Author: Steve Lewis

Early budget picture signals Oklahoma returning to scarce funding (Capitol Update) 

But with at least a $191 million hole in the budget to start, it looks like Oklahoma will revert to form with scarce funding. The money stashed away in various accounts during the past few years may be a cushion, probably avoiding cuts to important state services. But Gov. Stitt will likely renew his mantra of calling for tax cuts, despite his executive agencies’ requests for additional funding. [More...]

Would legislative involvement improve state budget projections? (Capitol Update)

Attorney General Gentner Drummond is raising a troubling issue regarding the certification of funds available for appropriation by the legislature. Drummond refused to attend the Dec. 20 State Board of Equalization meeting saying he did not have confidence in the… Read more [More...]

Upgrading teacher salaries can reverse state’s growing teacher shortage crisis (Capitol Update)

Instead of slashing income taxes and stashing cash away in various holding accounts, the efforts of these legislators could be greatly enhanced if the Legislature would demonstrate to teachers the state values their calling by vastly upgrading teacher salaries. [More...]

Speaker announces House leadership, committee chairs; adds new oversight committees (Capitol Update)

Incoming Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, finalized his leadership and committee chair appointments last week in preparation for the upcoming legislative session that begins Feb. 3. [More...]

Addressing the complex needs for mental health services for people held in state’s custody (Capitol Update)

In an opinion piece in the Tulsa World last weekend, Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler appears to find himself again at odds with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) over its interactions with the… Read more [More...]

State Senate names committee chairs (Capitol Update)

Another step toward the beginning of the 60th Legislature occurred last week when Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, named committee chairs and rounded out the remaining members of the Senate leadership team that had not been announced. Committee… Read more [More...]

A look at the proposed settlement for federal mental health competency lawsuit (Capitol Update)

The settlement appears to reflect the best in government and in private citizenship. The attorneys took on an unpopular cause, the AG cut through politics and resolved to settle the case, the governor and commissioner came to the table and made reasonable concessions while protecting the state's interests as they saw them, and a former federal magistrate lent his skills for the public good. [More...]

Three things needed to reform education in Oklahoma (Capitol Update)

A group of education leaders and others from across the state are organizing an effort to improve Oklahoma’s schools under the name Advance Oklahoma’s Kids. They are gathering input through a short online survey, community forums, and listening sessions to… Read more [More...]

Naming committee chairs is important decision before the upcoming session (Capitol Update)

The 60th Oklahoma Legislature is marching toward its constitutional organizational date on Jan. 7, 2025. The organizational day is a formality to officially elect the leadership, make appointments, adopt legislative rules and do the paperwork to begin the first session… Read more [More...]

A look at the incoming class of state legislators (Capitol Update)

This year’s elections have produced an interesting mix of new legislators. The incoming Senate class is unusually large, while the new House members form a somewhat average-sized class. There is always a degree of excitement in meeting the new members… Read more [More...]