“I take issue with “me first” politicians.
Oklahomans are hungry for state leaders who don’t rush to the limelight, who don’t run to have their picture taken by the local newspaper, who don’t take sole credit for team efforts and who don’t enrich themselves off the back of the people they say they are serving. The “I’m Third” attitude which I learned as a three term counselor at Kanakuk means God is first, my fellow man is second and “I’m Third” is the best treatment for this “me first” disease infecting today’s politicians. Let’s talk about the me first disease at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City during a time of state budget cuts.”
There is a deficit of moral courage to stand up against gray areas and make personal sacrifices on both sides of the aisle in Oklahoma City. It’s time elected officials start modeling sacrifice.
“Me First” Pay: Oklahoma lawmakers are the third highest part time paid legislature in the entire nation. Oklahoma state lawmakers earn over $50,000 for only four months of work a year ($38,400 plus a tax-free per diem and reimbursement on mileage), while the average Oklahoman earns only $30,000 for a full twelve months of work. Those in elected office must earn the trust and respect of the taxpayer by not accepting an easy ride. It’s not “service” when making excessive salaries as compared to those they “serve.” Texas lawmakers earn $7,000 annually and represent four times as many constituents as Oklahoma lawmakers. Josh has publically committed to not accept Oklahoma lawmaker pay but only the regional state average, if elected, and will donate the excess pay to the Pro-life Bryan County Crisis Pregnancy Center. Josh will continue this payment for every year in office while the legislators remain overpaid.
“Me First” Club: Aside from their pay, Oklahoma also has the 19th-largest legislature in the nation. If the current slate of state politicians were to shoot straight about state budget cuts they would shrink this already high-paid legislative body from 149 members to around 100 members in proportion to geographical size. If all other areas of state government are to face cuts why exclude the elite. As a field rep for United States Senator Coburn Josh covered the same area as 15 state representatives and state senators learning that great representation is based on work ethic not total number of politicians. In a time of state budget constraint, we should keep the teachers and fire the excess politicians.
“Me First” Pension: Not only should Oklahoma lawmakers vote to reduce their salaries and total numbers but they should also vote to take their pensions and place within the teacher’s retirement system until it becomes solvent. Currently, Oklahoma lawmakers are guaranteed a full retirement after only 8 years in office (multiplier of 4 effect on elected years served) while the fate of teacher retirement is unanswered. This is amazing!!! It is easy for a politician to act like they are a friend of the educator who is facing state cuts while not exposing these series of facts. I don’t need another politician telling me “I’m fighting for you” while the only true fight waged is for re-election due to elite benefits. Oklahomans are tired of the “fighting: and want servant leaders who lead by example. Its time to give lawmakers more incentive to fix the shortfalls within Oklahoma’s teacher retirement system. Josh has committed to not accept lawmaker retirement but only teacher retirement, if elected.
“Me First” Ethics: We need true ethics reform for state lawmakers. Current Oklahoma lawmakers have earned an F grade, according to the nationally recognized Center for Public Integrity, in terms of financial reporting requirements. As it stands, this is fostering an environment where the only ones “served” are politicians on both sides of the aisle. Oklahoma law needs to be changed by the legislature to ensure that any state elected official receiving a salary has proven there has been a true exchange of labor for the payment (and not at all as a result of their legislative power or status).
“Me First” Employment: Reviewing the financial disclosure statements filed by state lawmakers last year you will find that one in five are unemployed outside of their legislative pay. This means there is a 20% unemployment rate among our current slate of state politicians and they are only in session 4 months a year. Due to excessive pay and pension, many Oklahoma lawmakers are not having to experience the repercussions of the laws they are passing onto their constituency. It’s time to give them a reason to go back home, get a free market job and experience the laws they pass!!! Our state founders never intended for their four month duty to become their only job!!!
“Me First” Environment: The entry level salary for state senate secretaries is currently set at $43,895 while the entry level salary for Oklahoma teachers stands at $32,000. Additionally, in a time when most state agencies saw a series of budget cuts the state capitol spent $3 million on office enhancements on the back of “revenue enhancements” (the new word for taxes at the state capitol). The average cost of a chair used on the floor of the Oklahoma legislature is appraised at $1,200. How misplaced are our priorities!!!