Quick Roundup of State News
-CVS Whistleblower Confirms What I Have Been Telling You
I am glad to see insiders blowing the whistle on Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ (PBM) business practices. I have been attempting to stop this abuse of citizens and taxpayers for the past four years. It is nice to see what I am convinced has been occurring actually is occurring and it is very intentional. I will continue to fight, argue, and strategize to make these business practices known and attempt to stop them through policy.
This article is worth a read if you want to see how national PBMs are sticking it to those on Medicare by intentionally driving up the costs of drugs and also sticking it to community pharmacies. This must stop.
To learn more about PBMs, here is an entertaining and simple to understand video explaining them. You won’t regret it.
-988 is a Game-Changer for Mental Health
9-8-8 is the new three-digit lifeline to mental health services in Oklahoma. If you are dealing with crisis, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression or other mental health issue, you should try the number. You will be connected to a trained professional to get you the help you need. All calls are confidential and you may text the number, as well. The line is open 24/7.
-Highlights from Tuesday's Senate debate between Rep. Markwayne Mullin and Speaker TW Shannon
https://www.oklahoman.com/.../five-things.../65390279007/
Gas Prices Continue to Fall
Gas prices have fallen for the seventh straight week and should fall below $4 soon. The price could rise in some areas due to supply in the Northeast US. The average prices in Oklahoma and in Tulsa on Tuesday were $3.761 and $3.626, respectively, according to AAA. This puts OK with the third lowest priced gas in the nation. (GasBuddy; Tulsa World)
Oil and Gas Revenues to OK Skyrocket
Oil and gas revenues have skyrocketed to record levels in July. Last month, the state set an all-time high, but July increased only more.
Total collections in July of $1.38 billion are 13.3 percent higher than receipts in July of last year. Receipts from the gross production tax on oil and gas extraction set a one-month record of $187.2 million, up by $104.6 million, or 126.6 percent, from the prior year. This surpasses last month’s record by $16 million, or 9.4 percent.
“Gross production collections are coming in at historic highs, which are driving growth in overall revenues,” Treasurer McDaniel said. “Looking ahead, inflation continues to be a major concern, even though we’ve seen some minor relief at the pump.”(July 2022 Treasurer’s Bulletin)
Justin Brown Resigns at DHS and Samantha Galloway in as Interim Director
DHS Director Justin Brown resigned as the director of DHS, but will still serve as the Human Services Secretary. His interim successor will be Samantha Galloway. Galloway has worked for OKDHS as a legislative liaison, case manager in Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS), chief of staff and deputy director.
“The services we provide at OKDHS provide hope and empower Oklahomans to dream and strive for brighter tomorrows. I cannot imagine a nobler career path than this one I have been blessed to live at OKDHS,” Galloway said. “Like so many others in the agency, I am incredibly sad that Justin’s time has come to an end, but I’m also overwhelmingly grateful for the leader and friend he has been to me, as well as for the vision and renewed energy he has shown to the more than 6,000 dedicated employees who serve across all 77 counties. I am committed to continuing to build on our accomplishments together and to keep those we serve at the forefront of every decision we make.” (News 4 OKC)
