Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs – Message to Vets regarding the situation in Afghanistan
Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs Message to Vets regarding the situation in Afghanistan8/27/2021
From Joel G. Kintsel, Executive Director
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Over the last few days a tragic situation has unfolded in Afghanistan. Many Oklahoma veterans, especially those that served in Afghanistan, are struggling as they witness the apparent outcome.
We want our veterans to know that you are not alone. Your veteran brothers and sisters are with you and will support and stand with you through this time.
We have not forgotten your sacrifices nor will the people of Afghanistan.
Because of your service, the Afghan people have experienced the beginnings of freedom and hope showing the way to a better way of life.
To find veteran resources near you, please visit our Veterans Assistance Locator (VALOR) at: Oklahoma.gov/OKVALOR .
If you are a veteran in crisis, please call (800) 273-8255 and PRESS 1.
If you need to speak to us directly at the ODVA, please call (405) 523-4000.
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs – Message to Vets regarding the situation in Afghanistan Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
0 Comments
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
Oklahoma City – Members of the Oklahoma Legislative Veterans Caucus have issued a statement asking Congress to intervene in the exit plan of U.S. service members in Afghanistan.
“We know our Oklahoma federal delegation supports our U.S. service members,” members of the caucus said in a joint statement, “but the situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated in a way that has resulted in the loss of lives of those who serve our nation and has put the lives of many others in great peril. The president’s exit plan has been disastrous to date, resulting in the death of American warriors.
“Congress has the power to intervene when the Commander in Chief is unable to complete his duties in a way that protects American lives and the lives of our allies. We are asking Congress to take swift action in this situation.”
The statement came from the office of state Rep. Josh West, a Grove Republican, after reports that 13 U.S. service members and at least 60 Afghans were killed at the Kabul airport by Islamic State gunmen Thursday. At least 18 service members were wounded.
According to the legislative press release, sent to CapitolBeatOK.com and other news organizations, “the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs reports a total number of 140 Oklahoma service members have been killed in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2001, including various branches of the military and the Oklahoma National Guard, which is under the purview of state government.”
The statement was signed by Republican state Representatives Josh West of Grove, Chris Kannady of Oklahoma City, Ty Burns of Pawnee, Dustin Roberts of Durant, Logan Phillips of Mounds, Jay Steagall of Yukon, John Pfeiffer of Orlando, David Smith of Arpelar, Kevin McDugle of Broken Arrow, and Sen. Frank Simpson of Springer. Oklahoma Veterans Caucus members ask U.S. Congress to act on Afghanistan Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
Care Providers Oklahoma, the association representing Oklahoma’s skilled nursing professionals and residents, released the following statement in response to President Joe Biden’s announcement last week (https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-takes-additional-action-protect-americas-nursing-home-residents-covid-19 ) that all skilled nursing staff must be vaccinated:
“Oklahoma’s skilled nursing facilities, through a combination of successful vaccination campaigns and rigorous safety protocols, are now clearly the safest places in Oklahoma for vulnerable seniors when it comes to COVID protection. In the week of August 8-14, for example, the state’s Epidemiology Report (https://ift.tt/3kmnVZP ) indicates that skilled nursing and long-term care (LTC) settings had just 44 new COVID cases among residents across over 600 facilities, representing just .28% of the state’s total portion of new cases. That number has fallen precipitously since the last week of December 2020 (https://ift.tt/3kttiX9 ), when skilled nursing/LTC reported 443 new cases among residents, representing 2.4% of the state’s total caseload. As the Delta variant continues to explode across the state and country, Oklahoma nursing homes have largely kept COVID under control and offered the most successful protection to their residents available anywhere.
“For that reason, it is extremely frustrating and disappointing to see the Biden Administration single out nursing homes as the only health care provider facing a federal vaccination mandate. More importantly, this mandate will transform the current workforce shortage in the skilled nursing profession (where administrators report upwards of 20% of jobs are going unfilled) into an untenable crisis that could result in facility closures and the complete abandonment of vulnerable seniors.
“Today, approximately 49 percent of Oklahoma’s skilled nursing staff and 82 percent of our residents are full vaccinated, which significantly outpaces the state average of 42%. Our on-the-ground assessment is that a significant portion of the unvaccinated skilled nursing staff will refuse to be vaccinated and instead find other jobs. That is especially true given that the new mandate does not encompass other health care settings, including assisted living, hospice care, or hospitals, all of which compete with skilled nursing homes for staff.
“Because of legally required staff to resident ratios, facilities that lose significant amounts of staff will need to close their doors or evict residents. In either case, vulnerable seniors will be losing their homes. These seniors would normally be transferred to local hospitals. Given that local hospitals are full (mainly because of a surge of much younger COVID patients), it is unclear where these seniors would be discharged to or who would care for them.
“All of this suggests that President Biden’s new mandate is setting up the nursing home profession, vulnerable seniors, and the state of Oklahoma for an unprecedented catastrophe – worse, even, than the current danger of COVID, which is being successfully minimized in skilled nursing settings. If current workforce retention and recruitment does not improve, or if this mandate leads to rapid deterioration in the labor pool, skilled nursing facilities need state and federal assistance that must include:
• Loosening regulations governing staff qualifications and training, comparable to the provisions in Governor Kevin Stitt’s previous emergency declaration;
• Significant and sustained funding for vaccination bonuses and hazard pay bonuses allocated directly to staff; and
• Development of plans to deploy the National Guard to assist in staffing skilled nursing facilities if significant employee attrition occurs due to the president’s new mandate.
"President Biden’s plan for mandatory vaccination still needs to go through a rule-making process and there will be no required changes in Oklahoma nursing homes in the immediate future. Our hope is that this proposal is significantly altered as it goes through the normal rule-making process and bureaucratic vetting. In the meantime, Oklahoma’s skilled nursing facilities will continue to provide easy access to vaccines for both staff and residents, continue to implement pro-vaccine education campaigns, and continue to make significant investments in financial incentives and other rewards for vaccination."
Care Providers Oklahoma Responds to President Joe Biden’s Nursing Home Vaccine Mandate Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
OKLAHOMA CITY - Attorney General John O’Connor this month the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to fight back against illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing by moving up the deadline for telephone companies to implement caller ID technology.
The current deadline for compliance for some companies isn’t until June 2023. Attorney General O’Connor said the deadline is too far away.
“Oklahomans are being victimized by these unlawful robocalls and spoofing,” Attorney General O’Connor said in his statement, sent to CapitolBeatOK.com and other news organizations on August 10.
“That is why the deadline for companies to comply needs to be sooner than later. Oklahomans, mainly our elderly, who are our most vulnerable are being preyed upon and in some instances having their identities stolen or having money stolen from them. That is why I joined the large, bipartisan group of my colleagues to encourage the FCC to move up the deadline.”
There were 51 attorneys general who signed the letter to the FCC. A copy of the letter is available here: https://bit.ly/3fS3vGt.
Under the TRACED Act, which became law in 2019, phone companies are required to implement STIR/SHAKEN technology on their networks. This caller ID authentication technology helps ensure that telephone calls are originating from verified numbers, not spoofed sources.
Large companies were required to implement the technology by June 2021, and smaller phone companies were given an extension until June 2023.
However, some of the same smaller phone companies that are benefitting from this extension are also responsible for originating or facilitating high volumes of illegal robocalls that spam Americans and lead to financial or personal data loss.
Without the STIR/SHAKEN technology in place, these smaller companies are failing to take the necessary steps to minimize the continued onslaught of illegally spoofed robocalls that deceive consumers.
The coalition of attorneys general are asking the FCC to require these companies to implement the STIR/SHAKEN technology as soon as possible and no later than June 30, 2022.
Attorney General O’Connor Calls for Faster Implementation of Anti-Robocall Technology Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
OKLAHOMA CITY -- House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Cyndi Munson of Oklahoma City, released the following statement reminding Oklahomans of the mental health resources available to them during the ongoing COVID pandemic.
“As we continue to navigate the Coronavirus pandemic and watch what is happening across our country and abroad, all of it can become overwhelming and affect our daily lives," Munson said. "It is important to remember there are resources available in our time of need or when we are helping a loved one experiencing a difficult time.
“Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and we should take care of both, especially during challenging times whether we are directly harmed or not.
“When you or a loved one needs help, or simply someone to talk to, call 2-1-1 to seek resources that will be most helpful to you.
“If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or showing signs of suicide ideation, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
“If you are a veteran or have a veteran in your life who needs help, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, Press 1.
“In the last year, I have spent many hours listening to the heavy burdens many Oklahomans are carrying and the heartbreak and grief they are experiencing — and I am deeply grateful for the trust in me to hold space for each conversation. As I try to remind myself, I want to remind my fellow Oklahomans that there is no shame in asking for help. All of us are worthy and deserving of these resources to help us live a healthy, happy, and thriving life.”
Rep. Cyndi Munson urges Oklahomans to seek help when needed Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
From Metro Tech (Cathy Story)
OKLAHOMA CITY – Metro Tech is offering Developing Cyber Security Best Practices September 7 and 8 (Tuesday and Wednesday) and Advanced Cyber Security Best Practices on Sept. 9 (Thursday) at Metro Tech’s Springlake Campus.
Sponsored by OSU-Institute of Technology and the Department of Defense, the sessions are free and interactive.
The training is ideal for decision makers, manufacturers, light and heavy industry, professional services and small businesses. It will also help individuals meet government contract requirements and create an action plan to gain alignment with NIST 800-171 standards.
Date / Time: Sept. 7, 8 and 9, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Metro Technology Centers, 1700 Springlake Drive, Economic Development Center building, Room 108, Oklahoma City, OK 73127
Attendance is free with limited seating. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Lynda Speller at 405-595-4776 or email at [email protected]
About Metro Tech: One of the largest technology centers in Oklahoma, Metro Tech has four campuses offering short-term, career and customized business training. Campuses are located in South Oklahoma City, Northeast Oklahoma City, the Will Rogers Airport and Downtown Oklahoma City.
Www.metrotech.edu
Cyber security best practices training offered at Oklahoma City’s Metro Tech Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
Steve Fair
(August 9, 2021) – Article I Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution requires a census be conducted every ten years for the purpose of determining representation in Congress (House). The founders of America broke from historic tradition as to the purpose of conducting a count of citizens. In the past, when government counted their citizens, it was to tax or confiscate property.
The census in the United States ‘empowered’ the citizens. It is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau (USCB), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Director of the Census Bureau is appointed by the president. There are four regions and seven divisions of the Bureau. Oklahoma is in Region 3, Division 7.
In April, a group of U.S. House Republicans led by Rep. James Comer, R-Kentucky, sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Ralmondo raising questions about political interference in the final census numbers. They argued there were inconsistencies in the number of seats Republicans were expected to gain.
“We write today with concerns about the apportionment count released by the Census Bureau, and whether the process which derived the count was fair, accurate, and independent from any White House interference,” the letter said.
“Given the extra time it took to complete the 2020 Census – including not meeting the statutory deadlines by months – we have questions about the methodology and the role the Biden White House may have played in releasing these numbers, especially as the results differ from evaluation estimates released mere months ago in ways that benefit blue states over red states.”
The group alleges illegal immigrants were counted in liberal states to help Democrats maintain control of the U.S. House.
Three observations:
First, the census in the United States is an important tool of self-government.
No other modern country uses their count like America. In Canada, the census used to plan services like schools, housing, police and fire protection. The data gathered in the US Census is used for that, but the primary purpose is to determine representation in government. The census should be conducted with the utmost integrity accuracy. It should be devoid of political shenanigans.
Second, undocumented illegal immigrants should not be included in the apportionment count.
One of President Biden’s first executive orders was to undo President Trump’s order to not count them for apportionment. A statement on the U.S. Census Bureau’s website confirm citizens and non-citizens (documented and undocumented) are included in the resident population for the census and are therefore included in apportionment. The flood of illegals entering America through our southern border can sway an election and change congressional representation.
Third, the dishonesty in the political process starts before the ballot box.
Much has been made of the 2020 election being stolen, but to get voters who are not eligible to vote, it’s important to count them first- and that starts with the Census. Republicans are right to question the Census Bureau on their inconsistent methods of data collection.
The old adage goes, “Cheaters never win and winners never cheat.” Gaining a reputation of a cheater used be quite damning in politics and was hard to overcome. In today’s political environment, it seems the more you lie, cheat and steal, the more you are admired. But politics is a temporal game and in the eternal realm, cheating matters- principles matter. Our nation’s history is full of people who cheated and won elections, but they weren’t winners.
America will never be great again until it becomes a nation of people of integrity, not just political winners.
NOTE: Steve Fair is a conservative commentator whose essays often appear at CapitolBeatOK.com, an independent, non-partisan news organization based in Oklahoma City, and in The City Sentinel newspaper. Fair is Chairman for the Oklahoma Republican Party in the state’s Fourth Congressional District. Steve can be reached by email at [email protected]. His blog is stevefair.blogspot.com.
Opinion: Cheaters Never Win Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK Joe Dorman OKLAHOMA CITY, August 9, 2021 – With the school year starting, we at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) wish for everyone to have a safe return to the classroom. Unfortunately, our state must find a difficult balance as we work to emerge from the COVID pandemic. While we must ensure children can learn in the best possible environment for most, which is inside the classroom, we must also balance the safety of students and their families as the delta variant of COVID-19 surges among the unvaccinated population, while finding a way to comply with a recent state law which makes that extremely difficult. Children under the age of 16, while not highly susceptible to the worst symptoms, are still greatly at risk for contracting this virus and spreading it through their older unvaccinated family members as they cannot get their shots yet. These important caregivers for our children are the ones who will see the worst of this illness should children contract it at school. We encourage you to educate your own children to not “follow the pack” of those deniers and do what they can to protect themselves and family members at home. Over the past year, we have endured lockdown in our homes, shutdowns of countless businesses and schools, hundreds of thousands of deaths, and now a new fear from a more contagious variant. You would think trying to withstand all that and returning to normalcy would make the importance and value of masking and vaccines self-evident, but that is not the case with far too many. It is tragic to hear so many deathbed conversions of those who railed against such precautions as they lay near death in intensive care from a preventable virus. As many of these patients now understand, we must exercise our “personal responsibility” to do what our leaders will not mandate. This means, it is up to you to wear your mask and get your vaccine. Do not expect anyone in government to enact a mandate, they have taken the position of “see to it yourselves.” Do not even expect those around you to take precautions. It is up to you to protect yourself and your children. In Oklahoma, more than 6,000 new cases and 26 coronavirus-related deaths were reported as of Monday, August 9. Overall, we had topped half-a-million COVID cases, meaning that more than one-out-of-every eight Oklahomans has contracted the disease. And this is before children return to the classroom. Despite the devastating impact on families across Oklahoma, the misinformation spread against vaccination is even more contagious. OICA partners with nearly a dozen other organizations to support MASKOK.org for “Mask Up Oklahoma.” Our organizations support masks and vaccinations as preventatives to COVID and a pathway back to “normal,” especially for school-age children. Some emails sent to the website were wildly outlandish, incredibly inaccurate, and – in some cases – venomously hateful. The sentiment behind these messages is perpetuating the pandemic, putting us all at risk of another surge beyond what we already endured. A few weeks ago, we thought we could see light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. With the variant strains of COVID now surging in the nation, we must once again take every precaution to stop the spread of this malevolent virus. Vaccination and masking are our best shot ways to protect our children, our families, and school personnel. The result will be keeping schools and businesses open and protecting our economy. Note: Dorman is CEO at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy. His reflections, opinions and reports on public policy issues often appear on the independent news service CapitolBeatOK.com, and in the pages of The City Sentinel newspaper. Opinion: We must rise when government says ‘See to it yourselves’ Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, has called Adria Berry ‘the perfect choice’ to lead the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA).
News of Berry’s selection came this week.
In a statement sent to CapitolBeatOK.com and other news organizations, Sen. Rosino said:
"Adria is the perfect choice to lead the OMMA. We've worked together since I was elected to the Senate, and she has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the state's medical marijuana policies. I know her bold leadership will ensure the success of our medical marijuana program for years to come.
“There's no doubt challenges lay ahead of us as we work to weed out illegal grows, but I know we are in good hands with Adria in charge."
Senator Paul Rosino says Adria Berry ‘perfect choice’ at OMMA Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
Starting with the 2021-2022 school year, Oklahoma’s high school students will join thousands of other students around the country in taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. Officially signed into law during the legislative session, a ceremonial signing was held last week at the Capitol for Senate Bill 642.
Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, was author of the measure in the Legislature’s upper chamber, and said it will provide another free tool for students as they begin examining possible careers.
“Deciding what career to pursue can be overwhelming for high school students. Having access to the ASVAB test will help provide career guidance for those interested in the military or to expose them to hundreds of other career opportunities,” Pugh said.
“This test brings to light their unique strengths and skills that can be used in fields such as engineering, physics, mechanics and many others, including those that don’t require a postsecondary education. We need to provide Oklahoma’s students and their families all the guidance possible while they’re making these important life decisions.”
Pugh, an Air Force veteran, noted that Oklahoma has one of the lowest ASVAB administration rates in the nation even though the state has one of the highest military populations and one of the highest rates of high school students entering the military.
Under S.B. 642, which became law on July 1, Oklahoma public schools and public charter schools must offer students, beginning in their sophomore year, the opportunity to take the free U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) administered ASVAB test and consult with a military recruiter.
Tests will be administered during normal school day hours and cannot conflict with extracurricular activities. Notice of the date, time, and location of the test will be provided to eligible students and their parents or legal guardians.
Navy veteran Rep. Dustin Roberts, R-Durant, was the principal House author of the measure.
“Many high school graduates choose the military as their next step in life, some even deciding to make this their career,” Roberts said. “Giving students the opportunity to take the ASVAB in high school puts them one step closer to their goals and to future success. Even if they choose a different path, they will benefit from this comprehensive exam.”
The ASVAB is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the DOD that is used for career exploration and measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in military training or other fields.
Free career guidance test now available for high school students Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK |
Pat McGuiganThe dean of all Oklahoma Journalism, Mr Patrick McGuigan; has a rich history of service in many aspects of both covering the news and producing the information that the public needs to know. Archives
September 2021
Categories |