Senator Bergstrom joins Congressman Mullin and Representative West in addressing area Realtors

Senator Bergstrom joins Congressman Mullins, 

Representative West as local panelists

Representative Josh West, Chuck Perry, Senator Micheal Bergstrom and Congressman Markwayne Mullin

State Senator Micheal Bergstrom joined Congressman Markwayne Mullin and Representative Josh West as panelists for the Northeast Board of Realtors’ meeting held Tuesday, August 22 in Grove. They were invited by ReMax Grand Lake owner and broker, Chuck Perry to weigh in on state and federal issues affecting real estate in Oklahoma.

"Gatherings like this give me an opportunity to be made aware of the needs of my constituents," said Bergstrom, R-Adair.   "As someone who is focused on economic development and the areas of business, commerce and tourism, I am always looking for suggestions on how to make my district and the state more successful in these areas. Gatherings like this help me to hear those ideas.”

Bergstrom added he appreciated Perry’s invitation to participate in the forum with his fellow legislators, noting the importance of staying aware of the issues affecting his district and others around the state.

"I appreciate having the opportunity to discuss the issues of our state and my district. This forum provided a chance for me to hear about how federal regulations are reducing opportunities for Oklahomans,” said Bergstrom.

For more information, contact Sen. Micheal Bergstrom at (405) 521-5561 or by email at bergstrom@oksenate.gov.

-END-

Oklahoma Supreme Court Strikes Down Cessation Fee

Sen. Bergstrom issues statement on ruling on smoking cessation fee

Senator Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, issued a statement Thursday regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling striking down the cigarette fee and declaring it an unconstitutional tax:

"As I sat in the courtroom and listened to the arguments in the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday, I came to the conclusion that the smoking cessation fee we passed last session was in serious trouble. This morning the court ruled that the fee was unconstitutional.

“The court made the right decision. That means, however, that $215 million must be cut from the budget, primarily from the Department of Human Services, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, or we have a special session to fix this.

"I expect we will go into a special session. This is too important. It must be addressed, and preferably sooner than later."

-END-

Confused By Labels

Capitol Considerations 

by Senator Micheal Bergstrom

Confused By Labels

Here are three bills I voted for that are being labeled as liberal.

TANNING

In SB 765 minors are restricted from using indoor tanning facilities.

Skin cancer is increasing dramatically, especially in younger people. Tanning beds are one of the causes. We don't let minors buy cigarettes because we want them to be adults before they opt to start breathing in carcinogens, so why would we not want a similar restriction to help keep our children from getting melanoma?

Some argue that by voting for this bill lawmakers were saying, "people can't handle their own decisions and the state needs to protect them from their own stupidity." Would they be upset if a bill were proposed to allow minors to decide if they want an abortion?

There are times when we need to restrict access of minors to products or services.

REAL ID

HB 1845 brings Oklahoma into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act. It allows Oklahoma residents to get a drivers license for use in boarding airplanes and entering military facilities. Once the federal law is fully implemented you will either have to have a passport or a REAL ID compliant license to board a plane. Those who work at Fort Sill or Tinker AFB or other military installations will have to have this to go to work.

The bill allows Oklahoma citizens to opt out and get a non-compliant license.

AUDITING

Out-of-state businesses doing business in Oklahoma often fail to accurately report their income or collect appropriate taxes in our state. HB 1427 approves auditors to inspect the books of those companies. When other states started doing this, businesses suddenly chose compliance rather than face stiff penalties. This should bring tens of millions of dollars to the state. Money that is owed Oklahoma.

I consider these bills to be relatively conservative and a common sense approach to the issues. What do you think?

I welcome your questions and concerns, so please feel free to contact my office at the State Capitol if you would like to discuss a particular issue or problem. Our office can be reached by phone at 405-521-5561 or by email at bergstrom@oksenate.gov. If you visit the Capitol, we are located in Room 527A.

-30-