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Bombing Survivors Demand Money from Relief Fund
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- Survivors of the Murrah bombing ask Governor Mary Fallin to intervene and close a relief fund, so they can get the money they need.
"I want to see the money spread amongst all of those who were involved and who struggled because we're not getting any help," said survivor, Falesha Joyner.
The Disaster Relief Fund was setup in 1995 following an outpouring of financial support from across the country.
The Oklahoma City Community Foundation oversees the fund. According to the foundation, the fund value as of June 30, 2012 was $10 million.
Some of the bombing survivors say they've been denied assistance from the fund. In a letter presented to the Governor's office, the Survivor Tree Committee says other victims were told there are no funds available.
"I'm still in need of handicap equipment for my car so I can drive after 17 years," said Joyner.
"Even if they gave you $100, it took $100 to access it because you had to write letters, you had to drive all over town getting documentation," said Deloris Watson. Watson is the grandmother of the bombing's youngest survivor.
"I feel like everybody's struggles are similiar and that's why we're here now to let everybody know what's going on with us," said Tim Hearn. Hearn lost his mother in the bombing.
Survivors want the Governor to close the fund and distribute the $10 million among the victims, but a spokesperson says that isn't possible.
"The Governor is not in control of that foundation. It's not something she has direct authority over and so in terms of telling them how to spend their money or who to help, the Governor's hands are tied," said spokesperson for the Governor, Alex Weintz.
Weintz says the Governor's office does applaud the foundation's decision to undergo an independent audit.
"We want to know that the money is being spent appropriately," said Weintz.
Posted: Thursday, November 8 2012, 09:47 PM CST
IN OKLAHOMA NEWS
Major accomplishments of 2013 Oklahoma Legislature
May 24, 2013 23:22 GMT
Eds: With BC-OK-XGR--Oklahoma Legislature
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Major items passed by the Oklahoma Legislature, which was working Friday to wrap up its 2013 session:
-- Tax Cut: Lawmakers adopted legislation that reduces the state's top income rate from 5.25 percent to 5 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2015, with a second cut to 4.85 percent set for 2016 if state revenues continue to rise. The measure has been signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin.
-- State Capitol Improvements: The tax cut bill also diverts $120 million in income tax revenue over the next two years to a fund that will finance improvements and repairs to the State Capitol building. Built between 1914 and 1917, yellow barricades now ring the building's south plaza to keep pedestrians from walking beneath pieces of a limestone facade that has crumbled from the building.
-- Budget Bill: The Legislature adopted a $7.1 billion general appropriations bill to fund state government for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The bill increases spending by nearly $270 million over the current year's budget, with funding growth focused mostly on education, health care and human services.
-- Worker's Compensation: Fallin signed legislation to overhaul the state's workers' compensation system. The measure changes Oklahoma's current court-based system to an administrative structure. Supporters say the change will dramatically reduce workers' compensation costs to businesses.
-- CompSource: Lawmakers also passed a measure that converts the nonprofit CompSource Oklahoma into an independent mutual company that will be known as CompSource Mutual Insurance Company. The agency writes about one-third of Oklahoma's workers' compensation policies.
-- Rainy Day Appropriation: Within days of devastating tornadoes that struck Moore, Shawnee and other areas, lawmakers approved using $45 million from the state's constitutional reserve fund to help communities recover from the damage. Among other things, the money will help pay for repairs to local infrastructure damaged by the tornadoes and the overtime costs of first responders. A total of 24 people, including 10 children, died in the Moore tornado and two other people were killed in the Shawnee tornado.
-- Pension Changes: Lawmakers passed legislation to reduce the unfunded liability of Oklahoma's pension system for firefighters. The bill requires new firefighters to be at least 50 years old and have worked for 22 years, instead of the current 20 years, to be eligible for benefits. New firefighters also would not become vested until they had worked for 11 years, instead of the current 10 years. The bill also increases the amount that firefighters, municipalities and the state pay into the system each year.
OKLAHOMA HEADLINES
Major accomplishments of 2013 Oklahoma Legislature
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