DHS: Adoption is forever
An attorney questions whether parents who adopt children from state custody should be given the option to return the child if the child eventually develops mental health problems. The state agency says children adopted from foster care should be treated the same as children born into a family – the family just can’t give up the child.
The comments came Friday during an adoption task force meeting at the Capitol. A story I wrote on the issue ran in Saturday’s editions of The Oklahoma, but the point presented by DHS were cut out. Here’s the story as I wrote it:
Relief should be provided to parents who adopt from the state a child who eventually develops violent or severe mental health tendencies, an attorney told a legislative panel Friday.
The only recourse parents have is to either file a lawsuit against the Department of Human Services or risk being charged if they abandon the child, said John O’Connor, a Tulsa attorney.
DHS will take the child back only in cases of abuse and neglect.
“I’ve received phone calls over the years from couples who have adopted foster children out of DHS custody and after years of trying to make things work, it turns out the child has more psychological or emotional problems than the family can handle,” O’Connor said. “Sometimes it threatens the health and welfare of siblings, the adopted child has abused a sibling or has attempted to injure parents.
“What was a good-faith attempt to have a family with a child who has been in a warehouse now becomes a couple exhausted and emotionally spent and financially, usually, spent against the state of Oklahoma,” he said. “That’s a very, very difficult set of odds to try to overcome.”
O’Connor, who received a call two weeks ago from a parent in that dilemma, asked the Adoption Review Task Force to consider legislation to allow parents in specific, limited circumstances to return the child to DHS. The group is looking at drafting legislation dealing with adoption issues.
“It’s a very small number of cases, but it’s a very devastating impact on the family,” he said.
Karen Poteet, post adoption programs manager for DHS, said the agency only places children in its custody who are suffering from abuse or neglect.
“We disclose all of the written information that we have regarding the child’s medical issue, how they came into custody, all the social history, medical history, everything we have we disclose,” she said. “The key is everything we have because sometimes we have birth families who are cooperative with us because we remove their children. So sometimes they control the flow of information that is given to us.”
DHS tells adoptive parents that the information on the child is what was made available and the child may have physical, mental health or emotional issues that have not yet been diagnosed, Poteet said.
Parents adopting children through DHS also must complete a 27-hour course, in which parents are advised to look closely at the child’s records, she said.
“Adoptive parents need to understand this is their child forever,” Poteet said. “It is just like giving birth. And that any kind of treatment of them in the eyes of the law is that same way – just as if they gave birth.”
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
Bridges, Damon, Brolin could be riding into Oklahoma
Jeff Bridges has some big boots to fill. And he might be putting those boots in stirrups here in Oklahoma.
Bridges has been selected to portray U.S. Marshal Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn, a role that earned the Duke his only Oscar.
The Coen Brothers are remaking the 1969 movie “True Grit,” which starred John Wayne as the one-eyed lawman. The original was filmed in Colorado, California and Mexico.
Jill Simpson, director of the Oklahoma Film and Music Office, disclosed this week that several sites were shown to location scouts for the movie. She made the comments during a House interim study on rebates given by the state to filmmakers to come here to shoot movies.
Most of the locations shown were in eastern Oklahoma; the Fort Gibson area has some sites that would fit the era of the late 1880s, when the story takes place mostly in present-day Oklahoma, Simpson said.
Other actors signed up for the film include Matt Damon, who will play La Boeuf, the role played by Glen Campbell in the original movie, and Josh Brolin, who will portray Tom Haney, the man who shot Mattie’s father, Simpson said. Mattie, played by Kim Darby in the original flick, recruits Cogburn to chase down Haney and his gang.
Ethan and Joel Coen would like to start shooting the movie in March, she said. It’s planned to be released late next year.
According to Variety, they aren’t planning a traditional remake. They would return to the original Charles Portis novel, which is told from Mattie’s point of view.
Getting the Academy Award-winning brothers to Oklahoma would spur other filmmakers to consider filming in the Sooner State, Simpson told the House committee. Films shot in Oklahoma create jobs and help the state’s image, she said. Tourists also like going to spots where films are shot long after camera crews have left.
A big factor whether the Coens come to Oklahoma depends on if legislators in a budget-strapped year can allocate additional money to the film commission for incentives to land part of the movie production here.
The film incentive program is capped at $5 million a year. Ten films that are shooting in Oklahoma are committed to receive about $5.5 million in rebates this fiscal year, Simpson said.
Two movies already are committed to receive rebates in fiscal year 2011, which starts July 1, she said. Those two commitments plus a carryover of about $557,000 from this fiscal year leaves only $1.2 million in rebates available next year.
A new state law that took effect July 1 increased the program from a rebate of up to 15 percent on production expenditures in Oklahoma to 35 percent.
Simpson said that it is estimated “True Grit,” a film projected to cost about $35 million, would spend about $13 million in production costs in Oklahoma; the filmmakers then would be eligible for a rebate of $4.6 million from the state.
Simpson asked the House Economic Development and Financial Services Committee to remove the current $5 million annual cap.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
Special session possible?
Gov. Brad Henry says today a special session in January could be an option to address the state’s revenue shortfall.
The governor outlined a three-point plan to address the state’s budget challenges – a more reliable state revenue estimate, a series of public hearings on budget reductions and a possible special session to use the state’s savings account and implement targeted cuts to balance this fiscal year’s budget.
Ultimate budget decisions will hinge on revenue estimates for the next fiscal year during December’s meeting of the state Board of Equalization, he said. The panel also will review its projections for this fiscal year.
The Democratic governor says he is concerned about the effects of the 5 percent across-the-board cuts in monthly state allocations to state agencies. The cuts went into effect in August because revenues came in much less than expected.
He’d like to use a substantial amount of the nearly $600 million in the state’s savings account, the Rainy Day Fund, for this fiscal year and implement targeted cuts to balance the budget. Revenue collections for the first third of the fiscal year, which started July 1, are about 22 percent below estimates.
Republican legislative leaders are resisting a special session. They say steeper cuts should be implemented now to keep from using all of the Rainy Day Fund for this fiscal year. They say some of that money may be necessary for the next fiscal year that begins in July.
Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, is still circulating a petition to get two-thirds of his mates to sign it, which would force the governor to call a special session.
He’s got about 30 signatures after two weeks. He needs 100: 68 from the House and 32 from the Senate. At last check, just Democrats had signed. The GOP outnumbers Democrats 62-39 in the House and 26-22 in the Senate.
Corn, who is running for lieutenant governor, started his petition drive the same day about 400 came to the Capitol to oppose cuts to the state’s senior nutrition programs. House Republicans were meeting in a retreat in Claremore.
A Republican House member, who asked for anonymity because he is not authorized to speak for the House GOP caucus, said a couple Republican members said they told leaders they were concerned Democrats were gaining a political edge by showing up at the rally seeking the restoration of funds for the senior nutrition programs. Many railed against Republicans, in charge of both chambers for the first time in state history, for not restoring the funds or supporting a special session to deal with the issue.
A House leader told them to remain calm, and that they shouldn’t get caught up in political rhetoric. Any lumps they take in the public relations battle are the consequences of being in the majority party and having the power to make decisions.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
Veterans get boost to see monuments
Oklahoma is an official state hub of Honor Flight Network, Inc., a national nonprofit organization, the governor announced Monday. The organization raises money to organize and finance trips to the nation’s capital at no cost to the veteran.
The hub designation, Oklahoma Honor Flights, allows the state chapter to raise private funds to help pay the costs of Oklahoma veterans who are able to participate in the program.
It helps World War II service members and other veterans travel to Washington to visit the national monuments and memorials dedicated to their service.
“Unfortunately, many veterans never had a chance to see those monuments, largely due to a lack of resources,” Gov. Brad Henry said during Monday’s news conference at the state Capitol. “But now we can do something about that.”
Rep. Gary Banz, R-Midwest City, who led efforts to start Oklahoma Honor Flights, said it’s hoped the first flight can be made in May.
To donate to or help with Oklahoma Honor Flights, complete the appropriate forms a twww. oklahomahonorflights.org and mail them to: P.O. Box 10492, Midwest City, OK 73140. People also may call 259-9000 or fax information to 259-8260.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
2 more join congressional race
Two more contenders – a Republican and an independent – say they are running for the congressional seat held by Mary Fallin. Fallin, R-Oklahoma City, is passing up seeking a third term to run for governor.
Today’s announcements bring to seven the number of those considering running for the 5th Congressional District seat, which covers most of Oklahoma County and Seminole and Potawatomie counties. An eighth is thinking about it.
Clark Duffe of Edmond plans to announce his candidacy at 7 tonight at Mr. Chen’s Buffet, at NW 23 and Meridian Avenue.
Duffe, 52, is vice chairman of the Oklahoma Libertarian Party. However, because of Oklahoma’s ballot access laws, Duffe will be running as an independent. Tonight’s announcement comes after the Central Oklahoma Libertarian Party’s dinner.
Duffe said he wants to cut spending, audit the Federal Reserve, restore individual liberties, demand honesty and secure the borders.
Paul Arabie of Del City released a statement saying he is running as a Republican. Arabie, 77, said he doesn’t like the direction the country is heading.
Arabie said he would be a citizen legislator and is against special interests, saying he will not accept contributions from them. If elected, he pledges to serve only one two-year term.
Duffe and Arabie entering the race now put the number of contenders at seven – six Republicans and one independent.
Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud, a Republican, said earlier this month he’s looking at entering the race.
Other Republican contenders are state Rep. Mike Thompson of Oklahoma City and former state Rep. Kevin Calvey from Del City, Dr. Johnny Roy of Edmond, Rick Flanigan of Bethany and James Lankford of Edmond.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
House race gets national attention
Russ won 56 percent of the vote in a largely Democratic district. House District 55, held by a Democrat since 1965. Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 2-1 margin in the district, which covers Washita County and parts of Caddo, Canadian and Kiowa counties.
Russ, 48, will succeed Ryan McMullen, a Democrat, who resigned the House seat in July to take a federal post. Russ, a member of the Cordell City Council, will resign his city post before taking his oath as a state legislator.
The Republican State Leadership Committee, the nation’s largest caucus of Republican state leaders, issued a statement congratulating Russ for his win.
“His victory in this overwhelmingly Democratic district sends a clear message that individuals want the ability to determine their own destiny by electing state leaders who understand the importance of a limited government,” said Republican State Leadership Committee President Scott Ward. “During these challenging economic times, Todd will get to work with his colleagues in the Oklahoma House to ensure that elected leaders help create an environment where the economy can grow and individuals prosper.”
Russ’ special election victory is the 20th win for Republicans in state legislative special elections across the country since the November elections, according to the Republican State Leadership Committee. Its goal is to elect Republicans to the office of attorney general, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and state legislator.
Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Todd Goodman issued a statement thanking the volunteers who worked for Democrat Larry Peck.
“The time that Mr. Peck spent on the ground, knocking doors and talking to voters, showed the people of House District 55 that Democrats are working for them and listening to their hopes and concerns,” Goodman said. “And the outpouring of volunteerism and support from Democrats across the state gives me hope for the upcoming 2010 elections.”
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
Candidate wary of possible CompSource sale
A state labor commissioner is cautioning legislators about privatizing the state’s workers’ compensation insurer, saying the transaction could result in higher insurance rates.
Jason Reese, a Republican, said the Republican-controlled House of Representatives proposal to privatize CompSource Oklahoma in order to recoup as much as $200 million in the state budget shortfall could have unintended consequences. A legislative task force that is studying privatization of CompSource was urged last week to sell the state agency to the highest bidder.
“Let’s not break our small businesses’ budgets in an attempt to balance our state government budget,” Reese said.
Workers’ compensation insurance is required by state law. Privatizing an “insurer of last resort” – often the only option for businesses in high-risk industries – may cause overall premiums to increase, said Reese, a former House staffer who served as an advisor to the chairman of a task force that looked at the workers’ compensation system.
“We must prevent privatizing profits while socializing losses,” he said. “We need to ask if privatizing CompSource is a gimmick to distract the Legislature from having to make the hard decisions about budget cuts. . . . This may be a temporary budget solution, but it fails to address long-term systemic issues and may serve only to help large out-of-state insurance companies.”
The bill that created the task force determined to privatize CompSource at a set date before it was decided whether privatization was a good idea and whether the state government would be entitled to the proceeds rather than the policy holders, Reese said.
The Labor Department oversees and enforces certain workers’ compensation regulations in Oklahoma. Reese is an Oklahoma City labor attorney who represents small- and medium-sized businesses in Oklahoma.
Officials with the National American Insurance Co. last week told a legislative panel looking at privatizing CompSource that agency’s sale would likely raise between $150 million and $200 million for the state. A competitive bidding process would require bidders to buy both the assets and liabilities of CompSource with all proceeds going to the state, officials said.
The task force is considering selling the agency or mutualizing it, meaning it would be owned by its members.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
Schwartz seeks third term in House
Rep. Colby Schwartz, who flirted for a time this year with running for lieutenant governor until dropping out last month, is seeking re-election.
Schwartz, R-Yukon, issued a statement this morning seeking his intent to seek a third term for House District 43, which includes parts of Oklahoma and Canadian counties. Filing period for the 2010 races is in June.
“I have spent the last month visiting with constituents in the Yukon and Mustang communities, and have been humbled and overwhelmed with their support of my efforts to run for a third term,” he said.
Schwartz said last month he withdrew from the lieutenant governor’s race because it had been difficult raising money.
According to his most recent campaign report, which covered fundraising activities through June 30, Schwartz had $26,432 on hand. He had carried over $16,603 from his House campaign account and reported raising $9,830 and spending $1.12.
Since announcing his bid to run for lieutenant governor, a Republican has filed papers seeking Schwartz’s post.
Michael Carnuccio, a former staff member for the House of Representatives who joined a lobbying group this past summer, has reported raising $13,900 and having that amount on hand as of June 30, according to his most recent campaign report on file with the state Ethics Commission.
Two Republican candidates remain in the lieutenant governor’s race.
Rep. John Wright, R-Broken Arrow, reported having $23,620 on hand, with most of that money carried over his House campaign account.
Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, reported raising $195,285 between June 12, when he opened his campaign account, and June 30, the end of the reporting period. He transferred $57,761 from his Senate campaign account, giving him a total of $253,046. He reported $413 in expenses, giving him $252,633 on hand as of June 30.
The lone Democrat so far in the race, Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, reported having $155,957 on hand as of June 30. Corn reported raising $56,485 during the reporting period and spending $24,342.
Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, a Democrat, is not seeking re-election to run for governor. Democratic Gov. Brad Henry, elected to his first term in 2002, cannot run again in 2010.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
Comment on high speed rail application begins
The Department of Transportation wants to hear from you. Last week the department submitted its application for high-speed rail funding for a proposed route between Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Now as part of the application, the department needs average folks to weigh in on the application. Comments must be recieved by Oct. 19.
Oklahoma is competing with other states for a portion of $8 billion set aside for high-speed rail. Oklahoma requested $2 billion. The Federal Rail Administration could make a decision on the applications by the first of the year. The proposed route would begin at the Santa Fe Station in Oklahoma City and connect north then east to the Union Pacific Harter Yard near Lincoln Boulevard and Reno Avenue. The route would travel along the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad right-of-way north to Interstate-44/Turner Turnpike and then parallel I-44. Near Sapulpa, the rail line would cross I-44 and tie to existing state-owned rail line and then connect to the BNSF track for the remaining 19-mile route into Tulsa’s Union Station.
The document is on ODOT’s Website at http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/meetings/a2009/091002/index.htm.
The document can also be viewed at Oklahoma City Downtown Library, Edmond Metropolitan Library, Tulsa Central Library and at libraries along the route in Sapulpa, Stroud, Chandler, Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley and Ardmore. The public is urged to submit comments by Oct. 19 to Environmental Programs Division Engineer, 200 N.E. 21st St., Oklahoma City, OK 73105 or by e-mail at HSIPREnvironment@odot.org. — JULIE BISBEE, CAPITOL BUREAU
Could someone like Bellmon be elected today?
Could Henry Bellmon, a plain-spoken, no-frills candidate get elected today in this time when many candidates seem to rely mostly on quick sound bites and campaign consultants?
Yes, says Larry Stein, who worked for the Oklahoma Republican Party when Bellmon sought his second gubernatorial term in 1986, served as a deputy press secretary for Bellmon during that term and also covered him as a reporter.
“If he was 50 years old, 55 years old today, he could win a governor’s seat in Oklahoma because of the wealth of experience and knowledge that he brings,” said Stein, who now is chief deputy for Oklahoma County Assessor Leonard Sullivan.
Bellmon, who was Oklahoma’s first Republican governor, died last week at the age of 88. Many said Bellmon, who served two terms as governor and two terms as U.S. senator from Oklahoma, was a rare breed of being a statesman who worked with both political parties and stood up for what he believed in as well as being a visionary leader.
“Henry Bellmon never won a statewide poll, but he never lost a statewide election,” Stein said. “That’s the kind of leadership that transferred to the public, and they knew they could trust him to do the right thing.”
Bellmon was elected governor in 1962 and in 1986. The Billings farmer served two terms as a U.S. senator, winning elections in 1968 and in 1974. He started his political career in 1946 by being elected to the state House of Representatives.
Bellmon served in the Marines during World War II; he was a tank commander during fighting at Iwo Jima. After losing his re-election bid to the Legislature, he returned to his farm and eventually got involved in local politics; in 1960 he became chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party. He is credited with building up the GOP in the state.
- Michael McNutt, Capitol Bureau
