Pumpkin and DHA hope to have the fundraiser recognized as the largest virtual gathering of dogs – and help more shelter pets like Major get a chance to live the American Dream.
To register for the event, click here: https://delawarehumaneassociation.salsalabs.org/indoguration/index.html.
For more information about Delaware Humane Association, or to donate, visit delawarehumane.org .
Major Biden ‘Indoguration’ will raise money for pet owners struggling financially Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK State Senator George Young of Oklahoma City files measure to reinstate Earned Income Credit1/8/2021 ![]()
Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City, has filed a measure aimed to reinstate the refundability of the state earned income tax credit (EITC). A press release sent to CapitolBeatOK.com, The City Sentinel and other news organizations said the EITC “serves as an essential tax benefit for working families across Oklahoma.”
Senate Bill 220 would restore the state EITC credit to 5 percent, meaning if the amount families receive from the EITC is more than the amount of state income tax they owe, they would collect the difference as a refund.
“The earned income tax credit is designed to encourage work and decrease poverty in our communities,” Young said.
“Reinstating the refundability of this tax credit is an easy way we can help Oklahomans take care of their families, especially during a time where our low-income workers have often been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, studies show this tax credit stimulates local economies, so it would give a boost to our small businesses that are also struggling during this time.”
Oklahoma is one of 30 states with an EITC, but it is currently non-refundable. Twenty-three of the 30 states offer a refundable EITC.
“We don’t know how long the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will last, but we do know that the earned income tax credit gets dollars into the pockets of hard-working Oklahomans to pay for the essentials like gas, groceries and rent,” Young said. “This is an easy way to help those who need it most, and I urge my fellow colleagues to quickly pass this legislation once we convene in February.”
The EITC has many critics who contend that contrary to intentions, in some versions it can reduce work incentives and is far more expensive than its public sector and private family benefits merit.
The historic roots of the idea can be traced to the “negative income tax” and similar ideas advanced decades ago by, among others, President Richard Nixon, economist Milton Friedman and William F. Buckley, Jr.
Note: Pat McGuigan contributed to this report.
State Senator George Young of Oklahoma City files measure to reinstate ‘Earned Income’ Credit Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK |
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September 2021
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