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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.
New from OK Policy
Budget transparency took a step forward last year. Where are we now?: While it is uplifting that both House and Senate leaders have said they were committed to being more transparent in this budget process, the public needs to ensure those aren’t empty promises. Here are some key promises that legislative leaders can make and uphold to ensure a transparent budget process in the session’s home stretch. [Aanahita Ervin / OK Policy]
Now is time for long-term planning, not short-term politics (Commentary): What if you gave away the biggest tax cut in Oklahoma history, and no one noticed? That’s the reality facing the governor and the legislative leaders he’s trying to pressure to pass income tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest Oklahomans. Meanwhile, everyday families would get little more than pocket change. Now, the governor is pressuring lawmakers for across-the-board income and corporate income tax cuts that would reduce those rates by half a percent. When you run the numbers, though, these cuts reward the richest 1%. [Dave Hamby / OK Policy]
Oklahoma News
Oklahoma’s debate over state-funded religious school comes before U.S. Supreme Court: An Oklahoma lawsuit coming before the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday could produce a landmark ruling on the role of religion in state-funded education. At the center of the debate is St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, a church-backed online charter school that was approved to open in Oklahoma until the state Supreme Court struck it down in June. It would be the first publicly funded charter school in the nation to adopt a religion. [Oklahoma Voice]
- Separation of church and state at risk as Oklahoma case goes before Supreme Court this week [Tulsa World]
- Opinion, Oklahoma Catholic bishops: Why we favor state funding of a Catholic charter school [Paul S. Coakley and David A. Konderla / The Oklahoman]
With a month left, Oklahoma lawmakers move to finalize budget, decide on tax cut: With a month left before the legislative session ends, Oklahoma lawmakers are moving quickly to craft a budget for the next fiscal year and, at the same time, decide whether or not to meet the governor’s call for another tax cut. The struggles continue on both fronts. [The Oklahoman]
- Budget Top of Mind As Legislative Session Enters Final Weeks [Oklahoma Watch]
- Senate advances income tax bill with aim to gradually eliminate tax [News 9]
- From OK Policy: Eliminating income taxes entirely would wipe out more than 1 of every 3 dollars appropriated by the state – money that pays for roads, public safety, and more. Given that Oklahoma already ranks in the bottom 10 states for many quality-of-life measures, is it safe to cut even more?
State Government News
‘This dog don’t hunt’: CFO testimony leaves House ODMHSAS investigative committee frustrated: At the first House investigative committee hearing on the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’ financial issues, Commissioner Allie Friesen punted several questions to her interim chief financial officer, Skip Leonard, saying he would be able to provide more detail about the dire situation at her agency. But after Leonard testified Thursday, many legislators felt they walked away with no more answers than they had last week while barreling toward May’s budget deadline. [NonDoc]
- Lawmakers frustrated by Oklahoma agency CFO’s inability to answer basic budget questions [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma lawmakers leave with more questions after mental health CFO’s testimony [KOSU]
Oklahoma senator moves to reject controversial social studies standards: A prominent Republican in the state Senate is making moves to return controversial social studies standards back to the Oklahoma State Board of Education before they take effect. [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma Senate education leader requests rejection of social studies standards [Oklahoma Voice]
- Walters accuses board members of lying to media as tensions run high in meeting [NonDoc]
- Ryan Walters calls swapped social studies standards ‘fake controversy’ as OSBE calls for answers [The Oklahoman]
- State Board of Education talk on social studies standards included accusations of lying [Tulsa World]
- Oklahoma State Board of Education delays vote to clarify official record with Ryan Walters [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma Board of Ed pushes back on social studies standards, Senate GOP poised to reject them [KGOU]
- Oklahoma board members say they had ‘no idea’ of changes to social studies standards before vote [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma education board postpones action on former Ringling coach’s teaching license [The Oklahoman]
Electricity bills creating current gridlock in Legislature: Amid tax cut talk tension, drama with forestry services and investigations into financial fiascos at the state mental health department, several contentious electricity policy questions have short-circuited the Oklahoma Legislature’s annual negotiations — to little public fanfare. Behind the scenes, however, the combined bluster from competing parties has blown the year’s biggest policy bubble that has yet to burst. [NonDoc]
- Oklahoma’s utility regulator criticizes proposed state energy legislation [KGOU]
Bill aimed at holding health insurance companies accountable moves forward: A bill giving Oklahomans the right to sue medical insurance companies was given new life after first being stalled at the state capitol. House Bill 2144 passed through the House floor with unanimous support in March, and it seemed the legislation was moving in the right direction, but as News 4 reported Wednesday, the bill was not heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee, leaving the bill in limbo as the deadline to hear bills was Thursday. [KFOR]
- Oklahoma Senate revives bill to hold health insurers accountable for ‘bad faith’ decisions [The Oklahoman]
Heartland Flyer faces uncertain future as Texas strips rail funding: A passenger rail route connecting Fort Worth and Oklahoma City could lose its daily service by June after Texas lawmakers stripped funding for the Heartland Flyer from the state’s upcoming budget. [KOSU]
More than $700 million in Oklahoma broadband grants open up for applications: The Oklahoma Broadband Office opened a large round of federal grants for high-speed internet projects in the state last week. Officials say it is the largest broadband expansion program in the state’s history. [KOSU]
Legislative Roundup:
- Senate budget committee pushes dozens of measures onto floor for discussions, votes [KOSU]
- Political notebook: Late movement saves some legislation from deadline [Tulsa World]
- Sports betting bills advance from Oklahoma Senate panel [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma bill requires truck, bus drivers to be English proficient, be licensed by certain countries [Oklahoma Voice]
- Opinion, Capitol Insider: First bill makes its way to Gov. Stitt’s desk, many more advance [KGOU]
Opinion, This Week in Oklahoma Politics: Ryan Walters on DEI, mental health hearing, President Trump’s tariffs and more (audio): The panel discusses State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ crack down on diversity, equity and inclusion and a four-hour hearing in the State House over concerns with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The trio also discusses Gov. Kevin Stitt calling for more power over picking Supreme Court justices and the impact of Trump Administration tariffs on Oklahoma farmers. [KOSU]
Opinion: We shouldn’t take dangerous shortcuts to educate Oklahoma’s most vulnerable students: My lived experience of having a first-grade teacher who didn’t have the slightest idea how to teach a core foundational subject to a struggling student is one of the reasons I’m positively petrified by Oklahoma lawmakers’ absurd plan to put people without teaching experience — or even any college education — at the helm of our pre-K through third grade classrooms. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]
- Senate Education Committee narrowly passes bill allowing adjunct teachers in early childhood classes [Oklahoma Voice]
Federal Government News
Trump administration faces suit over withheld family planning funds in Oklahoma, other states: The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association and the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit in federal court Thursday challenging the Trump administration’s decision to withhold Title X family planning grants. [Oklahoma Voice]
DOGE stimulus checks? No tax on overtime? Here’s where 3 of Trump’s economic ideas stand: Here are five promises Trump has made, or ideas he has floated, that would put more money into Oklahoman’s pockets, and what progress has been made on making them happen. [The Oklahoman]
Regional Climate Centers resume operations after funding loss led to closures: All six U.S. regional climate centers will remain online through a new contract deadline in mid-June. Four of the centers, which are overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, were abruptly closed last week after their funding ran out. [KOSU]
‘I’m not a big fan of tariffs:’ James Lankford discusses economy, taxes and immigration with Tulsa crowd: Oklahoma’s senior U.S. Senator told attendees at the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce Congressional Forum that “hard conversations have to take place” as the U.S. is set to “overspend our budget by $2 trillion.” [The Frontier]
- ‘Important for all of us’: Lankford emphasizes role of courts as immigration battles continue [Public Radio Tulsa]
Trump says Columbus Day will now just be Columbus Day: President Donald Trump made clear Sunday that he would not follow his predecessor’s practice of recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day in October, accusing Democrats of denigrating the explorer’s legacy as he pressed his campaign to restore what he argues are traditional American icons. [Associated Press]
Tribal Nations News
‘Void and unenforceable:’ Muscogee Supreme Court declares special judge law unconstitutional: In a case stemming from the ongoing battle over whether Freedmen descendants can be citizens of the tribal nation, the Muscogee Nation Supreme Court declared a special judge law unconstitutional April 22, blocking the legislative and executive branches from appointing temporary special justices to sit for one specific case when a justice recuses. [NonDoc]
Judge rejects request from Muscogee Nation to block Tulsa law enforcement: A federal judge has declined to grant a Muscogee Nation request to stop Tulsa law enforcement from arresting or issuing citations to tribal nation citizens. [KOSU]
United Keetoowah Band one step closer to reopening casino in Tahlequah: The U.S. Department of the Interior issued an opinion in January stating the United Keetoowah Band (UKB) is an equal successor to the Cherokee Nation’s reservation and granting the tribe the right to build a casino. [KOSU]
OU history museum is one of largest holders of Native American remains: Oklahoma’s largest museum of natural history is also one of the largest holders of the remains of Native American and funerary objects in the country. [Tulsa World]
Citizen Potawatomi Nation installs free Narcan machines: The Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) has launched three free Narcan (naloxone) vending machines in public spaces throughout Shawnee as part of an ongoing effort to reduce fatal drug overdoses in the community. [The Journal Record]
Opinion, Tulsa Regional Chamber CEO: Partnership with tribal nations is an economic advantage: At the Tulsa Regional Chamber, we work every day to make the Tulsa region a better place to do business. That mission wouldn’t be possible without the leadership and partnership of the Cherokee, Muscogee and Osage nations. Over the last decade, we’ve watched these three tribal juggernauts evolve from economic competitors to close collaborators — not just with the chamber but with each other. [Mike Neal / Tulsa World]
Voting and Election News
Address Confirmation Notices Mailed to Oklahoma Voters: Over the next several weeks, some registered voters in Oklahoma will receive an Address Confirmation Notice from the State Election Board. The notices are required by state law to confirm whether or not the identified voters still reside at their address on file with their county election board. [Oklahoma Election Board]
Oklahoma City Democrats file to run for vacant seat in state House: Two Democratic candidates will vie to represent part of Oklahoma City in the state House after the last representative resigned. JeKia Harrison and Aletia Haynes Timmons filed to run in the special election for House District 97. The seat became vacant when Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City, resigned April 7 to serve as an Oklahoma County commissioner. [Oklahoma Voice]
Editorial: We want more town halls with elected officials, too. But start voting first: We have heard and seen in our letters to the editor a complaint: That the Oklahoma congressional delegation isn’t intervening in what the Trump administration has done in its first 100 days. The good news is all politicians can’t escape a vote of the people. Our hope is that next time, more Oklahomans show up on Election Day. [Tulsa World Editorial Board]
Education News
All Oklahoma school districts have signed federal anti-DEI letter, Ryan Walters says: Every Oklahoma school district has signed a letter agreeing to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs. That’s according to State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, who warned that he would withhold federal funding from schools that refused to comply with those terms. [The Oklahoman]
- Despite federal rulings, OSDE keeping DEI deadline [Tulsa World]
Oklahoma State University removes interim title, names Jim Hess as president: Jim Hess is Oklahoma State University’s new president after having his interim title removed Friday. He is the 20th president in the university’s history. [KOSU]
- Oklahoma State University governing board appoints new president to 3-year term [Oklahoma Voice]
- Jim Hess named OSU president after 11 weeks as interim [NonDoc]
- After 40 years of making university presidents look good, Jim Hess is now one himself [Tulsa World]
- Oklahoma State University names new president after former leader’s surprise exit [The Oklahoman]
- OSU seeks $295 million appropriation for College of Veterinary Medicine [KOSU]
Higher ed regents talk new tuition, fee limits at NSU-BA meeting: Tuition and fees were at the top of the agenda for the state’s higher education regents during a stop Thursday in the Tulsa area. [Tulsa World]
Health News
Oklahoma measles update: State count rises to 15 cases, including one in vaccinated person: The Oklahoma State Department of Health reports that the state has now reached 15 cases of measles, one of which was recorded in a fully vaccinated individual. [The Oklahoman]
Opinion: Safeguarding Tulsa’s mental health infrastructure amid fiscal uncertainty: Eleven months ago, we wrote an op-ed celebrating Tulsa’s increased access to mental health services through four Certified Community Behavior Health Clinic (CCBHC) providers and optimistically emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue regarding Tulsa’s mental health needs. Disappointingly, as of this writing, we are more concerned about access to services today than we were a year ago as the stability of our community’s mental health services faces unprecedented challenges. [Cara Hair and David Page / Tulsa World]
Criminal Justice News
Legislation aims to cut some court fees that keep some Oklahomans trapped in ‘debtor’s prison’: Many prisoners and formerly incarcerated people are battling fines and fees daily. But legislation making its way through the Oklahoma Legislature seeks to eliminate some of these fees. House Bill 1460 passed unanimously through the Oklahoma House of Representatives and is now under consideration in the Senate. Tammy West, the bill’s author, said in an emailed statement that the goal is to build a smarter and more sustainable justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over endless punishment. [The Frontier]
‘A loss for our city’: Mental health outcomes in Shawnee worsen without federal funds: Shawnee police officers say, after losing a federal grant, they are arresting more people instead of connecting them to care. The $347,000 grant allowed the Shawnee Police Department to launch a Crisis Intervention Team, pairing officers with behavioral health counselors. Together, they responded to calls involving mental health crises, connecting people to community resources instead of taking them into custody. [KOSU]
$2 million federal grant for LiveFree OKC, Diversion Hub canceled by DOJ: What we know: Organizers with violence intervention and diversionary programs in Oklahoma City have been left reeling after President Donald Trump’s administration announced cancellation of funding awarded from the U.S. Department of Justice. [The Oklahoman]
State audit: Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office overspent by millions: Mismanagement and budgetary failures at the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office caused overspending of about $4 million, a report from the state auditor has revealed. [The Oklahoman]
Facing June execution, death row inmate seeks mercy for kidnapping, killing Oklahoma woman: On May 7, convicted killer George John Hanson will ask the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board for clemency after twice receiving the death sentence. He is set to die June 12 by lethal injection at Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. [Oklahoma Voice]
- From OK Policy: Oklahoma Death Penalty Tracker
Woman’s death reported at Oklahoma County Detention Center. Medical examiner’s office will investigate: Jail officials said a detention officer found Rachel Nalley, 35, unresponsive in her cell in the early hours of April 26. [The Oklahoman]
- Man accused of killing cellmate in Oklahoma County’s jail [The Oklahoman]
Broken Arrow man sues city after arrest by officer who was later fired: A Broken Arrow man has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit that seeks at least $1 million in damages from the city after police in 2024 pushed their way into his home and arrested him while investigating a parking complaint. [Tulsa World]
Economy & Business News
Dollar Tree announces plans to return to Marietta with new distribution center: Dollar Tree is announcing plans for a new distribution center in Marietta in south central Oklahoma. The new “enhanced distribution center” will replace the previous center that was destroyed in an EF4 tornado in April of last year. [KGOU]
Community News
LGBTQ+ advocates visit Oklahoma State Capitol amid hostile legislative environment: People who are with the Oklahomans for Equality said it can be disheartening to be LGBTQ+ in Oklahoma, but he finds solace in the people fighting for him. “There are folks in the state that are committed to fighting for all Oklahomans, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, anything of that nature,” Kao Morris said. [Public Radio Tulsa]
Randy Krehbiel’s book ‘Tulsa, 2021’ shares stories 100 years after the Race Massacre: His newest book helps any Tulsan who wants to learn from history to remember just how much happened in a short amount of time in the city. It was a period during which the world and many media outlets turned to us to find out what was going to happen 100 years after racially motivated violence left many dead, destroyed 35 blocks of the historic Greenwood District and left thousands displaced. [Tulsa World]
Local Headlines
- City has no plans to change its fluoride policy for drinking water, officials say [Tulsa World]
- City sales tax collections down $6.3 million statewide, Tulsa sees largest decrease among cities [News 9]
- Only one elected Oklahoma County official was in office last time county master plan was redone [The Oklahoman]
- Federal funding cuts affect Overholser Dam renovation plans [The Oklahoman]
Quote of the Day
“This isn’t about letting people off the hook; instead, it’s about removing financial traps that serve no real purpose and make it harder for people to reintegrate into society. It’s a win for families, for public safety and for Oklahoma taxpayers.”
-Rep. Tammy West (Oklahoma City), speaking about the bill she authored, House Bill 1460, that would eliminate some fees assessed to people who have been convicted of a crime. The bill’s goal is to build a smarter and more sustainable justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over endless punishment. [The Frontier]
Number of the Day
73%
Percentage of Oklahoma’s federal funding in Fiscal Year 2024 that went to medical and health initiatives. Most of the state’s federal funding (68.4%) supports Medicaid, which provides medical coverage for eligible low-income residents. Other public health initiatives beyond Medicaid represent 4.6% of the state’s federal funding. [Pew Research]
Policy Note
Trump’s gutting of public health institutions is setting the stage for our next crisis: Gutting these institutions leaves our national public health in a far more precarious position. When our ability to enforce public health regulations is limited, both within and outside the workplace, workers and their families are at greater risk of exposure to dangerous working conditions, products, and pollution. New obstacles to administering key health care services will mean that fewer low-income families, children, will get the services they need. The result will be a population that is less healthy and less productive. [Economic Policy Institute]
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