Collins, Johnson hold passenger rail study

State Rep. Wallace Collins, D-Norman, working in conjunction with State Sen. Connie Johnson, D-Oklahoma City, held an interim study session this past week to look into the possibilities and potential of adding more passenger rail service to Oklahoma.

The first meeting concentrated on what the loss of the Union Station Terminal Facility in downtown Oklahoma City would mean to future passenger rail service for Oklahoma, and whether that facility could be used as a hub for several modes of mass transportation.

Legislators Collins, Johnson, and others believe Union Station is located perfectly to serve downtown Oklahoma City and the Bricktown area with passenger rail service. Their vision of future mass transit efforts would include bus and light rail connectors to take patrons to their local destinations, for work or pleasure.?

Study plans include at least four meetings on the issue.



Study addresses autism issues

Because of public need and interest, Rep. Wallace Collins has conducted another interim study on the issues of autism and whether insurance coverage would help affected families.

Collins, D-Norman, allied himself with Rep. Kris Steele, R-Shawnee, to hold the study and investigate the various issues involved with autism. Autism covers a large area of behavioral disabilities, and affects 1 out of 150 children.

Collins said an issue that "came out loud and clear is the lack of proper funding."

"Early intervention is very critical to give these kids the best?opportunity for a life?to be?self-sufficient, and contributing members of society," he added. Collins said these children should never be "warehoused," but should be allowed to be members of the social network.

Collins pledged to work with other representatives during the next legislative session to extend insurance coverage to children with autism.



Home Creations offers voter registration

MOORE -- Home Creations is offering voter registration at any of its metro show homes through Oct. 3. The show homes in Edmond, Oklahoma City, Yukon, Moore, Norman, Midwest City and Del City are open daily until 6 p.m. A map with addresses and directions may be found at www.homecreations.com.

"We want to make the voter registration process as easy as possible for our homeowners who may not have had the chance to register with their new address, said Sales Director Anita Wagoner. "We also invite the general public to stop by our 18 locations and make sure their voice is heard on Election Day." ?

For more information, call 364-9999.

Holmes to speak at Cornbread -- Beans

Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman, Dr. Ivan Holmes, will be the featured speaker at the Tyner Cornbread -- Beans luncheon Friday at StepBrothers restaurant.

Holmes, who holds a Ph.D.?from Tulsa University, was elected to his current position during the party's 2007 state convention. He was the campaign manager for Labor Secretary Lloyd Fields, and also served as the communications director for that department. Holmes is a former member of both the Oklahoma State University Board of Regents, appointed by then-Gov. David Boren, and?the Oklahoma Crime Commission. For years, he served as head of the journalism?department at Northeastern Oklahoma State University.

The luncheon, sponsored by the Cleveland County Democrats, starts at 11:30 a.m. with the speaker beginning about noon.? Cornbread and beans are available for $5 including tea and gratuity, or attendees may order from the menu. The meeting is open to the public.

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Inhofe recognized as Guardian of Small Business

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., received the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for his outstanding voting record on behalf of America's small business owners in the 110th Congress. Inhofe has been recognized as a "Guardian of Small Business" in every Congress since being elected to the U.S. Senate.

"It is an honor to be recognized by NFIB, the nation's leading small business association, as a guardian of small business," Inhofe said. "Through perseverance, innovation and quality service, small business owners represent the value of free enterprise. From affordable health plans to tax incentives, I will continue to support legislation that promotes private ownership and small business growth."

NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer praised Inhofe for "standing for small business," citing Inhofe's 89 percent NFIB voting record.?

In presenting the award, Stottlemyer said, "The record shows that Sen. Inhofe is a true champion of small business, having stood strong on the key small-business votes in the 110th Congress. This award reflects our members' appreciation for supporting the NFIB pro-growth agenda for small business."

Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of its members to own, operate and grow their businesses.

-- Transcript Staff