Budget Failure, Oklahoma Reopening, Legislature At Work

Capitol Considerations by Senator Micheal Bergstrom

A whirlwind of a week

This past week brought a whirlwind of events that are critical to Oklahoma’s future.

Monday, April 20 marked a historic day in our nation when the price of oil plunged nearly 300 percent to minus $37 a barrel. This is the first time in history that oil futures dropped below zero. This is also a severe blow to Oklahoma’s tax revenue and an important industry in our state. The reasons for this are a steep drop in demand for oil as folks avoid traveling, exacerbated by the oil production feud between Saudi Arabia and Russia. Simply put, too much supply and too little demand for oil.

The Board of Equalization also met on Monday and officially declared a revenue failure for the 2020 budget. The legislature had previously passed legislation that allows money from our state’s savings account to backfill this year’s budget gap since it is a Senate priority to ensure no core services are cut during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next year’s budget is a different problem.

The state will receive an estimated $2.2 billion in CARES Act funds from the federal government to provide relief from the virus. The vast majority of these monies—approximately $1.5 billion—will go to the general Coronavirus Relief Fund. The state will receive 55 percent of this $1.5 billion, and the remaining 45 percent will go to Oklahoma County, Tulsa County and the City of Oklahoma City. About $340 million of our state’s CARES Act funds will be allocated to education, with common education receiving a little more than $160 million, higher education receiving about a $144 million, and $40 million has been given to the discretion of the executive branch to spend in support of education. Other miscellaneous groups will receive the remaining funding, like childcare and development centers, community health centers and congregate and home-delivered meals programs.

Oklahoma received $767 million of the $2.2 billion in funding on Friday, April 17. We are still waiting for clarification on how exactly the funds can be used and if they could be used in the 2021 budget. The latest prediction from the Board of Equalization is that we could have a little more than a billion dollars less to spend in 2021 than we had in 2020. This situation is very fluid, but I’m hopeful some of these Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars could go to help stabilize the 2021 budget.

The governor unveiled his plan to get Oklahomans back to work and re-open our economy on Wednesday. As of Friday, April 24, personal care businesses like hair and nail salons, barbershops, spas and pet groomers could re-open for appointments only. Social distancing and Centers for Disease Control recommendations should still apply.

On May 1, dining, entertainment, movie theaters, sports venues, gyms, tattoo parlors and places of worship can also re-open, as long as they follow the same social distancing and CDC guidelines. If hospital and incident rates remain at a manageable level for 14 days, Governor Stitt will implement phase two of the three phase re-opening plan. More detailed information can be found at www.okcommerce.gov.

The legislature is still working while taking the proper precautions to keep everyone safe. I was at the Capitol this past week participating in committee meetings to confirm executive nominations to numerous boards and commissions across the state. Most folks joined the meetings virtually, but there were a few of us that came in-person. We are also working with leadership to determine which bills are essential to complete action on this legislative session. As always, writing and passing the budget is of the utmost importance.

If I can help you during this time, please reach out to my office. You can email me at Micheal.Bergstrom@oksenate.gov or call 405-521-5561.

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MAKE IT COUNT OKLAHOMA! An undercount in the census of just 2 percent can cost the state $1.8 billion in lost federal money over the next 10 years. Fill out your census form, Oklahoma. Learn more at: www.2020census.gov.

Getting Oklahoma Back To Work - Covid-19 Recovery

Capitol Considerations by Senator Micheal Bergstrom

Let’s get Oklahoma back to work

It's time to prepare our state and nation for a COVID-19 recovery. If we don’t, we risk destroying our economy and local businesses.

It’s been a little more than a month since the first positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Oklahoma. Since then, much of our economy has come to a screeching halt for the safety of our citizens.

The virus is extremely contagious and can be very deadly, especially for those older than 65 or with underlying health issues. So keeping our citizens safe must remain the top priority.

But should the cure be worse than the illness?

Our country and state are on a slippery slope to a recession or even worse. Unemployment records have been shattered. More than 50,000 Oklahomans filed claims for unemployment last week. Prior to the outbreak, the record weekly high was 9,778 claims. Before mid-March, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission typically processed 1,500 to 2,000 claims per week.

We must plan NOW for our recovery.

While it is important to keep everyone safe and healthy, hiding out in our homes and keeping our businesses closed is not a long-term solution to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve shared warnings about how dangerous this disease is, and my opinion on this has not changed. But we also need to find a better way to move forward as soon as possible. We must recharge our economy–sooner rather than later.

Phased In Approach

The question is how do we get there.

A phased in approach is probably a good idea. I was pleased to hear Governor Stitt say today that he is developing a plan to get the state’s economy up and running as fast as possible since the modeling is showing that Oklahoma has been very successful at “flattening the curve.” He announced that hospitals may begin performing elective surgeries on April 24.

It makes sense to allow businesses that have been deemed “non-essential” to institute social distancing and preventative measures and reopen if that is possible. In areas of the state where infections have been low or non-existent, he should consider modifying his restrictions.

A few days ago I listened to Dr. Tom Frieden, the former director of the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, offer a plan to get the country recovering. Calling his proposal “Box It In,” in a nutshell, his plan has four steps: test widely, isolate the infected, locate those who have had close contact with the infected, and self-quarantine anyone who has come in contact with a positive COVID-19 patient for two weeks.

This may sound like what we are currently doing, but there is one difference: once we have expanded accurate testing, we urge those who are not infected to go back to work and/or open their businesses.

We must continue to practice social distancing.

We must continue preventative measures like cleaning surfaces frequently with disinfectants and washing hands.

Those who are the most vulnerable to serious illness from the virus should continue to be careful and self-isolate for the time being.

BUT–this is a way forward for those of us who are able to work.

Testing

Unfortunately, we don’t have wide enough testing yet for Frieden’s plan to be successful.

Still, progress is being made, and when antibody tests ramp up we will be able to tell not only who is infected with the virus, but also who has recovered from the virus–often without even knowing they had it.

Moving forward

So perhaps what we need is a combination of the steps I mentioned earlier for the businesses where safe practices can most quickly be instituted, then as testing improves implement a “Box It In” approach so we can get every business open.

Most Oklahomans are taking this seriously. Most realize the death rate, especially for the elderly and those with existing health issues, is far worse than the seasonal flu. But I also believe most Oklahomans know the current shutdown cannot and should not last any longer than absolutely necessary. Oklahomans want to get back to work.

We should start planning to re-open our businesses. I am encouraged by the data and by the Governor’s latest statements that Oklahoma will soon be moving toward getting our economy up and running and hopefully become a model for other states across the country.

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MAKE IT COUNT OKLAHOMA! An undercount in the census of just 2 percent can cost the state $1.8 billion in lost federal money over the next 10 years. Fill out your census form, Oklahoma. Learn more at: www.2020census.gov.

Why is Covid-19 treated different from flu? An Excellent Question

Capitol Considerations by Senator Micheal Bergstrom

Why is COVID-19 treated different than the flu?

I have often been asked why we are behaving differently toward the COVID-19 virus than we do the seasonal flu. After all, tens of thousands tend to die each year in the United States from the flu.

I consider that to be an excellent question, not just because it was the first thing I wondered when we began hearing about this virus, but because it points us to the heart of this pandemic.

For the flu we have three important things: testing, treatments and vaccines. Without those, our flu season would often be an even more terrible season of death.

Here is what we didn’t have when COVID-19 hit America: TESTING, TREATMENTS AND VACCINES.

Another thing we are missing is data, and we are still missing a lot of this. Part of this is because China lied to the world about the danger of this virus and how it is transmitted. They also continue to lie and cover up the extent of the epidemic in their own country.

As we look across the world, we have seen hospitals overwhelmed because governments failed to act quickly. Death rates have escalated quickly as supplies, hospital beds and ventilators ran out.

That is what we are trying to avoid here in the United States and in Oklahoma.
We do know that Covid-19 is far deadlier than the seasonal flu. (See comparison chart.)

President Trump took extraordinary measures to mitigate virus spread in our nation, beginning with the travel bans instituted in January. He was initially insulted and mocked for these actions, but now is being accused by the same folks of not acting fast enough. 
(And yes, President Trump is correct in calling for an end to the restrictions as quickly as possible, to reopen our businesses, get our citizens back to work, and return our economy to running on all cylinders.)

Governor Kevin Stitt began ratcheting up restrictions in Oklahoma in hopes of flattening the transmission curve of the virus among Oklahomans, and he has been working with the State's agencies to get our healthcare system prepared and properly supplied, and able to know who has been exposed to the virus.

One of the things we need now is widespread testing to determine all who are infected and all who are recovered. As we have been able to acquire test kits, Oklahoma has ramped up testing, with about 1,970 positive tests as of April 12, but also about 21,000 negatives. This is good news. While it is too early to make any general determinations from this, it does suggest we are moving in the right direction. It would seem that the vast majority of Oklahomans are free of the disease. It also means that we are probably catching a large percentage of those who have the virus (but not those who have fully recovered and didn't know they had it.)

TESTING:

More tests are arriving. Plus, there is a new antibody test which will let us know who has had the virus, perhaps without even knowing it.

Why is this Important? If you have had the virus, you are now immune and safe to be in the community and work. Recovered patients can also donate blood plasma, which can be used to treat up to three people who are seriously ill with the virus.

TREATMENTS:

There have been some experimental treatments that appear to be working, like chloroquine combined with antibiotics, as well as the plasma treatments I just referenced. Other “off label” drug treatments are also showing promise. There are other possible treatments also being developed, like synthetic antibodies.

VACCINES:

There are currently two vaccines beginning human trials in America, and there are more coming. Researchers at OU Medical Center are also working on a vaccine. This is extraordinary. Oxford University's vaccine could be ready as early as September.

MOVING FORWARD:

Once we start receiving significant empirical evidence and data, which is starting to come in, we need to reevaluate how our governments have responded to this pandemic. Those who have immunity need to go back to work right away. The restrictions in place need to be lessened and/or removed as quickly as possible.

I am hopeful that as we receive more robust testing and data, our nation and state will be on the way to recovery. However, until then, the focus must be on protecting the lives and health of Oklahomans.

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MAKE IT COUNT OKLAHOMA! An undercount in the census of just 2 percent can cost the state $1.8 billion in lost federal money over the next 10 years. Fill out your census form, Oklahoma. Learn more at: www.2020census.gov.

Covid-19 Good News

Oklahoma State Senate
Senator Micheal Bergstrom

Senate District 1

April 2, 2020

Capitol Considerations by Senator Micheal Bergstrom

Looking at the good news

       It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the bad news coming out about COVID-19.

       Not enough tests. Not enough protective equipment. Not enough ventilators, nurses, doctors. There’s just not enough.

       So maybe it’s time to talk about some good news.

       While the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to rise, I’ve seen Oklahomans and Americans come together in ways we haven’t seen in quite some time.

        Families and friends are checking on each other. Neighbors are buying each other groceries. People are connecting remotely and being sincere about their relationships. Who knew it would take social distancing to bring us together?

       In case you missed them, I want to share some of the positive stories I’ve recently seen that will bring you hope in this somewhat gloomy time.

       Abbott – a medical device, diagnostic and pharmaceutical company – has launched a molecular coronavirus test that can detect the virus in as little as five minutes utilizing its ID NOW platform - a portable instrument that can be deployed where testing is needed most. The company will soon release the tests and ramp up manufacturing to deliver 50,000 tests per day initially, then up to 5 million tests a month.

       Two COVID-19 patients in New York City were treated with a new drug fast tracked for HIV and breast cancer. They went from being on ventilators in the ICU to the regular hospital in a matter of days. While the drug has only been used in seven cases thus far, early results are promising, and it could be a way to treat the disease.

       At the same time, a variety of existing medications are showing promise in treating COVID-19. For example, hydroxychloroquine and its cousin, chloroquine, have been around for as long as 70 years for use against malaria, but now seem to be working when combined with antibiotics.

       There’s also good news on the vaccine front. Studies of the COVID-19 virus chain show that it’s a stable RNA virus with only five variants, meaning a vaccine could be very effective because the virus remains consistent without constantly mutating.

       Here at home, an Oklahoma company is showing their innovative spirit to help out during this time. Prairie Wolf Distillery in Guthrie changed their formula to make hand sanitizers instead of the vodka and gin that typically filled their lines. The company is donating the sanitizer to first responders and selling the rest to the general public at cost.

       Our schools are even joining in to help out during the virus crisis. Many districts across the state have pooled classroom supplies like hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes to donate to hospitals who are low on critical cleaning supplies. Now that’s the Oklahoma Standard!

       We will weather this storm and make it to the other side. So, let’s band together, check on each other and look for the good. That’s just what Oklahomans do.

       I want you to know I’m here to help. If you need to reach me, you can call my office at 405-521-5561 or send me an email at Micheal.Bergstrom@oksenate.gov.

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MAKE IT COUNT OKLAHOMA! An undercount in the census of just 2 percent can cost the state $1.8 billion in lost federal money over the next 10 years. Fill out your census form, Oklahoma. Learn more at: www.2020census.gov.

MAUNDY THURSDAY - Christ's New Commandment

     In our church, like in many across America and across the world, today is an extraordinarily special day in the church calendar. It is often called Maundy Thursday.
     The Thursday of Holy Week (which began on Palm Sunday) has been referred to by the church as Maundy Thursday for centuries.
     "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum meaning "commandment." It is on this Thursday at the Passover Supper, what is usually referred to as the Last Supper, that Jesus gives his apostles, and therefore his church, a new commandment.
     “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are to love one another.” John 13:34 ESV.
     Talk about an impossible task. The only perfect man to walk the earth, the incarnate god-man tells us that we must love as he does, which means we are to love perfectly.
     Then Jesus adds in the next verse, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
     It would seem that our Lord has demanded an impossible task.
     No one, except him, could ever keep that commandment. Therefore we are all going to fail, fall short, and be condemned.
     Exactly.
     Except for one thing. As I said earlier, it was during this evening that Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, holy communion, telling us the bread is his body broken for us, and the wine is his blood shed for us. He was pointing to what he was about to do. The act that he had explained to his disciples previously was the ultimate act of love, the greatest act of friendship, the laying down of your life for your friends. An act that would pay the price for our sins and bring eternal life to any who will trust and believe in him.
    The law, the commandments, even the one above, they remind us of our sinfulness and they condemn us. But the law also points us to the lawgiver where we find the gospel, the good news that yes we will fail but the one who lived the perfect life and gave us those mandatums knows we will never measure up.
     So on the day after Maundy Thursday, what is often called Good Friday, Jesus gave his life on a cross because he loves us. Of course on that Sunday he would rise from the dead and overcome death so we can have the same with him.
     When we strive to live out Christ's new mandatum we demonstrate to all around that there is hope and love and peace and joy and a reason for living, and a way to eternal life.
     The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke concentrate on the institution of the Lord's Supper, so Holy Communion is always celebrated in worship services on Maundy Thursday.
     Not this year.
     There is that epidemic we're facing.
     Our pastor sent out the order of worship in advance so I have printed out copies and my wife and I will stream the service (with only a few people actually at the church) on my computer. There won't be a communion meal either.
     In our church, after the communion meal in Maundy Thursday worship services, at the end of the service as the pastor reads aloud the entirety of Psalm 22 there is the stripping of the altar. (Psalm 22 is clearly a prophetic utterance centuries before Christ's crucifixion.) All vessels, crosses, books, candles, linens, banners, and other decorations are removed from the altar and around it.
     I guess you could call it a ritual, but it's been a part of church tradition for centuries, and it is a tremendously dramatic method of reminding us of the Lord's being stripped and humiliated at the hands of the Roman soldiers.
     After the altar is stripped, it will be covered in black, transforming it from the communion table of Maundy Thursday into the tomb slab of Good Friday which we will look upon during that evening's service where we will be reminded of Christ's words on the cross just before he gave up his spirit. "It is finished."
     That is part of the beauty of Holy Week, or Passion Week, when we get to deeply reflect upon Jesus's new mandatum to us all, the price he paid to make it possible to know his love and the power to strive to be like him.
     And then there's the peace we can have when we remind ourselves that there is nothing we can do to earn forgiveness for not loving as we should. That was taken care of on the cross, and it is finished.

Psalm 22 (ESV)

^uMy God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so ^vfar from saving me, from the words of my ^wgroaning?

2  O my God, I cry by ^xday, but you do not answer,

and by night, but I find no rest.

3  Yet you are ^yholy,

^zenthroned on ^athe praises¹ of Israel.

4  In you our fathers trusted;

they trusted, and you delivered them.

5  To you they ^bcried and were rescued;

in you they ^ctrusted and were not put to shame.

6  But I am ^da worm and not a man,

^escorned by mankind and ^fdespised by the people.

7  All who see me ^gmock me;

they make mouths at me; they ^hwag their heads;

8  ⁱ“He trusts in the LORD; let him ^jdeliver him;

let him rescue him, for he ^kdelights in him!”

9  Yet you are he who ^ltook me from the womb;

you made me trust you at my mother's breasts.

10  On you was I cast from my birth,

and from ^mmy mother's womb you have been my God.

11  Be not ⁿfar from me,

for trouble is near,

and there is ^onone to help.

12  Many bulls encompass me;

^pstrong bulls of ^qBashan surround me;

13  they ^ropen wide their mouths at me,

like a ravening and roaring lion.

14  I am ^spoured out like water,

and all my bones are ^tout of joint;

my ^uheart is like ^vwax;

it is melted within my breast;

15  my strength is ^wdried up like a potsherd,

and my ^xtongue sticks to my jaws;

you lay me in the dust of death.

16  For ^ydogs encompass me;

a company of evildoers ^zencircles me;

they have ^apierced my hands and feet²—

17  I can count all my bones—

they ^bstare and gloat over me;

18  ^cthey divide my garments among them,

and for my clothing they cast lots.

19  But you, O LORD, ⁿdo not be far off!

O you my help, ^dcome quickly to my aid!

20  Deliver my soul from the sword,

my precious life from the power of ^ethe dog!

21  Save me from ^fthe mouth of the lion!

You have rescued³ me from the horns of ^gthe wild oxen!

22  ^hI will tell of your name to my ⁱbrothers;

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:

23  You who ^jfear the LORD, praise him!

All you offspring of Jacob, ^kglorify him,

and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

24  For he has not despised or abhorred

the affliction of ^lthe afflicted,

and he has not ^mhidden his face from him,

but has heard, when he ⁿcried to him.

25  From you comes my praise in the great ^ocongregation;

my ^pvows I will ^qperform before those who fear him.

26  ^rThe afflicted⁴ shall ^seat and be satisfied;

those who seek him shall praise the LORD!

May your hearts ^tlive forever!

27  All ^uthe ends of the earth shall remember

and turn to the LORD,

and all ^vthe families of the nations

shall worship before you.

28  For ^wkingship belongs to the LORD,

and he rules over the nations.

29  All ^xthe prosperous of the earth eat and worship;

before him shall ^ybow all who go down to the dust,

even the one who could not ^zkeep himself alive.

30  Posterity shall serve him;

it shall be told of the Lord to the coming ^ageneration;

31  they shall ^bcome and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet ^cunborn,

that he has done it.

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