Articles
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Budget & Tax, Education
Oklahoma school spending and staffing up, but ACT scores fall
Oklahoma’s public schools are spending more than ever and hiring faster than enrollment grows, yet ACT scores have dropped to a new low.Ray Carter | January 6, 2026
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Budget & Tax, Education
Lawmakers seek to address Oklahoma’s reading crisis
After a decade of steep declines in student reading performance, two Oklahoma lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at restoring literacy as a core focus of K-12 education.Ray Carter | December 19, 2025
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Budget & Tax
Oklahoma state agencies go big with Christmas wish list
Oklahoma state agencies have unveiled their latest holiday wish lists, asking lawmakers for an extra $1.74 billion in funding—double last year’s request. The appeal comes after years of steep spending growth, with appropriations rising $4.7 billion since Gov. Kevin Stitt took office. Higher education is seeking the largest boost at $426 million, while the Space Port Authority again asks for the biggest percentage increase: 2,067%.Curtis Shelton | December 15, 2025
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Budget & Tax, Law & Principles
Oklahoma’s food-stamp numbers spark questions about fraud
Oklahoma’s food-stamp participation rate is nearly 50 percent higher than its poverty rate—a gap wider than almost any other state—raising questions about potential fraud or lax eligibility enforcement. Oklahoma’s political leaders must ensure that benefits reach only those who truly qualify.Jonathan Small | November 17, 2025
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Budget & Tax
How Oklahoma can deliver property-tax relief the smart way
Rising property valuations are driving up tax bills, and Oklahoma homeowners are feeling the pinch. Here are some sensible reforms that state lawmakers should consider.Curtis Shelton | November 11, 2025
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Budget & Tax
Oklahoma faces $226 million SNAP penalty unless error rates improve
Oklahoma could face up to $226 million in annual penalties under new federal rules targeting states with high SNAP error rates, but one straightforward fix could dramatically reduce that risk.Curtis Shelton | November 6, 2025
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Budget & Tax, Law & Principles
Oklahoma food-stamp numbers raise fraud concerns
Federal audits estimate that more than 10 percent of Oklahoma’s SNAP payments go to unqualified recipients, a rate that could saddle the state with up to $226 million in annual penalties under a new federal law.Ray Carter | November 4, 2025
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Budget & Tax, Law & Principles
OCPA urges fraud review of state SNAP benefits
OCPA President Jonathan Small today called on state officials to conduct a thorough review of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Oklahoma, noting that public data suggests a significant amount of fraud may be present.Staff | November 4, 2025
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Budget & Tax, Good Government
Oklahoma Democrats decry government shutdown caused by D.C. Democrats
Three weeks into the federal government shutdown, Oklahoma Democrats are blaming Republicans for the looming loss of food-stamp benefits—even as Democratic leaders in Washington continue to block multiple GOP efforts to reopen the government.Ray Carter | October 21, 2025
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Budget & Tax
Report hails Oklahoma government for financial stability
A new national report shows Oklahoma has gone from budget chaos to one of the most financially stable states in the nation. Truth in Accounting’s “Financial Status of the States 2025” ranked Oklahoma 16th best and awarded it a “B” grade.Ray Carter | September 29, 2025