Articles
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Education
Popular Henry program improving lives
Eight years ago today, Democratic Gov. Brad Henry signed into law a bill creating a scholarship program for special-needs students. What do Oklahomans think of the program?Jonathan Small | June 8, 2018
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Education
Oklahoma voters support educational choice
New polling data add to a growing body of evidence showing that Oklahoma voters support educational choice.Brandon Dutcher | June 5, 2018
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Budget & Tax
Where Oklahoma state spending ranks
Oklahoma is often characterized as a low-tax state, but as OCPA has already shown, Oklahoma has not been a historically low-tax state. In fact, when data on total state spending are analyzed, Oklahoma comes in at 33 among the 50 states.Curtis Shelton | June 5, 2018
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Education
K-12 education working in Texas
Two weeks ago I asked how the Fort Worth Independent School District in Texas could hire teachers at a starting salary of $52,000 per year – about what a veteran Oklahoma teacher would make with years of service plus the recently passed raise.Jonathan Small | June 1, 2018
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Education
Plurality of Oklahomans says public schools lack accountability
According to a new statewide survey, Oklahomans are split on the question of whether public schools are accountable.Brandon Dutcher | May 31, 2018
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Education
OKCPS using Obama school-leniency policy tied to Florida shooting
School shootings are rare; what is much more common are school-based offenses and misbehaviors that disrupt learning and even endanger students, teachers, and staff. And there is increasing evidence that a letter from the Obama administration to education officials has resulted in many schools softening their disciplinary policies—with unfortunate results.Mike Brake | May 31, 2018
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Budget & Tax, Health Care
Shadow government spending
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) offers a radical example of dishonesty. But it is hardly unique among state agencies. Oklahoma’s entire state budget process is misleading.Trent England | May 30, 2018
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Budget & Tax
'Behavior change' company hired by TSET made millions from Obama Administration
In 2011 Rescue Social Change received a $5 million federal grant that it spent hosting events at bars, giving away free koozies, and even paying people cash not to smoke. The campaign, targeted at “hipsters,” was item number four in U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake’s 2015 Star Wars-themed Wastebook.Staff Reports | May 24, 2018
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Education
What type of school would Oklahomans select?
According to a new statewide survey of 502 likely Oklahoma voters, roughly half of Oklahomans would choose a traditional public school. And roughly half would make other choices.Brandon Dutcher | May 24, 2018
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Budget & Tax
Revenue collections ahead of the curve
Oklahoma’s economy has grown over the last ten months. That growth shows in state government’s revenue collections.Curtis Shelton | May 23, 2018