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State officials grapple with future of insurance premium support program for Oklahoma’s working poor

Patrick B. McGuigan — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:24:48 +0000

Governor Mary Fallin

By Patrick B. McGuigan
Associate Editor

Oklahoma leaders remain cautiously optimistic about preserving a popular insurance premium support program, designed and implemented in 2004 with bipartisan support, which benefits the working poor.

On May 9, Leavitt Partners, a consultant to Oklahoma’s Health Care Authority (HCA), encouraged state officials to extend Insure Oklahoma, despite the Obama Administration’s decision to spike the program’s Medicaid revenue stream.

Cindy Mann, director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the U.S. Department of Human Services, based in Baltimore, Maryland, delivered the death sentence to the Oklahoma program — created in 2004 by a popular vote, and fashioned by a bipartisan consensus – in a May 7 letter.

Referencing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Mann wrote, “The new law will mean that an extension of the Insure Oklahoma program without any changes is not possible.”

In her letter, Mann contended the federal government is “committed to working with you on approaches that work for Oklahoma.” However, she continued, the SoonerCare section 1115 demonstration (No 11-@-00048/6) includes enrollment caps which “will not be approved.”

Mann suggested the program, which has provided access to the insurance market for thousands of low-income working Oklahomans could be revised to include “products available in the individual and small business insurance market.” She wrote the federal agency “would welcome working with you … consistent with our guidance.”

Despite the agency’s refusal, Mann wrote, “should the state decide to phase out the Insure Oklahoma program at the end of 2013, a phase out plan as provided for in paragraph 9 of your approved Special Terms and Conditions is due … by July 1, 2013.”

In a blunt reply to the letter from Mann, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said on May 8:
“This is the latest bad news in the ongoing train wreck that is the Affordable Care Act. It is outrageous that President Obama is actively dismantling the successful health care programs established by states in order to force citizens onto Obamacare health insurance plans.

“The president promised the American people, ‘if you like you’re health insurance, you can keep it.’ He has not kept his word. Thirty thousand Oklahomans participating in Insure Oklahoma – and many more Americans across the country – are being forced off their health insurance plans.

“The president also promised the nation’s governors his administration would grant states the flexibility to pursue state-based solutions rather than one-size-fits-all policies. Again, that has proven to be untrue, as Oklahoma and other states are now finding their programs and waivers under assault by the Obama Administration.”

In a presentation to HCA last Thursday, Leavitt’s Michael Deily recommended several possible steps to increase health insurance access for low income Oklahomans. In some scenarios, the state could revise Insure Oklahoma to meet requirements of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

After Leavitt’s “power point” presentation, Nico Gomez, chief executive officer at HCA, said he was interested in the recommendation to preserve Insure Oklahoma: “We have a state innovative program called Insure Oklahoma that we’ve had since 2004 and we’d like to figure out a way to keep that operation because it’s doing exactly what the Affordable Care Act is attempting to do but in a more responsible way.”

However, other analysts caution against any form of “ObamaCare” implementation. Some have suggested the state decouple Insure Oklahoma from federal Medicaid funding, instead using exclusively resources from the Tobacco Settlement fund to preserve the acclaimed program that provides insurance premium assistance to many of the Sooner State’s the working poor.

In response to question from The City Sentinel, Gov. Fallin’s spokesman explained a comment on low income health care she made in a speech to the spring task force of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

Alex Weintz, communications director for the chief executive, said she would be reviewing the Leavitt Partners recommendations, but “She has not proposed using Medicaid dollars to purchase private insurance, although she is aware that others have.”

www.CapitolBeatOK.com

President Declares Disaster for Oklahoma

Staff Report — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:20:32 +0000

News Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Oklahoma to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and tornadoes beginning May 18, 2013, and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie counties.

Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Sandy Coachman has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Coachman said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Pink Wave carries state leaders and citizens seeking reproductive justice

Darla Shelden — Wed, 01 May 2013 12:27:20 +0000

Pink was the color of the day as the Oklahoma Coalition for Reproductive Justice (OCRJ) gathered with supporting organizations and activists during Pink Wave 2013 at the State Capitol Photo by State Capitol Legislative Photographer.

By Darla Shelden
Contributing Writer

Pink was the color of the day as the Oklahoma Coalition for Reproductive Justice (OCRJ) gathered with supporting organizations and activists during Pink Wave 2013 at the State Capitol.

The rally drew women and men, young and old, who shared stories of anger, enthusiasm, heartbreak and inspiration.

State Rep. Emily Virgin, (D-District 44) who introduced a comprehensive sex education bill this year that was not heard in committee said drawing a large round of applause, “I can tell we are making a difference here and the reason why I know that is that a Personhood bill was introduced this year, but it didn’t go anywhere.”

Recalling one of his own family’s experiences, Ryan Kiesel, Executive Director of ACLU-OK said, “Let’s ask our representatives to put themselves in the position of one of their constituents.

“A constituent in a doctor’s office, making an important medical decision. One that has an immediate impact on their body. Who would she want in that room with her? A loved one, a trusted family member, her best friend, or her state representative.”

Bruce Prescott, Executive Director, Mainstream Oklahoma Baptists said, “This movement will not be successful unless you go back and occupy your churches. Tell conservative women and men that you believe that God is mad as hell about what they’re doing.”

Martha Skeeters, president of the Oklahoma Coalition for Reproductive Justice said, “The state legislature needs encouragement to support reproductive justice. This means creating policies that support the responsible planning of families and that give support to all families.”
Skeeters added, “The state legislature has passed 14 bills restricting or regulating women’s reproductive rights in the last three legislative sessions, and is currently considering three more. Two of these laws have been ruled unconstitutional by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

“Our state ranks 5th in teen pregnancy, yet the legislature refuses to mandate statewide comprehensive health education or sexual education.”

Amanda Armstrong, Oklahoma Amnesty International Area Coordinator said, “Governments have the obligation to protect, respect and fulfill sexual and reproductive rights for every individual.”

James Cooper, with The Equality Network (TEN) said, “Forces against protection of women’s rights have made access to abortion so inaccessible that we are putting women in less and less safe places.”

Christie Breedlove, President, Oklahoma Federation of Democratic Women said raising the minimum wage is the most important thing to help women in Oklahoma.

State Senator Constance N. Johnson (D-District 99) said, “We are only hearing one perspective in our legislation today. It is anti abortion. We are talking about pro life, helping people, educating people so they can make the right choices and avoid some unintended outcomes.”

Longtime women’s rights activist Barbara Santee told how she risked her life to have an illegal abortion before Roe v. Wade. She said, “If we lose abortion, birth control cannot be far behind. You are the ones that take on the awesome responsibility of this precious right for your generation and for generations to come.”

Rep Jeannie McDaniel (D -District 78) said, “Just passing laws doesn’t mean it passes in people’s hearts and minds. That’s up to us to do. We’re the educators.”

Kelly Jennings, Co-President of the Oklahoma Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, had words for Gov. Fallin regarding her rejection of Medicaid Expansion saying, “It might hurt her political expansion in the future.

“If your party plus any mindless Democrat want these women to pop out every possible baby, then you better be willing to do everything possible to support life, because aren’t you pro-life? Oh, I forgot – only when it’s in the womb.”

Maya Torralba, with the National Indigenous Women’s Roundtable/Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center, said, “One in three Native American women will be raped in their lifetime. We’re now working with Congress to make sure that Native American women can access Plan B over the counter at Indian health clinics and hospitals.”

For more information, visit www.ocrj.org

Americans Against the Next War (AANW) Members Stand for Peace

Darla Shelden — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:35:20 +0000

(L-R) Oklahoma City residents Mostafa Radmard, Jalal Farzaneh and Nathaniel Batchelder stand together at NW Highway and Penn, during one of the regular monthly demonstrations. Photo by Darla Shelden.

Darla Shelden

Americans Against the Next War (AANW) is a diverse group of citizens in Oklahoma City who want to stop ongoing wars and promote common goals of peace and security for all. (L-R) Oklahoma City residents Mostafa Radmard, Jalal Farzaneh and Nathaniel Batchelder stand together at NW Highway and Penn, during one of the regular monthly demonstrations held to raise awareness of the group’s cause. For more information, visit www.americansagainstthenextwar.org. Photo by Darla Shelden.

OMRF opens doors for Putnam City Junior Scientists

Staff Report — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:30:57 +0000

Outstanding elementary school science students from Putnam City Schools spent time in the lab with OMRF researchers as part of Putnam City Junior Scientist Days.

Staff Report

Smashing frozen flowers, delving into cancer cells and smashing strawberries for DNA—it’s all in a day’s work during the 35th Putnam City Junior Scientist Days at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

In 1976, after seeing a number of her colleagues diagnosed with cancer, Putnam City Schools teacher Lois Thomas gathered a group and went door to door, collecting change for cancer research. Over the past three-plus decades, students, teachers and parents have raised more than $3.08 million for cancer research at OMRF.

In gratitude for decades of support, each year OMRF opens its doors to promising science students from the district for Putnam City Junior Scientist Days.

This year, 18 elementary, middle school and high school students recently spent a day inside OMRF’s high-tech labs, learning about research by working with scientists.

“It was gross and cool!” said Ann George, a 10-year-old 5th grader at Northridge Elementary School. “We were testing heart and liver tissue from rats. It was great.”

George came in wanting to be an astronomer when she grew up, but by lunch time she was ready to switch to a career in medical research.

For OMRF’s scientists, Junior Scientist Days provide a chance to inspire a lifelong passion for learning in the next generation of scientists.
“Science requires brains and drive and critical thinking skills,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D. “But enthusiasm is the life blood of research. That’s something these students and scientists share—an excitement for learning something nobody has ever known before.”
The excitement has been fueled by funds raised through bake sales, talent shows, soccer tournaments and 5K runs. The generosity of Putnam City Schools has allowed the purchase of specialized equipment for OMRF laboratories and the creation of the Putnam City Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research, held by OMRF scientist Linda Thompson, Ph.D.

“Putnam City Junior Scientist Days at OMRF continue to be a huge value for our students,” said Putnam City Schools Superintendent Paul Hurst. “Students who take part already have the experience in school of taking a personal role in the fight against cancer. To then spend time with medical researchers and see how high-level science is conducted is such a bonus. It’s a unique and exciting learning opportunity.”

About OMRF
OMRF (omrf.org) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human diseases. Its scientists focus on such critical research areas as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, lupus and cardiovascular disease.

CAIR annual banquet focuses on theme “Upholding our Constitution, Defending our Faith”

Darla Shelden — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:56:29 +0000

Ryan Kiesel, Executive Director ACLU of Oklahoma

Darla Shelden

CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations) Oklahoma will host its 7th Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 13, which will take place at the Oklahoma City Marriott, 3233 NW Expressway.

The event will be held to “honor the organization’s inspirational heroes, reflect on their past year’s endeavors, and embrace a promising future.”

A reception begins at 5 p.m., with the dinner and program at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person, $20 for students.

“When we first founded CAIR Oklahoma in 2006, we never envisioned that in seven years we would be at the forefront of civil rights issues in the state of Oklahoma,” said Adam Soltani, executive director of CAIR Oklahoma, “We are looking forward to sharing the accomplishments of the last year with our guests and to outline some exciting plans for our future.”

The event will feature keynote speaker Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, Outreach Director, Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church, VA; Ryan Kiesel, Executive Director ACLU of Oklahoma; and Imam Imad Enchassi of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City.

The speakers will focus on this year’s theme, “Upholding our Constitution: Defending our Faith.”

Abdul-Malik has recently returned from a one-week trip to Morocco to learn more about its people and the process of the Moroccan “Arab Spring” or Jasmine Revolution.

The first Muslim Chaplain installed at Howard University, Abdul-Malik is the former chair of Government Relations for the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA) and is the founding President of the Muslim Society of Washington, DC Inc.

Ryan Kiesel served three terms in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2004-2010. During that time, Kiesel held various leadership roles and often led the fight against efforts to curb reproductive rights and restrain civil liberties.

Prior to joining the ACLU of Oklahoma’s staff, Kiesel was in private practice with a law firm in Oklahoma City. He teaches a seminar, Politics and the Law, as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma College of law. Ryan continues to write and speak on a range of political and legal issues, and has been cited by local and national media outlets.

Motivational speaker Dr. Imad Enchassi is founder and Executive Director of the Mercy Education Foundation. He is the first Muslim to provide invocations at both the Oklahoma State Capitol, and before the Mayor and the OKC City Council. Enchassi has served the Interfaith communities for more than two decades.

Offering a different perspective on everyday life, comedian and actor Omar Regan will provide the evening’s entertainment. His mission statement is an acronym of his last name, REGAN – Reflect Excellence, Gratitude and Nur (Light).

“The work that CAIR Oklahoma does in the coming years will be crucial to fostering a culture where the promotion of successful interfaith dialogue and civil liberties advocacy is of the utmost importance,” said Soltani.

Each year, CAIR Oklahoma honors individuals who have served in the Oklahoma community. Those who have taken courageous stances for the rights of Oklahomans, and have worked to make Oklahoma a better place to live.

This year’s recipient of the Building Bridges Interfaith Leadership Award is The Rev. Dr. William Tabbernee, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches.

In addition, the Faith in Action Youth Leadership Award will be given to Abdurrahman Kabani, a graduate from the Dove Science Academy in Tulsa.

“Our 7th Annual Awards banquet is a time to celebrate our accomplishments of the last year, to focus on the challenges still ahead, and honor the work of courageous individuals that have led our communities,” Soltani said. “Those who have inspired us to be better Oklahomans, and worked to build bridges of understanding with others from different backgrounds.”

Established in 2006, CAIR-Oklahoma is a chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

For more information contact CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com or visit www.cairoklahoma.com.

Metro area Equality Center opens doors to enthusiastic supporters

Darla Shelden — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:39:18 +0000

(L-R) State Senator Al McAffrey, attorney and former chairperson of Cimarron Alliance, Richard Ogden and State Rep. Kay Floyd show support for the Cimarron Alliance LGBT Equality Center in Oklahoma City. Photo by Darla Shelden.

By Darla Shelden
Contributing Writer

The highly anticipated Cimarron Alliance LGBT Equality Center was opened last week in Oklahoma City to an enthusiastic crowd of standing room only supporters.

Lines of eager guests extended outside the Center’s entry, while families, politicians, businesspeople, students, clergy and the media attended the event from the metro area and across the state. Randal Marsh and Kathryn Primas were the event co-chairs.

Scott J. Hamilton, Executive Director of Cimarron Alliance said, “What you’re looking at tonight, this space, this is not me, this is not the board of directors of Cimarron Alliance – this is the people who have been working for equality for decades.”

“For us to be here tonight is celebrating not only a remarkable history for our community, but honoring those who have worked so diligently to make change real in Oklahoma.”

Located at 5613 N. May Ave., the Center is in the Bank of America Building at May Avenue and United Founders Blvd. Entrance is on the northwest side.
The Center will allow Cimarron to expand programs and services, and to provide meeting and event space to allied Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) groups and members.

Special recognition was given to the Diversity Business Association (DBA), which hosted the event.

Oklahoma City realtor, Monty Milburn, DBA co-founder and chair of the DBA program planning committee said, “The Equality Center will provide meeting and marketing space for DBA members and that is crucial to the success of DBA.”

“Some of our members don’t have physical office space because of their types of businesses,” Milton added. “This allows them a place to meet clients in a professional atmosphere.”

Stephen Kovash, DBA member and owner of Istvan Gallery in Oklahoma City said, “The Equality Center provides a visible presence for the LGBT community and legitimacy to LGBT folks all over the region, especially the younger people.”

Kovash added. “I am excited that someone might see my gallery on the DBA roster, come in and make a purchase of Oklahoma Art.”

State Senator Al McAffrey, State Rep. Kay Floyd, attorney Richard Ogden, a founder and former Chairperson of Cimarron Alliance and Cimarron board member and attorney Jeff Riles were all acknowledged for their support of the Center.

During the event, Riles presented Hamilton with a Citation of Recognition from the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Kay Floyd said, “You all are doing a terrific job and I know the community appreciates it so much and so do we.”

Hamilton has worked closely on the Center’s development with Toby Jenkins, executive director of OkEq (Oklahomans for Equality), which operates the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa.

“I met Toby three years ago and at that time he said, ‘Oklahoma City must have an equality center,’” Hamilton recalled.

“Two and a half years ago we signed a memorandum between OkEq and Cimarron Alliance saying that we would work together to represent every single gay person in Oklahoma,” said Hamilton. “That accounts for 365,000 Oklahomans that are counting on us.”

On his weekly internet radio program “Oklahoma: Inside Out” Hamilton discussed the Center’s opening with Jeremy Hood, Past Chair of the Cimarron Alliance Board of Directors.

Hood, a Cimarron member since 2008 said, “This really is all about the community. It really is about what Oklahoma City’s LGBT community needs.”
In lieu of the typical red ribbon cutting ceremony, Hamilton invited Hood to cut a lavender ribbon to dedicate the Center.

“As we cut this ribbon we are cutting the bonds of inequality and injustice that for too long have held our community down,” said Hamilton.
“It’s not just about marriage equality, it is non-discrimination against any person for any reason and anyplace in this state,” said Hamilton. “Until that happens, Cimarron Alliance will be here – and we’re counting on you to be here too.”

The Equality Center is open to the public from 12 – 8 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

“This is the center of Oklahoma – we are in the center of Oklahoma City – and it’s my hope that we can become the center your lives,” said Hamilton.

For more information, visit www.cimarronalliance.org or call 405-495-9300. To become a volunteer, visit www.cimarronalliance.org/volunteer.

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Faculty Talent Shines in OCUCreates

Staff Report — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:36:17 +0000

Staff Report

Faculty members at Oklahoma City University will exhibit their creative talents from 6:30 to 9 p.m. March 27 at an event titled “OCUCreates” at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Tickets are $15 and the museum is located at 415 Couch Drive.

The event will highlight some of the many works produced by OCU faculty members including books, music, visual art and films. The faculty members and the works they’ll discuss include:

Books:
* Abigail Keegan: “Depending on the Weather,” named a finalist in the 2012 Oklahoma Book Award competition by the Oklahoma Center for the Book
* Robin Meyers: “The Underground Church: Reclaiming the Subversive Way of Jesus”
* James Buss: “Winning the West with Words: Language and Conquest in the Lower Great Lakes”
* Mohamed Daadaoui: “Moroccan Monarchy and the Islamist Challenge”
* Marc DiPaolo: “War, Politics and Superheros: Ethics and Propaganda in Comics and Film”
* Lisa Wolfe: “Ruth, Esther, Song of Songs and Judith”
* Sharon Betsworth: “The Reign of God is Such as These: A Socio-Literary Analysis of Daughter in the Gospel of Mark”
* Mike Wimmer, illustrator: “George” by Frank Keating, published by Simon and Schuster; “Pilgrims Progress” by John Bunyan, edited by C. J. Lovik, published by Crossways

Film:
* Fritz Kiersch will screen his recent film “12: Promises” and hold a discussion
Music Scores:
* Lendell Black and Ed Knight have both written the musical scores for recent film projects and will discuss with guests
Art:
* Mike Wimmer will showcase selections of his artwork.

Admission includes a complimentary drink ticket and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. A cash bar will be available.

Mark Davies, dean of the Petree College of Arts and Sciences, said the event gives professors a chance to showcase their professional work.
“Given that our faculty are so deeply committed to teaching and learning in the classroom, some people don’t realize the breadth and depth of the scholarly and creative output of our professors,” Davies said. “OCUCreates gives us all an opportunity to see and celebrate the outstanding scholarship that enhances and informs the excellent teaching of Oklahoma City University faculty.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Janelle Warlick at jwarlick@okcu.edu or call (405) 208-6033; or download the reservation form at the link: http://www.okcu.edu/creates/docs/OCUCreatesReplyCard.pdf

Foreign law ban easily passes state House, but city legislators clash over its merits

Patrick B. McGuigan — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:02:56 +0000

by Patrick B. McGuigan
Associate Publisher

Legislation to ban use of foreign legal precedents in most cases passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives last week. Two female legisaltors from the capital city clashed in committee and floor deliberations over the proposal’s merits.

House Bill 1060, sponsored by state Rep. Sally Kern, a City Republican, would prohibit use of foreign laws in any instance where such use would violate the state or federal Constitution. Kern’s proposal sailed through the House, 81-11, but drew a sharp rebuke from state Rep. Kay Floyd, a Democrat who also hales from Oklahoma City.

Kern referenced 70 percent statewide voter approval, in 2010, of State Question 755, specifically banning use of Sharia law in Oklahoma. She noted that a federal district court judge rules “we could not discriminate by singling out a specific group.”

For that reason, H.B. 1060 “contains language that is more general and therefore should be accepted by the courts. Tennessee, Kansas, Arizona, and Louisiana have passed the same legislation without any court challenges.”

Rep. Kern hopes, “If this bill becomes law, the will of the people will finally be acknowledged.”

Floyd, who opposed the measure in floor debate, assailed Kern’s proposal.

“I have two main concerns. No one ran this past the Attorney General, to see if it would in fact withstand a legal challenge. I think that is irresponsible. This bill if passed has a strong possibility, even a likelihood, to be contested in court. It seems imprudent to me not to have checked on whether it could withstand legal scrutiny,” Rep. Floyd told The City Sentinel.

Floyd also contended, “I also think it has the potential to limit citizens’ rights to enter into contracts with other citizens. Rep. Kern said corporations had been exempted under her bill because they are more sophisticated at such things. I thought that was insulting to the citizens of Oklahoma.”

The proposal now moves to the state Senate, where passage is considered likely.

www.CapitolBeatOK.com

Pembroke is Grand Marshal as St. Patrick’s Day Parade highlights weekend to honor Ireland’s “Enlightener”

Patrick B. McGuigan — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:34:51 +0000

Peter Pembroke

by Patrick B. McGuigan
Associate Editor

Oklahoma City’s 31st annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, one of the most popular annual festive marches through the heart of our town, highlights the upcoming holiday weekend.

Peter Pembroke will serve as Grand Marshal for the 2013 parade, slated for Saturday, March 16.

The traditional route for the parade is restored this year – a straight march down Sheridan Avenue from N. Walker on the west to the far end of Bricktown on the east. Dozens of units featured in the parade will gather on the west end of downtown beginning Saturday morning, formally organizing around noon to prepare for parade order.

Stepoff for the parade is at 1 p.m., Saturday.

The parade traditionally attracts thousands of spectactors who flock to downtown, where they cheer for Junior ROTC units from many area public schools, clowns, Shiners in tiny motor cars and on cycles, dogs and other domesticated animals (some with fur dyed green), Irish or Celtic dancers, medieval reenactors, and a variety of color guards.

Each year, Saint Patrick himself, portrayed by a local man, makes an appearance as leader of the parade, dressed in the green robes of the founding Bishop of Ireland. St. Patrick brought Christianity to “Erin” – the Gaelic name of the island.

Pembroke, of Oklahoma City, is presently Grand Knight for the Oklahoma Council No. 1038, Knights of Columbus. The Knights, who participate in the parade each year, are the world’s largest fraternal organization. The group stresses the principles of faith, charity, fraternity and patriotism.

Members of the Fourth Degree, the patriotic order, will be among the participants in this year’s parade. Pembroke is an officer in the Fourth Degree Chief Justice Kane Assembly, and is treasurer on the board of directors for the Santa Fe Family Life Center.

Pembroke’s family came to Ireland in the Eleventh Century Norman invasion. His lineal ancester is Richard de Clare, the Second Earl of Pembroke. His parents (Joseph and Monica) and his siblings (Joseph, Mary and Mark) were born on the Emerald Isle, in Dublin County. The family came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Peter was born and raised. In 1992, Joseph Pembroke was grand marshal of the Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day parade.

In addition to his Wisconsin roots, Peter has lived in Ireland, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. While residing in the nation’s capital he met Oklahoman Sandy Brown, daughter of Harry and Ione Brown, another Irish family.

St. Patrick’s weekend begins Friday evening with the Grand Marshal Celebration, a fundraiser honoring Pembroke. The event begins with a 6 p.m. Reception at 50 Penn Place (1900 N.W. Expressway) in the Belle Isle Brewery banquet space on the third floor, and dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 a person – with sponsorships available running from $500 to $10,000.

RSVP’s are required for the dinner, by visiting www.okcstpatsparade.com, or by calling 405-751-8181. This year’s event benefits Operation Homefront, supporting Oklahoma families, service members and wounded warriors.

After Saturday’s parade, Bricktown entertainment venues remain open well into the night to accommodate the celebrations of all those who are Irish – or honorary Irish for the day.