Articles
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Good Government
Era of oversight needed
Since 2015, annual taxes and other revenue taken from Oklahomans has increased by $1.1 billion – Oklahomans’ personal income taxes are up at least $185 million annually just since 2016.Jonathan Small | April 26, 2018
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Economy
Rich states, poor states, and Oklahoma’s business growth
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) last week released its 11th edition of Rich States, Poor States. The economic policy report examines the growth potential for each of the 50 states and ranks them accordingly.Cody Ray Milner | April 24, 2018
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Economy
A look at the March economic report
The Oklahoma Treasurer’s monthly economic report was released last week. The report provides a breakdown of gross receipts collected for the month along with various economic measures for the state of Oklahoma.Curtis Shelton | April 23, 2018
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Education
Who teaches the teachers?
The ongoing ruckus in Oklahoma over an alleged teacher shortage raises the question of how we can improve teacher education to provide more high-quality teachers.Greg Forster, Ph.D. | April 20, 2018
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Education
School shutdown lessons
In 2018, Oklahomans will see the largest teacher pay raise in state history, dramatic tax increases, and record total funding for education.Jonathan Small | April 19, 2018
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Good Government
Oklahoma State Department of Health needs a (financial) check-up
Since the first public revelations last fall that the Oklahoma State Department of Health had suddenly and surprisingly run out of money, some people inside and outside of the agency have claimed the reason was budget cuts. The true story is slightly different.Cody Ray Milner | April 18, 2018
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Education
Test scores don't align with life outcomes
A growing body of research has been finding that rising test scores in school don’t correspond with improved long-term life outcomes.Greg Forster, Ph.D. | April 17, 2018
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Budget & Tax
Tax cut effects on sales tax revenue
While the state sales tax rate has remained at 4.5% for the past two decades, revenue brought in from the tax has grown even when adjusted for inflation and population growth.Curtis Shelton | April 16, 2018
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Budget & Tax
Capital gains volatility
While removing the capital gains deduction would bring in additional revenue, it would also become one more unstable revenue source.Curtis Shelton | April 13, 2018
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Education
Turf over textbooks?
Since March 29, $610 million in new tax increases and annual revenues have become law. Since the 2015 legislative session, more than $1 billion in new tax increases and annual revenues have become law.Jonathan Small | April 12, 2018