Articles
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Budget & Tax
Judge rules little-known commission renewed gaming compacts
A federal judge has ruled state-tribal gaming compacts auto-renewed for 15 years due to the actions of a little-known state commission dominated by appointees of former Gov. Mary Fallin.Ray Carter | July 28, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Oklahoma legislature voted for Hollywood handouts
Even as Oklahoma was struggling with the economic impact of the COVID-19 shutdown and the decline in the oil and gas industry, the legislature this year sought to give more handouts to the film industry.Curtis Shelton | July 27, 2020
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Budget & Tax
State has ‘significant work’ ahead on gaming compacts
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has struck down casino gaming compacts negotiated by Gov. Kevin Stitt with two tribes, ruling the governor exceeded his authority by including sports betting in the compact agreements.Ray Carter | July 24, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Voters ousting lawmakers who support tax hikes
When lawmakers reconvene in 2021, tax increases could be a topic of legislative debate again.Ray Carter | July 1, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Will federal bailout create state budget problems again?
Former lawmakers involved in budget discussions during the Great Recession and following years say the federal bailout may have temporarily eased some financial strain, but warn it also contributed to subsequent budget challenges.Ray Carter | June 10, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Despite record-high revenues, some lawmakers sought tax hikes
During the state’s last recession, income tax cuts were repeatedly cited as the reason for the state’s shortfalls.Curtis Shelton | June 8, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Lawmakers begin to roll back historic pension progress
After a decade of replenishing the state’s retirement system, a new law is estimated to add nearly $1 billion in unfunded liability to the retirement system and does so at the worst possible time.Curtis Shelton | June 2, 2020
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Budget & Tax, Education
K-12 school budget built on one-time funding
Gov. Kevin Stitt said the plan set up the state for significant budget challenges next year.Ray Carter | May 28, 2020
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Budget & Tax, Education
State’s red tape for private schools may violate federal law
The dispute threatens to impede effective COVID-19 response across Oklahoma.Ray Carter | May 27, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Lawmakers override veto, will borrow millions to create jobs for professors
Members of the Oklahoma Legislature voted Friday to override Gov. Kevin Stitt’s vetoes of two bills impacting the state’s “endowed chair” program.Ray Carter | May 22, 2020