Articles
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Budget & Tax
Tax-cut discussion to continue?
Although lawmakers are expected to adjourn from the current budget-focused special session without passing a major tax cut, Gov. Kevin Stitt said he may continue to push for one in the coming weeks.Ray Carter | May 26, 2023
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Law & Principles
Coalition thanks Stitt for free-speech stand
A broad coalition of groups that support freedom of speech and the press has sent a letter of thanks to Gov. Kevin Stitt for his veto of HB 1236. The measure would have weakened the Oklahoma Citizen Participation Act, which provides legal recourse against frivolous lawsuits that are intended to chill free speech.Trent England | May 26, 2023
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Education
Oklahoma school-choice law offers families hope
When Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a new law providing tax credits to help Oklahoma families cover the cost of private-school tuition, parents said it gave them far more than a tax benefit—it gives Oklahoma families reason to hope for a brighter future for their children.Ray Carter | May 26, 2023
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Education
OCPA: School choice law will change lives
OCPA President Jonathan Small said the creation of refundable tax credits to help families pay for private school and homeschooling will positively impact children’s lives for years to come.Staff | May 25, 2023
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Law & Principles
In free-speech win, House sustains governor’s veto
Gov. Kevin Stitt’s veto of legislation that would have reduced Oklahomans’ protections against frivolous lawsuits based on free-speech activity has been sustained by members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.Ray Carter | May 25, 2023
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Education
Bill could mandate pursuit of Biden federal school grants
A provision snuck into legislation funding Oklahoma public schools could force the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) to apply for federal grants that were a priority of the prior Democratic state superintendent of public instruction.Ray Carter | May 25, 2023
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Education
Oklahoma enacts universal school choice
Whether you call it a tax credit or a “voucher in disguise,” the important thing is that the parents of all school-age children now have more options.Brandon Dutcher | May 24, 2023
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Budget & Tax
OKPOP Museum becoming money pit
Eight years after state lawmakers provided $25 million to build the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture in Tulsa, the facility has yet to serve patrons and its cost to state taxpayers is exploding.Ray Carter | May 23, 2023
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Budget & Tax
Oklahoma spending discipline fuels savings growth
Legislative leaders say they are continuing to follow a practice that has resulted in the largest amount of state savings in Oklahoma history. Put simply, lawmakers are not spending every dollar available.Ray Carter | May 23, 2023
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Education
Lawmakers greenlight rules on school porn, parent rights
Oklahoma State Department of Education regulations that ban pornographic materials in public-school libraries and spell out parental rights in schools have received approval from Oklahoma lawmakers.Ray Carter | May 22, 2023