Articles
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Good Government
The speech police
Last week, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission released a new version of its so-called “indirect lobbying” regulation. The changes are mostly window dressing and would still massively expand the state’s regulatory power, require warning labels on opinions, and make some people’s private information public.Jonathan Small | January 18, 2019
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Budget & Tax
How money walks: Tennessee
Tennessee has seen $14.31 billion of annual adjusted gross income move into the state from 1992 to 2016.Curtis Shelton | January 16, 2019
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Good Government
OCPA statement on Kevin Stitt inauguration
After Kevin Stitt was inaugurated as the 28th Governor of the State of Oklahoma, Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA), released the following statement.Staff | January 14, 2019
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Budget & Tax
How money walks
When people move between states, their income moves, too. This affects state economies and tax revenue. And the effects compound over time. Some states win big, others are big losers.Jonathan Small | January 10, 2019
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Education
Just how big (or small) are Oklahoma class sizes?
The state’s student-teacher ratio is 18 to 1, but some schools report much larger class sizes. In part, this is because districts have prioritized hiring non-teachers over teachers.Jonathan Small & Mike Brake | January 10, 2019
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Good Government
Speech police, take two
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission this week released a rewritten version of its plan to regulate political speech. The Commission still plans to vote on the proposal this Friday, and could pass either version.Trent England | January 9, 2019
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Good Government
OCPA reacts to Oklahoma legislative leadership elections
After Charles McCall (R-Atoka) was reelected Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Greg Treat (R-Oklahoma City) was elected President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, Jonathan Small, president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA), released the following statement.Staff | January 8, 2019
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Budget & Tax
How money walks: Alaska
Despite having no income tax rate and a low tax burden, Alaska lost $3.06 billion between 1992 and 2016. This is in part due to non-policy factors, such as weather and the high cost of living, creating unique challenges for Alaska.Curtis Shelton | January 4, 2019
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Good Government
Three resolutions for Oklahoma
The new year is a time for resolutions. Here are three for state government, things the Legislature can do in the upcoming session that would make Oklahoma government more effective and accountable.Jonathan Small | January 4, 2019
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Education
Former Bixby superintendent now draws $100K annually
A school superintendent who resigned after his home was the scene of at least two sexual assaults received $167,028 for a year in which he did no work and now draws $99,678 annually.Mike Brake | January 3, 2019