Backers of Oklahoma state question attempt to clear up voter confusion (The Oklahoman)

by Michael McNutt, The Oklahoman Passage of State Question 765 next week would not abolish the state’s largest agency, supporters of the measure said Friday. SQ 765 would repeal three sections of the state constitution and add another, essentially eliminating… Read more [More...]

Remember to vote (Woodward News)

Dwight Hughes, Superintendent at High Plains Technology Center On November 6, 2012, Oklahoma voters will not only vote for a presidential candidate, but we will also decide six state questions to possibly amend the State Constitution.  Amending the State Constitution… Read more [More...]

New report details Oklahoma’s unnecessary and unaffordable oil and gas tax breaks

(Tulsa, OK): Tax breaks for the oil and gas industry are growing out of control and squeezing out resources for schools, roads, public safety, and other keys to long-term economic growth, according to a new report issued today by the… Read more [More...]

At what price? Some fear that Oklahoma schools are not just broke, but broken (Oklahoma Gazette)

Original at http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-16547-at-what-price.html by Peter Wright, Oklahoma Gazette Only two states cut per-pupil spending more than Oklahoma in the last five years, according to a recent think-tank report. While it appears nearly impossible to determine what funding is adequate for… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma school funding cuts among worst in U.S.

Contact: David Blatt, (918) 794-3944, dblatt@okpolicy.org Since 2008, Oklahoma’s public school spending per student has dropped by more than 20 percent, according to new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). Oklahoma’s education cuts were the third… Read more [More...]

More openness sought in Oklahoma’s budget process (The Oklahoman)

Original at http://newsok.com/more-openness-sought-in-oklahomas-budget-process/article/3702160 By Michael McNutt, The Oklahoman The way legislators craft the state’s budget, which has evolved into secret meetings involving only a handful of key fiscal negotiators, should be more open so citizens and other lawmakers have a… Read more [More...]

Oklahomans talk positives of Supreme Court ruling on health care reform (KJRH)

Original at http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/news/local_news/Oklahomans-talk-potential-positives-of-Supreme-Court-ruling-on-health-care-reform A momentous Supreme Court decision made Thursday will affect Americans nationwide and — despite the state’s protests — Oklahomans.  Health care reform means many Oklahomans who were once denied insurance will be guaranteed coverage.  According to the… Read more [More...]

The 2011-2012 Legislative Session, A Postgame with David Blatt (Studio Tulsa, NPR)

You can listen to the original interview with Rich Fisher is at http://kwgs.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/end-oklahoma-legislatures-2011-2012-session-we-offer-postgame-david-blatt The second regular session of the 53rd Oklahoma Legislature (2011-2012) was recently adjourned.  With the session now over, many citizens are wondering why the legislature DIDN’T adopt… Read more [More...]

The little think tank that could (Tulsa World)

Original at http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/article.aspx?subjectid=211&articleid=20120603_11_G1_CUTLIN168551. By Janet Pearson, Tulsa World Is everyone else as surprised as the members of the chattering classes that the Oklahoma Legislature didn’t adopt a tax-cut plan this year?  While GOP leaders did manage to score some important… Read more [More...]

This Land Live interviews David Blatt (This Land)

This Land Press News Editor Holly Wall interviewed David Blatt, co-founder and director of the Oklahoma Policy Institute. David spoke about the history of OKPolicy, its notable accomplishments, and some of the work it’s doing now— especially as it relates… Read more [More...]