2012 State Questions on General Election Ballot
Vote November 6, 2012
Governor Fallin's Position on the Six State Questions

Next Tuesday, Oklahoma voters will have the opportunity to vote on six important state questions to amend the State Constitution. Two of the questions involve property taxes, with the other questions addressing affirmative action, DHS governance, parole decisions, and bonding authority.

These ballot questions are important to Oklahoma, so we wanted to inform you of Governor Fallin’s position on each of the six state questions.

Governor Fallin is supportive of five of the six State Questions.  We hope you will join her in voting "YES" on the five State Questions she supports. However, the Governor does oppose SQ 762, which removes the governor from parole process for nonviolent offenders. Governor Fallin is supportive of the general concept of removing the governor from the pardon and parole process in order to streamline the procedure for criminals with no history of violence.  However, recent events have shown that now is not the right time for the governor's office to be removed from its oversight role of the Pardon and Parole Board.

We’ve provided information on each of these State Questions below, with a statement from the Governor on each of the issues.

Please be sure to vote next Tuesday on these State Questions and the other important elections this year!


SQ 758:  Reduce the cap on the maximum annual tax valuation increase for homestead properties and agricultural land from 5 percent to 3 percent.

Governor Fallin’s statement of support: “Under our current system, many property owners have seen their property taxes automatically increase 5 percent each year. State Question 758 would lower the maximum annual increase on homestead and agriculture properties.  Passage of State Question 758 would provide needed tax relief for homeowners by controlling the rapid increase in property taxes many taxpayers have struggled with in recent years.”

Governor Fallin’s statement of support: “Passage of State Question 759 would ensure decisions on state employment, education or contracting awards will be based upon individual merit for all Oklahomans.”

Governor Fallin’s statement of opposition to SQ 762:  “As governor, I have been entrusted by the citizens of Oklahoma to serve as a safeguard in the pardon and parole process.  I remain supportive of the general concept of removing the governor from the pardon and parole process in order to streamline the procedure for criminals with no history of violence.

However, recent events have led me to believe now is not the right time for the governor's office to be removed from its oversight role of the Pardon and Parole Board. 

It appears State Question 762 would define non-violent offenders only by their current offense and would not mandate the consideration of past violent behavior.  Since taking office, I have denied parole for 437 offenders, who would be considered ‘non-violent’ under the terms of State Question 762, keeping them off our streets and out of our communities.

In the interest of public safety and the well being of Oklahoma, the governor's office should continue to provide this oversight until additional reforms and changes can be made at the Pardon and Parole Board. Therefore, I do not support State Question 762.
 
My office will continue to work with the Pardon and Parole Board, the legislature and the legal and law enforcement communities to pursue reforms that will deliver efficiencies while protecting public safety.”

Governor Fallin’s statement of support: “According to the 2012 update of the Oklahoma Comprehensive Water Plan, there will be a significant need for updating and expanding the state’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure needs in the next 50 years.  State Question 764 would allow the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to create a reserve fund to leverage available funding for future water infrastructure projects.  Passage of State Question 764 would help ensure the delivery of and access to safe drinking water supplies and reliable wastewater infrastructure.”

Governor Fallin’s statement of support: “Currently, the Department of Human Services is largely governed by a volunteer board which, however well-intentioned, does not answer to voters.  The passage of State Question 765 will put authority for appointing an agency director in the hands of the governor, who was chosen to represent the people of Oklahoma and whose job it is to be responsive to their concerns. I am supportive of State Question 765 because it offers the governor more flexibility to pursue the reforms and improvements needed to keep Oklahoma children safe and to deliver higher quality services.”

Governor Fallin’s statement of support: “Passage of State Question 766 will prevent a new tax on Oklahoma families and small businesses’ intangible property, which includes items like insurance policies, professional licenses, and retirement benefits.  Oklahoma has fared better than most states through the recession and it’s important we keep that economic momentum moving forward.  Passage of State Question 766 would protect Oklahoma families and small business from the largest tax hike in state history that would significantly hamper their ability to grow and create jobs in Oklahoma.”