Articles
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Good Government
State treasurer attacked for awarding contract to lowest bidder
Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ faced criticism from an online publication for voting to award an investment-advisory contract to the lowest bidder. Russ says the report “is not journalism—it’s an attempt to create suspicion where none exists.”Ray Carter | April 27, 2026
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Education, Good Government
Bill forcing OSSAA meetings into public view clears Senate panel
A Senate committee advanced House Bill 2153, which would force the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association to hold open, public meetings whenever it rules on student eligibility, rule violations, or hardship waivers.Ray Carter | April 21, 2026
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Good Government
Devon, Expand, and the high cost of a century of bad policy
The loss of headquarters like Devon and Expand is the compounding result of Oklahoma’s long history of bad policy—and Texas’ far earlier embrace of good policy. Texas has had no income tax, lighter regulation, lawsuit reform, and better agency accountability for decades.Jonathan Small | March 31, 2026
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Culture & the Family, Good Government
Mullin’s move to Homeland Security highlights years of public and private service
Markwayne Mullin’s confirmation as U.S. Department of Homeland Security secretary marks a moment to acknowledge the breadth of his service to Oklahoma—from growing a family business into a major employer, to representing the state in the U.S. House of Representatives and later the U.S. Senate.Jonathan Small | March 30, 2026
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Health Care, Good Government
Oklahoma lawmakers advance measures allowing voters to revisit Medicaid expansion
Oklahoma lawmakers have advanced two measures that would give voters a chance to revisit the Obamacare Medicaid expansion as surging program costs threaten to squeeze out funding for other services. Opponents argue lawmakers should instead raise taxes.Ray Carter | March 26, 2026
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Good Government
Stitt’s consequential legacy takes shape
Gov. Kevin Stitt’s first seven years show a sweeping shift in Oklahoma’s direction. His tenure has moved Oklahoma decisively toward a conservative, pro-growth future.Jonathan Small | February 16, 2026
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Education, Good Government
Bill to stop abusers from hopping districts clears committee
An Oklahoma House committee has unanimously advanced legislation to help prevent school employees accused of abusing children from quietly resigning and taking jobs in new districts.Ray Carter | February 10, 2026
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Budget & Tax, Good Government
Welfare fraud is baked in. Here’s what Gov. Stitt’s review should tackle
National scandals have exposed how welfare programs are built on incentives that reward signing up more recipients and pushing out more money, while offering almost no accountability for fraud. Gov. Kevin Stitt has ordered a review of Oklahoma’s welfare system. Here are some ideas.Trent England | January 29, 2026
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Good Government
Stitt orders fraud review of welfare programs
Gov. Kevin Stitt has ordered a sweeping review of Oklahoma’s welfare programs. His executive order requires agencies to audit fraud safeguards, eligibility rules, and error rates across SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, WIC, and related programs.Ray Carter | January 27, 2026
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Budget & Tax, Good Government
Minnesota’s fraud crisis should prompt Oklahoma lawmakers to act
Massive welfare fraud scandals in Minnesota have drawn national outrage—and Oklahoma shouldn’t kid itself that similar problems aren’t happening here.Jonathan Small | January 21, 2026