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It looks like a lot of work will need to be done if the relationship between the Legislature and Gov. Stitt is to be repaired. What began as a lovefest in 2019 deteriorated to a slugfest by the closing days…
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The complicated picture of Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma is beginning to clear as a result of actions taken by the Legislature last week. The Affordable Care Act was signed into law in March 2010. As passed, it guaranteed health care…
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Given the substantial information gap under which legislators were operating, they did a good job of writing and passing the state budget last week. The budget reflects tremendous work by the appropriations committee members — especially the respective chairmen, Sen.…
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By:
Steve Lewis
April 27, 2020 // Updated: April 27, 2020
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It seems a new conflict develops weekly now between the Governor and legislative leaders. This week the conflict again relates to the budget. Previously, the Governor had refused to sign a stopgap appropriations bill using money from the Rainy Day…
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By:
Steve Lewis
April 20, 2020 // Updated: April 20, 2020
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Other than budget measures, how much legislative action will occur between now and the end of May is still uncertain.
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By:
Steve Lewis
April 13, 2020 // Updated: April 13, 2020
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Thus, began one of those standoffs the public finds distasteful. Without knowing exactly what's going on behind the scenes, we usually just blame both sides and consider it politics as usual. Yes, this is politics, but it's also the way our democracy works.
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By:
Steve Lewis
April 6, 2020 // Updated: April 6, 2020
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The Legislature's action during Monday’s special session will be aimed at approving the expanded health emergency declared by Gov. Stitt and dealing with the budget issues created by the economic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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By:
Steve Lewis
March 30, 2020 // Updated: March 30, 2020
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There is little to nothing to report this week on legislative activity. Appropriations and budget leaders are still putting together a FY 2021 budget for consideration when the legislature is able to vote on it.
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By:
Steve Lewis
March 23, 2020 // Updated: March 23, 2020
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It's an understatement to say the future of this legislative session is uncertain. Last Tuesday when legislators left the Capitol, we knew the session would be interrupted for the week, which was already planned for spring break.
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By:
Steve Lewis
March 16, 2020 // Updated: March 16, 2020
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Public safety and personal health must take priority, but hopefully the legislature will find a way to finish its work without leaving too much undone.
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