Articles
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Culture & the Family
Stitt declares November ‘Family Month’ in Oklahoma
Saying strong families are crucial to solving societal problems that cannot be unraveled by laws alone, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a proclamation on Tuesday declaring November to be “Family Month” in Oklahoma.Ray Carter | October 31, 2023
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Education
On reading, Oklahoma working to catch up to Mississippi
Oklahoma and Mississippi share similarities in student demographics, but they are very different when it comes to students’ ability to read, with Mississippi outperforming Oklahoma. State officials are now trying to change that trend and close the gap, and some see Mississippi as a model.Ray Carter | October 30, 2023
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Law & Principles, Energy
Oklahoma anti-ESG law having an impact
Oklahoma lawmakers were right to prevent state funds from being invested by entities that boycott energy production through ESG policies that are more about left-wing virtue signaling than serious policy.Jonathan Small | October 30, 2023
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Higher Education
Amid DEI backdrop, OU students condemn Israel
Around 150 students at the University of Oklahoma protested Israel's response to recent Hamas attacks, echoing a trend of activism on college campuses. Concerns have been raised that some DEI programs may foster antisemitism.Ray Carter | October 27, 2023
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Law & Principles
Oklahoma lawmakers kill non-campaign-donor tribes’ compacts
State lawmakers killed casino-gaming compacts for two small tribal governments which are not big campaign donors. The compacts were opposed by several larger tribes that are big campaign donors.Ray Carter | October 26, 2023
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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