HJR1081-Nelson; public money to private schools & more
A joint resolution filed by Representative Jason Nelson (HJR 1081) is scheduled to be heard in the House Rules Committee February 22nd at 10:30am.
HJR1081
Nelson Sends to a vote of the people a measure that would repeal Section 5 of Article 2 of the Constitution that relates to the use of public money for sectarian or religious purposes. Referred to House Committee on House Rules
Representative Nelson has vigorously defended the Constitutionality of HB 3393 (Henry Scholarship), yet would now ask the people of Oklahoma to repeal the section of our Constitution which conflicts with his law.
The Institute for Justice, an organization which studies state Constitutions in regard to advancing vouchers, cites Section 5 of Article 2 of the Oklahoma Constitution as the obstacle which would likely prohibit vouchers. (Institute for Justice: analysis of Oklahoma's laws and school choice options) Those who support vouchers in Oklahoma need Section 5 of Article 2 to be repealed.
Other important news! The public comment period for the "A-F school grading system" is now open. Many people find an A-F grading system to be clear and easy to understand. To aid our elected officials, PLAC is considering an A-F grading system of our legislature and/or SDE on the issues important to public school supporters. PLAC is about involvement, and this will be an important tool in providing feedback to those we have elected to represent us.
Categories being considered for A-F grading include:
1. Opposes legislation which is not adequately funded.
2. Effective use of existing professional resources (school admin, teachers, principals, etc) to determine impact of legislation before voting.
3. Effective communication with public school patrons regarding education legislation
4. Supports legislation which is consistent with the framework of the Oklahoma Constitution.
5. Personally visits schools in their district.
6. Supports transparency of our tax dollars by requiring the same accountability for all schools receiving taxpayer funds.
7. Encourages true competition among schools by promoting the same system of rules/mandates for all schools receiving taxpayer funds.
Public comments are open and encouraged.
