Articles
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Higher Education
Oklahoma colleges rank poorly for free speech
A new report shows the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University rank 38th and 50th, respectively, out of 55 top national universities in their support of free speech.Ray Carter | October 26, 2020
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Budget & Tax, Education
AG concludes Stitt’s scholarship program is legal
A legal analysis released by the Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General concludes that Gov. Kevin Stitt complied with federal law when he authorized use of some federal funds for scholarships that help low-income children attend private school.Ray Carter | October 23, 2020
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Education
Virtual board has lack of experience, potential conflicts
The members of the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, which recently launched a review of its contract with Epic Charter Schools following a critical state audit, generally lack experience with charter schools and appear to have limited experience in online education.Ray Carter | October 23, 2020
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Economy
Officials warn court decision will drive business out of Oklahoma
A state commission is calling for action to provide consistent and fair regulatory treatment of all Oklahomans following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision.Ray Carter | October 23, 2020
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Education
OSDE officials dispute Epic audit findings
Officials with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, criticized for lackluster and ineffective financial oversight in a state audit of Epic Charter Schools, disputed portions of the audit in an appearance before lawmakers.Ray Carter | October 22, 2020
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Law & Principles
Officials call on Congress to address McGirt challenges
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau is urging Congress to approve legislation that restricts the impact of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding tribal reservations in Oklahoma.Ray Carter | October 21, 2020
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Budget & Tax, Economy
State unemployment fund drained by pandemic
An unprecedented surge in unemployment claims caused by this year’s COVID-19 shutdown, combined with major fraud, has drained Oklahoma’s unemployment insurance trust fund and requires an increase in associated taxes on employers.Ray Carter | October 21, 2020
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Health Care, Good Government
Stitt rated a four-star governor on economy
Gov. Kevin Stitt has been rated a four-star governor in a new report that evaluates all 50 governors on their economic stewardship, but the report warns that Medicaid expansion will make continued financial prudence much more challenging for Stitt.Ray Carter | October 20, 2020
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Education
Hofmeister, board routinely waive school finance penalties
The State Board of Education, chaired by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister, recently voted to impose more than $11 million in “clawback” penalties on Epic Charter Schools for alleged improper coding of administrative costs on state finances reports.Ray Carter | October 15, 2020
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Education
Review process launched into Epic’s charter
Members of the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board voted Tuesday to begin a months-long administrative process that could potentially result in termination of the board’s contract with Community Strategies, Inc., the governing board for Epic One-on-One Charter School.Ray Carter | October 13, 2020