Articles
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Budget & Tax
Fallin administration, Legislature may have violated tribal compacts
A recent lawsuit filed by three tribal governments raises a major question: Did a law passed by the Legislature and signed by former Gov. Mary Fallin in 2017 violate state-tribal gaming compacts, opening the door for tribes to now seek damages?Ray Carter | January 20, 2020
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Health Care
Indiana’s ‘conservative’ Medicaid expansion proves costly, ineffective
Many Oklahoma Republicans suggest Indiana's expansion of Medicaid, enacted when Vice President Mike Pence was governor of that state, provides a “conservative” alternative to traditional Medicaid expansion. But Indiana’s expansion has been expensive and failed to rein in health costs, end hospital closures, or improve health outcomes.Ray Carter | January 15, 2020
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Education
Tax-credit scholarship program could shape north Tulsa’s future
Crossover Preparatory Academy is a private school serving all-male, primarily black and low-income students. Ensuring there’s a way to pay for local youth to attend the private school is a challenge— that’s where the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act comes in.Ray Carter | January 15, 2020
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Education
Second Oklahoma agency touts education program associated with left-wing activism
For the second time in as many months, an Oklahoma state agency has touted a program that has been criticized for encouraging high school students to engage in political activism on behalf of generally left-wing causes.Ray Carter | January 14, 2020
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Education
The science of reading and the art of teaching
After decades of trying, one thing is clear: There is nothing we can do to get teachers to do what they don’t want to do. We must empower parents.Greg Forster, Ph.D. | January 14, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Financial expert says Oklahoma casino fees below market rates
Gov. Kevin Stitt says the debate over the fees casino operators pay Oklahoma government for monopoly rights must focus on market value.Ray Carter | January 13, 2020
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Good Government
Stitt plans significant state deregulation
Gov. Kevin Stitt says he wants to slash state regulations by the end of his term in 2023.Ray Carter | January 9, 2020
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Education
State superintendent refuses to discuss LGBT newsletter at public forum
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister is refusing to meet in public with a state lawmaker and citizens concerned about an August Oklahoma State Department of Education newsletter that focused on “best practices” to create a “safe and valued climate for LGBT students.”Ray Carter | January 8, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Reports indicate state economic slowdown
Revenue projections certified by the State Board of Equalization in December showed Oklahoma lawmakers will have little additional money to spend in this year’s legislative session—an increase of just one-tenth of 1 percent.Ray Carter | January 7, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Tribes sue state, but concede casino fees subject to renegotiation
Three tribal governments have filed a lawsuit asking a federal court to declare that their casino gaming compacts automatically renew. Yet in that same lawsuit those tribes concede that the fees they pay Oklahoma government for geographic monopolies on casino gaming are subject to renegotiation.Ray Carter | January 3, 2020