Articles
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Budget & Tax
When it comes to cost of living, red states win
Blue states generally offer richer social benefits on paper. So at first glance, it seems like you’re better off being poor in California than in Mississippi.Byron Schlomach, Ph.D. | December 11, 2017
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Budget & Tax, Health Care
Medicaid costs continue to rise
By refusing to adopt the Obamacare Medicaid expansion, Oklahoma lawmakers stood up for the premise that Medicaid should remain a safety net for the most vulnerable, not an entitlement for able-bodied adults.Trent England | December 11, 2017
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Budget & Tax, Health Care
TSET reforms, Medicaid audits will help the most vulnerable
Medicaid must be dramatically reformed if we are to avoid bankruptcy for the states and return the program to its original goal of helping the most vulnerable.Jonathan Small | December 11, 2017
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Budget & Tax, Good Government
The mission creep
The Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust is guilty of frivolous spending. TSET promotes smoke-free bars and nightclubs and buys billboard space for "water recipes."Jonathan Small | November 17, 2017
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Budget & Tax
Many films receiving Oklahoma tax rebate produce no box office receipts
A declared goal for the Oklahoma Film Enhancement Rebate Program is to enhance the image of the state to a nationwide audience. According to the Incentive Evaluation Commission Film Enhancement Rebate Program Draft Report, “the effect on Oklahoma’s image nationwide is unclear, but likely limited.”Jay Chilton | November 15, 2017
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Budget & Tax
TSET paid more than $3 million in eight years to hospital lobbying organization
The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) has given millions of dollars to fund smoking cessation and health-improvement-related charitable organizations since its creation in 2000.Jay Chilton | November 13, 2017
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Budget & Tax
No, it’s not personal
No part of government is too important for hard questions, tough oversight, real accountability, and strict limits on its power.Jonathan Small | November 10, 2017
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Budget & Tax
Weinstein film cost Oklahoma taxpayers $4.6 million
In 2005, the state of Oklahoma implemented a film incentive program with the goal of attracting movie and television productions to the state. “August: Osage County,” produced and distributed by the Weinstein Company, took advantage of the program in 2013, costing Oklahoma taxpayers more than $4.6 million.Jay Chilton | November 6, 2017
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Budget & Tax, Good Government
Did Harvey Weinstein benefit from Oklahoma’s Hollywood handout?
Current state law provides “a cash rebate of 35-37% on qualifying Oklahoma expenditures to film and television productions filming in the state,” plus a sales tax exemption.Trent England | November 3, 2017
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Budget & Tax
The facts about revolving funds
While recent legislative appropriations have remained relatively stable, total state spending has increased nearly every year. Much of the non-appropriated spending comes from the revolving funds designated for certain state agencies.Curtis Shelton | November 1, 2017