Articles
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Economy, Culture & the Family
Oklahoma’s post-reopening COVID numbers defy critics’ predictions
While critics suggested Gov. Kevin Stitt’s decision to begin reopening Oklahoma starting April 24 would lead to increased COVID-19 infections and deaths, the data continue to head the right direction, and the governor said more businesses will be able to reopen soon.Ray Carter | May 11, 2020
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Law & Principles
Senators approve lawsuit protections for business
Members of the Oklahoma Senate voted to shield state businesses from lawsuits, although the legislation was opposed by legislators who suggested a parade-of-horribles would ensue.Ray Carter | May 11, 2020
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Criminal Justice, Law & Principles
U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Oklahoma ‘reservation’ case
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Monday in a case that will determine if much of eastern Oklahoma becomes classified as a collection of Indian reservations, scrambling legal and regulatory authority over hundreds of thousands of citizens.Ray Carter | May 11, 2020
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Education
How big a Department of Education does Oklahoma need?
From curriculum to nutrition to family engagement to technology, the Oklahoma State Department of Education's interference in your local school never rests. And when the state isn't overregulating schools, it's promoting the indoctrination of students into a progressive political agenda.Greg Forster, Ph.D. | May 9, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Ex-lawmaker Mike Jackson selected for spending oversight position
An oversight committee voted Friday to hire a former legislator-turned-lobbyist to head a newly created agency tasked with auditing and reviewing state spending.Ray Carter | May 8, 2020
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Economy, Culture & the Family
AG Hunter to Norman mayor: ‘Religious services can go on as scheduled’
Attorney General Mike Hunter has questioned why Norman Mayor Breea Clark is allowing gyms, tattoo parlors, and pet groomers to reopen on May 1 but has forbidden houses of worship from doing the same until mid-month. At the same time, Mayor Clark has found herself embroiled in a federal lawsuit involving her decree that local hair salons could not reopen until mid-month as well.Mike Brake | May 8, 2020
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Budget & Tax, Economy
Don’t hit businesses on UI experience rating
As Oklahoma begins the slow process of reopening, policy solutions for consumers and businesses will be needed to jumpstart the economy. With Oklahoma unemployment reaching record numbers, lawmakers must focus on making hiring easier for businesses. One way would be to suspend any increases to experience rating for businesses paying unemployment insurance (UI) taxes.Curtis Shelton | May 8, 2020
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Law & Principles
Measure requiring absentee voter ID sent to governor
Touting the need to protect election integrity, members of the Oklahoma Senate voted Thursday to require some form of verification from absentee voters.Ray Carter | May 7, 2020
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Budget & Tax
House budget debate pits tax increases against spending restraint, savings
House lawmakers voted Thursday to send legislation to Gov. Kevin Stitt that relies on modest spending reductions and use of savings rather than tax increases to cover a $1.3 billion shortfall.Ray Carter | May 7, 2020
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Law & Principles
Should Oklahoma elections go postal?
Nancy Pelosi wants to use federal legislation to push states to expand voting by mail. Her allies in Oklahoma are pushing the same agenda.Trent England | May 7, 2020