License renewal reform

Members of the House Democratic Caucus applaud the passage of HB1956, signed into law this week.

The new law allows Oklahomans to renew their occupational licenses with the state despite their tax status.

Co-author Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa said this law delivers real help to the working professionals in her district and throughout Oklahoma.

“To the nurse in my district who was denied renewal of her license because she wasn’t quite done paying off her back taxes, and who reached out for help-thank you for everything you do, and help is here,” Rep Provenzano said.

Co-author Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman said it’s important to keep skilled laborers in the workplace.

“With the current deficit of skilled workers in Oklahoma, removing barriers to work and paying off debt is a no brainer. I’m proud to be part of legislation that helps working families get on their feet.” Rep. Deck said.

Current law requires state licensing entities to deny renewal applications of those who owe back taxes.

Co-author Rep. Annie Menz, DNorman said it’s important that legislators find ways to protect working people.

"I was thrilled to be able to coauthor this important legislation and I'm grateful that the Governor signed it. I will always stand up for working people and any effort to improve the quality of life for Oklahoma families."

Rep. Menz said.

Co-author Rep. Ellyn Hefner, D-Oklahoma City is a leading advocate for Oklahomans with intellectual disabilities and said this legislation would positively impact families who rely on state-licensed therapists.

"Families who rely on specialized therapists for their children will have a continuation of services with the passing of HB1956 into law. I’m proud and honored to be a part of legislation that helps take the weight off families who have a child with a disability," Rep. Hefner said.

Obituary

Edmond Trail Blazer, Dr. Nancy N. Robertson Wotring

Nancy Neal Robertson Wotring, Ed.D, was born on December 19, 1934, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. She died peacefully with her family at her bedside in Sugar Land, Texas on March 28, 2023, at the age of 88. Nancy Wotring is survived by her husband of 65 years, Earnest Howard Wotring, Jr., Ph.D, a former minister of The First Methodist Church of Edmond, OK. Dr. Wotring and her husband moved to Edmond in 1965. Dr. Nancy Wotring was the Principal of Ida Freeman Elementary School in Edmond for 15 years, from 1983 to 1998. At the time she became principal of Ida Freeman, she was the first female principal at Ida Freeman. Her career in the Edmond Public Schools began in 1972 as a kindergarten teacher. She taught kindergarten at Clyde Howell Kindergarten until 1977. Subsequently, she worked as an elementary school counselor at Sunset, Will Rogers and Russell Dougherty Elementary Schools until 1983.

Dr. Wotring is survived by her four children who attended Edmond Public Schools and graduated from Edmond Memorial High School: Cynthia N. Wotring Ulrich, M.Ed., and her husband Steve Ulrich of Edmond, Oklahoma; Deborah M. Wotring, Attorney at Law of Houston, Texas; Melissa M. Wotring-Norman, M.D., and her husband Bryan Norman, Ph.D., of Lubbock, Texas; and Earnest W. Wotring, Attorney at Law and his wife Ju Wotring of Houston, Texas. Dr. Wotring’s surviving 9 grandchildren include Aaron F. Meek, Attorney at Law and his wife, PJ Meek, Noah E. Meek, Attorney at Law and his wife, Heather Meek, RN, Michelle W. Landis, D.P.T., Alexander E. Norman, M.S.I.E., Laura N. Landis, M.D., Jacob F. Norman, MSBME, Elliott B. Norman(Medical Student), Samantha K. Wotring, and Nicole C. Wotring. Her five great grandchildren include Anne Meek, Gus Meek, Thomas Meek, Ophelia Meek, and Lucia Meek. She is also survived by her sister, Ann McPhail and her husband, Clark McPhail and brother, Frank Robertson and his wife Jill Robertson along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dr. Wotring’s memorial service will be in Edmond on June 24, 2023, 10:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church Edmond, OK. Burial service will be at 11:30 A.M. at Memorial Park Cemetery, Edmond, OK. For information please see Memorial Park Park and Cemetery at dignitymemorial.com.

Donations in her honor can be made to Edmond Public Schools Foundation (connection below) using Nancy Robertson Wotring, Ed.D., Ida Freeman Elementary School Library Book Endowment Fund in the notes.

The funds will be used to endow the Ida Freeman Elementary Library Book Fund each year in perpetuity. Dr. Wotring loved reading to and with her family and students. In this way we will remember her foresight and dedication to education.