DANIEL PAE
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WEEK 15: PERSEVERING FOR LAWTON

5/18/2020

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Last week, the legislature was in session Monday through Friday voting on a number of policy bills. The final two days culminated in marathon floor sessions that lasted over 12 hours. We’ll come back this Friday to officially adjourn sine die (a Latin phrase that means “without a day for future meeting”) and potentially vote to override vetoes from the Governor. 


Indeed, we ended up overriding four of the Governor’s vetoes on Wednesday evening. I’ve written a separate post about the significance of these veto overrides. Whether it’s this vote or any other conclusions I’ve reached on the myriad of bills we’ve voted on, you may disagree with my final decision, and that’s absolutely fine. Because we’re human beings, we’re not going to agree 100% of the time, but I’m more than happy to talk with you about my thought process and logic on policy issues.


HB 3350 was one of the most significant piece of legislation that passed through the legislature last week. This bill will finally give a cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) to our state’s retirees. The compromise agreement consists of those who have been retired for less than two years not receiving a COLA, those who have been retired between two to five years receiving a 2% COLA, and those who have been retired more than five years receiving a 4% COLA. I hope the Governor signs this bill immediately.
 
Overall, we spent the past two weeks legislating what would normally be two months’ of work. The COVID-19 pandemic made this year’s legislative session a highly unusual one. On the other hand, addressing the crisis led to cooperative relationships between the two political parties and two legislative chambers.


I will now focus my time and energy on constituent services. There are quite a few emails, messages, and calls that I need to catch up on. Please continue to communicate with me if there’s anything I can do to help, particularly if you need assistance filing for unemployment insurance. #PerseveringForLawton has been my top priority, and I’ll continue to do my absolute best to help Lawtonians in #OKHD62.


As always, I can be reached via email at daniel.pae@okhouse.gov and phone at 405-557-7374.  
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COVID-19 UPDATES 5/15/20

5/15/2020

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As always, I can be reached via email at daniel.pae@okhouse.gov and phone at 405-557-7374.  


HEALTH DEPARTMENT STATUS
  • As of this advisory, there are 5,086 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 3,801 confirmed recovered cases, and 285 deaths in Oklahoma. 
  • There are 205 confirmed positive cases in Comanche County and 109 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • There have been three people who’ve passed away in Comanche County. 
  • In Lawton, there are 181 confirmed positive cases and 90 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • Please follow CDC guidelines and the Governor’s executive order. 
  • The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) continues to support guidelines from the CDC related to social distancing and personal hygiene. OSDH encourages Oklahomans to stay home, reduce person-to-person contact, wash hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, please contact your medical professional or call the COVID-19 call center at 877-215-8336 or 211 for assistance.
  • For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.


PHASE 2 OF REOPENING UNDERWAY
  • Case rates and hospitalizations remained at satisfactory levels for the state to begin phase two of its REOPENING plan today, which will:
    • Allow bars, organized sports, funerals, weddings and children’s nursing areas in churches to resume, with social distancing and health precautions in place.
    • Allow non-essential travel to resume for healthy people.
    • Ask at-risk populations to continue staying home except for essential needs.
    • Maintain the prohibition on visits to nursing homes and hospitals.
  • LOCAL officials have announced local-specific guidelines to effectuate the reopening.
  • Details of the PHASES of the reopening plan are at okcommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/Open-Up-and-Recover-Safely-Plan.pdf


DAILY STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT
  • There are 1,018 ACTIVE cases of COVID-19, 77 people HOSPITALIZED for COVID-19, and 138 people hospitalized for INVESTIGATION of COVID-19. Of the 215 people hospitalized for a positive case or for investigation, 98 are in ICU, leaving 30% of the state’s current ICU beds available.
  • RECOVERIES are up by 101, putting total recoveries at 3,660. DEATHS are up by 6, putting total deaths at 284.
  • Over the course of the pandemic, there have been 858 hospitalizations, 118,751 TESTS reported, and 4,962 CONFIRMED cases after 24 new cases yesterday.
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COVID-19 UPDATES 5/14/20

5/14/2020

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As always, I can be reached via email at daniel.pae@okhouse.gov and phone at 405-557-7374.  


HEALTH DEPARTMENT STATUS
  • As of this advisory, there are 4,962 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 3,660 confirmed recovered cases, and 284 deaths in Oklahoma. 
  • There are 197 confirmed positive cases in Comanche County and 99 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • There have been three people who’ve passed away in Comanche County. 
  • In Lawton, there are 173 confirmed positive cases and 83 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • Please follow CDC guidelines and the Governor’s executive order. 
  • The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) continues to support guidelines from the CDC related to social distancing and personal hygiene. OSDH encourages Oklahomans to stay home, reduce person-to-person contact, wash hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, please contact your medical professional or call the COVID-19 call center at 877-215-8336 or 211 for assistance.
  • For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.


STATE BUDGET ENACTED
  • Next year’s state budget was ENACTED by the Legislature via veto override.
  • The budget PROTECTS state funding for education, health care, transportation and other core services amid revenue declines caused by the pandemic and global energy industry slowdowns. It takes effect July 1.
  • The Legislature previously STABILIZED the current year budget so state services could continue uninterrupted during the pandemic.
 
CYBERSECURITY GUIDANCE UPDATED
  • With online scams and DISINFORMATION campaigns continuing, federal cybersecurity authorities have updated guidance on how to avoid spreading false information or being victimized online during the pandemic.
  • The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency RECOMMENDS citizens:
    • Fact check information and learn about disinformation campaigns at trusted sources like coronavirus.gov or FEMA.gov/coronavirus/rumor-control
    • Check the source of the information.
    • Search for other reliable sources of information on the issue.
    • Think before you link – take a moment to let your emotions cool down before sharing anything online.
  • MORE information is available at cisa.gov/insights
           
DAILY STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT
  • There are 932 ACTIVE cases of COVID-19, 88 people HOSPITALIZED for COVID-19, and 129 people hospitalized for INVESTIGATION of COVID-19. Of the 217 people hospitalized for a positive case or for investigation, 102 are in ICU, leaving 37% of the state’s current ICU beds available.
  • RECOVERIES are up by 136, putting total recoveries at 3,559. DEATHS are unchanged, putting total deaths at 278.
  • Over the course of the pandemic, there have been 848 hospitalizations, 112,647 TESTS reported, and 4,852 CONFIRMED cases after 120 new cases yesterday.
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COVID-19 UPDATES 5/13/20

5/13/2020

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As always, I can be reached via email at daniel.pae@okhouse.gov and phone at 405-557-7374.  


HEALTH DEPARTMENT STATUS
  • As of this advisory, there are 4,732 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 3,559 confirmed recovered cases, and 278 deaths in Oklahoma. 
  • There are 151 confirmed positive cases in Comanche County and 79 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • There have been two people who’ve passed away in Comanche County. 
  • In Lawton, there are 130 confirmed positive cases and 68 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • Please follow CDC guidelines and the Governor’s executive order. 
  • The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) continues to support guidelines from the CDC related to social distancing and personal hygiene. OSDH encourages Oklahomans to stay home, reduce person-to-person contact, wash hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, please contact your medical professional or call the COVID-19 call center at 877-215-8336 or 211 for assistance.
  • For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.


HOSPITALIZATIONS CONTINUE DECLINE
  • COVID-19 hospitalizations have been in a steady six-week DECLINE after never reaching levels initially projected at the onset of the pandemic in the state.
  • Hospitalizations were at 562 on March 31 and have since steadily declined. There were 218 hospitalizations Tuesday.
  • Hospital SURGE plans were not needed, but remain in place in case hospitalization rise again.


PROCESSING PLANT HELP AUTHORIZED
  • The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry will HELP livestock processing facilities address potential operational disruptions.
  • COVID-19 prevalence and associated worker shortages are causing CHALLENGES for the animal processing sector nationwide, including market disruptions as facilities are unable to process incoming animals from farmers and ranchers.
  • Under an executive ORDER by Governor Stitt, the ODAFF will work with agriculture producers to safely and legally depopulate animals that cannot be received by processing facilities due to operational challenges. The order ensures depopulation does not create a public health hazard, does not result in contamination of public or private drinking water supplies, and protects watersheds and groundwater pursuant to state law.
 
DAILY STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT
  • There are 1,031 ACTIVE cases of COVID-19, 86 people HOSPITALIZED for COVID-19, and 132 people hospitalized for INVESTIGATION of COVID-19. Of the 218 people hospitalized for a positive case or for investigation, 93 are in ICU, leaving 31% of the state’s current ICU beds available.
  • RECOVERIES are up by 184, putting total recoveries at 3,423. DEATHS are up by 5, putting total deaths at 278.
  • Over the course of the pandemic, there have been 840 hospitalizations, 109,859 TESTS reported, and 4,732 CONFIRMED cases after 119 new cases yesterday.
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COVID-19 UPDATES 5/12/20

5/12/2020

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As always, I can be reached via email at daniel.pae@okhouse.gov and phone at 405-557-7374.  


HEALTH DEPARTMENT STATUS
  • As of this advisory, there are 4,732 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 3,423 confirmed recovered cases, and 278 deaths in Oklahoma. 
  • There are 151 confirmed positive cases in Comanche County and 79 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • There have been two people who’ve passed away in Comanche County. 
  • In Lawton, there are 130 confirmed positive cases and 68 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • Please follow CDC guidelines and the Governor’s executive order. 
  • The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) continues to support guidelines from the CDC related to social distancing and personal hygiene. OSDH encourages Oklahomans to stay home, reduce person-to-person contact, wash hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, please contact your medical professional or call the COVID-19 call center at 877-215-8336 or 211 for assistance.
  • For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.
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COVID-19 UPDATES 5/11/20

5/11/2020

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As always, I can be reached via email at daniel.pae@okhouse.gov and phone at 405-557-7374.  


HEALTH DEPARTMENT STATUS
  • As of this advisory, there are 4,613 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 3,241 confirmed recovered cases, and 274 deaths in Oklahoma. 
  • There are 124 confirmed positive cases in Comanche County and 73 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • There have been two people who’ve passed away in Comanche County. 
  • In Lawton, there are 103 confirmed positive cases and 62 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • Please follow CDC guidelines and the Governor’s executive order. 
  • The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) continues to support guidelines from the CDC related to social distancing and personal hygiene. OSDH encourages Oklahomans to stay home, reduce person-to-person contact, wash hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, please contact your medical professional or call the COVID-19 call center at 877-215-8336 or 211 for assistance.
  • For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.


UNEMPLOYMENT FRAUD INCREASING
  • Reports of FRAUDULENT unemployment claims are increasing in Oklahoma and nationwide, as bad actors attempt to file false claims on behalf of others.
  • If you believe you are a victim of unemployment fraud, please report it at oag.ok.gov/coronavirus-fraud-resources
 
ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS CONTINUE
  • More than 1.5 million Oklahomans have received COVID-19 economic impact PAYMENTS from the federal government totaling nearly $2.8 billion. The payments are generally $1,200 per individual.
  • Individuals who have NOT received a payment yet may check their eligibility and provide necessary information at irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
 
WEEKLY EPIDEMIOLOGIST REPORT
  • The number of positive CASES as a percentage of total performed tests continues to decline, keeping the state in compliance with federal guidelines for reopening, according to the Health Department’s latest weekly epidemiology and tracking report.
  • Oklahoma’s COVID-19 rate of prevalence ranks 45th nationally while its death rate ranks 30th, according to the report.
  • Over the past week, new CASES rose 18.5% while DEATHS declined 11.6%. Officials attributed the new case increase to improved and expanded testing and tracing.
  • The report can be viewed at coronavirus.health.ok.gov/weekly-epidemiology-and-surveillance-report
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WEEK 14: BACK AT THE CAPITOL

5/8/2020

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It’s been a while since I’ve written a weekly recap of what’s happened at the Capitol.

If this were a normal legislative session, we would’ve begun the conference committee process after passing policy bills through the opposite chamber of origin.  

After over a month of working in our districts, we’re back at the Capitol to finish the 2nd Session of the 57th Legislature. Even though restrictions have been loosened to allow public access to the Capitol, there are still strict sanitation protocols that have to be followed, and I’ve worn a mask while working in the building. 

We’re constitutionally obligated to pass a budget, and that’s exactly what we did this week. The budget for Fiscal Year 2021 is not perfect, but given the volatile economic situation with COVID-19, it’s a budget that minimizes adverse effects on core services. While projections called for double digit percentage cuts, this budget limits the cuts to low single digits. 

Additionally, we anticipate that federal funds will help alleviate these cuts, particularly for common education, so we’re still able to protect vital programs and resources. If economic conditions improve during the next several months, then the legislature can pass supplemental bills next session to further lessen the impact of budget cuts. 

I want to thank House and Senate budget leaders, fiscal staff members, and subcommittee chairs for working diligently during the past several weeks to draft a budget during these difficult times.

Civic leaders of states and municipalities across the country are making tough decisions during this unprecedented crisis. It’s easy to blame and criticize. It’s more difficult to lead and govern. Right now, the reality is that there are no good policy options because of how much uncertainty there is with COVID-19 and what the next several months will look like. 

I’ll continue to do my absolute best serving Lawtonians in #OKHD62. I’m not perfect nor do I know everything, but I’ll keep working hard to serve you. Please continue to call, text, Facebook message, or email me if you have questions or concerns. And if you want to receive email updates, please let me know, as well.

We’ll keep working at the Capitol during the next two weeks to pass as many policy bills as possible. Please pray for all of our civic leaders to make the right decisions and help our fellow Oklahomans. 

And finally, I want to congratulate the University of Oklahoma’s Class of 2020, who will be participating in a virtual commencement ceremony later this evening. May is traditionally when graduation ceremonies occur, and many schools have decided to celebrate graduates virtually this year. I want to encourage every graduating senior, whether you’re graduating from high school or college, to never give up and remember your possibilities. 

As always, I can be reached via email at daniel.pae@okhouse.gov and phone at 405-557-7374.
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COVID-19 UPDATES 5/7/20

5/7/2020

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As always, I can be reached via email at daniel.pae@okhouse.gov and phone at 405-557-7374.  


HEALTH DEPARTMENT STATUS
  • As of this advisory, there are 4,330 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 2,985 confirmed recovered cases, and 260 deaths in Oklahoma. 
  • There are 113 confirmed positive cases in Comanche County and 68 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • There have been two people who’ve passed away in Comanche County. 
  • In Lawton, there are 93 confirmed positive cases and 59 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • Please follow CDC guidelines and the Governor’s executive order. 
  • The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) continues to support guidelines from the CDC related to social distancing and personal hygiene. OSDH encourages Oklahomans to stay home, reduce person-to-person contact, wash hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, please contact your medical professional or call the COVID-19 call center at 877-215-8336 or 211 for assistance.
  • For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.


HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY LEGAL PROTECTION BILL PASSED
  • The Legislature has sent Governor Stitt a bill PROTECTING health care providers and facilities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic from legal liabilities.
  • SB 300 makes health care facilities and health care providers IMMUNE from civil liability for any alleged loss or harm to a person with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, unless it was the result of gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. 
  • Upon the governor’s signature, the law would be in EFFECT until October 31, 2020, or until any emergency health declarations have ended. 
 
WORKFORCE RECOVERY FUNDS AWARDED TO OKLAHOMA
  • Oklahoma received a $1 million federal Dislocated Worker Grant designed to give UNEMPLOYED Oklahomans disaster-relief employment to address COVID-19 impacts within their communities, as well as employment and training activities.
  • The grant also provides REEMPLOYMENT to eligible individuals affected by mass layoffs, such as those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Further information about resulting employment opportunities from the grant is FORTHCOMING.


DAILY STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT
  • There are 1,039 ACTIVE cases of COVID-19, 106 people HOSPITALIZED for COVID-19, and 117 people hospitalized for INVESTIGATION of COVID-19. Of the 223 people hospitalized for a positive case or for investigation, 97 are in ICU, leaving 28% of the state’s current ICU beds available.
  • RECOVERIES are up by 79, putting total recoveries at 2,909. DEATHS are up by 6, putting total deaths at 253.
  • Over the course of the pandemic, there have been 773 hospitalizations, 87,459 TESTS reported, and 4,201 CONFIRMED cases after 74 new cases yesterday.
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COVID-19 UPDATES 5/6/20

5/6/2020

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As always, I can be reached via email at daniel.pae@okhouse.gov and phone at 405-557-7374.  


HEALTH DEPARTMENT STATUS
  • As of this advisory, there are 4,201 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 2,909 confirmed recovered cases, and 253 deaths in Oklahoma. 
  • There are 104 confirmed positive cases in Comanche County and 68 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • There have been two people who’ve passed away in Comanche County. 
  • In Lawton, there are 84 confirmed positive cases and 59 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • Please follow CDC guidelines and the Governor’s executive order. 
  • The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) continues to support guidelines from the CDC related to social distancing and personal hygiene. OSDH encourages Oklahomans to stay home, reduce person-to-person contact, wash hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, please contact your medical professional or call the COVID-19 call center at 877-215-8336 or 211 for assistance.
  • For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.

TRIBAL RELIEF FUNDS COMING SOON

  • After delays, federal pandemic relief funds for TRIBAL nations have been authorized for release from the U.S. Treasury.
  • The CARES Act allocated $8 billion to tribal nations, and treasury officials announced Tuesday their plans to ALLOCATE initial funds based on certain criteria described at home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm998
 
COUNSELING SERVICES AUTHORIZED
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency has authorized funds for additional crisis COUNSELING services in states, including Oklahoma.
  • The FEMA Crisis Counseling program helps people and communities to RECOVER from the effects of natural or man-made disasters through short-term interventions that provide emotional support, crisis counseling, and connection to familial and community support systems.
  • The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will MANAGE the program locally through community-based outreach and educational services.


DAILY STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT
  • There are 1,050 ACTIVE cases of COVID-19, 122 people HOSPITALIZED for COVID-19, and 108 people hospitalized for INVESTIGATION of COVID-19. Of the 230 people hospitalized for a positive case or for investigation, 102 are in ICU, leaving 32% of the state’s current ICU beds available.
  • RECOVERIES are up by 148, putting total recoveries at 2,830. DEATHS are up by 9, putting total deaths at 247.
  • Over the course of the pandemic, there have been 773 hospitalizations, 83,401 TESTS reported, and 4,127 CONFIRMED cases after 83 new cases yesterday.
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COVID-19 UPDATES 5/5/20

5/5/2020

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As always, I can be reached via email at daniel.pae@okhouse.gov and phone at 405-557-7374.  


HEALTH DEPARTMENT STATUS
  • As of this advisory, there are 4,127 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, 2,830 confirmed recovered cases, and 247 deaths in Oklahoma. 
  • There are 102 confirmed positive cases in Comanche County and 66 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • There have been two people who’ve passed away in Comanche County. 
  • In Lawton, there are 83 confirmed positive cases and 58 confirmed recovered cases. 
  • Please follow CDC guidelines and the Governor’s executive order. 
  • The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) continues to support guidelines from the CDC related to social distancing and personal hygiene. OSDH encourages Oklahomans to stay home, reduce person-to-person contact, wash hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. If you develop symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath or cough, please contact your medical professional or call the COVID-19 call center at 877-215-8336 or 211 for assistance.
  • For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.
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    Daniel Pae

    Daniel is the Republican Representative from Oklahoma's 62nd House District

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