Oklahoma Capitol briefs for March 19, 2013

State Treasurer Ken Miller and other state treasurers met Monday at the White House with the president's chief of staff and senior economic advisers to discuss the economic health of the states and the status of the national economic recovery. Miller, who serves on the executive committee of the National Association of State Treasurers, said treasurers were told sequestration was never intended to be implemented, but rather to encourage compromise on a budget and spending solution. Once it is in full effect, the White House expects a 0.6 percent decrease in gross domestic product. Miller said administration officials acknowledged entitlement spending was driving deficits and must be addressed. They also said the current debt ceiling will likely be raised in May.

State House approves

Red Cross resolution

The House, with no bills to take up Monday, approved a resolution declaring March to be American Red Cross Month. House Resolution 1009, by Rep. Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs, notes the American Red Cross of Oklahoma's relief efforts after the tornadoes in Woodward and Norman last year, and its frequent responses to wildfires and house and apartment fires. It also states that nearly 50 volunteers with Oklahoma chapters of the American Red Cross were deployed last fall to the East Coast to help with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.