Poverty rate persists as Oklahoma lawmakers debate the fix
Oklahoma faces a worsening cycle of poverty amid population growth, stagnant wages, and political divides over how best to solve the deepening crisis.
Okla inks $74 million deal to privatize prison food service
Oklahoma DOC will spend $74M outsourcing prison food to Trinity Services Group, despite past complaints in other states. 2 hot meals, cold lunches are planned.
Trump-backed tax, spending bill adds $2.4T to deficit: CBO
The CBO says the GOP-backed tax and spending bill would add $2.4T to the deficit and cause 10.9M to lose health coverage by 2034 if enacted as written.
Lawmakers fire Okla mental health commissioner against governor’s wishes
Oklahoma lawmakers voted to remove Mental Health Commissioner Allie Friesen, citing lost confidence amid financial turmoil. Gov. Stitt called it political.
Oklahoma enacts fines, fees reform — tougher sentencing laws
New Oklahoma laws cut some court fees, boost rural mental health funding, and toughen sentences for DUI, shootings, and other serious crimes.
Oklahoma parents look to opt out of new religious social studies content
Frustrated with “ideologically charged” content, Oklahoma parents are using opt-out rights to reject new standards on the Bible and 2020 election in schools.
U.S. Supreme Court deadlocks on tax-funded religious schools
A 4-4 U.S. Supreme Court tie leaves in place Oklahoma’s rejection of a Catholic charter school, halting the nation’s first attempt at a religious public school.
Petition restriction bill passes, heads to Oklahoma governor
A bill strictly limiting voters in Oklahoma’s two largest cities from petitioning the ballot is headed to Gov. Stitt, raising concerns about voter suppression.
Okla education chief: Don’t boost funding, cut taxes instead
Oklahoma State Supt. Ryan Walters held a news conference at the Capitol insisting that the Legislature not increase funding for schools but to cut taxes.
Stitt vetoes bill that would have slowed eviction process
A bill to slow Oklahoma evictions and give tenants five more days passed both Houses of the Okla Legislature—then Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed it.
Lawsuit filed to invalidate new social studies standards
Okla parents, grandparents and teachers, backed by a former GOP attorney general, are asking a judge to strike down the state’s new social studies standards.
Mental health providers say Okla owes $150M in payments
Oklahoma mental health providers aren’t being reimbursed for some services by the state and can’t keep covering the cost, an industry advocate says.
Mental health agency warns of payroll issues in cash crunch
Oklahoma’s mental health agency faces a budget crisis, missed payroll risk, and investigations into poor budgeting and spending practices.
Heads up, Oklahoma voters! Some asked to confirm address
Over the next several weeks, some registered voters in Oklahoma will receive an Address Confirmation Notice from the State Election Board. Watch your mail!
U.S. Supreme Court hears Okla Catholic charter sch case
A seemingly divided U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Wednesday over the nation’s first religious & Catholic charter school that aims to open in Oklahoma.
