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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
You shouldn’t have to touch a hot stove twice: Triggered tax cuts are bad for Oklahoma: Triggered tax cuts are a gimmick used by current legislators to gain political clout without having to make the tough financial decisions required of the offices to which they were elected. However, Oklahoma’s recent history and the experiences of other states show the harm triggered cuts inflict. This is the opposite of fiscally responsible stewardship of our tax dollars. [Aanahita Ervin / OK Policy]
Tribal-State Policy 101: What is Tribal sovereignty?: In order to better understand how the State of Oklahoma and Tribal Nations interact, it’s vital to first understand what tribal sovereignty means. Sovereignty is the authority of a self-governing group of people who can determine their own interests. Tribal sovereignty simply extends this concept to every federally recognized Tribal Nation. [Vivian Morris / OK Policy]
State Government News
Will Oklahomans receive an income tax cut? Would a cut be wise? Budget questions abound: As the Oklahoma Legislature moves into the final three weeks of its regular session, its focus will turn to fulfilling a key responsibility — producing a state budget. Yet, all sorts of questions remain. Is an income tax cut possible while making sure state agencies have enough funding? What about the major financial issues ongoing with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services? How much might the state government have to dig into its financial reserves of about $5 billion? Will last year’s push to make the budget process more transparent started survive? [The Oklahoman]
- Opinion, Capitol Insider: State budget writers going down to the wire in legislative session [KGOU]
- From OK Policy: Budget transparency took a step forward last year. Where are we now?
- From OK Policy: Fact Check: Floor debate on HB 1539 that would implement state income tax cuts if a certain revenue amount is raised
Oklahoma nearly finished with bill to create new courts for business lawsuits: One of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s top priorities for this year’s legislative session has been the creation of a special state court to handle complex business litigation. Three weeks before the end of the legislative session, it’s unclear whether he’ll get his wish. [The Oklahoman]
Compensation shortages from state threaten mental health care providers: Providers of critical mental health and addiction treatment services for Oklahomans, including for thousands of people in the Tulsa area, haven’t received millions of dollars in requested compensation this fiscal year from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, leaders of the organizations say. [Tulsa World]
Battle between Gov. Kevin Stitt, Ryan Walters heating up over education: Governor Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters are on opposite sides of the argument, and it heated up this week. [KOCO]
- Lawmakers try again to separate out powers of State School Board [KFOR]
Legislative Roundup
- Vetoes and failures: Where the #okleg stands after its latest deadline [NonDoc]
- NonDoc Monday Minute: Three weeks left, too much to do [NonDoc]
- What’s passed, what’s failed and what’s coming for Oklahoma’s legislature [KOSU]
- Oklahoma law now bans corporal punishment for students with disabilities [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma bill to ease marijuana license denials has uncertain future [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma bill codifying behind-the-meter energy heads to governor [The Journal Record]
- Gov. Stitt takes aim at drag performances in video after signing HB 1217 [KOCO]
- Oklahoma sports betting among bills that failed to pass legislature [KOCO]
- Oklahoma lawmakers face mental health budget challenges and legislative deadline [News 9]
Opinion: Oklahoma Legislature ‘kicking the can down the road’ again: The phrase “kick the can down the road” began being used as a colorful and mildly critical new way of referring to putting off work on an issue for a later date. Some would argue that’s what Congress has been doing ever since. For sure it’s a fair way to describe what Oklahoma lawmakers and other leaders have been doing this year. [William Wertz / The Oklahoman]
Opinion: May is mental health awareness month, and one Oklahoma leader has made sure no one forgets that: May is the annual month designed to raise awareness for mental health issues. But unfortunately Oklahoma’s mental health agency is shining the wrong sort of spotlight on the issue. Instead of focusing on how to improve outcomes for the 1 in 4 Oklahomans who suffer from mental illness, all eyes are on the massive amounts of financial disarray at the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services jeopardizing both employees and patient care. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]
Opinion: Arts and culture is one of our greatest investments. We’re at risk of losing it: When we invest in arts and culture, we protect small businesses, tourism dollars, education pipelines, community pride, and Oklahoma’s unique story. We protect the people and places that make Oklahoma somewhere worth living — and visiting. No other investment benefits as many priority areas for our state as arts and culture. [Kym Koch / The Oklahoman]
Editorial: No profiles of courage as Ryan Walters gets away with his latest caper: Leave it up to the Legislature to make parents, grandparents and teachers do the right thing by pushing back on the asinine social studies standards heading to a classroom near you. No profiles of courage for the Republican lawmakers, despite a possible resolution drafted by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond. Reports show that the governor just wanted to just give this one to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters. [Tulsa World Editorial Board]
Federal Government News
Republicans unveil steep cuts to Medicaid in portion of Trump tax bill: Legislation introduced by House Republicans late Sunday would slash Medicaid spending significantly by imposing new restrictions on Medicaid beneficiaries such as work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks, but the most controversial changes floated to the program were not included. [The Hill]
- From the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: Medicaid Cuts Would Reduce Access to Health Care for Entire Communities
Tom Cole’s Bipartisan Reputation Gets Put to the Test in Trump’s Partisan Washington: If you ask lawmakers to describe Rep. Tom Cole and his more than 20 years of service in the House, Republicans and Democrats will both give him praise. Knowledgeable. A bipartisan negotiator. But for the last year as Appropriations chair, the Oklahoma Republican has overseen one of the most bitter and partisan processes lawmakers have ever gone through while exercising Congress’ power of the purse. [Oklahoma Watch]
Trump asks U.S. Supreme Court to end humanitarian protections for migrants from 4 nations: The Trump administration Thursday made an emergency request to the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the deportation of more than half a million immigrants granted humanitarian protections under the Biden administration. [Oklahoma Voice]
- D.C. Digest: Lankford says Trump will follow the law on deportations [Tulsa World]
As Trump slashes AmeriCorps, states lose a federal partner in community service: As part of President Trump’s dismantling of federal programs, AmeriCorps abruptly cut $400 million, or 41% of its budget, and placed 85% of its staff on administrative leave last month. AmeriCorps had provided $960 million to fund 3,100 projects across the United States each year. [Oklahoma Voice]
Opinion: President Trump is wrong to cut funding for public radio and public television: As a member of the Friends of the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, I know first hand the important role that public television plays in Oklahoma. In addition to news and information, education and entertainment, we also provide a critical service, as we are the only source to transmit information from the nation’s emergency alert system that reaches every household in our state. And this service is provided at no cost. [Ken Busby / Tulsa World]
Opinion: If you have a baby for $5,000, you shouldn’t be having a baby: The $5,000 Trump administration proposed birther bonus would be funny if not so insulting. Either top federal officials are so out-of-touch with costs or they think so little of motherhood. It won’t fix why people don’t have children. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]
Tribal Nations News
More funds requested for tribal health care, as Oklahoma City Area ranks worst for IHS funding: After the Trump administration took a chainsaw to federal agencies critical to tribal citizens, such as the Bureaus of Indian Affairs and Education, Indigenous leaders feared cuts to tribal health care might be next. However, the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request called to preserve funding for the Indian Health Service, or IHS, which has a history of chronic underfunding. [KOSU]
UKB paves way for economic development with tribal gaming compact: The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma has taken a major step toward a better economic future by signing a gambling compact agreement with the state. [Public Radio Tulsa]
Five tribes to offer Summer EBT, with $120 to feed kids while school’s out: With the school year winding down for districts and charter schools across the Tulsa metro area, five Oklahoma tribes are participating in a federal program designed to address childhood food insecurity during the summer. [Tulsa World]
Voting and Election News
Special election Tuesday will fill vacant Oklahoma Senate seat: Three men are on the ballot in Tuesday’s special election to fill a vacant Oklahoma Senate seat that represents constituents living in five counties. The Senate District 8 seat, which represents Okmulgee, Okfuskee and McIntosh counties and portions of Creek and Muskogee counties, has been vacant all session, following the resignation of former Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah. [Oklahoma Voice]
- Political notebook: Special legislative elections Tuesday in Tulsa, neighboring counties [Tulsa World]
Governor candidates Gentner Drummond, Charles McCall file first campaign finance reports: Republican gubernatorial candidates Gentner Drummond’s and Charles McCall’s first campaign finance reports provided an early peak at who is backing whom — at least for now. [Tulsa World]
Education News
Fact Check: Yes, Oklahoma’s new academic standards say to teach students 2020 election fraud myths as fact: Oklahoma’s new social studies standards for high school students, which take effect in the 2025-26 school year, do, in fact, require students to learn about so-called “discrepancies” in the 2020 election. [Snopes]
Opinion: Teachers are the quiet architects of our city’s future. So thank them: Teachers are the foundation of our community, shaping the minds and hearts of future generations. Yet, their work often goes unrecognized, underappreciated and underfunded. [Katie Eller Murray / Tulsa World]
Health News
Oklahoma’s soaring suicide rates place state in top 10 nationally, report finds: Oklahoma’s suicide rate is over 60% higher than the national average and ranks in the top 10 states for suicide and suicidality, a report found. [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma suicide rates remain above national average, new study finds [The Oklahoman]
- A new program is tackling mental health 911 calls in OKC. What is Mobile Integrated Health? [The Oklahoman]
23andMe users’ genetic data is at risk, state AGs warn: The fate of more than 15 million customers’ genetic data remains in limbo after popular DNA testing company 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March. The data is up for sale, stoking fears about how it might be used and prompting attorneys general from more than a dozen states to warn 23andMe users: Delete your data. [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma AG to 23andMe consumers: Delete your data [The Oklahoman]
Criminal Justice News
Judge Denies State’s Request to Throw Out Prison Conditions Lawsuit: Four Oklahoma prisoners who faced prolonged confinement in 3-by-3-foot shower stalls in August 2023 have a valid argument that their constitutional rights were violated, a federal judge decided on April 30. [Oklahoma Watch]
Housing & Economic Opportunity News
New study finds Oklahoma is one of the worst states for working moms. See why: Oklahoma is actually one of the worst states for working moms, according to a study by WalletHub, which ranked states based on 17 metrics corresponding to child care, professional opportunities and work-life balance. Here’s what the study found. [The Oklahoman]
Study: Raising Oklahoma minimum wage to $15 would address housing security: A new study estimating the impact of raising Oklahoma’s minimum wage on housing security says thousands of Oklahomans would benefit from the change. [KFOR]
Norman is partnering with Mental Health Association to prevent homelessness. How will it work?: Amid increased homelessness issues in Norman, the city is partnering with a Tulsa-based nonprofit to expand a new initiative that would connect members of the unhoused with employment opportunities and supportive housing. [The Oklahoman]
- From OK Policy: Homelessness in Oklahoma – Information and Resources
Community News
‘A symbol of hope’ Why a new OKC public art piece resonates with many local residents: A local businessman grew up hearing his mother tell the harrowing story of how she fled Vietnam with him in tow by boarding a small boat packed with numerous others seeking freedom from a communist regime. A new public art piece recently unveiled at Military Park helps him envision the trip in 1980 that changed the trajectory of his family’s life. [The Oklahoman]
Opinion: ‘Wolfpack’ mom explains how adoption, fostering form families: Known as the Wolfpack (Wolfpack Eight if the whole family or Wolfpack Six if just the kids), Amy and her husband, Denton Wolf, formed their family through adoption and foster care. She calls them her “wild and beautifully diverse family.” [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]
Opinion: Beautiful moments fill our home because we became foster parents: Fostering has brought great joy, but it also has brought unexpected realities. Initially we believed the children would reunite with their biological parents down the road, many do. However, we later learned that the state had planned to terminate parental rights. We had to quickly adjust our hearts and minds to a new possibility of a forever family. [Lauren Graybill / The Oklahoman]
Local Headlines
- Muskogee County District Attorney Larry Edwards found dead [News on 6]
- New Edmond council wants budget reform, more scrubbing of racism, better public relations [The Oklahoman]
- Edmond checkup: Here’s a look at population, age, income, workers, spending and home sales [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma City is sinking. Here’s why, and what other US cities are sinking [The Oklahoman]
- Norman launches supportive employment initiative [The Journal Record]
Quote of the Day
“The rejection of this bill is disheartening, but we will continue working until every woman and man in our state can access this essential and life-saving care, without having to also endure financial hardship.”
-Sen. Brenda Stanley (R-Midwest City), writing in a statement expressing her “sincere disappointment in the governor’s veto of House Bill 1389” that would have included stronger requirements for health insurance companies to cover breast cancer screening procedures. [NonDoc]
Number of the Day
1 in 5
Only five of the 148 current legislators in the House and Senate were in office in 2014 when the state last implemented a triggered cut to the state’s income tax; only 27 current members – fewer than 1 in 5 – were in office when lawmakers overturned the last tax trigger because of the enormous financial problems it created. [OK Policy]
Policy Note
Revenue “Triggers” for State Tax Cuts Provide Illusion of Fiscal Responsibility: “Triggered” tax cuts — like other tax cuts enacted with a significantly delayed effective date — are sometimes portrayed as fiscally responsible, they are nothing of the sort. Lawmakers enacting them typically have no idea if they will be affordable or desirable when they take effect, and they can cause deep and lasting damage to a state’s ability to invest in its people and communities. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities archive]
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