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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
Overview of Oklahoma’s Sales Tax Relief Credit: OK Policy’s Fiscal Policy Analyst Aanahita Ervin spoke with lawmakers about the state’s Sales Tax Relief Credit, which provides targeted fiscal relief to low- and moderate-income families. The Sales Tax Relief Credit has been on the books since 1990, but hasn’t been adjusted since then. Ervin spoke during an Oct. 23, 2024, interim study in the Oklahoma House focused on the modernizing Sales Tax Relief Credit. Included here are her prepared remarks, video from the interim study, and other resources. [Aanahita Ervin / OK Policy]
- Impact of the Sales Tax Relief Credit on Oklahoma Families [Aanahita Ervin / OK Policy]
Oklahoma News
After Biden apologizes for Native boarding schools, Oklahoma Tribal leaders urge action: President Joe Biden formally apologized Friday for the abuses committed by Indigenous boarding schools for more than a century during a visit to the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, an important step toward healing wounds inflicted upon survivors and their descendants, Native American leaders in Oklahoma said. [The Oklahoman]
- The President of the United States Issues Historic Apology for U.S. Indian Boarding School Atrocities [Native News Online]
- President Biden issues formal apology for Native American boarding schools [KOSU]
- ‘Too shameful to acknowledge’: Biden delivers historic apology for Indian boarding schools [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma Tribal leader says President Joe Biden’s apology is a step in the right direction [Fox 25]
State Government News
Leader Munson studies modernizing sales tax relief credit: House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, hosted an interim study on the benefits of modernizing and expanding the sales tax relief credit based on her bill HB 3987. The sales tax relief credit, created in 1990, is meant to help those who need it most by targeting tax relief to middle and low-income families. [McAlester News]
- From OK Policy: What’s that? Sales Tax Relief Credit
- From OK Policy: Modernizing the Sales Tax Relief Credit will cut taxes for those who need it
Oklahoma officials attempted to renew contract despite abuse reports at Greer Center: Disturbing allegations about the Robert M. Greer Center in Enid are contained in Oklahoma Department of Human Services reports and an ongoing lawsuit over alleged abuses at the center going back more than two decades. Yet in August, almost a year after the latest round of allegations surfaced, executives at DHS attempted to renew the contract with the company at the center of the controversy. [The Oklahoman]
State lawmaker disagrees with decision to close social services department based on his bill: At the end of this month, the Oklahoma County Social Services Department is disbanding, but the Senator who authored the bill spurring the dissolution says the legislation he pushed is not being correctly interpreted. [KOSU]
House study examines motor vehicle taxes: Two Oklahoma House lawmakers are considering drafting legislation that could reduce taxes after vehicle purchases. [Journal Record]
- Taxed on sale price or valuation? Lawmakers consider fairness of vehicle excise taxes [Tulsa World]
Political notebook: Stitt’s job approval middle of the pack nationally: Morning Consult‘s most recent survey of gubernatorial approval put Gov. Kevin Stitt’s net rating at plus-13, which is about the middle of the pack. [Tulsa World]
Opinion, Capitol Insider: AG Drummond directs State Board of Education to find new legal counsel: The State Board of Education did little work at its monthly meeting Thursday after Attorney General Gentner Drummond did not renew the board’s contract with its outside legal counsel. [KGOU]
Federal Government News
D.C. Digest: Hern reportedly interested in GOP leadership position: Politico reported that 1st District Congressman Kevin Hern might challenge House Republican conference policy Chairman Gary Palmer of Alabama. Hern, seeking his fourth term in the Nov. 5 general election, is terming out as chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a policy-oriented caucus within the House GOP. [Tulsa World]
Voting and Election News
Outside groups pour money into defeat of Supreme Court justices, passage of state question: A political action committee linked to a conservative Oklahoma City advocacy organization reported spending $400,000 on the effort to oust three Oklahoma Supreme Court judges in a report filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission. People for Opportunity Inc., a 501(C)(4) whose officers are connected with the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, disclosed the independent expenditure on Friday. OCPA has long advocated changes to Oklahoma’s appellate courts and especially the state Supreme Court. [Tulsa World]
- From OK Policy: Judges on the 2024 ballot in Oklahoma: What you need to know
New laws, including in Oklahoma, restore voting rights to residents with felony convictions: As political campaigns scramble for every vote, the Plains states of Nebraska and Oklahoma have passed laws that aim to restore voting rights to people with felony convictions. Thousands of voters could be brought back into the political process, potentially influencing election outcomes in some communities. [Oklahoma Voice]
- From OK Policy: Oklahoma’s new law goes into effect in January
- From OK Policy: Oklahoma’s 2024 general election resources
The role of civic leadership in elections will be discussed at Latino forum Wednesday: The Oklahoman’s Viewpoints opinion platform will host a conversation with the Latino community from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. “Cultural Identity & Civic Duty: The Role of Latino Leadership in Elections” will explore issues that impact civic involvement and how to overcome barriers and increase enthusiasm for participation in national, state and local elections. [The Oklahoman]
Some Edmond residents questioning city’s handling of bond election: Edmond on the GO, the Nov. 5 city bond election to generate $231 million for public works — and raise property taxes — is a big no for some who are accusing city leaders of skirting the law, if not violating it. [The Oklahoman]
- Opinion: Edmond voters ― don’t let the city do a sales job on you with a ‘loss leader’ [Paula Burkes / The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma election officials say Nov. 5 will be safe, secure: Oklahoma’s top election official, Paul Ziriax, says voters and poll workers should feel safe at polling places across the state, despite recent news of a foiled terror attack planned for Election Day. He says that’s because preparations for election security started long before any credible threats of terrorism. [KOSU]
- Final results may lag in deadlocked presidential contest, anxious election officials warn [Oklahoma Voice]
- Not everything will run perfectly on Election Day. Still, results are remarkably reliable [AP]
Most people are tired of politics, surveys indicate, so is that why voter turnout is low?: No local or state data exists on political exhaustion, but in July 2023, more than a year ahead of the current presidential election, 65% of American adults surveyed by Pew Research said they were “always” or “often” exhausted by just thinking about politics. [Tulsa World]
Election Roundup
- ‘Conservative’ Democrat Horn challenging Republican Bice for Oklahoma congressional seat [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals retention election: 6 judges on Nov. 5 ballot [NonDoc]
- Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals: 3 judges face retention votes Nov. 5 [NonDoc]
- Stillwater-area Senate district up for grabs in November election [KOSU]
- After 16 years, Tulsans will get a new county commissioner in District 2 [Tulsa World]
- Lori Decter Wright, Eddie Huff face off in Nov. 5 runoff election for Tulsa City Council District 7 [Tulsa World]
- Who will OKC Republican Mayor David Holt vote for in November? Opinion column gives hint [The Oklahoman]
- Opinion: OKC Mayor David Holt says he’s voting for character, competence, commitment [David Holt / The Oklahoman]
Opinion: Commit to Wesleyan ideals on voting can ease polarization pain: The high polarization in our country has created a lot of political anxiety these days. Polls seem to show a toss-up in key battleground states. If one listens to the political ads, our country will be doomed if the candidate you don’t favor prevails. I would be lying if I said that I’ve been immune to the angst. [The Rev. Dr. Sam Powers / Tulsa World]
Opinion, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief: Empowering Cherokee Votes and Voices: For most of United States history, Native Americans could not vote in U.S. elections. Most Natives were denied U.S. citizenship until 1924, and it wasn’t until the 1960s that the federal government established full voting rights for Natives. So, when we talk about the importance of voting, we understand it as a hard-won right gained in recent history by our elders and ancestors. [Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. / Native News Online]
Education News
OSU-OKC program empowers students overcoming hardship to pursue higher education: A program at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City gives people who have been through significant challenges a chance at higher education. [KOSU]
Epic Charter Schools announce future layoffs due to low enrollment: Staff at Epic Charter Schools were emailed this week regarding “unpleasant news” from Superintendent Bart Banfield and the Executive Leadership team. [KFOR]
Opinion: Ryan Walters ordered schools to teach the Bible. Will that include justifying slavery?: Moving forward in history, students would benefit from learning about the Founders’ diverse views on religious freedom and its role in framing society. Despite what Oklahoma or Louisiana may suggest, some Founders advocated for religious freedom that extended to all, including those of no religion. [Kristina Lee / The Oklahoman]
Health News
Oklahoma Hospital Association offers resource to help seniors navigate Medicare open enrollment: The Oklahoma Hospital Association published a free resource for Oklahoma seniors to navigate choosing a Medicare plan during open enrollment, which goes through Dec. 7. [KGOU]
Oklahoma one of few abortion ban states that actually saw abortion decline: A new study shows more abortions are being performed across the country now than before Roe v. Wade was overturned. But a few states, including Oklahoma, are bucking that trend. [Public Radio Tulsa]
Criminal Justice News
Family of 23-year-old killed in police chase crash calls for action to stop future tragedies: The loved ones of a military veteran and college student killed in a car crash linked to a police chase say they want to work with lawmakers to prevent similar accidents. [Public Radio Tulsa]
OKC’s police oversight board members began meeting in April. How many cases has it reviewed?: A community-based police oversight board revealed it has reviewed more than three dozen cases while updating Oklahoma City residents on its progress and purpose Thursday. [The Oklahoman]
Could a hefty loan help fill budget shortfall for new Oklahoma County jail?: Three major investment banks have expressed interest in a multimillion-dollar public-private partnership with Oklahoma County to help finance a new county jail, which is expected to cost well more than double the $260 million raised by a bond issue in 2022. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma County DA asks for more space and gets a whole downtown OKC building: Oklahoma County DA Vicki Behenna and staff of about 145 are planning a move from the courthouse at 320 Robert S Kerr Ave. — and temporary digs at Leadership Square at 211 N Robinson — to another county-owned property. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma murderer accused of running drug ring from prison, ordering hit on witness: A convicted murderer is accused of having a witness against him killed in retaliation for her cooperation in a federal investigation of a drug ring he ran from prison. [The Oklahoman]
Housing & Economic Opportunity News
NewView Oklahoma provides jobs for blind or low vision adults: Nearly 150 adults employed at NewView Oklahoma who are blind or low vision. Only 41.5% of working age Oklahomans with these disabilities are employed, and 62.6 percent earn less than $35,000 a year. [KFOR]
- From OK Policy: In 2023, a little over 1 in 5 (22.6 percent) disabled Oklahomans were experiencing poverty.
Opinion: Homeless Alliance in OKC gearing up to care for the unhoused during cold nights: Though many of us are still clinging to the last remnants of summer weather and wearing shorts and tank tops outside, the Homeless Alliance is preparing to reopen its winter shelter on Nov. 1. This marks the beginning of our second season of offering warmth, safety and hope to our community members experiencing homelessness through a permanent space. The return of the winter shelter is more than just an open door; it is a testament to the resilience of those we serve and a reminder of the challenges they face year-round. [Meghan Mueller / The Oklahoman]
- ‘Rampant’: OKC residents dissatisfied with state of homelessness, survey finds [Fox 25]
Economy & Business News
State chamber president pushes workforce development: ‘We’re not where we need to be’: With its relatively low cost of living, plentiful land, solid infrastructure and favorable tax and regulatory environments, Oklahoma has key pieces in place to be primed for economic development. A piece that still needs to fall into place, however, is workforce development, State Chamber of Oklahoma President Chad Warmington said. [Tulsa World]
Construction of Oklahoma solar panel plant once celebrated by governor has been stalled: A billion-dollar solar panel factory set to be built in Inola and touted by Gov. Kevin Stitt as the largest economic development project in state history has stalled. Enel Spas, an Italian renewable energy company, has put the plan on hold because of money and politics. Construction on the plant was supposed to begin in fall 2023, with the first of the plant’s solar panels scheduled to be on the market by the end of 2024. Construction, however, has yet to begin. [The Oklahoman]
New economic development leader for the Tulsa Regional Chamber comes from OKC: Kim Wilmes has been named new senior vice president of economic development for the Tulsa Regional Chamber, replacing Arthur Jackson, who left earlier this year to become chief economic development officer in an Austin suburb. [Tulsa World]
Cherokees awarded $86M in Native-owned small business lending | Business in brief: The Cherokee Nation has been awarded more than $86 million in federal funding for Native-owned small-business lending. [Tulsa World]
Community News
Two churches are pushing back on election divisiveness with special initiatives: Church leaders at Memorial Road Church of Christ prayed in advance of the coming election to determine how to counter the divisiveness of the season. A minister said he read a survey after the last presidential election that showed that about 30 million people stopped talking to a friend or family member because of the election “and that shouldn’t happen.” [The Oklahoman]
Local Headlines
- Water from Canton Lake is arriving in OKC to replenish Lake Hefner. Here’s how the city prepares [KOSU]
- Rush Fire burns 11,000 acres within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge [The Oklahoman]
Quote of the Day
“The system of oppressive and deadly boarding schools is a dark chapter in the history of the United States, and the scars live on in Native American people. We welcome President Biden’s apology as a step towards the right direction and continuing the journey towards understanding and reconciliation between our people, our sovereign tribal nations and the United States.”
-Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation, in a statement about President Biden’s formal apology for the operation of Indian boarding schools. Biden is the first sitting president to acknowledge the federal government’s direct role into federally run and funded boarding schools for Native children. A federal report concluded in 2022 that such boarding schools operated for more than a century with the express purpose of eradicating Native cultures and communities. [KOSU]
Number of the Day
17%
Percentage of Oklahoma households with zero net worth, which was the nation’s second highest rate. The national rate was 13%. [Prosperity Now]
Policy Note
How Would the Harris and Trump Tax Plans Affect Different Income Groups?: Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have put forward a wide range of different tax proposals during this year’s campaign. ITEP has now fully analyzed the distributional impacts of the major proposals of both Vice President Harris and former President Trump in separate analyses. In all, the tax proposals announced by Harris would, on average, lead to a tax cut for all income groups except the richest 1 percent of Americans, while the proposals announced by Trump would, on average, lead to a tax increase for all income groups except the richest 5 percent of Americans. [Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy]
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