Blogging Documents

Here are a few programs that might provide tax rebates, relief or assistance to qualified individuals.

Senior Property Valuation Freeze
This State of Oklahoma program freezes the property value of qualified home owners, meaning a home’s value will not increase for tax purposes. This does not guarantee that taxes will never increase, instead the frozen value minimizes the impact of rate increases.

There is qualifying criteria for this program, the first is to be 65 or older. If you have questions about the Senior Property Valuation Freeze program or if you qualify, phone the County Assessor. For Tulsa County, phone 918-596-5100.

Vision 2025 Senior Sales Tax Rebate
This program, approved as part of Vision 2025, provides individuals 65 or over an $18 annual rebate. Vision 2025 rebate forms and pre-addressed envelopes are available at Tulsa City-County Library locations or online from the Treasurer’s office.

Free Personal Tax Return Preparation
The Library’s Tulsa Organizations and Services database has a ready made list of locations offering free personal tax preparation. A link to a map of the locations is also available.

Yesterday the House passed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This is weighty piece of legislation that will likely become weightier as it makes its way through the Senate.

In light of the state of the American and world economies, this is a sensitive issue with Americans. With this and any legislation, knowledge is power. So get to know the legislation, and whether you agree or disagree, petition your legislators to do what you think is best, they are who we’ve sent to be our voice.

Click the links below to follow the legislation.

• H.R. 1:The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – This link will connect you with up to date legislative information, the text of the bill, amendments, and actions.
• CBO Cost Estimates – This link will give reports from the Congressional Budget Office… know what and how we’ll pay for the programs.

If you have specific projects or programs you think should receive funding, or if you want Congress to know you don’t agree with the bill, contact your legislators. To find contact information for your legislator, phone the Tulsa City-County Library AskUs Hotline (918-596-7977) or visit Project Vote Smart.

In the event of inclement weather, libraries may not be open regular hours.

If Tulsa Public Schools are cancelled due to inclement weather, the Central Library, Hardesty Regional Library, Martin Regional Library, Rudisill Regional Library and Zarrow Regional Library will open at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted in the News & Events section on the right side of the screen at http://www.tulsalibrary.org.

When in doubt, please call 596-7977 or your local branch.

Yesterday we witnessed the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. As President Obama was taking the Presidential Oath of Office change was already happening, at least at WhiteHouse.gov, the President’s official web page.

WhiteHouse.gov is promised to be a new way of communicating with the American people, encouraging transparency and public participation. The site already has numerous blog postings, President Obama’s first Presidential Proclamation, a place for weekly video addresses, and countless online exhibits and information about our government and how it works.

On every page of the new website, visitors will find a box inviting participation and a means to send questions, comments, and well-wishes. Those wanting to keep up with Presidential goings-on can sign up for updates.

The American people were promised change, and change has come. For now it seems only virtual; however, we have the next four years to witness, question, comment on, and be updated on other changes.

On Tuesday January 20, we will swear in the 44th President of the United States. Every presidential inauguration is historic, but in many ways this one seems much more so. There are a few events being held to mark the occasion. Join other inauguration watchers at these locations:

Rudisill Regional Library 1520 N Hartford, Tulsa – watching begins at 10:30 a.m.

Greenwood Cultural Center 322 N Greenwood Ave, Tulsa – watching begins at 9:00 a.m.

Sadie’s Coffeehouse 567 E. 36th St N., Tulsa (in the Northland Center)