Articles
-
Criminal Justice
What about victims?
In 2018, probationers in Texas paid nearly $40 million in restitution to victims of property crimes. Victims and taxpayers benefit more from restitution than from long, expensive prison sentences.Ryan Haynie | August 5, 2020
-
Judicial Reform
Judicial nominating process fueling conflicts of interest?
The secretive process used to appoint judges in Oklahoma through the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission has drawn increasing criticism in recent years.Ray Carter | August 5, 2020
-
Education
State mandate could have closed COVID-free schools
The Oklahoma State Board of Education recently opted against imposing state mandates that dictate how school districts should handle COVID-19 response, including forced closure of schools, and opted instead to provide guidance.Ray Carter | August 4, 2020
-
Law & Principles
McGirt chaos continues to grow
Attorney General Mike Hunter announced he will seek a ruling from the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals to ensure the state can still prosecute non-Indians who commit major crimes against American Indian citizens.Ray Carter | August 3, 2020
-
Criminal Justice
Prosecutor misleads on SQ 805
Government power to lock people up should be used sparingly, only when justified by the practical purpose of public safety and the moral cause of justice.Trent England | August 3, 2020
-
Education
Schools face new expenses, increased funding, from COVID
Oklahoma schools face unexpected costs due to COVID-19. But they are also benefiting from substantial one-time funding due to the pandemic.Ray Carter | July 31, 2020
-
Education
Stitt endorses in-person schooling
Voicing strong support for in-person instruction in Oklahoma schools, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Thursday that federal funds will pay the cost of masks, shields, gloves, and gowns at districts across the state, and that all teachers will be tested for COVID-19 each month.Ray Carter | July 30, 2020
-
Criminal Justice
Four conservative principles behind criminal justice reform
Despite the current unrest, it would be a mistake for Oklahomans to abandon efforts to change the carceral system in our state.Ryan Haynie | July 30, 2020
-
Economy
Unemployment fraud still rampant in Oklahoma?
During the spring COVID-19 shutdown, Oklahoma officials were swamped with fraudulent unemployment claims.Ray Carter | July 30, 2020
-
Budget & Tax
OCPA comment on compact ruling
Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, issued the following statement today in response to a judge’s declaration that a little-known, unelected state agency triggered auto-renewal of casino gaming compacts for another 15 years.Staff | July 28, 2020