Articles
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Budget & Tax, Education
Democrats call for dramatic education spending increase
This year’s state appropriation for K-12 schools was above $3 billion for the first time ever. It’s now estimated K-12 schools will have received a $638 million increase in appropriations in just two years, including money for an average combined two-year pay raise of $7,320 for teachers.Ray Carter | May 22, 2019
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Education
In education funding, appropriations don’t tell the whole story
Non-appropriated revenue has accounted for more than 64 percent of new education revenue every year since fiscal year 2006. This revenue has grown from $3.4 billion to $4.1 billion when adjusted for inflation. While state appropriations have remained relatively flat other sources of revenue have grown. Local revenue sources have grown 36 percent since 2006.Curtis Shelton | May 21, 2019
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Budget & Tax
Department of Health finances defy budget critics’ claims
Legislative Democrats have argued state government should not set aside $200 million into savings, as provided for in the Republican-authored budget. Instead, Democrats say the money would be better spent at agencies. But in making that case, Democrats have chosen an odd agency to champion.Ray Carter | May 20, 2019
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Budget & Tax
Total state revenue collections hit record high
Total gross receipts collected in April 2019 were $1.58 billion—an increase of 12.7 percent, or $178 million, from the same month in the prior year. The General Revenue Fund (GRF) grew 25.5 percent from the same month the previous year, collecting $509 million.Curtis Shelton | May 20, 2019
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Health Care
Budget plan shows challenges of existing Medicaid program
Even as debate continues over expanding Oklahoma’s Medicaid program to include many able-bodied adults, details of this year’s budget agreement show the state continues to struggle to cover the costs of the existing program, which primarily serves those with severe disabilities, pregnant women, and low-income children.Ray Carter | May 20, 2019
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Good Government
Lawmakers cite constitutional problems with Ethics Commission regulations
Members of the Oklahoma Senate overwhelmingly rejected proposed Oklahoma Ethics Commission rules on Friday, saying the regulations violated constitutional rights.Ray Carter | May 17, 2019
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Education
OEA attacks state savings effort
Despite announcement of a state budget that provides a historic appropriation for schools, the Oklahoma Education Association and its allies continue to attack the plan even as lawmakers advance related legislation.Ray Carter | May 17, 2019
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Criminal Justice
A Primer: Oklahoma’s criminal justice system
Oklahoma’s incarceration rate has risen to number one in the nation. This overuse of incarceration has significant financial and social costs. Oklahoma lawmakers are considering reforms aimed at reducing incarceration rates.Kaitlyn Finley | May 16, 2019
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Law & Principles
Tulsa attorney files landmark suit against Oklahoma Bar Association
A Tulsa attorney has filed a lawsuit against the Oklahoma Bar Association in an effort to break the OBA’s monopoly on licensing and collecting dues from members of the legal profession.Mike Brake | May 16, 2019
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Budget & Tax, Education
Stitt, legislative leaders announce budget agreement
Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders announced Wednesday that they have reached a budget agreement that spends more than $8 billion for the first time in Oklahoma history and includes $157.7 million more for K-12 schools, but they struggled to identify any specific measurement of student outcomes they expect will improve as a result.Ray Carter | May 15, 2019