TULSA, Okla. (AP) — A newspaper analysis of financial disclosure statements filed by state lawmakers indicates that one in five are unemployed outside of their legislative work.
The Tulsa World studied the statements, which the 149 state legislators must submit to the state Ethics Commission by May 15 each year.
The newspaper reported that about 80 percent of lawmakers reported income outside of their state salaries. The 101 House members and 48 state senators receive a base pay of $38,400. The legislative jobs are considered part-time.
Thirty-three had no outside income and half reported that they did not hold securities. Of those who reported an outside income, 25 said they receive either a pension or retirement pay.
Lawmakers are required to report to the Ethics Commission all sources of income or security holdings of more than $5,000 annually, as well as lobbyist income if it exceeds $5,000 a year or honoraria of more than $200 a year.
Forms filed by one lawmaker, Rep. Ken Luttrell, D-Ponca City, indicated he still works in sales at Wal-Mart. Another, Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa, reported income from a law practice as well as a commission from direct sales from Arbonne International, which is a health and beauty products company.
Twenty-four lawmakers reported income from real estate, 18 from farming and ranching and 17 from legal fees. The Legislature has 25 licensed attorneys.
Four legislators work in the health care field, while three have financial ties to area American Indian tribes. Two of those serve on governing bodies of those tribes — Rep. Paul Wesselhoft, R-Moore, who also is in the Citizen Potawatomi legislature, and Rep. Charles Hoskin, D-Vinita, who is a member of the Cherokee Tribal Council.
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