Category: Capitol Updates

Medical marijuana rule changes clearly the result of lobbying effort (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. In my opinion, the State Board of Health stubbed its toe last week with last minute changes… Read more [More...]

With revenue growing again, can Oklahoma make up for a lost decade? (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. According to State Treasurer Ken Miller, gross receipts to the state treasury during FY-18 were at an… Read more [More...]

More people voted, and it mattered (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. This election year in Oklahoma, and probably nationally, is shaping up to be one of the strangest… Read more [More...]

A connection between the nation’s highest incarceration and refusal to expand Medicaid? (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. The latest state-by-state comparison for incarceration rates drew headlines in Oklahoma because we are now number one… Read more [More...]

As election day approaches, support for SQ 788 may be narrowing (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. The June 26 primary elections are coming on quickly now. A lot of candidates, both new political… Read more [More...]

Oklahoma’s battle to reduce incarceration and increase justice will continue (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. At the end of last session, one had to wonder if, having passed several criminal justice reform… Read more [More...]

The most difficult job in state government (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. Jami Ledoux is not a household name for most Oklahomans. But rest assured, it is for anyone… Read more [More...]

How well the Legislature can function for the people depends on new and returning leaders (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. Senator Greg Treat, R-OKC, the upcoming Senate President Pro Tempore, announced last week the appointment of Sen.… Read more [More...]

Would problems at Health Department have come to light sooner if Oklahoma whistleblower law was stronger? (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. The multi-county grand jury issued a scathing report this week on the Oklahoma State Health Department (OSHD)… Read more [More...]

A wild ride for first-term legislators (Capitol Update)

Steve Lewis served as Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1989-1991. He currently practices law in Tulsa and represents clients at the Capitol. As a postscript to this year’s legislative session, I’ve been thinking about what it would be like… Read more [More...]