Oklahomans have only two state questions to decide in this year’s General Election on Nov. 3. One has been pretty well publicized. The other has drawn little or no media attention.
State Question 805 basically deals with criminal justice reform and has received considerable publicity.
State Question 814 addresses the Tobacco Settlement Trust Fund and tries to change how the proceeds in that fund are directed.
Somehow SQ 814 has remained under the radar. Often that is the case and has been the case when the Legislature is attempting to get its hands on more money with hopes voters don’t realize it before it’s too late.
The measure’s intent is to amend the portion of the Oklahoma Constitution that directs proceeds from the state’s settlements with or judgments against the tobacco companies.
At this time, a section of the state’s Constitution directs 75 percent of the proceeds to the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund, where earnings may only be used for tobacco prevention programs, cancer research and other related programs to maintain the health of Oklahomans.
In other words, the funds are aimed at providing healthier lifestyles for Oklahoma citizens. This state has plenty of health issues.
The remaining 25 percent of the proceeds currently are directed to a separate fund for the Legislature. It’s called the Legislative Fund and lawmakers can direct some of that percentage to the Attorney General.
State Question 814 would change all of that. The measure, if approved by voters, would amend the Constitution and reduce the percentage of proceeds that go into the TSET Fund from 75 percent to 25 percent.
That would mean the other 75 percent will go into the Legislative Fund and the lawmakers could continue to direct a portion to the State Attorney General.
The measure would restrict the use of the Legislative Fund. The section of the Constitution dealing with this issue only stipulates the Fund is subject to legislative appropriation. Should SQ 814 pass, money from the Legislative Fund must be used to get federal matching dollars for Oklahoma’s Medicaid Program.
If SQ 814 were to pass, it could have a negative impact on communities in Lincoln and Pottawatomie counties and others in Oklahoma that previously have benefitted. There are several communities in Lincoln and Pottawatomie Counties that have received TSET funds to promote healthier lifestyles among its citizens.
Changing the percentage of funds that TSET currently receives from 75 to 25 is nothing short of drastic. And it will undo the intended purpose for these proceeds.
The current system seems to be working fine. Pure and simple, Oklahoma voters should reject SQ 814 on election day.