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In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.
Oklahoma News
What to know about Gov. Stitt’s budget plans: Tax cuts, funding cuts for state agencies: Though he said the state is on strong financial footing with a solid revenue base and billions of dollars in reserve accounts, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new budget plan would cut millions from many state agencies and spend close to $250 million for new tax cuts. [The Oklahoman]
- What is DOGE-OK? How Stitt’s new department copying Trump, Elon Musk will work [The Oklahoman]
- Tulsa County commissioner plans for local ‘government efficiency’ office [Public Radio Tulsa]
- Oklahoma Democrats question governor’s 2025 priorities [The Journal Record]
- State of the Stitt: Gov. Kevin Stitt’s State of the State address recap [The Black Wall Street Times]
- Blacks Overlooked in Gov. Kevin Stitt’s State of the State Address [The Black Wall Street Times]
- From OK Policy: Who really wins from tax cuts? (Hint: It’s probably not you)
State Government News
Facing tighter budget, Oklahoma lawmakers cast doubt on Walters’ budget requests: As state officials anticipate a smaller budget in the next fiscal year, lawmakers on Tuesday appeared doubtful of requests to spend millions on Bibles for public schools and salary increases at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Walters hints at ‘potential staff cuts’ at Education Department. [Oklahoma Voice]
- Senators quiz Ryan Walters about $3 million request for Bibles in classrooms [Tulsa World]
- OSDE makes more than a dozen budget requests to lawmakers, including $3 million for Bibles [KFOR]
Oklahoma parents express concern over Senate bill affecting care for special needs students: A proposed bill from the Oklahoma State Senate would prohibit the Oklahoma Health Care Authority from covering medically necessary services, instead only covering “educationally necessary services” for students with special needs. [News 9]
- Proposed Oklahoma Senate Bill would make changes to special education in public schools [KXII]
Oklahoma bill banning Pride flags on state property advances after committee approval: HB1219 passed out of the House General Government Committee on Tuesday. The bill prohibits state agencies from using state funding to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. [Fox 25]
Oklahoma House advances controversial bill giving some storm chasers emergency vehicle status: Some weather enthusiasts are hoping a plan to create a new class of storm chaser will breeze through the Legislature, but the effort has ignited concerns about government overregulation in what has become a booming industry. [Oklahoma Voice]
Oklahoma lawmakers consider requiring state permit for new renewable energy facilities: The Oklahoma legislature is considering a measure that would require more state oversight for renewable energy facilities. The bill passed its first legislative hurdle Tuesday, gaining unanimous approval from the House Utilities Committee. [KOSU]
Oklahoma residents can now choose checks for tax refunds: The Oklahoma State Treasurer’s Office has introduced a new option for state tax refunds, allowing residents to receive their refunds via paper check. [The Journal Record]
Long Story Short: Stitt Aligns with Trump Administration, Proposes Tax Cuts and Government Efficiency Plan (audio): Heather Warlick on bills filed that could affect Oklahomans experiencing homelessness. Jennifer Palmer on the latest release of the Nation’s Report Card. Paul Monies talks about Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s State of the State address to kick off the legislative session. [Oklahoma Watch]
Opinion: Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy works to empower Oklahomans of all ages: Many Oklahomans are worried about certain bills which are receiving attention, but if we mobilize and share input, many negative ideas will not proceed. It does take that first step with engaging though. In the next few weeks, OICA will post several of the panel conversations online, both on our website at oica.org and on our YouTube channel, for people to watch again or to see for the first time. [Joe Dorman / Pauls Valley Democrat]
Federal Government News
Sen. Lankford asked a question that some think could cost Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation: Perhaps unwittingly, U.S. Sen. James Lankford asked a question that some think could cost former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard confirmation as director of national intelligence – if she considers former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden a traitor. [Tulsa World]
Trump executive orders might freeze funding for OKC electric vehicle study: What to know: Last Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council approved a request from the city’s Office of Sustainability to advertise for help with the Electric Vehicle Fleet and Facilities Study and Strategic Plan. The next day, just as the request for proposal was released, city staff realized they might have to step back after Trump’s executive order froze funding for various programs dispersing and receiving federal grants. [The Oklahoman]
Opinion: Here’s what Oklahoma immigrants should know these laws about schools, ICE: In recent weeks, newly introduced executive action has sparked anxiety and confusion among Oklahoma’s immigrant communities. For those seeking clarity or guidance on the issue, here is what you need to know to ensure that your children can thrive in school without fear. [Devraat Awasthi / The Oklahoman]
Voting and Election News
Election Roundup:
- Election for OKC’s Ward 3 council rep is Feb. 11. How do the candidates differ? [The Oklahoman]
- Edmond debate fact check: Development, debt highlight candidate claims [NonDoc]
- Cheat sheet: 2 challengers face Zone 5 incumbent on Broken Arrow Public Schools board [NonDoc]
Opinion: Opening Oklahoma’s primary elections will increase turnout, create better representation: American voters on both sides of the aisle are tired of extremist politicians dominating our government and politics. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or independent, this is a problem. The truth is, our primary system is built in a way that promotes extremist candidates. [Preston Salameh / Oklahoma Voice]
Education News
IEP audit, immigration, cellphones in class: Here are 5 Oklahoma education bills to watch: Each year, some of the proposals that capture the most attention and have the biggest impacts are those focused on Oklahoma’s schools. This year is no exception, with a new slate of bills that could significantly impact Oklahoma schools if passed. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma State President Kayse Shrum expected to resign; University remains silent on why: Kayse Shrum, who guided Oklahoma State University in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic but also dealt with conference realignment and multiple public-relations headaches surrounding OSU’s high-profile football program, is expected to resign on Wednesday, multiple sources have confirmed to The Oklahoman. [The Oklahoman]
Health News
Drive-through flu testing site open; cases up 84% in past two weeks, Saint Francis says: At the height of a typical flu season in Oklahoma, 180 to 190 hospitalized patients test positive for influenza. Last week, that number was 512. [Tulsa World]
Criminal Justice News
Oklahoma Parole Board approves potential parole for woman serving over 30 years for murder: During a hearing on Tuesday, the parole board unanimously approved to commute Cathy Sue Lamb’s sentence from life without parole to life with the possibility of parole. The commutation still has to be approved by Governor Kevin Stitt. [News Channel 8]
Housing & Economic Opportunity News
‘We don’t have anywhere else to go:’ OU Motel closure adds to metro’s affordable housing shortage: In Cleveland County, where over a third of households are occupied by renters, the hourly wage needed to afford a two-bedroom at fair market rent is $20.98, which is among some of the highest in the state. [KGOU]
Community News
“Project Greenwood” reparations package gains Mayor’s support: Justice for Greenwood unveiled a wide-ranging reparations package Tuesday, dubbed “Project Greenwood,” that it wants the City of Tulsa to enact while the two last living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre remain alive. [The Black Wall Street Times]
- New initiative launched in Greenwood as mayor cites ‘open wounds’ from Tulsa Race Massacre [Tulsa World]
Amid anti-LGBT+ rhetoric and legislation, queer Tulsans prepare with legal literacy: Organizers from several nonprofit groups and the city of Tulsa’s Human Rights Commission invited queer Tulsans to learn more about their legal rights Thursday night. One issue brought up was custodial rights for queer parents. [Public Radio Tulsa]
Opinion: Rep. Ronald Stewart on Tulsa’s Future: Let entrepreneurship, strong families pave the way: As a native Black Tulsan, I am committed to shaping a future that provides economic opportunity, stability and generational wealth for my community. Through targeted legislation and advocacy, I am working to address key areas that will uplift families and businesses while strengthening the foundation of our city. [Tulsa World]
This immigrant has found success in OKC, but his road ahead is uncertain: Ban Nguyen represents an immigrant success story, and no doubt is an example and inspiration to many in Oklahoma City now worried about their own future under new government policies that threaten the United States’ role as a sanctuary for refugees seeking new opportunity. [The Oklahoman]
Quote of the Day
“People need access to living wages. They need access to health care. They need access to child care that is affordable and of high quality. That’s how you build an economy. He was able to name off corporations and not actually spend time talking about everyday Oklahomans and what it is that they’re facing.”
– House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, Oklahoma City, criticizing to the governor’s State of the State address for prioritizing presidential appeasement over addressing everyday Oklahomans’ concerns, such as rising costs of groceries, gas, and rent. [The Journal Record]
Number of the Day
39%
A 2023 study found that businesses with executive teams in the top 25% for diversity (both ethnic diversity and representation of women) are 39% more likely to outperform companies with diversity in the bottom 25%. [McKinsey]
Policy Note
Eliminating DEI Hurts Everyone, Rural People Included: The idea of a society that doesn’t have to consider class, race, gender, sexuality, or disabilities may seem appealing. But that isn’t the society we were born into. Whether we like to admit it or not, we are still living in an America where these identities and backgrounds are used like a tool by an elite ruling class to keep us separated from each other and our own humanity. [The Daily Yonder]
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