Articles
-
Budget & Tax
145-percent tax hike a bad idea
Tax increases are often a two-edged sword, and that is especially true of the proposed 145-percent cigarette tax increase ($1.50 per pack) currently being pushed by some tax-consumers.Jonathan Small | May 5, 2017
-
Budget & Tax
The Bogus Budget: DEM & OETA
The artificial focus on just the appropriated funds spent by state agencies is what allows politicians to act as if government has been cut.Trent England | May 3, 2017
-
Budget & Tax, Higher Education
The Bogus Budget: This one cut could solve the shortfall
Total spending has increased so much in higher education that the legislature could zero out its appropriation altogether—saving more than $800 million, closing nearly all of the shortfall—and it would simply return this part of state government to slightly more than its 2013 spending level.Trent England | May 2, 2017
-
Budget & Tax
Why government should pay sales tax
Should sales taxes be paid by everyone? Most people probably think so.Trent England | May 2, 2017
-
Budget & Tax
The Bogus Budget: Space Cadets Edition
Yes, the appropriated amount of funds going to many state agencies has declined over the last year or two. Yet many of these same agencies are nevertheless spending more money than ever before.Trent England | May 1, 2017
-
Education
CEO identified in Hofmeister complaint was PAC contributor
Bill Cameron is the CEO of the American Fidelity Corporation and its subsidiary, American Fidelity Assurance. The company was identified, but not charged, in the criminal case against state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.Jay Chilton | May 1, 2017
-
Education, Law & Principles
Individual donors to Hofmeister’s 2018 campaign decline to fund legal defense
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister has been charged with five felony counts of conspiracy, collusion, and related campaign crimes allegedly committed during her 2014 run for office. In response to the expected cost associated with her defense, Hofmeister has formed a special function committee to help cover those expenses.Jay Chilton | May 1, 2017
-
Education
Hofmeister legal defense fund files first report with Ethics Commission
The special function committee formed to accept donations for the purpose of paying for the legal defense of state Superintendent Joy Hofmeister has filed its first report to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission.Jay Chilton | May 1, 2017
-
Education
Linked to Hofmeister fraud charges, American Fidelity continues political action
Among the political candidate, campaign consultants, and political groups mentioned in the prosecutor's affidavit against Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister and four others, one name stands out.Jay Chilton | April 28, 2017
-
Budget & Tax
Revisionist history
Some folks will say or do just about anything to get their hands on more of your tax dollars.Jonathan Small | April 28, 2017