02/25 - Health Summit with President and Congressional Members Held February 25 The President and members of the House and Senate met to discuss health care reform and share ideas and concerns. To view the Whitehouse page covering the meeting and to watch related video, click here.
02/01 - Governor Gives State of State; Releases Budget
Oklahoma Governor Henry provided his last annual State of the State address to begin the 2010 Legislative Session Feb. 1. In his speech, the Governor highlighted accomplishments of his terms of office and addressed the current budget shortfall and priorities. The Office of State Finance also published the Governor's SFY2011 Executive Budget (~3.2MB) that includes targeted cuts such as one-time reductions to agency pass-through appropriations. In related news, leaders recently came to a SFY2010 budget shortfall agreement.
02/01 - President Releases Executive Budget
The President's proposed budget for Federal fiscal year 2011 includes a $290M increase for health centers to continue support initiated by ARRA 2009 and add another 25 sites. NHSC and HIT are also supported.
Press release; HHS Budget Summary;
HHS Executive Budget Fact Sheet
12/24 - US Senate Passes Health Reform Measure
The Senate passed HR3590, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with a 60-39 vote a little after 7 a.m., December 24. The House and Senate must now reconcile the health reform measures having passed in the respective chambers.
12/21 - Senate Takes Major Step in Health Reform Process
Over the weekend, Senators took a major step towards moving a Senate health reform bill. Saturday, Majority Leader Reid introduced a manager's amendment to the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act, HR3590; and, in the one o'clock hour Monday morning, the Senate voted 60-40 to invoke cloture on debate of the amendment. Following the procedural vote, a final vote on the bill is expected by the end of the day Christmas Eve, December 24. \
11/9 - House Passed Health Reform Measure HR3962
Late Saturday, 11/7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR3962, known as the Affordable Health Care for America Act with 220-215 vote.
11/5 - House Floor Vote Expected Soon on Health Reform Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on HR3962 by this Saturday 11/7.
5/26 - Malpractice Protection Bill for Health Center Volunteers Signed
SB487 (State Sen. Paddack/Rep. Cox, MD) was signed into law by Governor Henry May 26. Previously, the bill overwhelmingly passed the Legislature without any 'no' votes and without questions or debate in either chamber. The effective date of this legislation is November 1, 2009.
