Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Oklahoma State Capitol
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City
OPA’s Legislative Summit is only a few weeks away, so register soon! This meeting is free, so all OPA members are encouraged to meet at the State Capitol on Feb. 7.
Did you know? A survey of legislators showed the most effective contact with them is a personal visit. An email ranks fourth; a phone call ranks fifth. Legislators listen to people that make the time to come to the capitol and express their concerns. Every organization, including those that oppose newspaper interests, go to the capitol to demonstrate commitment to their legislative goals and desires. Those voices must be offset by the presence of newspaper publishers and editors at the capitol early in the legislative session.
Term limits guarantee a constant turnover of legislative power and elected officials. Newly elected legislators need to be visited at the capitol by their local newspaper to make sure there is an established relationship that can be called upon when it is time to vote on issues critical to our industry. Newspapers have several important legislative principles we support and defend, including First Amendment issues, Freedom of Information issues, and business issues affecting newspapers, such as public notice, taxation of advertising and circulation, workers’ compensation reform, etc.
OPA LEGISLATIVE SUMMIT SCHEDULE
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9:30 a.m.
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OPA group meeting & discussion of legislative issues affecting newspapers |
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10:00 a.m.
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Meet with your legislators. Contact each one in advance to schedule a short meeting between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. |
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12:00 p.m.
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BBQ lunch provided by OPA |
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1:00 p.m.
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Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, will speak in the House Chamber and OPA members can view from the House Gallery overhead. |
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1:45 p.m.
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Lee Slater, newly appointed executive director of the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, will speak to OPA. |
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2:00 p.m.
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Governor Mary Fallin will speak and participate in a Q&A with OPA. |
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3:00 p.m.
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Adjourn |
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3:00 p.m.
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Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the State Capitol
Gov. Fallin has asked the Legislature to pass a bond issue to repair the State Capitol. Tour some of the building's areas in serious need of repair that the general public doesn't get to see. |
Cost: $0 but please register in advance. Lunch is included.
When you arrive, check in at the registration table in the 2nd floor rotunda. The group will meet in the Blue Room behind the governor's office (look for OPA signs), which is also on the 2nd floor. Mark Thomas will provide a quick group briefing, then everyone will visit legislators at their offices. Lunch will be provided by OPA in the 2nd floor Capitol rotunda area.
We hope to see you there.