JasonMurphey.com | The Official Site Of Jason Murphey
| Jason Murphey is the Oklahoma State Representative Representing Oklahoma House District 31 including Logan and Oklahoma counties. Murphey also owns and operates WebTeks CMS. Murphey can be emailed at JWMurphey@gmail.com or called at 405-563-0034.
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Cameras May be Put in Oklahoma House Web site reveals Oklahoma card transactions Murphey Wins Oklahoma Rifle Association Legislator of the Year Tulsa Beacon - Purchasing Reform Saves Millions OFRG - Murphey Lawmaker of the Year Oklahoman - Murphey Stance On Lobbyist Gift Giving |
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Thank you for visiting the personal website for Oklahoma State Representative Jason Murphey. From this site you can review Jason Murphey's articles and press activity, visit Jason's official office site in order to receive assistance, his campaign site and his professional site at WebTeks2010.com.
In last week`s legislative update, I talked about how social media can be used as a feedback mechanism by businesses. I posited that state government should be allowed to take advantage of these same techniques, and I have heard from state officials how they need a clear set of policies to govern their actions in using social media projects.
Last week I enjoyed being in attendance at a Social Media conference which encouraged participants to engage in discussion and strategy sharing regarding their use of social media. Myself and State Representative Joe Dorman were in attendance to share our experiences of using social media as Legislators.
In recent days there has been a good deal of debate surrounding the fact that the federal Congress is not allowing C-Span cameras to televise the meetings of the health care legislation conference committee. This debate has illustrated the importance of allowing the citizens to observe legislative proceedings.
This is the time of year when we start to see the effect of 2009 legislative changes as they become law. This includes the results from House Bill 1032. House Bill 1032 was the 2009 omnibus modernization bill that focused on using the premise of the economic downturn to mandate new government efficiencies, targeted some of the especially egregious examples of government waste and made accessing government services more convenient for the citizens.
I find it helpful to use the occasion of the new legislative session to think back about my experiences and observations over the last three years and apply the knowledge picked up from this review to strategize how to conduct my efforts during the next year.
When I asked to serve as your State Representative, I stated that I wanted to incorporate a platform of representing Logan and Oklahoma county residents as opposed to capitol lobbyists and the groups that hire them. I have sought to implement this goal by setting in place a policy of refusing personal gifts and political contributions from lobbyists and the groups that hire them while aggressively building an open line of communication with the citizens I serve.
I believe I have received more feedback to last week`s update about the need for property tax reform than I have ever received for any other update.
This week provides the first deadline by which legislators must pre-file their request for bill language for the 2010 legislative session. During the past few weeks I have written about a number of the legislative ideas I will be sponsoring. I have not yet had an opportunity to write about all of these proposals and look forward to continuing to write about them as the 2010 legislative schedule continues to develop.
Over the legislative interim, I have enjoyed observing the manner in which state agencies are reacting to the series of government modernization reforms approved by the Legislature and the Governor during the last legislative session.
One piece of legislation I have considered sponsoring for years is an omnibus reform of Oklahoma`s county governance structure.
Oklahoma State Representative Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie, has been appointed by House Speaker Chris Benge to serve as Chairman of the Legislature`s Joint Liaison Committee on State and Education Employees Group Insurance Benefits.
A few weeks ago, the House of Representatives Government Modernization Committee conducted an interim study to explore the possibility of realizing taxpayer savings through the implementation of shared services among agencies.
Oklahoma State Representative Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie, has been appointed by House Speaker Chris Benge, to serve on a state law enforcement oversight committee.
Last year, an omnibus modernization bill (HB 1032), made accessing state services more convenient for vendors and individuals, and could lead to the saving of millions of dollars in taxpayer expenditures.
Last year as part of the House Modernization agenda, House Bill 1170 introduced the important step of requiring the state Chief Information Officer to consider the incorporation of innovative and low cost technology components in Oklahoma`s IT strategy. The bill seeks to recognize the fact that the days of state government being forced to expend millions on expensive licensing agreements are in fact limited.
This week I will be hosting the third of four Town Hall meetings which are scheduled in House District 31 during this year`s legislative interim. At each of these Town Hall meetings, it has been my goal to bring together state and local officials to provide updates to area residents. At almost every meeting, I have invited at least one area State Senator and one local County Commissioner to provide a broad base of access to both state and local issues.
OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 15, 2009) – The state of Oklahoma could potentially save millions of dollars annually by utilizing open source technology in lieu of purchasing expensive software licenses, House members were told at an interim study today. Representatives Jason Murphey and David Derby convened an interim study today designed to explore possibilities for a new round of cost-saving modernization legislation set to be introduced next legislative session.
In today`s quickly changing world, private businesses are taking advantage of innovative programs such as allowing for employee telecommuting. Because of the ever growing reach of broadband Internet access, many job functions can be performed through the Internet. One example of this new functionality is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) that allows for state of the art telephone functions to be performed online. Another important reason for the rise of telecommuting is the recent expansion of cloud computing (shared computing via the Internet). Because of high speed Internet access, individual workers are not limited to the capabilities of his/her own computer, but can work in a collaborative manner with other employees who are located miles away through the use of shared capabilities afforded by cloud computing. An example of this functionality is the ability of employees to co-edit documents in real time.
During the past few months it has been my responsibility to help develop the next series of Government Modernization legislation. As part of this process, I have met with a number of agency leaders to receive their input and have worked to ascertain best practices from the private industry and other government entities. The goal of these efforts has been to develop the proposals that will result in the quick elimination of waste and provide savings to Oklahoma taxpayers.
One of the concepts I would like advance in 2010 legislation is the incorporation of a state employee telecommuting pilot program.
Once in a while, I run across a law that makes my head hurt. A perfect example of one of these laws is Senate Bill 1347 which was signed into law in 2004. To see the effect of this law, I would suggest a drive down Memorial Road at the site of the new Broadway overpass. You will notice a series of elaborately designed artwork to aesthetically improve the new overpass.
I have either been involved in or closely observed some level of government for almost ten years. In that time I have studied a series of local, county and state government entities, as well as an array of government public trusts.
You may have read recent headlines regarding an increase in rates that state, school and county governments will be paying for the insurance of their employees. An increase in the cost of the co-pay provisions of the primary PPO plan (state-run self-insurance program known as HealthChoice) will be handed down to state, school and county employees.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Recent reforms in government purchasing have already resulted in more than $1.2 million in savings and additional reforms could result in state government being more cost efficient and effective, state legislators were told today.
If you spend much time watching business or news networks such as CNBC or FOX, you may have noticed a commercial promoting Michigan as a good location for business owners to conduct business. For the past several years, Michigan`s political leaders have offered $3.3 billion in tax credits through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and spent another $1.6 billion in outlays to create and retain jobs. The subsidies include tax breaks for film production, funding for new industrial plants, and millions for the nationwide TV ads starring celebrities talking about business and tourism to Michigan.
Streamlining the thousands of licenses and permits issued by various state agencies is critical to modernizing state government, House members were told at an interim study today.
Several state agencies testified at an interim study today about their ongoing efforts to streamline and consolidate payroll and human relations services, which has not only saved the state money, but has also improved services.
During the time I have served as State Representative, my office has handled a number of constituent requests. One of the issues I am most often asked to check into is why a certain area does not have access to broadband Internet and when it might become available. Usually the constituent who has an interest in this issue lives in a rural part of the district and is understandably frustrated that they cannot get online quickly.
It may seem that the debate regarding health care nationalization is taking place in a far away location and may be hard to visualize as having an impact on our lives. However, the current government-run system such as Medicaid and Medicare is already playing havoc with local health care policy and an expansion of this system would likely create more problems.
I believe the best form of government is one in which a citizen board sits in oversight of a government entity without having the direct authority to determine who receives money from the government by way of targeting funds directly to the recipient. When elected officials have the direct authority to determine who receives government largesse, the potential for corruption dramatically increases.
State Representative Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie) made sure that he was representing House District 31 citizens by being present to vote in 1544 out of 1555 roll call votes during the 2009 legislative session. During the three-year time frame since being elected to office, Murphey voted in 4,350 out of 4372 roll call votes, or 99.5% of the time.
It is my belief that Oklahomans expect their elected officials and government leaders to manage their resources in the same efficient manner that a privately owned business would manage its affairs.
One of my recent tasks has been to participate in discussions with state agency officials and other groups who have an interest in upcoming government modernization efforts.
Last week, Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn made a point of exposing the horrendous misuse of our gas tax dollars. Each time you buy gas, you pay about 18 cents per gallon which is remitted to the federal government. This money is supposed to be used to build and repair roads. Coburn explained that a third of this money is being used for items such as scenic beautification, bike paths, pedestrian walkways, transportation museums and environmental concerns.
Last summer as I went door to door visiting with District 31 constituents, I tried to put a special emphasis on making contact with those who were new to the area. I wanted to be sure to welcome them to the district and give them the opportunity to update their voter registrations to reflect their new residence.
Last November, I wrote an update entitled, "Preparing for an Expansion of Government." In that update, I referenced how that over time, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, both parties have used the expansion of federal government as a tool to accomplish their various agendas and in doing so violated the important concept of states` rights. I also wrote about the possible upcoming expansion in the size and scope of the federal government due to the recent consolidation of liberal control over both the presidency and Congress.
(Oklahoma City, OK) Oklahomans for Responsible Government is proud to announce its selection of Lawmaker of the Year for the 2009 legislative session.
A few days ago, the Speaker of the House announced his approval of a list of interim studies that will be conducted during the next few months. These studies will potentially form the basis for future legislation and give legislators a chance to examine new ideas without being under the constraints of the normal series of legislative deadlines.
State Representative Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie) has learned that he will receive a rating of 100% from Oklahoma`s longest running conservative publication for his work during the 2009 legislative session.
I will be hosting a series of Town Hall Meetings across House District 31 this week.
If you have read my articles in the past, you know that I am a strong opponent of special perks and that I oppose efforts to build special loopholes into the tax code for a privileged few. I am happy to be able to report that one of the most secretive of these programs is about to receive some legislative review.
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 26, 2009)—House Speaker Chris Benge announced the approval today of 120 interim studies that will be conducted over the summer and fall prior to the next legislative session.
During the last two weeks, I have written about two unfortunate aspects of this year`s session. First, property tax reform was not allowed to take place and second, stimulus dollars thwarted an excellent opportunity to significantly shrink the size of state government.
Speaker of the House Chris Benge has appointed local State Representative Jason Murphey to the State Employee Health Insurance Review Working Group. This group is assigned with the responsibility of reviewing Oklahoma`s state employee health insurance system.
Earlier this year, I wrote about this year`s state budget shortfall and explained how I thought the shortfall would provide an excellent opportunity for state government to get smaller. I felt that the shortfall would force state government to cut the most wasteful and inappropriate functions.
One of the bills that was lost late in the session this year was property tax reform in the form of SJR-5. This was probably the single most disappointing occurrence of the session.
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 5, 2009) – Governor Brad Henry has signed House Bill 1032, the Oklahoma State Government Modernization Act of 2009 authored by Senator Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso and Representative Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie.
Governor Brad Henry has signed House Bill 1032, the Oklahoma State Government Modernization Act of 2009, a keystone in the House Republican effort to streamline government.
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 1, 2009) – The Governor has signed into law Senate Bill 794. Senate Bill 794, authored by state Sen. Clark Jolley and state Rep. Jason Murphey, requires DHS to publish a report on unsuccessful adoptions similar to its public reports on successful adoptions.
In 2007, I was contacted by a member of a rural Logan County road district who explained that one of the big challenges facing the district was Oklahoma`s statutory scheme which encourages public boards to incur debt for their long-term projects instead of allowing them to participate in a pay-as-you-go project where no debts would be incurred.
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 1, 2009) – Two local legislators have won legislative approval for a law that will close a loophole in the law. House Bill 1295 was presented to the legislature by Representative Jason Murphey and Senator Clark Jolly after a state employee who works in one of the state`s licensing entities informed Murphey of the loophole.
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20, 2009) – Legislation that will streamline state information technology services and purchases while also working to prevent technology security breaches passed the House today.
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20, 2009) – Legislation overwhelmingly passed by the House today would provide increased oversight of state purchasing and improved online access to government services, which if signed into law could lead to millions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer.
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 20, 2009) – Legislation helping with the transition of state employees onto a more efficient and cost-effective biweekly payroll system is one step closer to becoming law following House passage today.
OKLAHOMA CITY (May 19, 2009) - The Governor has signed into law House Bill 1294 by Representative Jason Murphey, R-Guthrie and Senator Randy Brogdon, R-Owasso, to enable rural Road District to fund their projects on a pay-as-you-go basis instead of having to issue long term debt.
This week, the Oklahoma House of Representatives once again voted to support a House Resolution authored by State Representative Charles Key which sends a message to the federal government regarding states` rights. This is Key`s second proposal which has been necessitated by a previous version approved in the House and Senate, but vetoed by the Governor.
http://www.jasonmurphey.info Oklahoma State Representative Jason Murphey talks about Oklahoma government IT consolidation under CIO position.
http://www.jasonmurphey.org Jason Murphey On Term Limits Bill -
OKLAHOMA CITY – State lawmakers and technology security experts today said reforms advancing in the Legislature will increase protection of citizens` private data and reduce its theft from government computers.
In the upcoming days, the details surrounding the state`s next budget should begin to become public as legislative leadership and the governor`s office work through negotiations and determine how to account for the multi-million dollar budget shortfall.
OKLAHOMA CITY (April 14, 2009) – Oklahomans will have the option to stop politicians from becoming entrenched in office following House passage of statewide term limits legislation today.
Last week, the House approved the issuance of new long-term debt to finance a dam project on the Arkansas River in the Tulsa area. This means that each year, more of your money will be added to the millions of tax payer dollars that are tied down to paying debt and debt interest.
One of the more misunderstood issues in Oklahoma is that of charter schools. This is probably the first year since I have been in the House of Representatives that no debate has centered around the creation of charter schools, although it appears there will be much debate around a bill that would allow public schools to operate under the same lack of state auspices as charter schools.
OKLAHOMA CITY (April 7, 2009) – Legislation streamlining and consolidating technology services across state agencies passed the House today.
http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=10144283 |
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