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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
Over half a million Oklahomans could be cut off from SNAP at the end of the month: Over 680,000 Oklahomans could have their food assistance benefits cut off next week if the federal government shutdown doesn’t end, state leaders said Tuesday. [Oklahoma Voice]
- SNAP benefit suspension to impact nearly 700,000 Oklahomans [KTUL]
- SNAP Benefits Face Halt in Some States Amid Govt. Shutdown [The Black Wall Street Times]
- Oklahoma SNAP benefits to stop on November 1 if federal shutdown continues [News on 6]
- Oklahoma SNAP benefits suspended starting Nov. 1 amid federal government shutdown [Fox 25]
- Oklahoma won’t receive SNAP funding for November if government shutdown continues [KOCO]
- SNAP benefits are being suspended in November. These Tulsa resources could help [Tulsa Flyer]
State Government News
Oklahoma lawmakers discuss possible new state agency to serve young children: Some Oklahoma lawmakers want to launch a state agency devoted to serving the needs of young children and their mothers. One state representative hosted an interim study on Monday to explore the possibilities. [KOSU]
State lawmakers grapple with issues of homelessness: Over the past 20 years, the federal government has dedicated more than $36 billion in funding to so-called “continuum of care” programs to address homelessness. But in Oklahoma, and across the rest of the country, homelessness has only grown worse, a former Trump administration official told state lawmakers on Monday. [Tulsa World]
- From OK Policy: Homelessness in Oklahoma – Information and Resources
Oklahoma legislative salaries to stay the same, for now: A state panel on Tuesday voted to keep lawmakers’ base pay the same, but left the door cracked to reconsider that decision next month. The Legislative Compensation Board voted to keep legislators’ base pay at $47,500 a year, but member James Leewright, a former Republican senator appointed by the state House, said he wants to revisit the decision when the board meets again Nov. 4. [Oklahoma Voice]
- Base Oklahoma Legislature pay held flat again, but leaders get stipend hikes [NonDoc]
Oklahoma Health Care Authority appoints Melissa Miller as state Medicaid director: The Oklahoma Health Care Authority appointed Melissa Miller as state Medicaid director and deputy chief of staff. This follows recent confirmation that her predecessor, Christina Foss, would be “transitioning out” of her role. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU]
Gov. Stitt files motion to speed up discussions on Oklahoma’s poultry pollution case: Gov. Kevin Stitt wants to spur negotiations in Oklahoma’s decades-old poultry lawsuit. The parties have been at an impasse since a federal judge ruled on the case more than two years ago. [KOSU]
Fields promises update on future of Walters’ controversial testing, social studies standards: Oklahoma’s top education official assured parents that he will give answers on the future of controversial state testing and social studies standards proposed by Ryan Walters soon. [The Oklahoman]
Former OSDE employees claim data manipulation, misuse of funds for schools as audit looms: Oklahoma’s Department of Education (OSDE) is still reeling from mass resignations under previous leadership and potentially lasting harm to Oklahoma students. Millions of federal dollars flow through that one particular office at OSDE. Linda Reid is among the former support specialists revealing why they say they had to walk away. [Fox 25]
Walters’ top employees received big bonuses before exit. Who are they, what were they paid?: At the end of the former state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters’ tenure, three men who no longer work at the Oklahoma State Department of Education received thousands of extra dollars in their paychecks. Here’s what to know according to state payroll records. [The Oklahoman]
Opinion: After years of chaos, Lindel Fields must rebuild what Ryan Walters tore down: For the past several years, the Oklahoma State Department of Education has been less a public institution and more a political stage. Ryan Walters used his office not to strengthen schools but to wage cultural battles, turning an agency meant to improve literacy, safety and teacher support into a platform for his partisan and religious agenda. His resignation should not be seen as closure, but should be a reckoning. [Kevin Bolling / The Oklahoman]
Federal Government News
These workers won’t get paid Friday if the government shutdown continues: While some employees paid biweekly are in line to receive their second of three paychecks this month on Friday, many federal employees won’t see a check at all as the government shutdown drags on. [KFOR]
- ‘Everybody’s got bills to pay’: The price of a prolonged government shutdown (podcast) [NPR via KGOU]
As SNAP funding delay looms in Oklahoma, Mullin and Lankford blame Senate Democrats: Republicans contend that Democrats could end the shutdown by voting for their current funding proposal, but Democrats have insisted that the budget bill needs to include more funding for health care spending. The impasse means families nationwide could miss out on food assistance, and Oklahoma officials said they aren’t sure whether people will be able to spend any SNAP funding left on their electronic benefit transfer cards after Oct. 31. [The Oklahoman]
US House Democrats question Trump administration focus on ‘patriotic education’: A group of Democrats on the U.S. House education panel urged the Education Department to withdraw its proposed supplemental priority on “promoting patriotic education” in a letter obtained Monday by States Newsroom. [Oklahoma Voice]
Trump tried to lay off more than 2,000 Interior staff in shutdown plan now on hold: The Interior Department announced Monday it will pause efforts to lay off 2,050 employees throughout the country, after a federal judge expanded a temporary restraining order late last week. The new filing provides more information about how the Trump administration plans to reduce the size and scope of a department that oversees much of the country’s public lands. [Oklahoma Voice]
Trump’s IVF announcement disappoints patients, raises concerns for doctor: The president said his administration negotiated steep discounts on a key fertility drug, as well as a new regulation allowing employers to offer IVF coverage as a standalone policy like dental or vision. EMD Serono, a major pharmaceutical brand, will offer the medication at an 84% discount via direct sales on a government webpage called TrumpRX, according to a company representative who spoke at the White House event. [Oklahoma Voice]
Can pot smokers own guns? SCOTUS to decide. How will Oklahoma be affected?: Can pot smokers legally own a gun? That question will be answered by the U.S. Supreme Court after the justices agreed this week to make a decision. On Oct. 20, the SCOTUS agreed to decide after accepting the Justice Department’s appeal of a lower court’s ruling that past drug use alone can’t keep a person from having a gun under the Second Amendment. [The Oklahoman]
Education News
Oklahoma lawmakers want new guardrails to meet special education needs: The government shutdown is creating uncertainty about the future of education in Oklahoma. There is a push by Oklahoma lawmakers to ensure more guardrails for students with disabilities. [News 9]
Criminal Justice News
New Oklahoma law toughening DUI penalties takes effect Nov. 1. Here’s what will change: An Oklahoma bill that spells out new conditions for aggravated DUIs, including making the offense a felony and mandatory jail time, will become law on Nov. 1. [The Oklahoman]
New Oklahoma law makes it illegal for drivers to hold phone in school, construction zones: It will be illegal for Oklahoma drivers to hold a cell phone while driving through active school or construction zones, starting next month. [KOSU]
Families Outraged After OSU Official’s Son Spared Prison in Sexual Assault Case: Butler was handed a 78-year prison term that would’ve boiled down to a decade behind bars if served concurrently, but a deal struck between the prosecution and defense will see him completing counseling instead, a move that has left many in Stillwater scratching their heads and questioning what it means for a community where justice appears to depend on who you know. [Oklahoma Watch]
Housing & Economic Opportunity News
Tulsa needs massive investment to address homelessness effectively, report states: The city would need to invest more than $60 million in the next three years to effectively end street homelessness, according to a framework for action presented to Mayor Monroe Nichols by local business leaders. [Tulsa World]
Oklahoma’s rising property insurance rates create money ‘Mayhem’ for consumers: Oklahomans are facing skyrocketing homeowners insurance costs that outpace prices in other states for the same levels of coverage. True to the Allstate’s mascot’s moniker, high prices are causing mayhem as homeowners scramble to cover premiums while the Legislature seeks solutions. [NonDoc]
Who are Oklahoma’s biggest landowners? The biggest private landowner owns 433,000 acres: Who truly holds the most land in Oklahoma? In a state known for numerous farms and sprawling cattle ranches, the biggest private landowner at the top of the list might surprise you. [The Oklahoman]
Economy & Business News
OESC awarded nearly $6M to boost Oklahoma workforce training: The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission has been awarded nearly $6 million from the U.S. Department of Labor‘s Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund to expand employer-focused workforce programs statewide. [Journal Record]
Community News
Two sets of remains exhumed in Oaklawn as Tulsa Race Massacre graves search resumes: Authorities exhumed two sets of remains at Oaklawn Cemetery on Tuesday as part of the city’s continuing efforts to identify unmarked burials from Tulsa’s 1921 Race Massacre. [Tulsa World]
Local Headlines
- Third Community Conversation focuses on family, youth services [Tulsa World]
- ‘It was such a joy’: Local family feeds hundreds of Tulsans after viral video [Tulsa Flyer]
- Del City Chamber announces Tinker Food Pantry for military families [KFOR]
- Oklahoma City Thunder’s season opener boosts local businesses [Fox 25]
Quote of the Day
“We’re a pro-life state which means we should be for feeding hungry children. There’s plenty of money in the rainy-day fund. I don’t think we should be thinking about tax cuts at a time when children need essential services like food on the table.”
– Oklahoma State Representative John Waldron, discussing the potential suspension of SNAP benefits if the federal government shutdown continues. He said state leaders should be ready to tap into rainy day funds to make sure Oklahomans don’t go hungry. [KTUL]
Number of the Day
66%
The share of Oklahoma SNAP participants in FY 2024 who were in families with children. Of the nearly 700,000 Oklahomans who received food assistance, most were parents and kids relying on SNAP to help keep food on the table. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]
Policy Note
SNAP Provides Critical Benefits to Workers and Their Families: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) supports millions of workers and their families by helping stabilize incomes when wages are low or inconsistent, and by stepping in quickly when households experience income loss or job disruption. Its benefit structure is designed to phase out gradually as earnings rise — so additional income doesn’t immediately eliminate all support — and offers an earnings deduction that helps reflect work-related expenses. Because many participants are employed in low-wage, irregular-hour jobs or face barriers such as caregiving or health challenges, SNAP acts as a vital safety net rather than a work-reward program. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]
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