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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
Policy Matters: Respecting Tribal sovereignty is vital to our state’s success: November is Native American Heritage Month, a time for reflecting on the contributions Native Americans have made to our communities, state, and our nation. However, instead of looking back on these impressive accomplishments, today I choose to look forward. I want to look forward to an Oklahoma that enjoys shared prosperity resulting from the state working with the 38 federally recognized Tribal nations in our borders. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record]
Oklahoma News
Ryan Walters’ national media blitz continues as state education board meeting is canceled: Despite being bypassed by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as U.S. education secretary, state Superintendent Ryan Walters has continued a national conservative media blitz. In one recent interview, he threatened to punish Oklahoma school districts that have refused to show students a video of him announcing his new Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism within the Oklahoma State Department of Education and then praying, on camera, for Trump. [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma education chief vows to ‘absolutely’ penalize schools not showing Trump prayer [Raw Story]
- Sen. Markwayne Mullin questions Ryan Walters’ Bible mandate, calling it a ‘slippery slope’ [The Oklahoman]
- Political notebook: Mullin concerned Bible might not be taught by ‘believers’ [Tulsa World]
Opinion: Paging Ryan Walters! Oklahoma kids are too busy learning to take in your propaganda: Yoo hoo, Ryan Walters! While you’re seemingly attempting to woo President-elect Donald Trump by spouting off divisive rhetoric, creating unnecessary committees and issuing asinine edicts, Oklahoma’s real education needs are continuing to be ignored. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]
Opinion: Oklahoma schools won’t get better until Walters’ OSDE goes in different direction: Without change, no matter how many videos Ryan Walters sends around or TV appearances to raise his national profile, Oklahoma students won’t have a prayer. [William C. Wertz / The Oklahoman]
Opinion: Oklahomans are struggling. Thanksgiving should be a time of reflection: These realities aren’t meant for anyone to choke on their turkey dinner. It’s time we take a sobering look at the policies that are not working for many Oklahomans. [Clytie Bunyan / The Oklahoman]
- Grateful, but still hope to grow: Here’s our Thanksgiving wish list for Oklahoma [The Oklahoman]
State Government News
New Oklahoma lawmakers preview goals for next legislative session: Thirty-one new Oklahoma lawmakers will take on their first legislative session starting Feb. 3, 2025. That’s 17 in the House and 14 in the Senate. Their priorities range from cutting taxes and bolstering tourism to increasing voter access and recalibrating the governor’s power over ballot initiatives. [KOSU]
- Oklahoma House members swear in, Speaker Hilbert talks legislative priorities [KOSU]
State Senator files bill to gradually eliminate state income tax: On Wednesday, State Sen. Michael Bergstrom (R-Adair) filed a tax reform proposal aimed at gradually lowering the state income tax in Oklahoma. If passed, the newly-filed Senate Bill 1 would initially reduce the state’s marginal income tax by 0.25 percentage points across all tax brackets, then tie future reductions to the state’s revenue growth. [KFOR]
- Bill to cut Oklahoma income tax first to be filed for next legislative session [Tulsa World]
- From OK Policy archive: Everyday Oklahomans will be hurt by sweeping revenue cuts
- From CBPP archive: Revenue “Triggers” for State Tax Cuts Provide Illusion of Fiscal Responsibility
Judge postpones decision after lawmaker’s complaint on Corp. Commission case: An administrative law judge decided Thursday to allow attorneys two more weeks to evaluate a formal complaint filed to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. The complaint was filed in September by Rep. Tom Gann claiming that ONG’s Fuel Adjustment Clause and Prudence Review case was “tainted” and “unlawful” because of Commissioner Todd Hiett’s involvement in the case after he was accused of sexual misconduct and drunkenness in June. [KFOR]
Oklahoma child advocacy group renews call to end some forms of corporal punishment in schools: The executive director of a statewide group charged with advocating for Oklahoma children said Thursday his organization would again push to outlaw the use of corporal punishment on developmentally disabled students during the 2025 legislative session. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma game wardens will be shorthanded through state’s busy hunting seasons: Oklahoma’s game wardens will be entering their busiest time of the year shorthanded. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation currently has 12 open positions for game wardens as deer gun season gets underway. [Oklahoma Voice]
Opinion, This Week in Oklahoma Politics: Ryan Walters’ Bibles, open primaries initiative petition, “Operation Guardian” and more: The panel discusses the State Department of Education buying 532 Trump-endorsed Bibles for nearly $25,000, Superintendent Ryan Walters mandating schools show a video of him announcing his Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism along with him praying for President-elect Donald Trump and a new initiative petition to open the primary election process to everyone. [KOSU]
Federal Government News
What could Trump’s deportation programs look like in Oklahoma?: Gov. Kevin Stitt says he wants Oklahoma first in line when President-elect Donald Trump launches his mass-deportation plan. [Tulsa World]
21 states back Oklahoma in fight to restore federal family planning funds: A coalition of states, Congress members, medical organizations and public policy groups have submitted amicus briefs supporting Oklahoma’s fight to restore federal family planning money. [The Oklahoman]
Black Wall Street national monument bill reaches Senate floor: In a time of extreme political polarization, the bipartisan effort from conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats represents a glimmer of hope for a community rebuilding from the ashes of state-sponsored racial terrorism. [The Black Wall Street Times]
D.C. Digest: Mullin, union boss he challenged to a fight may go to boxing tournament together: U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Teamsters boss Sean O’Brien may be meeting at the mat after all. A year after challenging O’Brien to a fight during a Senate hearing, Mullin said the two of them might attend the national Golden Gloves tournament in Tulsa next May. [Tulsa World]
Tribal Nations News
From jurisdictional issues to lack of resources, Indigenous women testify on MMIW crisis: Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, said that Indigenous women and girls continue to be disproportionately targeted by dangerous predators. [Oklahoma Voice]
Brennan Center for Justice Study Shows Native Americans Vote at Lower Rates Than Non-Natives: The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law on Monday released a 16-page study, entitled “Voting on Tribal Lands: Barriers to Native American Turnout.” [Native News Online]
Cherokee Nation opens new Head Start Center in Nowata: As part of the Cherokee Nation’s push for improved early childhood education, the tribe has opened a $7.3 million Head Start in the Nowata community. [Cherokee Phoenix]
- Cherokee Nation celebrates grand opening of $7.3M head start [The Journal Record]
Osage Nation celebrates historic fee-to-trust signing: Osage Nation citizens and representatives from the Bureau of Indian Affairs gathered in Pawhuska on Monday to sign in to place the second-largest acquisition of fee-to-trust land. [KGOU]
Cherokee family shares culture with elementary classes for Native American History Month: Retired Cherokee educator Mary Clarkson and her five grandchildren shared traditional Cherokee stories and culture on Friday with elementary classes at Angus Valley Elementary School. [Tulsa World]
Native American leaders honored as Dream Keepers in Tulsa: Eleven people chosen by the Greater Tulsa Indian Affairs Commission received Dream Keepers Awards Tuesday night at city hall. The awards recognize Indigenous people who’ve made a difference in Green Country. [Public Radio Tulsa]
Meet the peach that traveled the Trail of Tears: The “Indian peach” survived genocide. Can it withstand climate change? [Grist via ICT]
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr.: Unleashing the Potential of Cherokee Small Business: My administration’s work and the incredible strides of my predecessors all focused on a foundation for future prosperity. This foundation is built on access to health care, food security, educational attainment and cultural preservation, just to name a few of the Nation’s longtime priorities. [Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. / Native News Online]
Voting and Election News
Oklahoma open primary proposal gets mixed reaction: The state question is being backed by Oklahoma United, a nonpartisan organization that says the change will increase voter participation, reduce polarization and force candidates to be responsive to all voters. It will also benefit independent voters, who can’t vote in Republican or Libertarian primaries. Democrats currently allow independents to vote in their primaries. [Oklahoma Voice]
Opinion: Voter frustration fuels open primary push: Red state or Blue, it’s clear Americans are unsettled politically, many expressing some variation of “government isn’t working for me” or “my vote doesn’t count” – or both. [Arnold Hamilton / The Journal Record]
Education News
OSDE says deadlines met in critical federal report, legislators remain concerned: Months after the U.S. Department of Education set multiple deadlines for the Oklahoma State Department of Education to make numerous changes to its handling of federal grants, those deadlines have now passed. OSDE officials say they made the requested changes by the deadlines, and additionally, state-level oversight has spurred more robust communication with the state Legislature. [NonDoc]
Oklahoma Woman Sues State Superintendent, OSDE Over Alleged Bullying Of Grandchildren: An Oklahoma woman is suing State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education for allegedly violating state law by not stepping in when her grandkids were bullied in school. [News on 6]
Ryan Walters’ failure to land education secretary nomination unsurprising, critics say: An apparent campaign by Oklahoma state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters to land a spot in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration has ended with Walters not being selected for a job many believe he coveted: U.S. education secretary. [The Oklahoman]
- Stephen Colbert calls out Ryan Walters for ‘amping up the MAGA’ since Trump’s reelection [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma seniors can now — and must — start filling out FAFSA forms: Oklahoma high school seniors can now start filling out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, forms. And, because of a new state law that applies to the Class of 2025, they are required to complete the form or formally opt out to graduate. [KGOU]
- FAFSA is now open for applications: New Oklahoma rule requires students apply to graduate [The Oklahoman]
Critics say Oklahoma damaged trust, failed students by quietly lowering testing rigor: In the months since it was learned that the State Department of Education had reduced the performance level needed to make a proficient score on math and English tests this year, educators and parents said the way the Education Department handled the test score rollout diminished their trust in the agency and in state tests themselves. States that similarly lowered cut scores have faced national criticism, too. [Oklahoma Voice]
Opinion: Oklahoma education officials have undermined the integrity of the student testing system: In most states, students who are below grade level—in other words, who fall below the state’s passing score—receive additional attention, supports, interventions and resources. Unfortunately, the Oklahoma Department of Education has undermined the integrity of this system by lowering passing scores on the state’s standardized assessments, effectively moving the goalposts on student achievement. [Patricia Levesque / Oklahoma Voice]
Editorial: State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ excruciating cry for attention: The recent theater performed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters in desperate attempts to get the attention of President Donald Trump would be sad if it weren’t so detrimental to students and the state. [Tulsa World]
Health News
Another $2.5 million in grants awarded to fight opioid crisis in Oklahoma: Fourteen counties, two cities and two school districts will split $2.5 million in grants meant to combat opioid addiction in Oklahoma and support recovery programs. [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma Opioid Abatement Board searches for partner to track grant progress [KOSU]
Oklahoma County stepping in after state cuts funding for prescription medicine help: Oklahoma County commissioners are not leaving the poor and homeless to get prescription medicine they need on their own, even though state lawmakers have relieved all Oklahoma counties of responsibility for their care. [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma County rescues indigent pharmacy after social services department closes [KOSU]
Oklahoma initiative kicks off by training librarians to help with telehealth visits: Oklahomans living in areas with limited internet access soon will be able to receive help with virtual doctor’s appointments at their local library. [The Oklahoman]
Opinion: Oklahomans rushing to stock medicine cabinets with morning-after pill: With a Trump second term, anxiety is rising over the potential of more losses in women’s reproductive choices. The president-elect is inconsistent on his position regarding more restrictions on birth control. The Associated Press reported a 966% increase in sales of emergency contraception at Winx Health, an online store for women’s health products, in the 60 hours after the election. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]
Criminal Justice News
Who is killed in police chases and why? 5 takeaways from a Tulsa World investigation: Oklahoma ranks eighth highest in the U.S. for pursuit-related deaths from 2016 to 2022, according to a Tulsa World and Lee Enterprises’ Public Service Journalism Team analysis of federal data. But the state doesn’t track car chases or pursuit-related crashes. So the Tulsa World and Lee spent months piecing together a database of Oklahoma’s deadly pursuits for that seven-year period through various federal, state and local public records sources. [Tulsa World]
Tulsa County commissioners looking to audit Juvenile Bureau, detention center: Tulsa County commissioners, who earlier this year took over operations of the troubled Family Center for Juvenile Justice, are considering hiring an outside firm to audit the detention center and the Tulsa County Juvenile Bureau, which historically oversaw operations at the facility. [Tulsa World]
Oklahoma City reaches $1 million settlement with family of Bennie Edwards: Last week, the Oklahoma City Council approved $1.05 million to settle a civil lawsuit filed by the family of Bennie Edwards, who was shot and killed by Oklahoma City police officers on December 11, 2020. [KOSU]
- Family of Bennie Edwards, killed in OKC police shooting, to receive $1.05M in settlement [The Oklahoman]
Legal roundup: Teacher impersonator pleads, OKC settles Bennie Edwards lawsuit, recusal rules amended: A woman accused of sending racist messages while impersonating a Clinton teacher has pleaded to avoid trial, and an appellate court has ruled regarding a corporal punishment lawsuit involving Indianola Public Schools. New Oklahoma Supreme Court guidance on judge recusals — which could affect the embezzlement proceedings against former Epic Charter School leaders. [NonDoc]
Oklahoma County jail trust chairman calls out impasse with city: ‘It’s everybody’s problem’: Oklahoma County Jail Trust Chairman Joe Allbaugh has taken the unusual step of calling out the Oklahoma City Council to stop fighting the county and to work with county commissioners to get the new jail project unstuck. [The Oklahoman]
Homeless people using shopping carts could be subject to citations, Tulsa police official says: The Tulsa Police Department is working with local retailers to authorize officers to issue citations to individuals who possess shopping carts off the premises without the permission of the store owner, downtown stakeholders were told last week. [Tulsa World]
Slain women in God’s Misfits case tried to defend themselves, reports show: A mother of two children fought to protect herself after being ambushed in the Oklahoma Panhandle in March, twice grabbing her attacker’s knife, according to her full autopsy report. [The Oklahoman]
Housing & Economic Opportunity News
Oklahoma ranks among worst for mothers, children due to ‘maternity care deserts’ report says: Oklahoma finds itself near the very bottom of the list when it comes to the health of its women and children, looking at factors including social and economic, physical environment, clinical care, behaviors and health outcomes. [The Oklahoman]
Housing Partnership Network teams with Tulsa to tackle affordable housing crisis: The Housing Partnership Network (HPN) has launched a major initiative in Tulsa to tackle the city’s pressing affordable housing shortage. Partnering with the Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation, CDFI Friendly Tulsa (CFT), and local leaders, HPN aims to bolster development capacity, attract critical capital, and support local housing efforts. [The Black Wall Street Times]
SoonerSelect helping fight food insecurity in Oklahoma, easing stress during holidays: According to the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority, just over 15% of Oklahoma households experience food insecurity. SoonerSelect, Oklahoma’s new managed Medicaid program, has several different programs in an effort to combat food insecurity. [Fox 25]
Opinion: Supporting Oklahoma’s family caregivers is an urgent public health priority: Family caregivers across Oklahoma face mounting pressures as they provide care, often at the expense of their own mental and physical well-being. This November, as we observe National Family Caregiver Month, let’s pause to consider the often-overlooked support that caregivers and parents desperately need. [Lisa Kelly / Tulsa World]
Opinion: Include emergency rent assistance as part of Tulsa’s new housing strategy: I am thankful that efforts to fund affordable housing development are being prioritized in comprehensive packages like Improve Our Tulsa, which are critically important to this strategy. These improvements are crucial to addressing the long-term sustainability of housing and, when fully implemented, will help us meet the anticipated housing need. As we build this new capacity, however, it is important to make sure we continue to take care of families in crisis along the way. [The Rev. Jeff Jaynes / Tulsa World]
Editorial: Rental assistance has expired, so Oklahoma must do more to prevent evictions: Pandemic-era federal funding that kept thousands of Oklahomans from losing their homes has expired. Expect more families to struggle and homelessness to rise. It doesn’t have to be that way. We can learn from and keep funding programs that are found to be effective during the crisis. [Editorial / Tulsa World]
- From OK Policy: Lawmakers can do more in 2025 to fix housing
Economy & Business News
High-density neighborhood approved for thickly forested land on I-35 in east Edmond: The Edmond City Council has approved the densest neighborhood in town, in the thickest forest in town, in the least populated east part of town where acreage estates are the norm, over the objection of some neighbors. [The Oklahoman]
Community News
Outgoing Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum reflects on immigration, struggle for racial equity during term: KWGS’ Ben Abrams sat down with outgoing Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum at city hall to talk about his political tenure. Bynum was asked about the commemoration of the 1921 Race Massacre, the McGirt decision, welcoming immigrants to Tulsa, elected officials’ salaries and public transit. [Public Radio Tulsa]
Tulsa Community Mourns A Legend, Coach Reed: Keith Reed, affectionately known as “Coach Reed,” was a pillar of the North Tulsa community who dedicated his life to uplifting youth and building a stronger future for countless families. [The Black Wall Street Times]
Jewish art museum vows to continue marking history as it buries Holocaust remains in Tulsa: The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art has buried and held a Jewish funeral for Holocaust remains it once kept. Museum curator Sofia Thornbald said the now-buried remains were likely given to the museum before 2000, when it was more common to put human remains on display. [Public Radio Tulsa]
Bonds away: Ideas, conversations highlight Oklahoma City ‘GO bond’ process: The City of Oklahoma City has held open houses to discuss what OKC’s next slate of general obligation bond projects will look like in the coming years. Aimed at culling project ideas from the public, the event also included personnel from every city department imaginable who were there to explain their departments’ responsibilities and priorities. [NonDoc]
More than a meal: The unsung heroes who make Thanksgiving happen in OKC year after year: Especially at the holidays, people look to give back to those who may not have family and warm meals awaiting them, by volunteering at various dinners organized through area churches, nonprofits and resource centers. Many volunteers return year after year, becoming staple parts of the organizations’ missions. [The Oklahoman]
Local Headlines
- Tulsa Remote gains national attention for benefits to city, participants [Public Radio Tulsa]
- Space propulsion testing company announces plan for Tulsa facility [Tulsa World]
- Tulsa Day Center cuts ribbon on animal shelter to help pet owners who are homeless [Tulsa World]
- Oklahoma City’s Jewel Theater to go through a revitalization process [KOSU]
Quote of the Day
“Instead of a top-down approach, it’s time to stop offering crumbs to people on the lower socioeconomic scale and instead try a bottom-up approach where those people benefit first.”
– Clytie Bunyan, managing editor for opinion and community engagement for The Oklahoman, writing about the many needs for Oklahomans not being met by the state’s elected officials and decision makers. [The Oklahoman]
Number of the Day
90%
Black women in the U.S. have approximately 90 percent less wealth than white men, and working Black women have 29 percent less earnings on average. Over a 40-year career, these gaps can result in losses of nearly $1 million in pre-tax earnings, on average, for Black women compared with white men. [Urban Institute]
Policy Note
State Tax Policy Should Adopt the Principles of ‘Black Women Best’: With most elections over, state lawmakers are preparing for 2025 legislative sessions, and this means a new slate of tax policy proposals is on the horizon. This class of elected officials is in a tough position because of the decisions of their predecessors. Years of drastic tax cuts mean states have fewer dollars to fund new projects or invest in existing services, like education, transportation, and healthcare. This will make it more difficult to maintain programs that benefit everyone. However, there is an approach legislators can use to lift those left behind in the economy who bear the brunt of these harmful tax cuts. The Black Women Best framework provides legislators a novel way to pinpoint the devastating harms of some tax proposals so they can instead propose sensible solutions to today’s economic problems. [Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy]
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