Articles
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Health Care
Uncertainty persists on Medicaid expansion, funding
While Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration has filed federal paperwork to expand Oklahoma’s Medicaid program to cover hundreds of thousands of able-bodied adults, which officials have dubbed “SoonerCare 2.0,” a top legislative leader indicated Thursday that the expansion issue remains a topic of debate.Ray Carter | April 23, 2020
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Budget & Tax, Education
How will schools spend federal COVID funds? No one knows
Oklahoma’s public K-12 schools will receive nearly $161 million through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. But officials appear to have little idea how the money will be spent beyond extremely broad categories that could include a multitude of expenses.Ray Carter | April 23, 2020
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Economy, Culture & the Family
Stitt unveils reopening plan
Some currently shuttered businesses will be allowed to reopen in just two days and many others can reopen on May 1 under a plan unveiled today by Gov. Kevin Stitt.Ray Carter | April 22, 2020
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Economy, Culture & the Family
OCPA president on Gov. Stitt beginning to reopenOklahoma
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, OCPA has said we must protect Oklahomans from the virus while ensuring that Oklahomans can continue to provide for their families. Governor Stitt’s plan embraces both priorities.Jonathan Small | April 22, 2020
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Culture & the Family
Petition to reopen Oklahoma reaches 10,000 signatures
Less than a week after launching, a citizen petition that calls for the state to begin reopening by May 1 has amassed over 10,000 signatures.Staff | April 22, 2020
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Budget & Tax
State-tribal impasse breaks; new casino compacts signed
In what he called an “historic day,” Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed new state-tribal casino gaming agreements with the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and the Comanche Nation.Ray Carter | April 22, 2020
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Education, Culture & the Family
How many Oklahoma students are continuing to learn?
With schools across the nation closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, a key question is: How many students are continuing to learn?Mike Brake | April 21, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Amid state budget crunch, shift to virtual learning should save millions
On March 25 the Oklahoma State Board of Education voted to close all public schools, and students and teachers began preparing for online learning. These closures provide an opportunity for cost savings while the lights are off.Curtis Shelton | April 21, 2020
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Education
Amid millions for K-12 schools, lobbyist group opposes aid for private sector
The Oklahoma State School Board Association (OSSBA) has declared its opposition to the provision of some federal aid to families with children in private schools, declaring education providers in the private sector are not facing “a pandemic-related emergency.”Ray Carter | April 21, 2020
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Culture & the Family
The many shades of social distancing
“Shelter-in-place” decrees go beyond social distancing—beyond the first six feet, or a mask, or other basic (but very efficient) protections—to impose much more extreme barriers. They assume some benefit and ignore costs.Trent England | April 21, 2020