Budget Briefing: Oklahoma Among 28 States Fighting Health Insurance Exchanges

Health Insurance Exchanges Fought in Oklahoma, 28 Other States – “Early in her administration, Gov. Mary Fallin accepted a $54 million federal grant to establish an exchange, but later, under political pressure from tea party elements in her own party, she rejected the grant. The Oklahoma Legislature considered exchange plans the past two years, but the idea also foundered under tea party pressure.” Tulsa World

Coburn: Republicans and Democrats Responsible for Economic Problems – “Sen. Tom Coburn made three appearances in northeastern Oklahoma over a span of five hours Tuesday. In Claremore, the final stop, he wound up spending a lot of time talking about bipartisanship – of a sort. Pressed on President Barack Obama’s responsibility for the nation’s economic problems, Coburn replied, “Yes, he is responsible – but so are tons of Republicans and Democrats alike.” Tulsa World

President’s Tax Plan, Looming Defense Cuts Would Hurt Oklahoma – Oklahoman editorial: “thanks to looming tax increases supported by President Barack Obama, the state’s unemployment rolls could swell by 8,400, according to a new report. And those job losses may be just the beginning.” NewsOK.com

Oklahoma Wildfires Take a Toll on Fire Departments – “Along with the financial strain, due to overtime and increased use of materials, the wear and tear on the department’s firefighters — and the machines they use to do their jobs — is considerable.” NewsOK.com