A special interest lobby group and foundation out of Florida just announced that Tom Newell joined their lobbying team. He will travel and correspond with politicians in many states. Just 2 weeks ago, Rep. Tom Newell abruptly resigned his new term in the Oklahoma Legislature. He had just been sworn in less than 2 weeks earlier. Now the state will have to spend unbudgeted money to run a whole new series of elections. Until then, his abandoned constituents will go without constitutional representation. The OKGOP spent considerable money and volunteer effort to secure the legislative seat. He wrote the following statement; “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of House District 28. I will be pursuing an opportunity in the private sector that will allow me to spend more time with my family, while allowing me to serve families nationwide. I appreciate the trust people in District 28 placed in me. I’m thankful for the friendships I’ve made with all of my colleagues in the Legislature. I know the state is capable hands with the new House members and Speaker-elect Charles McCall.” The Seminole county district is about 41 minutes drive to the Oklahoma state capitol, where he has reserved parking. His legislative sessions are only about 4 months of the year, or less. It may appear odd that the man quit his office for more time with family, but now must travel to several states in order to effectively lobby for his agenda, effectively. |
FGA Launches ‘Freedom to Prosper’ Initiative
Posted December 8th, 2016 by The FGA & filed under Press Releases .
Licensing requirements created by local governments and state agencies limit the ability for individuals with low incomes to find work, change jobs, relocate to a city with better opportunities, or start their own businesses. FGA’s new initiative, led by former Oklahoma Rep. Tom Newell, will tackle these regulations and restore opportunity for individuals nationwide.
Newell brings expertise in state review of local regulations to his role as senior fellow for FGA. During his legislative tenure, he served as chair of the Government Oversight and Accountability committee and vice chair of the Appropriations and Budget Committee.
Joining Newell is analyst and economic researcher Jared Meyer who will serve as the project’s senior research fellow. Meyer’s knowledge of labor markets and the impact of regulatory burdens will help unleash a new era of opportunity across the country.
“I’ve seen so many laws and rules do far more harm than good when put into practice, creating additional, costly hurdles that people have to jump over simply to get a job. It’s frustrating when the thing we should be doing is creating more opportunities for individuals to prosper,” said Newell.
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with FGA where I can serve so many people across our great nation.”
Through Freedom to Prosper, FGA’s experts will work with governors, legislators, agencies, and local regulatory boards to find innovative ways to create more opportunities for low-income individuals.
“The absurd ways cities and agencies regulate people out of work have tragic effects on those trying to climb the economic ladder. The ‘public safety’ justification for these regulations often falls flat, as there are higher licensure requirements for barbers and manicurists than for Emergency Medical Technicians,” said Meyer.
“I’m excited about working with FGA and Tom to remove barriers to opportunity.”