Articles
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Health Care, Law & Principles
The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ resolves questions favorably over work requirements
The newly enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill” overrides any possible Oklahoma restrictions by making work, training, or volunteer service a federal requirement for able-bodied adults on Medicaid.Ryan Haynie | July 9, 2025
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Health Care, Law & Principles
New federal law requires Medicaid recipients to seek work
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed by President Donald Trump, imposes a work requirement for able-bodied, childless adults ages 19 to 64 on Medicaid. Members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation praised the reform.Ray Carter | July 8, 2025
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Budget & Tax, Law & Principles
Oklahoma Supreme Court rejects tribal income tax exemption in wake of McGirt
So long as the State of Oklahoma imposes a tax on income, all Oklahomans must pay it, according to a new ruling from the Oklahoma Supreme Court.Ray Carter | July 7, 2025
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Law & Principles
Supreme Court unanimously rejects DEI double standards
In a landmark unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that anti-discrimination laws protect all individuals equally—regardless of whether they belong to a majority or minority group.Jonathan Small | July 3, 2025
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Law & Principles
Tulsa mayor vows to stop prosecuting crimes committed by Indians
Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols has signed an agreement with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation that prohibits city police and courts from prosecuting any alleged criminal who is a member of one of over 500 federally recognized tribes.Ray Carter | June 25, 2025
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Law & Principles
Justice Thomas echoes OCPA brief in Supreme Court opinion
In a case involving minors who identify as transgender, Justice Clarence Thomas this week brilliantly rejected the notion that unelected experts should dictate constitutional interpretation or override legislative judgment.Ryan Haynie | June 20, 2025
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Law & Principles
U.S. Supreme Court upholds ban on child sex-change surgeries
In a decision with repercussions for Oklahoma, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a Tennessee law prohibiting medical officials from performing sex-change surgeries on minors who identify as transgender.Ray Carter | June 18, 2025
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Law & Principles
Does Oklahoma need a cosmetology board?
Oklahoma should scrap its burdensome licensing requirements for cosmetologists, a barrier that limits opportunity without guaranteeing better outcomes. Market alternatives like customer reviews, voluntary certification, and inspections can protect public safety.Ryan Haynie | June 17, 2025
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Law & Principles
Keep an Oklahoma win in Congress’s One Big, Beautiful Bill: Closing the tobacco double-drawback loophole
A little-known trade loophole called “double drawback” allows foreign tobacco companies to avoid U.S. excise taxes, giving them an unfair cost advantage over domestic firms like Oklahoma-based Xcaliber LLC. Repealing this loophole would level the playing field, protect Oklahoma jobs, and restore fairness to federal tax and trade policy.Jonathan Small | June 17, 2025
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Health Care, Law & Principles
Taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize idleness
A new report finds that many able-bodied, childless adults on Medicaid spend much of their time playing video games and watching TV. Oklahoma taxpayers deserve better.Jonathan Small | June 16, 2025