Articles
-
Education
School choice: Oklahoma’s challenge isn’t over
At long last, Oklahoma has universal school choice. But in order to survive the inevitable angry backlash from education special interests, we must get families signed up.Greg Forster, Ph.D. | June 19, 2023
-
Agriculture, Energy
Conservatively stewarding or else
In Oklahoma, three areas in public policy—energy, environment, and agriculture—need thorough engagement by conservatives for the thriving of all Oklahomans and to prevent progressives from being able to seize them to expand government.Jonathan Small | June 16, 2023
-
Law & Principles
Legislative compact expands tribe’s territory 109,000 percent
Because of a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, new state-tribal tobacco compacts drafted by state legislators could provide a gargantuan expansion of tribal territory. That change could result in hundreds of millions in existing state tax collections shifting to the control of a small sliver of tribal officials over time, and force non-Native Oklahomans to shoulder a larger tax burden to make up the difference.Ray Carter | June 15, 2023
-
Budget & Tax
State land trust costing schools millions, report says
The current land trust system in Oklahoma, which was intended to generate revenue for state schools, is actually causing them to lose millions of dollars. According to a report by the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency, if the state sold the land held in trust by the Commissioners of the Land Office and invested the revenue, state schools could receive up to an additional $53 million per year.Ray Carter | June 15, 2023
-
Budget & Tax
Oklahoma tribes made bank during COVID
Oklahoma tribes received significantly more federal relief per capita compared to the State of Oklahoma.Curtis Shelton | June 14, 2023
-
Law & Principles
Tribal chiefs chosen by few tribal members
Election results suggest that Gov. Kevin Stitt received far more raw votes from American Indian voters than the combined number of tribal citizens who have cast votes in favor of the elected chiefs of five major tribes.Ray Carter | June 14, 2023
-
Law & Principles
Oklahoma Democrats praise Republicans’ veto override
The Oklahoma House of Representatives has voted to override Gov. Kevin Stitt’s veto of legislation that would automatically renew existing state-tribal compacts that provide special breaks on the cost of car tags to Oklahomans based, to a large degree, on the owner’s race.Ray Carter | June 12, 2023
-
Budget & Tax
Indian ruling could hit the state treasury
A case before the Oklahoma Supreme Court could have major revenue implications for state government.Curtis Shelton | June 12, 2023
-
Education
Stitt, lawmakers deserve families’ thanks
Oklahoma is now a top 10 state in educational choice. Oklahoma children will benefit for years to come.Jonathan Small | June 9, 2023
-
Culture & the Family
SPLC says Oklahoma parent organizations are ‘hate’ groups
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has redefined the phrase “hate group” to include concerned parents. Says one U.S. senator, “the SPLC is a corrupt slush fund devoted to defamation.”Ray Carter | June 9, 2023