Articles
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Criminal Justice
COVID-19 rate up in prisons, but few get sick
In recent weeks, COVID-19 rates have surged in Oklahoma prisons, contributing significantly to higher overall rates in many counties across the state. But even as infection rates surged in prisons, resulting sickness from the virus has been minimal.Ray Carter | September 22, 2020
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Good Government
Stitt seeks to make agency rulemaking transparent
If an Oklahoma citizen tries to closely monitor state agencies’ rules and regulations today, the antiquated and cumbersome processes used by state officials are a major deterrent. But Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration is working to end that problem, lawmakers were told Tuesday.Ray Carter | September 22, 2020
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Law & Principles, Good Government
Court upholds Oklahoma election security laws
A U.S. district court judge has rejected the Oklahoma Democratic Party and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s request to strike down Oklahoma absentee-voting laws, declaring those laws impose only a “minimal burden” and that voter-fraud concerns “are legitimate and weighty.”Ray Carter | September 18, 2020
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Culture & the Family
State reopening not harming citizen health
Oklahoma’s economy has been fully reopened for months and, although more Oklahomans have contracted COVID-19, the number of those being hospitalized for the virus has declined.Ray Carter | September 17, 2020
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Economy
Stitt: More state bailouts may create perverse incentives
Gov. Kevin Stitt remains opposed to additional federal bailouts of state governments, saying states have not yet spent all the bailout money already provided by Congress and warning additional bailouts could incentivize economically destructive policies in other states.Ray Carter | September 17, 2020
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Economy, Culture & the Family
Review of state’s pandemic response includes warnings
To better prepare for future pandemics, state lawmakers conducted a review this week of state and local government responses to COVID-19. Among the takeaways: Many challenges early in the pandemic were the result of the government itself.Ray Carter | September 16, 2020
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Education
Many Norman parents unhappy with district’s handling of back-to-school learning
Initially, Norman Public Schools offered parents a back-to-school choice of on-site, virtual, or “blended” curriculum for K-12 students. In mid-August, the decision was abruptly made to start the year with virtual classes only. After only a couple of weeks the guidelines changed again.Staci Elder Hensley | September 16, 2020
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Education
AG Hunter’s school-choice defense draws national praise
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter has been honored by his peers for his office’s defense of school-choice programs that empower parents.Ray Carter | September 16, 2020
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Good Government
Recall effort highlights Norman mayor’s unpopularity
Citizen efforts to force a recall election of Norman Mayor Breea Clark have fallen short, yet the recall effort also showed broad public displeasure with Clark’s performance. The number of citizens who supported Clark’s ouster was 153-percent greater than the number of citizens who voted to elect Clark mayor in 2019.Ray Carter | September 15, 2020
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Budget & Tax, Economy
Oklahoma lawmakers oppose federal bailout of states
Twenty-three Oklahoma state legislators have joined colleagues from across the country to oppose additional federal bailouts for state governments.Ray Carter | September 14, 2020