Articles
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Education
Program makes Oklahoma national education leader
Due to technical glitches, the effective launch of Oklahoma’s new school-choice program was shifted from Dec. 1 to Dec. 6. But when Oklahoma parents submit their applications on Wednesday, they will find themselves on ground the state has rarely trod.Ray Carter | December 5, 2023
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Law & Principles
Questionable ethics at the Ethics Commission
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has commendably intervened to address apparent violations of the Open Meeting Act by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, insisting on the rescheduling of a meeting due to unauthorized discussions and a lack of public votes on crucial matters.Jonathan Small | December 4, 2023
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Education
School-choice rollout delayed
The launch of Oklahoma's new school-choice program, making refundable tax credits of $5,000 to $7,500 per child available for private school expenses, has been delayed due to technical challenges. The Oklahoma Tax Commission shifted the application start date from December 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, to address complications and ensure a seamless rollout.Ray Carter | December 1, 2023
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Education
Walters announces effort to improve low-performing schools
State Superintendent Ryan Walters proposes additional resources for schools with a majority of students below grade level in reading and math, while also allowing schools with no improvement in student achievement to lose state accreditation.Ray Carter | November 30, 2023
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Education
With tax credit, parents excited by school-choice prospects
This year, lawmakers approved the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act, making refundable tax credits available to all Oklahoma parents to help pay for private-school tuition.Ray Carter | November 30, 2023
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Energy
Disney filing bolsters case for Oklahoma ESG law
“Disney is a great example of how putting ESG policies over investor earnings is bad for business,” says Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ.Ray Carter | November 29, 2023
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Judicial Reform
In Oklahoma, Democrat campaign donors pick Supreme Court justices
Oklahoma’s system of judicial selection is dramatically different from the system installed by the nation’s founding fathers. This has resulted in “a red state with a blue judiciary.”Ray Carter | November 28, 2023
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Education
Oklahoma private-school critics ignore reality
School-choice opponents have tried, and failed, to convince parents to oppose policies that grant greater educational opportunity to their children. So now school-choice opponents have a new tactic: They’re urging Oklahomans to ignore reality.Jonathan Small | November 27, 2023
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Law & Principles, Culture & the Family, Judicial Reform
To understand the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s latest abortion ruling, read the dissents
To understand the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s abortion jurisprudence, your best bet is to read the dissenting opinions. The majority opinion lacks substance and analysis, and the dissenting justices' arguments challenge the majority's interpretation of the law and highlight concerns about the court's competence. Ultimately, it is time for a change in the judicial nomination process to better align with the state's values.Ryan Haynie | November 21, 2023
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Law & Principles, Good Government
A few dozen good ideas for Oklahoma lawmakers
Here are some policy ideas worth considering, along with background information, model legislation, and the relevant OCPA contact person.Brandon Dutcher | November 16, 2023