Articles
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Higher Education, Law & Principles, Good Government
Stitt takes aim at race-based discrimination in colleges
With a newly issued executive order, Gov. Kevin Stitt is seeking to downsize or eliminate “diversity, equity and inclusion” (DEI) offices and bureaucracy at Oklahoma colleges and to prevent state colleges from engaging in illegal discrimination.Ray Carter | December 13, 2023
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Law & Principles
Lawmaker says probation fees being diverted
State Rep. Justin Humphrey says fees imposed on individuals released from prison and placed on probation have not been used for oversight of those convicted criminals. Instead, he said the money is being diverted to other uses, and he has asked Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond to investigate.Ray Carter | December 13, 2023
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Law & Principles
Government monopolies require regulation
The one area where regulation is not only necessary, but also must be the most intrusive, is in an environment where the government has granted a monopoly.Jonathan Small | December 11, 2023
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Law & Principles, Good Government
Questionable ethics at the Ethics Commission
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has commendably intervened to address apparent violations of the Open Meeting Act by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, insisting on the rescheduling of a meeting due to unauthorized discussions and a lack of public votes on crucial matters.Jonathan Small | December 4, 2023
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Judicial Reform, Law & Principles, Culture & the Family
To understand the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s latest abortion ruling, read the dissents
To understand the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s abortion jurisprudence, your best bet is to read the dissenting opinions. The majority opinion lacks substance and analysis, and the dissenting justices' arguments challenge the majority's interpretation of the law and highlight concerns about the court's competence. Ultimately, it is time for a change in the judicial nomination process to better align with the state's values.Ryan Haynie | November 21, 2023
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Law & Principles, Good Government
A few dozen good ideas for Oklahoma lawmakers
Here are some policy ideas worth considering, along with background information, model legislation, and the relevant OCPA contact person.Staff | November 16, 2023
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Judicial Reform, Law & Principles, Culture & the Family
Democrat praises Oklahoma Supreme Court’s abortion activism
A state Democratic leader is praising the Oklahoma Supreme Court for its latest in a string of decisions that have struck down or blocked implementation of state pro-life laws.Ray Carter | November 15, 2023
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Law & Principles
Ethics Commission continues to toe, or cross, legal lines
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission has had to extend its search for a new executive director after Attorney General Gentner Drummond said the agency apparently violated Oklahoma’s open-meetings law and conducted public business in secret.Ray Carter | November 9, 2023
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Budget & Tax, Health Care, Law & Principles, Culture & the Family
Oklahoma won’t promote abortion, so Biden administration yanks funds
Attempting to force Oklahoma officials to promote abortion, the Biden administration has stripped the state of several million dollars in federal funds that normally pay for pregnancy tests, cancer screenings, depression screenings, and various other services.Ray Carter | November 7, 2023
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Law & Principles, Energy
Oklahoma anti-ESG law having an impact
Oklahoma lawmakers were right to prevent state funds from being invested by entities that boycott energy production through ESG policies that are more about left-wing virtue signaling than serious policy.Jonathan Small | October 30, 2023