Articles
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Budget & Tax
Compulsive gamblers can self-ban; expert calls the idea ‘almost worthless’
Les Bernal, national director of Stop Predatory Gambling, cites studies that show that half of the profits from commercial gambling come from addicted gamblers.Mike Brake | December 20, 2019
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Education
Tulsa Public Schools accused of breaking state law
The State Board of Education voted Thursday to send a charter-school application back to the Tulsa Public Schools district and urged the district to vote on the application within 30 days. That action was taken after charter supporters said Tulsa officials have violated state law and the district’s own policies.Ray Carter | December 20, 2019
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Budget & Tax
Oklahoma budget timeline explained
Last year Oklahoma had a budget surplus of $355 million. In the three previous years, Oklahoma experienced revenue shortfalls prompting across-the-board spending cuts and a special legislative session.Rick Farmer, Ph.D. | December 19, 2019
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Budget & Tax
Tribes concede casino fees subject to renegotiation
Stitt said a compact extension will allow both sides to preserve their legal positions while negotiations continue.Ray Carter | December 18, 2019
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Health Care
Medicaid ‘mortality’ study bears closer scrutiny
A new study from a liberal think tank claims Oklahoma’s rejection of Medicaid expansion has cost lives, but a closer look at the evidence shows their numbers are shaky.Kaitlyn Finley | December 17, 2019
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Budget & Tax
Oklahoma tribes pursue casinos in states with higher rates
In arguing against Gov. Kevin Stitt’s call for the State of Oklahoma to receive higher exclusivity payments for monopoly casino rights, Oklahoma’s tribal casino operators often argue that the benefits of the state’s low rates accrue to Oklahoma anyway because they have nowhere else to go with their earnings.Ray Carter | December 16, 2019
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Budget & Tax, Health Care
State government funds group that blames health problems on racism
In recent years, the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) has paid at least $1.6 million to an organization that “believes that the most powerful risk factors in health are laws and policies that have perpetuated the legacy of racism, discrimination, and segregation throughout our nation’s history.”Ray Carter | December 13, 2019
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Higher Education
OSU lawsuit points up bias in higher education
Despite having glowing recommendations for a promotion, an Oklahoma State University professor says she was denied the higher rank after she returned from service in the Trump administration.Mike Brake | December 12, 2019
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Budget & Tax
State savings may increase even in flat budget year
State lawmakers will likely face a flat budget in the 2020 session, with possibly less revenue than what was certified last year. But state savings could increase, nonetheless.Ray Carter | December 12, 2019
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Budget & Tax
Oklahoma City makes the nice list
A new report ranks Oklahoma City the number-one city in North America in “ease of doing business.”Curtis Shelton | December 11, 2019