• State to Pay Unemployment Benefits Electronically
• State Drug Agency Expertise Honored
• New Web Building Utilities Provide Visitor Focus for State Agencies’ Web Sites

State to Pay Unemployment Benefits Electronically

Oklahomans will soon have a faster and more convenient way to access unemployment benefits. On December 1, 2008, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) will begin issuing unemployment insurance (UI) benefits electronically using either direct deposit or a debit card. Paper checks will no longer be provided to claimants. 

All unemployment insurance recipients may sign up for direct deposit. If this isn’t an option, UI benefits will be available on a MasterCard-branded debit card that can be used to access funds at banks and ATMs and to pay for goods and services. Cardholders will also receive one fee-free ATM withdrawal and one fee-free teller withdrawal through Bank of Oklahoma for each deposit posted to an account on the card. 

Use of electronic payments is expected to translate into lower costs for the state in relation to the production and mailing of benefit checks and fewer checks that are returned, lost or stolen. Clients gain more secure access to funds, freedom from fees at check cashing outlets, and the convenience of a debit card widely accepted by retailers. 

“This move will not only help the state of Oklahoma become more efficient, but will also create a system that significantly improves the experience for our citizens,” said Jon Brock, OESC Executive Director. “The electronic payment system is a win-win solution for Oklahoma.” 

To assist with the transition, existing unemployment insurance claimants are being advised and provided with instructions on choosing a payment method. New claimants will sign up for electronic payment when they file their first unemployment insurance claim. Anyone not selecting direct deposit will automatically be enrolled for the card. 

Find out more information about OESC’s New Electronic Payment System

State Drug Agency Expertise Honored

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBNDD) has been, and continues to be involved in numerous projects that shape United States drug policy. One of those efforts has recently been honored as a national model.

The Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) Information Exchange (PMIX) project has been selected as an award winner in the 2008 eC3 Excellence Awards. The PMP Information Exchange project, which helps states exchange dispensed controlled-substance prescription data, is a partnership effort of the IJIS Institute and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The Excellence Awards are presented each year by the National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council (eC3) at its annual conference. Since 2005, David Hale, Agent-In-Charge of the OBNDD Tulsa District Office, has served on a development advisory committee which is responsible for driving several phases of the project.

PMPs are systems controlled by authorized state agencies to collect controlled substance dispensing data in a centralized state database. Designed to help detect and prevent the diversion and abuse of these substances, the programs involve the cooperative efforts of law enforcement, health providers and communities in general.

The 2008 Excellence Awards will be presented at an awards luncheon taking place on Thursday, December 11th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the W Hotel in Seattle, Washington as part of the eC3 Annual Conference.

Visit OBNDD's Web Site for more information

New Web Building Utilities Provide Visitor Focus for State Agencies’ Web Sites

State agencies looking to add interactive features to their Web site now have the opportunity to take advantage of two new web building utilities created by OK.gov.

OK.gov, the state's official Web site, offers an online Content Management System called Go Gov! Web Management Suite. Go Gov! helps government employees create and maintain their Web site no matter their level of technical experience. The latest features include: 

An Online Registration System enabling visitors to a state agency Web site to register online for events such as training courses, conferences, and seminars. The system also enables agency administrators to collect payments associated with the event, if payments are due. The system utilizes the existing Go Gov! calendar system to display and organize the events to the public, but has a separate management tool to manage the courses, registrations and payments. 

A Form Builder System enabling visitors to a state agency Web site to answer surveys, feedback forms, contact forms, employment forms, and much more. The Form Builder reduces paperwork and collects information from visitors straight from the state agency’s Web site. The Form Builder’s data storing capabilities provide a powerful service that enables administrators to easily edit forms, gather responses and view results.

Visit the Go Gov! Web Management Suite’s Services Site

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Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics & Dangerous Drug Control 
“OBNDD is consistently viewed as the leading model for drug enforcement as a result of its proactive investigative and enforcement techniques..." more

- R. Darrell Weaver, 
Director

 Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum
"The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum has the awesome opportunity to recognize the talented Oklahoma folks who have and are impacting music..." more

- Beth Seim,
Executive Director

 Construction Industries Board's Home Inspector Licensing System

 Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust's Grantee Reporting System: Annual Reports

 State Online Filing System

 Go Gov! Form Builder
  

How Do I Complain About Unsolicited Commercial E-mail?

  Visit the Oklahoma Attorney's General's Office Spam Site 

How Do I Prevent Colds and the Flu this Holiday Season?

  Visit the Oklahoma Department of Health's Cold and Flu Site

Thursday & Friday, December 25 & 26
(Christmas)

View all 2008 State Holidays

Downtown in December
December 2008
More Info
888-652-4386 

Holiday Gift Gallery
December 2008
More Info
405-533-8539

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Capitol
December 9, 2008 
8am - 10pm
More Info
405-521-2121

View State Agency Calendars

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OK.gov built and manages the official Web site for the state of Oklahoma and partners with state agencies to bring new government services online. OK.gov is managed by the Oklahoma Office of State Finance and eGovernment firm NIC Inc.