Articles
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Education
Democratic leader admits few ‘choose’ public schools
Democrats have long opposed increasing school-choice opportunities, often arguing the overwhelming majority of families choose public schools. But a member of House Democratic caucus leadership recently acknowledged that talking point is bogus.Ray Carter | April 24, 2023
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Economy
Oklahoma’s economic outlook ranked among nation’s best
A new report ranks Oklahoma’s economic outlook among the best in the nation and finds Oklahoma has benefited from its largest level of positive domestic migration in a quarter-century.Ray Carter | April 24, 2023
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Budget & Tax, Education
Texas lawmaker undermines narrative on Oklahoma school spending
Texas teacher-pay levels and per-pupil funding are portrayed as far greater than in Oklahoma, freeing Texas school officials from the challenges facing their Oklahoma counterparts.Ray Carter | April 19, 2023
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Higher Education
OU says DEI to ‘permeate’ business school
Via the school’s website, officials at the University of Oklahoma vow that “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” (DEI) programming will now “permeate” business-school programs.Ray Carter | April 18, 2023
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Budget & Tax
Stitt renews call for tax cuts
Noting state government has both record savings and revenue far exceeding what is required to maintain existing government services, Gov. Kevin Stitt has renewed his call for passage of major tax cuts this year.Ray Carter | April 14, 2023
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Economy
Oklahoma economy booming thanks to existing state companies
Although efforts to lure massive new businesses to Oklahoma have dominated headlines, Oklahoma is doing better than most states thanks largely to the growth of existing businesses or creation of new in-state businesses, a commerce official told state senators.Ray Carter | April 14, 2023
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Health Care, Culture & the Family
Youth sex-change-surgery ban clears another hurdle
Saying youth should be given time to address mental-health issues before making decisions that can negatively impact their health for decades, members of a House committee have advanced legislation to make it illegal for medical officials to perform transgender surgeries on children.Ray Carter | April 12, 2023
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Economy, Culture & the Family
Oklahoma lawmaker says public-obscenity ban could harm business recruitment
Members of a state House committee have voted to restrict obscene performances in front of children in public. But one opponent said major corporations will not come to Oklahoma if that type of activity is banned.Ray Carter | April 12, 2023
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Budget & Tax
Tax reform discussion advances in Oklahoma Senate
Saying passage of the bill sets the stage for discussion of broad tax reform, members of an Oklahoma Senate committee have approved legislation that would put the state on the path to eventually reduce the personal income tax to 2.75 percent.Ray Carter | April 11, 2023
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Culture & the Family
Bill aiming to curb sex-trafficking draws pushback
An effort to increase the penalties on individuals who pay prostitutes for sex, informally referred to as “johns,” has run into unexpected resistance.Ray Carter | April 10, 2023