Questions for the 2010 Oklahoma State Ballot #7

As Bixby residents, the upcoming election in November will be very important. There are a record 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot. As Bixby voters, it is important to be aware of each question on the ballot so that we can make well informed decisions. After all, these decisions will affect Bixby for years to come. So far we have given an overview of SQ 744, SQ 746, SQ 747, SQ 748, SQ 750, SQ 751, SQ 753, and SQ754- 8 of 11 questions on the Oklahoma State Ballot for November 2010. Today, we will discuss the seventh and eight of the eleven Oklahoma state questions- SQ 755, SQ756, and SQ 757.

SQ 755: This measure amends the Oklahoma Constitution. It changes a section that deals with the courts of this state. It would amend Article 7, Section 1. It makes courts rely on federal and state law when deciding cases. It forbids courts from considering or using international law. It forbids courts form considering or using Sharia Law.

International law is also known as the law of nations. It deals with the conduct of international organizations and independent nations, such as countries, states, and tribes. It deals with their relationship with each other. It also deals with some of their relationships with persons.

The law of nations is formed by the general assent of civilized nations. Sources of international law also include international agreements, as well as treaties.

Sharia Law is Islamic law. It is based on two principal sources, the Koran and the teaching of Mohammed.

SQ 756: This measure adds a new section of law to the State Constitution. It adds Section 37 to Article 2. It defines "health care system." It prohibits making a person participate in a health care system. It prohibits making an employer participate in a health care system. It prohibits making a health care provider provide treatment in a health care system. It allows persons and employees to pay for treatment directly. It allows a health care provider to accept payment for treatment directly. It allows the purchase of health care insurance in private health care systems. It allows the sale of health insurance in private health care systems.

The measure's effect is limited. It would n ot affect any law or rule in effect as of January 1, 2010.

Nor could the measure affect or negate all federal laws or rules. The United States Constitution has a Supremacy Clause. That clause makes federal law the supreme law of the land. Under that clause Congress has the power to pre-empt state law. When Congress intends to pre-empt state law, federal law controls. When Congress intends it, constitutionally enacted federal law would pre-empt some or all of the proposed measure.

SQ 757: This measure amends the State Constitution. It amends Section 23 of Article 10. It increases the amount of surplus revenue which goes into special fund. That fund is the Constitutional Reserve Fund. The amount would go from 10% to 15% of the funds certified as going to the General Revenue fund for the preceding fiscal year.

This information provided by "Do You Have the Answers?" by Sid Sperry published in Oklahoma Living Magazine.

For more information about SQ 755, SQ 756, or SQ 757 or any other question on the November 2, 2010 ballot, visit the www.okpolicy.org website or visit www.ballotpedia.org.

For your Bixby, OK area real estate needs, contact Kelly Howard of McGraw Realtors at 918-230-6341 or www.kellyhowardhomes.com.