Author: Steve Lewis

Lawmakers file bills to help tackle Oklahoma’s teacher shortage (Capitol Update)

A couple of bills prefiled for the next legislative session by the Chair and Vice Chair of the Senate Education Committee are thoughtful efforts to meet the challenge of Oklahoma’s critical teacher shortage. The lack of certified teachers is most… Read more [More...]

Will rising health costs force legislative action? (Capitol Update)

With the legislative session set to begin in February, I’m wondering how or how much the upcoming health insurance crisis will affect the next legislative session. According to the American Hospital Association, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed… Read more [More...]

Conflict over executive power halts Stitt’s executive order (Capitol Update)

There are interesting goings on at the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority (OHCA) regarding Governor Kevin Stitt’s July 31, 2025, executive order requiring that OHCA “shall require, as a condition of participation in the SoonerCare program, that all providers submit a signed… Read more [More...]

Clara Luper Plaza dedication honors Oklahoma’s role in civil rights history (Capitol Update)

Opinion: Clara Luper resisted Oklahoma City segregation. What change will you make? [Former Sen. Angela Monson / The Oklahoman] Occasionally, something happens that makes you especially proud of your state. One of those moments occurred Saturday, November 1, when the… Read more [More...]

Charter school facilities take center stage in interim study (Capitol Update)

Recently, the House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee — chaired by Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid — conducted an interim study looking at potential funding and the authorization process for charter school facilities in Oklahoma. The committee was told demand for charter… Read more [More...]

Justice demands proportionality in child abuse laws (Capitol Update)

Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee — chaired by Sen. Brent Howard, R-Altus — held a three-hour interim study exploring Oklahoma’s “Failure to Protect” statutes. The study was led by Sen. Todd Gollihare, R-Bristow. The Oklahoma statute, 22 O.S. 843.5,… Read more [More...]

Interim studies examine Oklahoma services to families, children, youth (Capitol Update)

The House Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Human Services, led by Chairman Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Vice Chair Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, held a series of interim studies last week ranging widely on Oklahoma’s services to families, children, and youth.… Read more [More...]

Interim study looks at potential improvements to Oklahoma’s criminal justice system (Capitol Update)

The Senate Public Safety Committee chaired by Sen. Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, conducted an interim study on October 1 requested by Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, to consider several flaws in the criminal justice system – some that could perhaps be easily… Read more [More...]

The challenge of reforming Oklahoma’s property tax (Capitol Update)

Representative Scott Fetgatter, R-Okmulgee, has assumed chairmanship of the House Subcommittee on Finance after the resignation of former Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Fetgatter wants to look at lowering the property tax burden and finding ways to replace the revenue.… Read more [More...]

Tracing the rise and resignation of Ryan Walters (Capitol Update)

The most remarkable — if not the most important — happening in state government last week was the announcement by State Superintendent Ryan Walters that he is resigning with sixteen months left in his term of office. His departure may… Read more [More...]