Told ya so, (4/9/2008 1:11:27 PM)

you get the gov't you ask for. when you vote for repugnant-cans you get a politicians that care only about insurance and utility companies, not the average joe on the street.

o, Tulsa (4/9/2008 1:24:16 PM)

Peterson is a fascist who cares more about the Insurance Companies than he does the health of children. I am appalled that there are citizens of Oklahoma who support this person. This is what you get when you elect the Bourgeoisie to office. It is disgusting!!!

John, Broken Arrow (4/9/2008 1:25:21 PM)

Republicanism at its best. Help your fellow man as log as it does not cost business anything. It must be hard for the insurance industry to make a profit if it was required to actually provide coverage for people. They must be real happy to have Peterson looking out after their best interests.

Robyne Rohde, Edmond (4/9/2008 4:54:40 PM)

As the parent of the child who is the namesake for Nick's Law, I applaud the parents who stood in the committee meeting this morning holding pictures of their children. And when I asked Rep Peterson, if not Nick's Law, then how do we address the thousands of children in this state that need early intervention that costs upwards to $5000/month? He had no answer. The parents of these children are business owners, teachers, working people who pay$1000-$1500/month on medical premiums only to be told that none of the therapies their children need to become productive citizens is covered. As citizens of this state who live with autism every day, we tried to speak to Rep Peterson and he locked his door on us. An elected official actually LOCKED HIS DOOR ON THE VERY CITIZENS WHO VOTED HIM INTO OFFICE. Shame on you Rep Peterson. What a poor excuse for an elected official you make. Today was 'family' day at the Capitol. School children from all over the state were there and he actually LOCKED THE DOOR on the parents of children with autism simply because we wanted to ask him why? What kind of example is this setting for our state's children. I am ashamed to be a member of the Republican Party and I am ashamed of the House leadership and Rep Peterson. Every 1 in 150 children in our state has autism. Rep Peterson, you should get down on your knees every night and thank God your family has not been touched with this heartbreaking disorder. I've often said, I wouldn't wish our life or my son's life on my worst enemy and even after the disgraceful way you ran the committee this morning, I can still say this. Because even your children do not deserve your deplorable treatment of our state's most vulnerable population, the children. Robyne and Wayne Rohde

Ann, Oklahoma City (4/9/2008 7:54:49 PM)

MAKE SURE YOU READ THAT ARTICLE CAREFULLY -- not only were citizens of this state denied an opportunity to speak today, even fellow legislators were denied the right to speak. Every other bill heard in this committee today was allowed Q&A from members of the Legislature AND public comment BEFORE a vote. The performance of Rep. Peterson today was disgraceful and unbecoming of an official elected to represent the best interests of the citizens. Whether you agree with this proposal or not -- believe in insurance mandates or not -- when debate that is asked for is not allowed to happen, it is the makings of bad policy and bad government. Legislators asked for Nick's Law to be heard -- and ONE MAN shut it down. You cannot represents the best interests of the citizens if you don't allow an issue to be thoughtfully heard and discussed. Shame on you, Rep. Peterson.

Liza, Edmond (4/9/2008 8:50:53 PM)

I hope readers of Tulsa and the surrounded areas will remember the violation of democracy that took place today come election time. Do not forget Peterson's right hand man, George Faught (R) Muskogee and Cherokee, who must have practiced the his "due pass" before the bill was out of the author's mouth. I hope all will watch the OKC news links that will be coming out so you can see for yourselves the travesty that took place today at the capitol. Whether you agree or disagree with this issue, lawmakers and their constituents should have a right to speak. Last I checked this was the United States of America!

Sheri, Moore (4/9/2008 8:50:56 PM)

I am ashamed of what I seen today. Free speech denied!!!! How can Rep Peterson say he wants to insure the ones that don't have insurance first. Autism is the reason I am not insured right now. Taking a proactive position with my son's Autism was the only choice. The gap of early treatment was closing in !! I had to make a choice to stay home and sacrifice my insurance to care for my son. There is nothing to protect my son legally for medical, thanks to irresponsible actions from a man that is suppose to represent the people!!! Now I have to rely on tax payers to let the school fund the specialist for my autistic son. This is not by my choice I tried to use insurance. Anyone who hears of the huge budget crunch the state is having in education, think about all the insurance companies that could relieve your tax dollars!! Lets get down to the dollar. I am one of the people Rep Peterson, you say you represent, although none of us had a voice!!!

Aaron , Edmond (4/10/2008 9:52:06 AM)

It should be noted that in Texas, which passed a similar bill, insurance rates have not risen and their autistic children are protected. The callousness and dismissiveness of Rep. Peterson is absolutely appalling. Where does he get off treating constituents that way? It's guys like Peterson who get Democrats elected.

Martha, Tyler TX (4/10/2008 10:48:07 AM)

I'm from Texas. Yes we did pass a bill requiring insurance for children with autism but only from age 2 to age 6. Are they instantly cured at 6? Rick Perry was only throwing a bone to the children of Texas. I hope you people all remember what the Republicans have done in the past 8 years not just in Oklahoma but everywhere.

EdK, Tulsa (4/10/2008 12:56:43 PM)

Re #9: Yeah, as a policyholder, they're representing my interests.

They will continue to get my vote.

EdK, Tulsa (4/10/2008 12:59:33 PM)

#7: First, this is not a free speech issue. Second, private insurance is available. Why do we need this law?

VickiJones, (4/11/2008 7:15:24 PM)

Edk, we need this law because private insurance is excluding coverage for children with autism. Insurance companies are selectively deciding who and what they will cover treatment for. If we can pay for erectile dysfunction, why can't we pay for this?