Articles
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Budget & Tax
Telling the truth about SQ 640
Whether it’s The Economist, The Washington Post, Bloomberg News, or their accomplices in Oklahoma, some just can’t wait to tell us how terrible things are.Jonathan Small | March 23, 2018
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Budget & Tax
The tax cut blame game
Those who want higher taxes generally blame past tax cuts for Oklahoma’s recent budget challenges. They cast particular blame on cuts to state income tax rates. While OCPA has questioned the severity of these challenges, we have also researched the connection between tax cuts and revenue.Curtis Shelton | March 22, 2018
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Budget & Tax
A look at February's economic report
The Oklahoma Treasurer’s monthly economic report, released this week, highlights February revenue collections. The report provides a breakdown of total gross receipts collected during the month along with various economic indicators for the state of Oklahoma.Curtis Shelton | March 16, 2018
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Education
Hope for bullied kids
For many students, the upcoming spring break will provide a welcome respite from bullying, harassment, or other unpleasant experiences at school.Jonathan Small | March 16, 2018
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Law & Principles, Good Government
Transparency for government, privacy for people
This is Sunshine Week, an annual reminder that “consent of the governed” means informed consent. Why is government transparency important? Let’s start at the beginning.Trent England | March 14, 2018
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Budget & Tax, Education
The price tag on OEA's demands
When the teachers union released its spending demands last week, two things were missing. One was any plan to find the resources, either in other parts of government or through tax increases. The other was the total cost.Trent England | March 13, 2018
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Education
ROI: Help Hollywood or help kids
The Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program and the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act each share similar financial parameters, which makes it easy to compare these tax incentive programs.Curtis Shelton | March 12, 2018
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Education
Reward teachers, rein in bureaucrats
No one disputes that it’s time for a teacher pay raise. Almost all Oklahomans agree and most lawmakers voice support.Jonathan Small | March 9, 2018
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Budget & Tax, Education
Time for lawmakers to assert authority, reward teachers
Oklahoma lawmakers have grappled for years over the matter of boosting public school teacher compensation.Jonathan Small | March 6, 2018
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Budget & Tax
Fixing future budgets
Some expenses are unpredictable. Will the transmission go out next month? Or, will it keep going for years? Other costs are predictable based on behavior. Keep grinding the gears and the transmission will fail.Jonathan Small | March 2, 2018