State Question 712

Many have seen commercials, billboards, and other media advertising a yes vote for State Question 712. I am taking this opportunity to say vote NO.

State Question 712 is designed to take money from tribal casinos and put that money into our state's education system, to give more money to our teachers. I am not against our teachers being paid more. I am against where the money in coming from. In a state where our heritage is rich in diversity and has a strong Indian population, how can our Congressman and Senators even consider a bill like this? How can our government take even more from these people?

Money from tribal casinos is not making just one person rich. This money is used for the functions of that sovereign tribe. It supports that tribe's hospital, welfare system, and Johnson O'Malley. Why would our government want to take that away?

Besides there is not a lack of funds to pay our teachers' salaries. Our state government has a lack of priorities. Our Congressmen and Senators will try to take care of their pet projects first. For example, a Congressman from Muskogee entered a bill a year ago into committee saying that all barbecue restaurants must supply their guests with hot towels only, no paper napkins. How is this more important than our children's education?

If our state would fund education first, we would not need to even entertain this atrocity of legislation. Our state has a very unique formula that puts our taxes and other resources to work for our schools. There are only approximately three other states in the nation with this same formula: Maryland and Ohio are examples.

So instead of going to the polls and voting yes on 712, write to your Congressman and Senator and let them know of your disappointment. Spread the word to other Oklahomans of the poor job our state government is doing. Do not sit back and let this bill pass.



Thank You.