Authors
Ray Carter
Director, Center for Independent Journalism
Ray Carter is the director of OCPA’s Center for Independent Journalism. He has two decades of experience in journalism and communications. He previously served as senior Capitol reporter for The Journal Record, media director for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and chief editorial writer at The Oklahoman. As a reporter for The Journal Record, Carter received 12 Carl Rogan Awards in four years—including awards for investigative reporting, general news reporting, feature writing, spot news reporting, business reporting, and sports reporting. While at The Oklahoman, he was the recipient of several awards, including first place in the editorial writing category of the Associated Press/Oklahoma News Executives Carl Rogan Memorial News Excellence Competition for an editorial on the history of racism in the Oklahoma legislature.
Recent Articles
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Budget & Tax
State taxes a concern for Oklahoma businesses
A new survey of 401 Oklahoma business owners and executives finds that 45 percent believe their businesses pay too much in taxes, with small businesses expressing the greatest concern.Ray Carter | November 12, 2026
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Local Government
Changing work patterns raise questions about OKC tax hike, commuter-rail plan
Before asking voters to approve a sales-tax increase to build and operate a commuter-rail system, Oklahoma City metro-area officials should demonstrate that the projected ridership reflects today’s employment patterns—not yesterday's commuting habits.Ray Carter | November 11, 2026
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Education
Oklahoma reading scores show why major literacy reform was needed
Oklahoma's reading performance has deteriorated even as public-school revenue per student has increased substantially.Ray Carter | November 10, 2026
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Education
New Hampshire shows impact of deciding school issues in November
A recent New Hampshire election offers Oklahoma a possible model for increasing public participation in local education decisions.Ray Carter | November 9, 2026
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Law & Principles
Massachusetts rejects top-two primary proposal as Oklahoma fight continues
Oklahoma activists are seeking to replace party primaries with a “top two” election system. Massachusetts voters rejected a similar proposal this week by a margin of 61 percent to 39 percent.Ray Carter | November 5, 2026
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Budget & Tax, Economy
As other states shift left, Mazzei pitches Oklahoma as a destination for growth
Oklahoma Governor-elect Mike Mazzei says the state can capitalize on this year’s Democratic gains in other states by positioning itself as a more attractive destination for families and businesses seeking lower taxes, economic opportunity, and limited government.Ray Carter | November 4, 2026
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Law & Principles
Republicans hold Oklahoma’s statewide offices as Democrats make House gains
Republicans swept Oklahoma’s statewide elections and retained veto-proof supermajorities in both chambers of the Legislature.Ray Carter | November 4, 2026
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Local Government
Minnesota’s failed rail project raises questions about Oklahoma City’s economic promises
Oklahoma City-area officials promoting a proposed $1.8 billion commuter rail system say the project will spur commercial development and strengthen the regional economy, but Minnesota’s experience offers a cautionary example.Ray Carter | November 3, 2026
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Higher Education
For the third straight year, most OU freshmen are from outside Oklahoma
For the third consecutive year, students from outside Oklahoma make up a majority of the University of Oklahoma’s incoming freshman class.Ray Carter | November 2, 2026
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Local Government
Minnesota’s failed commuter rail offers cautionary tale for Oklahoma
As Oklahoma City-area officials consider a tax hike and a 39-mile commuter rail line, Minnesota’s recent shutdown of its 40-mile Northstar commuter rail service offers a cautionary example.Ray Carter | October 29, 2026
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