January 6, 2024 Issue, Page 6 of 8

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January 6, 2024 Legals Campbell, Finnell & Davis voting aye OMRF receives $5.8 million ‘Motion made by Tate Finnell to add half day holiday to 2024 Christmas break. Johnny Da tion with Campbell, voting aye. for autoimmune disease research Resolution #2024-35 After proper & careful consideration #220-13 HP. OKLAHOMA CITY, Jan. erating Medicines Partnership blood and biopsy tissue sam- clinic who met the criteria for $60 million program. 2, 2024 — The National Insti- in Autoimmune and Immune- ples donated to OMRF by Sjégren’s, about 40% tested ‘The AMP AIM Sjégren’s re- {0 continue to use for county purposes. tutes of Health has awarded Mediated Diseases Program people with Sjégren’s to better negative for these autoanti- search is funded by grant No. ‘The item will be junked from the the Oklahoma Medical Re- (AMP AIM). ‘The team’s goal is understand different patient bodies,” said Farris, the Alvin 3UC2 AR081032-02S1 from County Clerk’s inventory. Motion ‘made by Tate Finnell to adopt Resolu- search Foundation $5.8 mil- to develop less invasive clini- sub-groups’ genetic and mo- Chang Chair of Biomedical Re- the National Institute of Ar- tion #2024-35 effective Dec. 4, 2023. lion to work toward easier di- cal tools to diagnose patients lecular characteristics. search at the OMRE. “This posi- thritis and Musculoskeletal Johnny Davis seconded the motion agnosis and better treatment more effectively and identify “This knowledge should with Campbell, Finnell & Davis voting tions us to study the molecular and Skin Diseases, part of the aye. options for Sjégren’s disease, new targets for future treat- help clinicians diagnose the issues unique to that particular NIH. Farris and Guthridge an autoimmune condition. ments. disease more easily and deter- Sjogren's patient group.” Resolution #2024-36 After proper received support from the & careful consideration 1220-33, In Sjégren’s, immune cells “This disease is notorious- mine who may benefit from AMP AIM is a nationwide Oklahoma City-based Pres- Hewlett Packard Monitor 1.1702 is ob- attack moisture-producing ly difficult to diagnose,” said different potential therapies,” public-private partnership solete and not economical to continue glands, causing painful dry Lessard, who's been study- Guthridge said. byterian Health Foundation to use for county purposes. The item aimed at developing more ef for experiments preceding the will be junked from the County Clerk's eyes and mouth. It can result ing Sjégren’s at OMRE since Most studies of Sjégren’s fective treatments for auto- NIH grant. Additional sup- inventory. Motion made by Tate in irreversible tissue damage, 2007. “It shares features with have focused on patients who immune diseases. The part- Finnell to adopt Resolution #2024-36 neurological problems, lung many autoimmune diseases test positive for certain auto- nership involves the NIH, port came to Farris from the effective Dec. 4, 2023. Johnny Davis Oklahoma Center for the Ad- seconded the motion with Campbell, disease and cancer. There is no and lacks effective diagnostic antibodies in the blood. How- Foundation for the National Finnell & Davis voting aye. known cure, and current treat- markers, which makes study- ever, a significant percentage Institutes of Health, nonprofit vancement of Science & Tech- No unfinished business. nology and to Guthridge from No new business. ments address only the symp- ing it challenging. This grant of people with the disease test disease foundations, biophar- Motion made by Tate Finnell to toms, provides us with technology negative for those autoanti- maceutical and _life-science the Oklahoma Center for Adult adjourn. Johnny Davis seconded the OMRE scientists Joel to analyze the salivary glands bodies. In those cases, diagno- companies, and 52 research Stem Cell Research. ‘motion with Campbell, Fi Guthridge, Ph.D., Darise Far- of people with Sjégren’s in a sis requires an invasive biopsy institutions. OMRF Executive For more information ris, Ph.D,, and Christopher way that wasn’t possible previ- of the salivary glands. Vice President & Chief Medi- about ongoing Sjégren’s re- Leasa Hartman, County Clerk Lessard, Ph.D., received a four- ously” “Of the more than 600 cal Officer Judith James, M.D., search at OMRE, visit www. year grant through the Accel- ‘The researchers will use people seen in our research Ph.D., is chair of the more than omrf.org/sjogrens. What you need to know about Oklahoma tribes to step up as state opts the private school tax credits What are the private school tax porate work-study program picks out of children’s food assistance program credits? up most of the cost, to more than OKLAHOMA CITY — As Gov. this year, but we're also commit- tribe's leader. “Historically, this program has ‘The Parental Choice Tax Credit of- $23,000 annually at a few schools Kevin Stitt decided Oklahoma ted to working with them, advo- Hoskin said he welcomes what been available to anyone with or fers Oklahoma families a refund- such as Holland Hall in Tulsa and cating to them and holding them he expects will be an influx in ap- without First American heritage, would not participate in a new able tax credit of $5,000 to $7,500 Casady School and Heritage Hall federal program to provide food accountable to make sure we do it plications for the program this who is income eligible,” Anoatub- for private school tuition and fees. in Oklahoma City. assistance to low-income children, in 2025.” spring. by said. “Our goal is to continue Ifyou will pay, or expectto pay, for Families can apply for the credit three of the state's largest Native ‘Advocates have been calling for a “The Cherokee Nation is commit- to ensure the program remains a child's private school this year, even if they receive other types American tribes said they will ad- program like this for years because ted to ensuring children have ac- available to help meet the needs you can apply for the credit. of assistance paying for a private the program within their other summer food programs cess to nutritious food this sum- of families in our local communi- ‘Though it's called a refundable tax school, including the Lindsey Ni- minister aren't as effective in rural areas, mer because we know how vital ties.” credit, it functions like a voucher cole Henry Scholarship Fund or reservations. to a list the U.S. De- Bernard said. food security is for families and ‘The Choctaw Nation will also con- because families can advance the through the Oklahoma Equal Op- According partment of Agriculture provided The USDA has offered Summer overall health and wellness,” he tinue to implement the program funds from the Oklahoma Tax portunity Education Scholarships. Wednesday, Oklahoma is the only EBT benefits in previous years on its reservation through a part- Commission in a process that's Do the tax credits guarantee ad- as part of a pilot program spear- said. nership with the Chickasaw Na- separate from income tax filing mission to a private school? state to have tribal nations par- ‘The Chickasaw Nation first imple- tion, said Randy Sachs, Choctaw ‘The program was a major initiative To apply, families must already be ticipating in the program that will headed by some Oklahoma tribes, mented the program in 2012, ‘Nation spokesperson. for the Legislature and Governor enrolled in the school their child is help low-income families cover Bernard said. Now, the federal and it has played an important More than 30 states signed up for Kevin Stitt in 2023. attending or planning to attend. food costs when school is out of government has made the pro- role in alleviating hunger among the Summer EBT program before Proponents say the program is An enrollment verification form session. gram permanent. As part of that Oklahoma children, said Gov. Bill needed to help low-income fami- from the school is required for ap- The Cherokee, Chickasaw and change, states that sign up will be ‘Anoatubby, the tribe's leader. Last the Jan. 1 deadline. Several other Republican governors have opted lies afford private schools ifit's the plication, and the school has to be Choctaw Nations will offer the responsible for covering a portion year, the program served more out citing questions about the fed- right fit for their children. accredited (a list of participating program to eligible Native and of the program's administrative than 47,000 children, he said in a eral initiative and concerns about “T think it's going to be a tremen- schools will be available at paren- non-Native children on their res- costs, he said. statement. increased government welfare. dous blessing for our families,” talchoice.ok.gov). Stitt said he won't change his said Barbara Ohsfeldt, founder Private schools do not have to ervations. HEART oF Evrore and principal of Community accept all students. Some reject “It's regrettable and bewilder- mind this year. Oklahoma could Christian School in Norman. students with behavioral issues or ing that the state of Oklahoma is opt into the program next year While the program could make disabilities, or who don’t conform abandoning federal funding and after watching the rollout in other private schools feasible for a few to the school’s religious tenets, losing an opportunity to address states, he said. 15-day HEART OF EUROPE" Circle Tour of Germany, Austria, ce new families, critics say it will such as students who are LGBTQ+ child food insecurity,” Cherokee Tribal Nations to participate in Italy, France, Belgium 8 Holland by Image Tours mostly cover the costs parents (or whose parents are). Nation Principal Chief Chuck could already afford on their own. If a student has an individualized “Tt was always sold as: for a par- education program fora disability, Hoskin Jr. said in a statement. food assistance program Several tribal nations anticipate $5290 May 2.& 14 departures ‘The USDA is administering the they will be able to serve tens of ent who wants to send their kids does the private school have to thousands of Oklahomans by par- Includes AIR from OKLAHOMA CITY to private school but for the cost, provide services? Summer Electronic Benefits ticipating in the program. Includes 21 meals, 13 nts. hotels, air taxes, transportation and escort in Europe, we're going to provide this op- While private schools can offer dis- Transfer for Children — or Sum- ‘The Cherokee Nation has offered peer person, double occupancy. BOOK BY 2/14/24. Call fora FREE brochure. tion,” said David Blatt, director of ability services to students, they mer EBT program — that will the benefits for about five years SW TRAVEL research and strategic impact at aren't required to, To accept the provide families $40 per child and served roughly 7,000 families Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Parental Choice Tax Credit, par- each month during the summer. Ph: 580-445-7215 over the summer, said Hoskin, the Law & Justice, a nonprofit orga- ents give up their child's right to Students that qualify for free or nization that advocates for public disability services under the fed- reduced-price lunches, which are eral Individuals with Disabilities available to households earning Providing comfort and Supportfor End of Life chotces education. ‘The application cycle, which opens Education Act, or IDEA, according up to 185% of the federal poverty in December of each year for the to the new law. Disability services line, are eligible for the program. next calendar year, favors parents include physical, occupational and Stitt on Wednesday said the state speech therapy and paraprofes- declined to participate because whose children already attend pri- vate school, not those the program sional aides. the program hasn't been “fully Hospice care provides medical services, emotional support, and spiritual re- was intended to serve, he said. Are there guardrails around vetted.” State officials didn’t have sources for people who are in the last stages of a serious illness, such as cancer| Folks on both sides of the issue say how the tax credits are used by enough information on the ad- they will try to work with the Leg- parents?A family can't claim more ministrative duties and costs as- or heart failure. Hospice care also helps family members manage the practical islature to align the program with than its actual spending on tuition sociated with the program, he said details and emotional challenges of caring for a dying loved one. the school year. and fees, and uniforms purchased ina virtual news conference. Who is eligible, and will every directly from the school. Although Hunger Free Oklahoma family receive the credit? To reduce fraud, the Oklahoma reports one in five children are For questions regarding hospice service or eligibility, contact: Any student in pre-K through 12th ‘Tax Commission will mail taxpay- food insecure, Stitt insisted no ers’ payments to the school in two one will go hungry this summer grade is eligible. Previous public school enrollment isn’t required. installments, half in the spring because of his decision. The USDA Carrie Perry, RN/ . Adminsistrator Proponents say the tax credit pro- and half in the fall. Parents will estimates 403,000 Oklahoma chil- gram will be able to serve about need to go to the school in person dren would be eligible for food as- Pat Welsh, RN/ Coordinator ofPatient Care 23,000 in its first year, but there and either sign the check over to sistance through the Summer EBT are already 33,000 students at- the school or collect the check if program, tending private schools in Okla- tuition and fees have already been Stitt noted the families who would Some of the most common conditions are: homa, so the funds are likely to paid. The Tax Commission said it be eligible for the summer bene- run out. Families must reapply will audit questionable claims and fits already qualify for the Supple- ancer * Failure to Thrive * End Stage e ( each year, and receiving the credit recapture credits that were award- mental Nutrition Assistance Pro- * End Stage Cerebrovascular Disease (CVA) * End Stage Amyotrophic one year doesn’t guarantee they'll ed on behalf of a student no lon- gram, also known as food stamps. receive it the following year. ger attending a private school or Students who qualify for free and Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) * End Stage Pulmonary D e (COPD) Families of all income levels can enrolled in a public school. reduced-price meals also already * End Stage Liver Disease * End Stage Renal Disease * AIDS/HIV qualify for a credit, but those that How does the funding for these qualify for the Summer Food Ser- earn less than $150,000 per year tax credits affect local schools? vice Program that provides free + End Stage Neurological Disease such as Parkinson’s orAlzheimer’s (based on adjusted gross income) As a tax credit, the program re- healthy meals and snacks in low- will be prioritized if they apply by duces overall tax collections to the income communities, he said. Feb. 1. The application deadline is state, but lawmakers capped that “It’s not reasonable to think that Dec. 31 of each year, or when the each year so it’s limited to $150 kids are going to go hungry in the carrle Professional, Passionate cap is met. million in 2024, $200 million in state of Oklahoma this summer Perry, RN Credit amounts are $7,500 for 2025 and $250 million in 2026 because we're not opting into a families with an adjusted gross in- and beyond. Funding for the tax brand-new Biden administration Advance, Attentive. come of less than $75,000; $7,000 credits does not come from educa- federal program,” Stitt said. for income between $75,001 and tional appropriations or out of the ‘The governor also said he philo- Our Difference Is Our Care $150,000; $6,500 for income be- school funding formula, sophically disagrees with people tween $150,001 and $225,000; If the state experiences a revenue who think that the government $6,000 for income between failure, the credits will be reduced should take care of everybody and $225,001 and $250,000; $5,000 proportionately. more welfare programs are the an- for income of $250,001 and above. ‘What about home-school parents? swer. Have you ever considered becoming Can they also qualify? ‘The credits can’t be split (say be- Chris Bernard, president and CEO tween divorced parents) and only Yes, home-schooling parents can of Hunger Free Oklahoma, said a hospice volunteer? one taxpayer can claim a child, claim up to $1,000 per student for he’s disappointed in the gover- though that person could be a curriculum, textbooks, tutoring, nor’s decision, but hopeful that A fulfilling experience in the spirit grandparent or other relative if testing fees, and other qualified Stitt could change his mind at a of giving and receiving. they pay for tuition. expenses. Taxpayers may claim later date so the state can partici- Does the credit cover the cost of that credit on thei income tax pate in the program next summer, tuition at private schools? return starting in 2025. The Leg- if not sooner. For many, it will not cover the full islature capped this program at $5 “We are disappointed,” he said. cost. Private school tuition costs million per year. “But we've been talking to the slightly less than $7,000 per year, How will the tax credits work and state. We know long-term that ‘on average, in Oklahoma, accord- what do parents need to know to they want to do this program, and ing to the Education Data Initia- apply for this program? they recognize the need for it. I'm tive. But there'sa wide range with- ‘The application and more infor- not going to pretend to under- mation are available at paren- stand all of the nuances of why in that: as low as $500 at Cristo Rey Oklahoma City, where a cor- talchoice.ok.gov. thev didn’t think it was vossible