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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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
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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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
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Law & Principles
Oklahoma Supreme Court to decide if ‘reservation’ Indians pay income tax
The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which declared that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Oklahoma reservation was never formally disestablished for purposes of federal major-crimes law, has now led to a state court case that will determine if all American Indians in the affected areas are now exempt from paying Oklahoma state income tax.Ray Carter | May 22, 2023
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Education
Major school-choice bill headed to governor
After months of wrangling, a major school-choice measure is now headed to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk and is expected to be signed into law.Ray Carter | May 19, 2023
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Education
Critic shrugs off massive Oklahoma school-funding bill
Oklahoma lawmakers voted to open the money spigot for public schools during Wednesday’s activity, providing a historic level of education funding.Ray Carter | May 17, 2023
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Education
Oklahoma school-security effort portrayed as racist
Legislation to fund increased security in Oklahoma public schools drew strong opposition from a handful of Democratic lawmakers who said gun control and school counselors should be the focus instead with one Democrat suggesting school security officers excessively target racial minorities.Ray Carter | May 17, 2023