Category: Media Coverage

State Question 779 is unsatisfactory solution to Oklahoma’s education budget crisis (OU Daily)

By Paula Schonauer  I can’t believe I am contemplating voting “no” on something that would give teachers a pay raise. At times I am fully against State Question 779, but at other times I waffle, left wondering about how its… Read more [More...]

Despite price swoon, energy still key to Oklahoma economy, chamber report says (The Oklahoman)

By Paul Monies  Lower prices and technology advancements have led to big changes in Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry, but raising severance taxes could dampen future development, a research report by the State Chamber of Oklahoma said Wednesday. Last year,… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma Policy Institute releases highest, lowest state aid numbers (Enid News)

By Sally Asher  Oklahoma Policy Institute released a report detailing how much state aid per student each district in Oklahoma receives, and one district in Northwest Oklahoma is at the bottom of the list. Billings Public Schools, in Noble County,… Read more [More...]

Ahead of Oct. 14 registration deadline, remember these reasons to vote (NONDOC)

By Josh McBee Take a tip from “King” George Strait and remember to check yes or no on each of seven state questions on Oklahoma’s ballot this year. Because while voter apathy at the national level is understandable, albeit problematic,… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma Struggles With Its Tough-on-Crime Past (Take Part)

By Mark Obbie  In his first eight sessions as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Kris Steele paid scant attention to crime and punishment. But, in 2008, Steele’s work on the state budget put Oklahoma’s prison system in… Read more [More...]

New Census data shows Oklahoma has slightly improved its poverty rate (KFOR)

By Dallas Franklin  OKLAHOMA CITY – The poverty rate for Oklahoma has dropped slightly, new Census data shows. According to the Oklahoma Policy Institute, new Census data shows Oklahoma made some progress in reducing the percentage of families living in… Read more [More...]

Policy Talk At The Shop Set At Barber Shop In City (The Lawton Constitution)

By – Staff Lawton residents are teaming up with Together Oklahoma to host Policy Talk at the Shop from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 24 at Ice Tre’s Barber Shop, 2104 W. Gore. Together Oklahoma (TOK) describes itself as a nonpartisan coalition… Read more [More...]

Sunny opportunity for Oklahoma schools? (Journal Record)

By Jim Roth According to the Oklahoma Policy Institute and other reputable observers, “Oklahoma had the dubious honor of having made the deepest cuts to school funding in the nation since the start of the recession in 2008. Now an… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma lawmakers passed numerous bills raising fines, fees (The Oklahoman)

By Rick Green The Oklahoma Legislature passed a number of measures this year that may raise fines or fees. A one-time, $5 fee to pay for new license plates will generate an estimated $18.5 million, plus an additional $4 million… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma faith leaders, other advocacy groups call for payday lending reform (The Oklahoman)

By Carla Hinton Elise Robillard, of Norman, remembers when she was a struggling, cash-strapped teacher and payday loans seemed to be a stopgap solution to gain much-needed funds. “As a single mom, I was in a position where I was… Read more [More...]