Articles
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Budget & Tax
Department of Health finances defy budget critics’ claims
Legislative Democrats have argued state government should not set aside $200 million into savings, as provided for in the Republican-authored budget. Instead, Democrats say the money would be better spent at agencies. But in making that case, Democrats have chosen an odd agency to champion.Ray Carter | May 20, 2019
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Health Care
Budget plan shows challenges of existing Medicaid program
Even as debate continues over expanding Oklahoma’s Medicaid program to include many able-bodied adults, details of this year’s budget agreement show the state continues to struggle to cover the costs of the existing program, which primarily serves those with severe disabilities, pregnant women, and low-income children.Ray Carter | May 20, 2019
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Good Government
Lawmakers cite constitutional problems with Ethics Commission regulations
Members of the Oklahoma Senate overwhelmingly rejected proposed Oklahoma Ethics Commission rules on Friday, saying the regulations violated constitutional rights.Ray Carter | May 17, 2019
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Education
OEA attacks state savings effort
Despite announcement of a state budget that provides a historic appropriation for schools, the Oklahoma Education Association and its allies continue to attack the plan even as lawmakers advance related legislation.Ray Carter | May 17, 2019
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Law & Principles
Tulsa attorney files landmark suit against Oklahoma Bar Association
A Tulsa attorney has filed a lawsuit against the Oklahoma Bar Association in an effort to break the OBA’s monopoly on licensing and collecting dues from members of the legal profession.Mike Brake | May 16, 2019
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Budget & Tax, Education
Stitt, legislative leaders announce budget agreement
Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders announced Wednesday that they have reached a budget agreement that spends more than $8 billion for the first time in Oklahoma history and includes $157.7 million more for K-12 schools, but they struggled to identify any specific measurement of student outcomes they expect will improve as a result.Ray Carter | May 15, 2019
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Budget & Tax, Health Care
Lawmakers vow to ‘keep fighting’ for tobacco-fund reform
On April 19, Oklahoma received $69.7 million in tobacco-settlement funds of which $53.3 million went to TSET.Ray Carter | May 15, 2019
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Education
Diverse education picks clear partisan, ideological hurdles
Four more of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s nominees for the State Board of Education advanced from the Senate Education Committee during a Tuesday morning meeting.Ray Carter | May 14, 2019
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Budget & Tax
Budget impasse discussed in dueling press conferences
Gov. Kevin Stitt and House leaders announced they are at an impasse with Senate leaders in budget negotiations, but highlighted only a handful of concrete differences during a Monday press conference.Ray Carter | May 13, 2019
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Good Government
Mazzei nomination advances after defense of tax cuts, savings
The Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved the nomination of former Sen. Mike Mazzei to serve as Gov. Kevin Stitt’s cabinet secretary of budget, less than a week after that appointment appeared in jeopardy.Ray Carter | May 13, 2019