Articles
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Budget & Tax, Higher Education
Let’s prioritize Oklahoma workforce needs
The rot in Oklahoma’s higher-education system is widespread. It’s time for state lawmakers and Gov. Kevin Stitt to redirect funding to more productive uses.Brandon Dutcher | October 26, 2023
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Education
Oklahoma school-choice tax credit implementation advances
If Gov. Kevin Stitt supports the rules as expected, Oklahoma families will be able to apply for refundable tax credits to pay for private-school tuition starting on Dec. 1.Ray Carter | October 25, 2023
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Law & Principles
As electricity rates surge, proposal may reduce competition
Oklahoma has shifted from having some of the nation’s most affordable electricity rates to being ranked among the most expensive. A proposal being considered at the Oklahoma Legislature could reduce competitive bidding for new transmission lines, which critics warn could drive prices up even higher.Ray Carter | October 24, 2023
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Education
Oklahoma reading instruction, teacher prep, failing students
Despite spending billions of taxpayer dollars on public schools each year, a strong majority of Oklahoma children are not proficient in reading.Ray Carter | October 20, 2023
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Higher Education
Experts warn Oklahoma college DEI programs likely illegal
Oklahoma’s higher-education chancellor told lawmakers that colleges are forced to impose DEI requirements because it has become a condition of accreditation. But that’s not the full story, experts say.Ray Carter | October 19, 2023
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Higher Education, Law & Principles
Expert endorses better due-process rights for Oklahoma students
During a legislative study, a national expert urged state lawmakers to pass legislation to significantly bolster the due-process rights of students at Oklahoma colleges and universities, warning that the processes used by many schools cannot survive judicial scrutiny.Ray Carter | October 17, 2023
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Education
Teachers union touts website criticized as ‘a pedophile’s paradise’
For “National Coming Out Day,” the National Education Association (NEA) is encouraging educators to use materials that suggest students should be prepared to leave their family home.Ray Carter | October 16, 2023
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Higher Education, Economy
Time for Oklahoma workforce scholarships
With an “Oklahoma Workforce Needs” fund, policymakers can better prepare young adults for the best-paying jobs of the future and put our state economy on a path of greater growth.Jonathan Small | October 16, 2023
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Education, Law & Principles
AG warns Tax Commission on rules for school-choice program
In a letter to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned the commission that its proposed rules for the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act impose excessive bureaucracy not authorized by the law and fail to make the program user-friendly for parents.Ray Carter | October 13, 2023
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Education
Absenteeism surging in Oklahoma schools
A recent legislative study highlighted another downside of COVID school shutdowns: They are associated with a much higher level of chronic absenteeism after the pandemic.Ray Carter | October 12, 2023