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Community Fire Protection Improvements Could Yield Major Insurance Savings for Homeowners  

OKLAHOMA C IT Y – If Oklahoma communities improve fire-protection services, it could result in major savings on homeowners’ policies for local families, according to presenters at a recent legislative study.

            “There are some very basic things that communities can do to improve their fire suppression rating, which would also improve the cost of homeowners’ insurance,” said state Rep. Joe Dorman , D-Rush Springs. “Too many Oklahoma communities are currently rated poorly and there is much room for improvement.”

ISO, a private entity in the insurance field, provides insurers with statistical, actuarial, underwriting, and claims information. The company’s work includes assessments of fire suppression capabilities in local communities, ranking them from “1” to “10” from best to worst.

            Members of the House Insurance Committee recently met to determine how Oklahoma towns could improve fire department ISO public protection classifications

            “ISO ratings are tied mostly to fire departments,” Dorman said. “If you have an excellent fire department, a good emergency communications system and good access to water, that greatly improves your ISO rating and reduces the cost of your property insurance. In fact, homeowners can save up to about 10 percent for every level of improvement on the ISO rating.”

            For a $100,000 home, the difference between an ISO rating of “3” and “10” is as much as $900 in insurance costs per year, Dorman noted.

            Unfortunately, lawmakers learned that Oklahoma has the highest percentage of communities ranked “10” in the nation.

            “We certainly need to do something to improve that,” Dorman said. “The good news is that even basic infrastructure improvements can generate significant savings in those communities. The addition of a fire truck or purchase of additional communication equipment can improve your ISO rating.”

            The community of Fletcher was recently able to significantly improve its ISO rating by implementing similar improvements, Dorman noted. Fletcher Fire Chief Stanley Miller testified to the committee that the community improved from an ISO rating of 8 to a 6. Fletcher residents should contact their insurance company to see if the improved ratings in the community will result in a savings on their policy, Dorman said.

            “If we can encourage more communities to put in better water lines, improve their communication systems, or increase the number of trained firefighters,” Dorman said, “it’s going to provide a huge return to homeowners.”

NOTE: For accompanying video, go to http://www.okhouse.tv/iViewVideo.aspx?VideoID=382

Legislative Study Assesses State Debts and Obligations 

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Rep. Joe Dorman said today it is important to understand the full extent of state debts and obligations in order to ensure they are appropriately funded.

            “Every year, lawmakers vote on a budget, but often don’t have a clear picture of the state’s full obligations,” Dorman (D- Rush Springs ) said. “Many obligations are not being funded in a timely manner. My hope is that this information will clarify where we stand and aid us in our 2012 budget process and beyond.”

            Oklahoma State Bond Advisor James Joseph said Oklahoma has a high bond credit rating and less debt than most other states.

            “ Oklahoma ’s debt is moderate when compared to other states. I believe Oklahoma ’s conservative approach when it comes to the issuance of bonded debt has served the state well. However, care needs to be taken to ensure that the funds we do borrow are utilized in the most efficient manner possible – addressing deferred maintenance as well as new project needs,” Joseph said.

            In fiscal year 2010, the state had approximately $1.2 billion in outstanding debt for various revenue bonds and approximately $188 million outstanding debt in a general obligations bond series. The state also has an outstanding debt of nearly $247 million in notes payable. Other long-term liabilities include pension obligations and capital leases.

            Dorman’s study also examined the state’s obligation to fund a portion of emergency management efforts. The state has yet to fund an estimated $34.5 million in local claims, according to Oklahoma Emergency Management Director Albert Ashwood.

            “ Oklahoma is ranked third nationally in the number of disasters that take place in our state and I have been especially concerned with the state’s delay in meeting all emergency management funding obligations,” Dorman said. “I would like to see our local fire departments and other entities that are turning in claims get the money they need to continue to address natural disasters with expediency.”

            Steven Crawford, executive director for the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration, said the Department of Education’s budget had a $7 million shortfall for programs such as alternative education, early intervention and Sooner Start.  The alternative education program alone was short $2 million, he said.

            Larry Stein, Chief Deputy for Oklahoma County Assessor Leonard Sullivan, noted that State Question 588, which created the manufacturing ad valorem exemption, required the Legislature to repay lost ad valorem funding to schools and other entities.

            “Voters approved this exemption with the idea that the state would honor the lost ad valorem funding and the state has been slow to fully fund reimbursements in the last several years,” Dorman said. “The state owes our schools a large amount of money, according to the information given today.”

            Dorman said he will be working during the interim to compile the data from today’s study and come up with a figure representing the state’s numerous obligations.

            “That number will, I hope, give lawmakers pause and help them in their decisions on future budgets and policy decisions, especially mandates on state agencies, cities and counties,” Dorman said.  

Video footage located at:  http://www.okhouse.tv/iViewVideoLT.aspx?VideoID=373      

OARC Coordinating Donations for Rural Firefighter Efforts 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Companies can now make a donation to support rural firefighter efforts through one of Oklahoma ’s 11 regional councils, according to state Reps. Joe Dorman and Mike Sanders .

            The two lawmakers, who regularly work together on behalf of rural firefighters, said this year’s drought has created a strain on fire departments around the state. When independent oil and gas producer Apache Corporation questioned them on how to best make a donation to multiple fire departments, they contacted the Oklahoma Association of Regional Councils (OARC) to see about distributing donations through the state’s 11 regional councils.

            “The wildfire that hit the wildlife preserve in Comanche County cost the responding fire departments $25,000 just for their fuel,” Dorman (D-Rush Springs) said. “Although the Legislature did the right thing in maintaining funding for firefighters, it just wasn’t enough for the conditions they’ve faced over the summer. Private donations are vital to ensure the continued safety of Oklahoma ’s rural communities.”

            “Rural firefighters have gone to heroic lengths to quickly squash wildfires in my district before they could do serious damage,” Sanders (R-Kingfisher) said. “The size and scope of many of the fires around the state has meant that many departments came to each other’s aid. This means fuel is spent on traveling to give mutual aid, increased man hours and extra wear-and-tear on equipment.”

            Apache Corporation is committing $50,000 to the wildfire effort with the help of OARC. The company also plans to donate an $80,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) firefighting vehicle to Elk City .

            Governor Mary Fallin said she is pleased to see this new avenue to help support firefighters.

            “Our firefighters have worked tirelessly to protect the lives and property of their fellow Oklahomans, even as the drought and hot weather have stretched their resources to the limits. I appreciate, as I know they will, the support and generous contributions that our companies and private citizens are offering,” said Fallin.

            Donations can be made by contacting one of the 11 regional councils in Oklahoma .

            To support Northwest Oklahoma fire departments in Beaver, Cimarron, Ellis, Harper, Texas , Woods, Woodward counties, contact the Oklahoma Economic Development Authority at (580) 625-4531.

            To support Southwestern Oklahoma fire departments in Beckham, Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills and Washita counties, contact the South Western Oklahoma Development Authority at (580) 562-4882.

            To support Northern Oklahoma fire departments in Alfalfa, Blaine , Garfield , Grant, Kay, Kingfisher, Major and Noble counties, contact the Northern Oklahoma Development Authority at (580) 237-4810.

            To support Northern Oklahoma fire departments in Creek, Osage and Tulsa counties and parts of Rogers and Wagoner counties, contact the Indian Nation Council of Governments at (918) 584-7526.

            To support Northeastern Oklahoma fire departments in Craig , Delaware , Mayes, Nowata, Ottawa and Washington counties and part of Rogers County , contact the Grand Gateway Economic Development Association at (918) 783-5793.

            To support Eastern Oklahoma fire departments in Adair, Cherokee, McIntosh, Muskogee , Okmulgee and Sequoyah counties and parts of Wagoner County , contact the Eastern Oklahoma Development District at (918) 682-7891.

            To support Southeastern Oklahoma fire departments in Choctaw, Haskell, Le Flore, Latimer, McCurtain, Pittsburg and Pushmataha counties, contact the Kiamichi Economic Development District of Oklahoma at (918) 465-2367.

            To support Southern Oklahoma fire departments in Atoka, Bryan , Carter, Coal, Garvin, Johnston , Love, Marshall, Murray and Pontotoc counties, contact the Southern Oklahoma Development Association at (580) 920-1388.

            To support South Central fire departments in Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Grady, Jefferson, McClain, Stephens and Tillman counties, contact the Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments at (580) 252-0595.

            To support Central Oklahoma fire departments in Canadian, Cleveland , Oklahoma and Logan counties, contact the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments at (405) 234-2264. 

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Lawmaker Calls on Barresi to do her Homework on National Board Certified Teachers

 OKLAHOMA CITY (June 27, 2011) One state lawmaker today criticized the comments of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, who is asking school districts to do what she didn’t, which is find dollars to fund the National Board Certification Teacher incentive program.

 “I am extremely angry that Superintendent Barresi is suggesting that we pass the buck on this program to our local school districts – a program that has been funded up until this year by state appropriations,” said Representative Joe Dorman , D-Rush Springs. “Our school districts are strapped for dollars and they have consistently cut everywhere and anywhere they could, and they cannot afford to take on a responsibility which by law is one that the state has to provide. Barresi’s whole “let them eat cake” attitude reveals her obliviousness to the very real plight of our school districts and public schools.”

 Rep. Dorman referenced a recent interview of Barresi by Peter Rudy of Oklahoma Watchdog, wherein she comments to the “worthiness of the (NBCT) program and the awards” then goes on to say that districts should honor these incentive bonuses, not the State Department of Education.

 "I was contacted by a school which has 11 NBCT staff on their payroll," said Dorman. "There is no way possible the local school district can afford that additional cost, especially as we were not notified during the appropriations process that this would be a program cut by Barresi and the State Department of Education."

 At this time there are 2,820 National Board Certified teachers in Oklahoma who earned the additional pay by completing the rigorous program, but who will be shortchanged by this shift in policy.

 In a recent interview with the Oklahoma Watchdog, Superintendent Barresi made the following statement:

 “I want to stress that we are specifically asking districts to look at the $33 million that is going out there where they have the maximum flexibility..and I want to stress that we are asking those districts to honor those who are at board levels…we are asking districts to take a look at that and award those dollars to teachers,” said Barresi.

 Rep. Dorman noted frustration at the degree of importance and effort, or lack thereof, Superintendent Barresi places on what she deems priorities. For example, he noted the strong-arm actions taken by the Superintendent to get two of her hand-picked staff officially hired at the Department of Education, at unprecedented levels at that, as one now receives a salary of $96,000.00, which is $10,000.00 more than her predecessor, and the other is salaried at $92,000.00.

 But other “priorities”, such as funding to support reading sufficiency, was cut by $1.4 million, despite recent legislation passed to ensure all kids can read on grade level by third grade. In addition, all of the professional development programs that help teachers improve reading instruction were not funded, including the highly-effective Literacy First program.

 “I am extremely concerned at the lackadaisical attitude of the Superintendent when it comes to incentive programs for teachers, as the only viable option for school districts to fund programs that the state should fund, would be by seeking increases in ad valorem taxes," said Dorman. ”I know my constituents do not want to see a tax hike for a program which has been successfully funded by the state in years past."

 To view the Oklahoma Watchdog interview with Supt. Barresi, please refer to the following link: http://oklahoma.watchdog.org/2021/state-board-of-education-agenda-not-very-detailed/

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Legislator Outraged at Rumors Attempting to Derail Funding
Obligation to Schools 

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 13, 2011) Rumors have been spread around the State Capitol and in education circles that Democratic legislators are attempting to derail appropriations to entities affected through an ad valorem reimbursement account by opponents of funding an obligation by the State of Oklahoma to schools.   

“I’ve heard from school superintendents in my area who are being told that Democratic House Members are trying to kill the funding owed to their schools,” said Dorman.  “The exact opposite is true in that we, along with some Republican members, are fighting to get the bill changed to include an additional $5 million left on the table with the appropriations process.  We need people to call their elected officials over the weekend and ask them to send the bill back for the inclusion of this additional money owed to the schools this year.” 

In the ‘80s the legislature initiated ad valorem tax breaks to certain industries in an effort to boost the economy after the oil bust. The Ad Valorem Reimbursement fund was created to offset the lost property tax revenue due to the counties that support local schools.  The primary effect on schools in House District 65 comes from the Blue Canyon Wind Farm in Caddo County. 

Many legislators have criticized this arrangement because ad valorem reimbursement fund has been insufficient to reimburse claims since 2003, and reimbursement dollars that are allocated have often arrived late, in many cases only after the school’s fiscal year has ended.  

“Just to roll over and give up on fighting for what is right is not how I was raised,” said Dorman.  “It is important to fund these schools with the obligation promised by the state and to provide the dollars, especially right now when these schools need it the most.” 

Senate Bill 972 is slated for a hearing in the House of Representatives at the earliest on Tuesday pursuant to the Oklahoma Constitution.  There are requirements in place that state 24 hours must occur between readings on the bill.  SB 972 received a 1st Reading in the House of Representatives on Friday, May 13 and cannot be eligible until Tuesday, May 17 under a 3rd Reading .  Senate Bill 972 provides $10 million to secondary schools and $1.4 million to career technology schools affected by the shortfall in the ad valorem fund, along with $10 million to Higher Education for building projects.  The Oklahoma Tax Commission has certified the need for an additional $6.2 million to cover the obligation this year. 

 “This obligation to the schools will still be there next year, and it could be even more, so I don’t see why waiting on this additional funding is so important to some members, especially as there is about $5 million remaining on the table which could be appropriated this year,” said Dorman.  “The House passed a budget bill earlier on Friday allocating around $6.5 billion dollars to various entities, so I do not see the problem with spending a little of the remaining dollars, especially on an obligation owed by the state to our school children which is much more worthy than some of the other items we funded.” 

On the school reimbursement, area institutions in or close to Dorman’s district are affected as follows:  Boone-Apache School District is owed $613,626; Elgin School District is owed $523,846; and Marlow is owed $5,172.  Career Techs in our area owed money by the state are as follows:  Canadian Valley Career Tech, $81,000; Caddo-Kiowa Career Tech, $38,479; Great Plains Tech Center , $122,074; and Red River Technology Center , $5,992. 

“By adding in an additional $5 million right now, and since it has been stated this amount is still remaining in on-hand dollars which could be appropriated this year, it make sense to ease the burden to local schools right now,” said Dorman.  “It’s almost like some people at the Capitol hope some of these schools will shut down if we don’t provide the money to them required by law.”

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Press Release Archive

• Transportation intergovernmental cooperative bill signed into law 
• Senate Passes Legislation to Improve Payment of Death Benefits to the Families of Retired Teachers
• Senate Passes Bill to Create Multiple Income Tax Check-offs
• Dorman to Help With Budget, Government  Modernization on Joint Conference Committees
• Weekend Fires Mean Lawmakers Must Increase Funding for Rural Fire Departments 
• Dorman Conducts Legislative Study On Ways to Provide Long Term Care for Elderly
• Dorman Calls Attention to Sales Tax Holiday
• Lawmakers Urge Central Oklahoma Residents to Join Red Cross
• Dorman Seeks to Shine Light on Conference Committee Process
• Dorman to Hold Three Interim Studies on Health Care
• Lawmakers Approve Legislation to Keep Student Athletes Safe
• Lawmakers Experience Firefighter Training
• Dorman offers compromise to restore electric car tax credits
• House Passes Dorman Legislation to Keep Student Athletes Safe
• Dorman, Fourth District Democrats Collecting Cards for Soldiers
• Lawmakers Study Prisoner Reintegration to Society
• Dorman Invited to Germany in Transatlantic Dialogue
• Dorman Conducts Legislative Study On Incentives for Continued Firefighter Training
• Dorman Decries Kern’s Double-Standard on Obama Address
• Dorman to Hold Interim Study on Rural Firefighter Training
• Legislature Okays Measure to Keep Sex Offenders Out of Ice Cream Trucks
• Dorman Praises Congress for Restricting Predatory Credit Card Lending  
• Bill to Connect Youth with Government Advances
• Dorman Appointed to GCCA to Help Resolve Budget
• Dorman comments on vote to sustain Henry veto
• Dorman Amends Legislation to Create Oversight and Innovation in Legislative Service Bureau
• Dorman Comments on Loss of Cannon Work in Elgin
• Flaming Lips' 'Do You Realize??' Named Oklahoma Rock Song
• Dorman Joins Lt. Gov. Askins in Call for Children’s Cabinet
• Dorman Calls for Disaster Funding Reform
• 2008 Mocktails Competition to Encourage Safe Holidays
• Dorman to Renew Fight for Disaster Funding
• Dorman Conducts Study on Preventing Student Injuries and Deaths on the Playing Fields
• Dorman Selected for International Young Political Leaders Program
• Dorman to File Legislation Promoting Alternative Fuel in Oklahoma
• Deadline Approaching to Enroll Students in State's College Tuition Assistance Program
• Electronic Reporting Bill Becomes Law
• TIF Reform Goes to Governor
• Dorman Encourages Lawmakers to Make Disaster Funding a Priority
• "Fire Safe" Cigarette Legislation on Governor's Desk
• U.S.A.-Made American and Oklahoma Flags Bill Signed Into Law
• Lawmakers Request Study of Property Tax Issue
• Dorman Recognizes Athletic Organization on House Floor
• Full Funding For Schools Needed
• House Passes Collins AED Bill
• House Supports “Fire Safe” Cigarettes
• Dorman and Corn Want Priority on Disaster Funding
• FFA/4-H Tax Exemption Gets Committee Approval
• Oklahoma Hunters May Soon be Hunting Bears
• Lawmakers Work to Solve Rural Mail Problems
• Capitol Experience Awaits Students Through New Office Aide Program
• Trebilcock, Dorman Call for Teacher Tax Credit
• Bill Would Require Cigarettes to Be "Fire Safe"
• Dorman Donates  Quran to Local Minister
• Dorman, State Officials Meet with FEMA, Congressional Delegation During Trip to D.C.
• Dorman Urges Flood Victims to File Damage Reports
• Dorman Calls for More Flood Control Dams
• Dorman Touts Veterans' Hotline
• Dorman Participates in Childhood Immunization Conference
• Dorman, Parmley Honored at Young Democrats of America Convention
• Promoting 2007 Federal Duck Stamp
• Dorman to File Legislation Protecting County Extension Funds from Diversion
• Internet Request Yields Huge Response for State Lawmaker
• Joe Dorman Praises OHLAP Reforms
• House Approves OHLAP Reforms
• Southwest Oklahoma Leaders Praise Passage of Military Base Protection Bill
• Representative Calls on Fellow Legislators to Petition for Investigation into Lower Gasoline Prices
• House Votes to Secure Fire Funding
• Meningitis Awareness Day Scheduled for Capitol
• Dorman Resolution Proclaims Suicide Prevention Week
• Dorman Calls for Additional Protections from Credit Card Companies
• Dorman Appointed to GCCA to Help Resolve Budget 
• Oklahoma House & Senate to Praise Hornets Team and Personnel and Wish Them Well in the Future
• Dorman Calls for Lottery Funding Reform
• Dorman's Fire Funding Reform Measure Clears House Floor
• Rabon:House Must Act Now on Supplemental Funding for Education 
• Dorman Proposal to Aid Pregnant Women with Parking Accessibility Passes House
• House Approves Funding for Free Hunting/Fishing Licenses
• Law Enforcement to Target Trafficking of Phony IDs
• Funds Requested for Information Risk Assessments for State Agencies
• Legislature to Welcome Miss America Home
• Southwest Lawmakers Urge Henry to Issue Disaster Declaration
• Dorman Calls for Reform of Fire Funding
• Dorman & Proctor Call for Ice Storm Recovery Funding
• Industrial Park in Western Oklahoma One Step Closer to Reality
• Dorman Calls for Increased Funding of Education Program
• Dorman, Jones Seek Solutions to Teachers’ Retirement System Crisis
• Last of State-Owed Funds for Disaster Projects Distributed
• Dorman Urges State Preparation for Soldiers with Stress Disorders
• Lawmakers to Study Festivals' Economic Impact
• Dorman Urges Safety on Holiday
• Dorman Named "Achiever Under 40"
• Lawmaker Renews Call for Emergency Funds