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Legislative Update, December 7, 2009

It is important to meet your legislators, legislature is in session. They want to meet you. Here are some helpful tips on-How to visit with legislators:

  • If they are in session go to the lobby outside House or Senate floor and fill out the request slip to see the legislator. If you are a constituent be sure and put it on the slip..


  • If they are not in session, go to the legislator's office.

  • Ask legislative assistant to see the legislator. Again, if you are a constituent be sure and let the assistant know that.

  • If you get to see the legislator, be friendly but don't get into lengthy small talk. Get to the point. They are busy so we need to respect their time.

  • Tell the legislator what you want and why it is the right thing to do.

  • Thank the legislator for his/her time and get out.

  • Leave materials with your business card with the legislator if you get to see him/her. If not, leave materials and/or a personal note and your card with the legislative assistant.



    • To find out what is happening in your local senate and house races, please click on link below: www.fotizo.net/osasa/documents/races08.pdf

    Accomplishments

    • 2008 Legislative Session: OSASA initiated the Freedom of Choice Bill, SB1640, which increases access to treatment by expanding the pool of insurance approved providers to include appropriately licensed, master level professionals. In partnership with various associations, OSASA successfully lobbied for the passage of this important bill. Additionally, OSASA board members partnered with the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors Board and its workgroup to develop wording, support, and successfully advocated for the passage of SB2074, the LADC Co-occurring Bill.
    • 2007 Legislative Session -- OSASA successfully broadened language of Bill 1106 which allowed us to contract with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services to establish a full-time executive director and a permanent office.
    • 2006 Legislative Session - OSASA partnered with ODMHSAS and lobbied for Rate Increases that resulted in $3 Million dollars being appropriated for Rate Increases beginning October 2006.
    • 2005 Legislative Session
      1. Hosted a luncheon for all New State Representatives
      2. Hosted a breakfast for all Senate Staff
      3. Partnered with ODMHSAS in lobbying for an increase in appropriations for Drug Court which resulted in an additional $16 Million for statewide expansion of Drug Courts
    • 2004 Legislative Session
        • Helped ODAPCA pass a landmark bill (HB 2464) that provides for the licensure of drug and alcohol counselors
    • 2003 Legislative Session
        • Successfully lobbied for several pieces of legislation including the passage of HB 1106, which increased the sales tax on 3.2 beer and ear marked the proceeds to go toward increase of services for community based substance abuse agencies.

    Legislative Process 2009