OKLAHOMA EMS COALITION

Oklahoma EMS Coalition
PO Box 347
Kiefer, OK 74041
alt: 918-693-2279

Pending Issues

The Budget:our information is that it is at a standstill this year with no new monies for any new projects. This was announced last week.

For audio and video of the session you can use the following VIDEO LINK

HJR 1014 is a EMS funding bill and will help local communities save their Ambulance Service. Over 50 have closed in the last few years. It also will insure local control for the areas serviced. The senate vote is to place this question on the November ballot and allow the people of Oklahoma a chance to address the problem. Also please pass this information to anyone that feels we need a quality EMS system. 

Summary

HJR 1014 is a Joint Resolution directing the Secretary of State to refer to the people for their approval or rejection a proposed amendment to Section 9C of Article X of the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma; this is what we in EMS call a 522 District.

This bill would modify the boundary requirements of EMS districts to make them more useful in today's environment. It would also remove the restriction on the maximum amount of tax levy. Right now that is at 3 mills, this would let the people of the district vote on what levy they think is needed to save their Ambulance Service. If passed by the Senate this bill would go to a vote of the entire State of Oklahoma, then if passed by the entire State the people of each district would have to vote on if they need to change the levy. It would also let any new district set the levy at the level it thinks it needs to have a stable Ambulance Service.

Talking Points.

  • HJR 1014 removes the 3 mil cap on 522 districts and gives citizens the chance to save the ambulance service in their area.
  • It must be approved by a vote of the people and is not a mandate.
  • This allows these communities to fund their ambulance service as they see fit.
  • Helps citizens of an area to keep local control.
  • Helps an area improve the quality of ambulance service.
  • Provides a way for areas that have no EMS service the opportunity of one.

 

 

 

Rep. Cox has the signatures for HJR 1014 and this bill is out of committee as of 4:35 p.m. 
With good news, comes unexpected news. Under the currently signed HJR 1014, the 522 EMS district has to "justify" to the county treasurer what the reason is for moving the mil levy cap from what is current, to what the 522 EMS district is asking for.
Rep. Cox is requesting that we lobby this bill to the very end because the Farm Bureau is lobbying against HJR 1014.  Rep. Cox doesn't feel comfortable waiting until EMS week for this bill to be heard on the floor because of the Farm Bureau lobbying ability.
Go lobby the bill or make contact with your representatives. Great Job!

Keep up the work on  HJR 1014. Have family & friends call their Senators as well and send them the website links. More to come...

To find your Senator and contact info go to the Legislation page and click on the bottom EMS icon.You can also call 800-865-6490 toll free.

HJR 1014- Remove 3 mil cap on 522 Districts. Must go to a vote of the people and is a way to fund ambulance services.

 

Oklahoma EMS Coalition
PO Box 347
Kiefer, OK 74041
alt: 918-693-2279