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Sen. Bill Coleman R-Ponca City, District 10

Jan. 7 was Organizational Day at the state Capitol, which marked the beginning of the 60th session of the Oklahoma Legislature. The Senate and House gaveled in for a one-day session to formally elect our chamber leaders and adopt rules governing legislative processes and procedures. The Senate officially elected Sen. Lonnie Paxton to serve as the chamber’s Senate President Pro Tempore for the next two years. Across the rotunda, Rep. Kyle Hilbert became the youngest House speaker in state history. Both leaders will do a great job serving this state, and I look forward to working with them, especially Pro Tem Paxton.

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Lankford Introduces Bill to “Lock The Clock”

WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, to officially “lock the clock” and end the twice-yearly time change and make Daylight Saving Time (DST) the national year-round standard.

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Constitution 101: Senate Composition and Vacancy Clauses

Section III of Article I of the Constitution is all about the Senate. When reading the original Section III before modern amendments, right away one might notice some differences in the Senate today from when the Founders created it, and I have found that most Americans are surprised. Article I, Section III, Clause I of the Constitution States, “The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.”

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Buc Blab

Hello Tonkawa! Basketball has several games this week. They play at home on Tuesday against Frontier and on Thursday against Blackwell. Then they venture to Woodland on Friday.

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Sermonette

In Luke 2 we see Jesus’ statement that he must be about his Father’s business, but he was 12 years old. Then Luke moves quickly to when he was about 30 years old and begins his public ministry.

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Social Security Matters - About Investing Social Security Money in the Stock Market

For most folks collecting Social Security, you get back what you put in within 3-5 years, so for those that scream – “SS is not an entitlement, it is my money”- that is not entirely accurate beyond 3-5 years. For me personally 4.4 years is the number. But had I been able to invest that money over the 43 years I worked at a modest 6% interest, I expect the amount would have been a lot more. And of course, the stock market averaged 9.5% over that time. Perhaps Social Security should invest in the stock market instead of U.S. Government treasury bonds. Signed: Interested Observer

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Sermonette

We begin a new year, a traditional time of making “resolutions” — some trivial, but some serious. On the serious side, let’s take a look at out spiritual journey. I would like to start with the growth of Jesus. Luke gives us more insight into the young childhood of Jesus than the other Gospel writers.

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Social Security Matters - I Use only VA healthcare; Can I get back Medicare taxes paid?

I’m 72 years old with 20 years of military service. I am retired collecting Social Security, my military pension, and State retirement benefits. According to my SSA statement, over my working lifetime I paid $14,302 into Medicare, but I never used that medical plan. I only bring in $33,000 in annual income. Can I get those Medicare taxes back somehow? I’ve run into dead ends at SSA, Medicare and IRS websites. Signed: Veteran Seeking Answers Dear Veteran Seeking Answers: First, I want to thank you for your military service to our country. You may find the “For Veterans” section of our www.amacfoundation.org website of interest.