Articles
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Education
School-choice program’s launch benefiting families
Oklahoma's school-choice tax credit program faced initial delays due to technical glitches, but after launching on Dec. 6, it received over 30,000 submissions in the first 90 minutes (although some duplication of submissions may have occurred), according to Governor Kevin Stitt. School leaders believe the program is providing new opportunities for Oklahomans who couldn't afford private school education before.Ray Carter | December 8, 2023
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Budget & Tax
Bergstrom seeks gradual Oklahoma income-tax repeal
Under legislation filed by state Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, Oklahoma’s personal income tax would be put on a path to full repeal through periodic tax cuts tied to revenue growth.Ray Carter | December 7, 2023
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Higher Education, Culture & the Family
OU study: Native American population growth raises climate-change risk
An OU professor says “Indigenous communities are grappling with an imminent climate crisis compounded by systemic injustices” and that much of the increased climate risk is the result of tribal citizens having children and grandchildren.Ray Carter | December 6, 2023
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Education
Program makes Oklahoma national education leader
Due to technical glitches, the effective launch of Oklahoma’s new school-choice program was shifted from Dec. 1 to Dec. 6. But when Oklahoma parents submit their applications on Wednesday, they will find themselves on ground the state has rarely trod.Ray Carter | December 5, 2023
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Law & Principles, Good Government
Questionable ethics at the Ethics Commission
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has commendably intervened to address apparent violations of the Open Meeting Act by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, insisting on the rescheduling of a meeting due to unauthorized discussions and a lack of public votes on crucial matters.Jonathan Small | December 4, 2023
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Education
School-choice rollout delayed
The launch of Oklahoma's new school-choice program, making refundable tax credits of $5,000 to $7,500 per child available for private school expenses, has been delayed due to technical challenges. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shifted the application start date from December 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, to address complications and ensure a seamless rollout.Ray Carter | December 1, 2023
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Education
Walters announces effort to improve low-performing schools
State Superintendent Ryan Walters proposes additional resources for schools with a majority of students below grade level in reading and math, while also allowing schools with no improvement in student achievement to lose state accreditation.Ray Carter | November 30, 2023
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Education
With tax credit, parents excited by school-choice prospects
This year, lawmakers approved the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act, making refundable tax credits available to all Oklahoma parents to help pay for private-school tuition.Ray Carter | November 30, 2023
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Energy
Disney filing bolsters case for Oklahoma ESG law
“Disney is a great example of how putting ESG policies over investor earnings is bad for business,” says Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ.Ray Carter | November 29, 2023
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Judicial Reform
In Oklahoma, Democrat campaign donors pick Supreme Court justices
Oklahoma’s system of judicial selection is dramatically different from the system installed by the nation’s founding fathers. This has resulted in “a red state with a blue judiciary.”Ray Carter | November 28, 2023