Articles
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Economy, Culture & the Family
Some COVID restrictions eased as other new measures imposed
State officials have announced new restrictions on public gatherings while also easing quarantine restrictions and said COVID-19 infections may be plateauing in Oklahoma.Ray Carter | December 10, 2020
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Law & Principles
GOP leaders support initiative-petition reform
Republican legislative leaders say the state’s initiative-petition process should be reformed so future amendments to the Oklahoma Constitution cannot be sent before voters thanks primarily to funding from out-of-state interest groups that mostly gather signatures in urban areas.Ray Carter | December 10, 2020
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Education
Democratic leader touts resumption of in-school learning
In an indication of growing public displeasure with school shutdowns, the leader of the Oklahoma Senate’s Democratic caucus has called Oklahoma schools’ back-and-forth shifting to online learning “not healthy” and “traumatic,” and said her caucus supports resumption of in-person learning.Ray Carter | December 10, 2020
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Culture & the Family, Good Government
There’s a new sheriff in town
Meet Tommie Johnson III—Oklahoma County’s new sheriff and a former OCPA Fears Fellow.Mike Brake | December 9, 2020
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Economy, Energy
State treasurer restates warning about oilfield woes
Oil field struggles continue to negatively impact Oklahoma government revenue, leading State Treasurer Randy McDaniel to again warn lawmakers that tough financial times lie ahead.Ray Carter | December 8, 2020
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Education, Culture & the Family
Amid education debate, no COVID impact from mask mandates
The state’s most recent Weekly Epidemiology and Surveillance Report shows that COVID-19 spread is now greater in areas with mask mandates than in parts of Oklahoma without mask mandates.Ray Carter | December 7, 2020
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Education, Good Government
Stitt replaces member of state board of education
Gov. Kevin Stitt has replaced a member of the State Board of Education who was active in efforts to keep private Christian schools from participating in a state program for children with special needs.Ray Carter | December 4, 2020
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Education, Law & Principles
Attorney General: Oklahoma Department of Education acted illegally
An official opinion issued by the office of Attorney General Mike Hunter concludes the Oklahoma State Department of Education acted illegally when it imposed new regulations on a state scholarship program for children with special needs.Ray Carter | December 3, 2020
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Education, Good Government
Parents push back against OEA
The Oklahoma Education Association continues to criticize school-choice policies and efforts to preserve in-person instruction at public schools. But the teachers' union is drawing strong online pushback from parents—even on the OEA’s own Facebook page.Ray Carter | December 3, 2020
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Education, Culture & the Family
Teachers union to lawmakers: Ignore voters on school choice
A recent poll showed Oklahoma voters support school-choice policies that allow parents to use tax funding to place their children in private schools. In response, the head of the state’s largest teacher union is urging Oklahoma’s Republican lawmakers to look the other way.Ray Carter | December 2, 2020