Articles
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Criminal Justice
Change in felony threshold tied to increased crime
In 2016, Oklahoma voters approved State Question 780, which raised the felony threshold for property crime to $1,000 per occurrence. Retailers, law enforcement officials, and private citizens recently told members of a Senate committee that the result of the state question has been an increase in crime.Ray Carter | October 28, 2019
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Education
School budget request approved despite concerns
The State Board of Education has approved a budget for K-12 public schools that requests an additional $219 million, but board members expressed concern the proposal misleads by omission and fails to provide a carefully considered long-range plan for Oklahoma schools.Ray Carter | October 25, 2019
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Budget & Tax
State officials lose track of money
State government’s reputation for oversight of finances took a hit at a recent Senate study when officials discussed longstanding confusion over how much money has been placed in a fund in existence for more than six decades, and conceded they are not certain how that money has been spent.Ray Carter | October 23, 2019
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Criminal Justice
Oklahoma fees may be excessive, unconstitutional
Oklahoma’s use of court fines and fees may be excessive and potentially unconstitutional, according to experts who spoke at a recent Senate meeting. But law enforcement officials stressed that repeal of those fees will require an offsetting increase in state appropriations.Ray Carter | October 23, 2019
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Criminal Justice
Risk assessment urged for bail process
Under existing Oklahoma law, people arrested for crimes can post bail and be released even if they pose a threat to others, while other individuals posing no threat remain behind bars awaiting a hearing because of poverty, officials told lawmakers at a legislative study.Ray Carter | October 22, 2019
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Education
Top school makes case for building funds
One of the top-performing schools in Tulsa is also among the Oklahoma schools facing the greatest challenge when it comes to facilities—because it is a charter school.Ray Carter | October 21, 2019
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Education
Families celebrate 20 years of Oklahoma charter schools
In 1999, the legislation allowing charter schools to open in Oklahoma was signed into law. The repercussions are still being felt today and were hailed by hundreds of parents and children at an anniversary celebration in Oklahoma City.Ray Carter | October 18, 2019
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Education
School-choice programs aid in teens’ recovery
Mission Academy is a private school serving students in grades nine through 12 and does not receive state appropriations. Its tuition is need-based, and the school has never turned away anyone because of an inability to pay. While private funders cover much of the school’s cost, Oklahoma’s school-choice programs have played a crucial role.Ray Carter | October 17, 2019
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Education
Lawmakers urged to combine education spending with reform
To improve Oklahoma's K-12 school system, lawmakers were encouraged to adopt the ideas in a 1990s education law that combined increase in education funding, while simultaneously implementing large reforms.Ray Carter | October 16, 2019
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Good Government
Officials urge streamlining of workforce efforts
In Oklahoma, the state government efforts to connect employers and workers is fragmented and disjointed. Employers and workers alike struggle to navigate the maze of Oklahoma government workforce entities--it's time to streamline the process.Ray Carter | October 15, 2019