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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: Leaders shouldn’t ask nonprofits to do government’s job: Nonprofits are the lifeblood of our communities. They help house the homeless, feed the hungry, and advocate for those who have been overlooked. But let’s be clear: nonprofits should not bear the burden of providing essential public services that governments are obligated to deliver. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record]
Oklahoma News
Ryan Walters says he’ll try to change Oklahoma law to require elections for superintendents: In his latest headline-making move, Oklahoma schools Superintendent Ryan Walters announced that he will attempt to craft a new state law to require public school superintendents to be elected by voters. [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma State Superintendent wants district superintendent jobs to be elected positions [KOSU]
- Walters suggests putting Oklahoma superintendents up for election [Oklahoma Voice]
- Q&A: Oklahoma State Superintendent Proposes Elections For School Superintendents [NEWS9]
Agreement between Oklahoma, Denmark could lead to green methanol power plant in state: Gov. Kevin Stitt and Jesper Møller Sørensen, Denmark’s ambassador to the United States, signed the document, which lists three “collaborative objectives:” to develop and operate renewable energy projects, to establish a so-called “power-to-X” facility in Oklahoma, and to promote economic growth and sustainability. [The Oklahoman]
- Objections raised to Oklahoma’s renewable energy agreement with Denmark [Tulsa World]
- Walters snaps at Stitt over symbolic green energy agreements with Denmark [KOSU]
State Government News
Oklahoma Department of Human Services warns about scammers targeting people on benefits: Scammers are a real threat this holiday season, even for people who depend on benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services, which helps administer SNAP, is urging those in the program previously known as food stamps to update the pin number on their electronic benefit transfer card.
Bill would modify Oklahoma’s abortion law to give fetus ‘equal rights to life’ in emergency: A bill that would make changes in Oklahoma’s abortion law has been filed by a conservative state lawmaker. Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, said the legislation would put more emphasis on the rights of the unborn in existing state law. [Tulsa World]
Oklahoma legislator makes another run at Ten Commandments in schools: A bill to put the Ten Commandments into public school classrooms has been revived for another year. State Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Roland, pre-filed the legislation this week and it’s an exact copy of the previous legislation entered in the 2024 session. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma Attorney General asks state Supreme Court to consider case against ban on green banks: Attorney General Gentner Drummond is asking the Oklahoma Supreme Court to reinstate a ban on using banks that support green energy for state business. A district court judge ruled earlier this year the so-called blacklist was unconstitutional. [KOSU]
Federal Government News
U.S. Education Department pings states, schools to set policies on cellphone use: The U.S. Education Department called on every state, school and district on Tuesday to adopt policies on cellphone use in schools. The department asks schools to have well-thought-out policies on the matter, but does not dictate exactly what those policies should be. An accompanying resource for schools notes the risk social media can pose to students’ mental health. [Oklahoma Voice]
Conservative justices lean toward allowing Tennessee’s ban on gender affirming care: A conservative U.S. Supreme Court appeared ready to side with Tennessee Wednesday in upholding the state’s ban on gender affirming care for children, a case likely to set legal precedent on equal protection for transgender minors. [Oklahoma Voice]
- Supreme Court weighs gender-affirming care for minors [KFOR]
Boost in federal dollars could strengthen prenatal, early childhood Oklahoma home visiting services: The federal government is increasing funding for a program that offers families free, voluntary home visits by health professionals from pregnancy to kindergarten. The state hopes to use those dollars to fill maternal and infant health care gaps. [KGOU]
Tribal Nations News
CN task force report recommends tribe focus on innovative approaches to sentencing, re-entry: The Cherokee Nation Criminal Law Reform and Planning Task Force commissioned in 2023 by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. has finalized its list of recommendations aimed at strengthening the tribe’s justice system and providing a roadmap for future policy changes and resource investments. [Cherokee Phoenix]
Choctaw Nation honors outstanding Elders of the Year: The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma hosted the 2024 Outstanding Elder banquet to honor the elders from each district who stood out as exceptional examples of the Chahta spirit, going above and beyond for their communities. [The Journal Record]
Oklahoma law enforcement officials criticize ‘rogue’ tribal police force: Thirty-two Oklahoma law enforcement officials, including the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, issued a letter Tuesday warning about a threat from the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, which those officials say is undermining their ability to “hold criminals accountable and keep communities safe.” [ICT]
Voting and Election News
OK County seat hotly contested, OKC Ward 7 draws quartet, OKCPS’ Lewis challenged: After the departures of former OKC Ward 7 Councilwoman Nikki Nice and former Oklahoma County District 1 Commissioner Carrie Blumert, open seats in the metro have drawn some familiar faces ahead of the Feb. 11 primary election. [NonDoc]
Norman elections: Holman, Mulinix challenge Heikkila in mayor’s race: Incumbent Norman Mayor Larry Heikkila has drawn two challengers for his 2025 reelection campaign: longtime Ward 7 Councilman Stephen Tyler Holman and attorney Riley Mulinix. [NonDoc]
Edmond elections: Phil Fraim wins Ward 4 by default, ‘Old Ranger’ pushes mayoral field to 4: With one declaring himself a “placeholder,” four candidates have filed to run for the open Edmond mayoral seat, but another City Council race was decided by default this afternoon with only Phil Fraim filing to represent Ward 4. [NonDoc]
Broken Arrow City Council tables decision on Ward 3 appointment: The Broken Arrow City Council heard from nine candidates Tuesday night vying to be appointed to the empty seat. Applicants included former first responders, a veteran, small businesses owners and a retired teacher. [Public Radio Tulsa]
Opinion: Change our ‘voting conversations’ to better understand each other: I voted in my first presidential election this past November. I had turned 18 in May, and I voted in the mayoral general election in August. Throughout high school, we are encouraged to take on leadership roles and record them on college applications. As historian Doris Kearns Goodwin said, “Good leadership requires you to surround yourself with people of diverse perspectives who can disagree with you without fear of retaliation.” [Georgia Ford / Tulsa World]
Education News
Oklahoma higher ed gender gap widens: women earn 61% of college degrees, certificates: In the 2023 to 2024 school year, women earned about 61% of all degrees and certificates conferred at public higher education institutions, while men earned 39%. Women outpaced men in all seven degree and certificate categories. [KGOU]
Kingfisher schools making personnel cuts: Kingfisher Public Schools has started a reduction in force to make up a $1.96 million budget deficit. [Enid News & Eagle]
Jennettie Marshall won’t run again for Tulsa school board; area candidates file for seats: A two-term member of Tulsa Public Schools’ Board of Education has decided not to seek reelection. The filing period for school board candidates closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday. [Tulsa World]
- Tulsa-area school board incumbents largely reelected by default, some races contested [NonDoc]
Opinion: Partnerships for aerospace studies forming in unique ways across state: In what was once a small community grocery store, Wyandotte High School aviation students are developing flight plans, analyzing the effects of weather and using flight simulators to practice piloting skills. These students represent just some of the 5,000 students enrolled in high school aviation programs across Oklahoma, programs that have been designed to ready students for careers in our state’s vital aerospace industry. [Paula Kedy / Tulsa World]
Opinion: Colleges, private foundations working together to meet workforce needs: A significant shift is occurring in the educational and career paths of young Americans, highlighting the growing recognition of alternative educational paths and changing workforce demands. [Mautra Staley Jones and Trisha Finnegan / The Oklahoman]
Health News
Avian flu detected in Adair County: A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been identified in a flock in Adair County. [Tulsa World]
Phosphorus levels in Illinois River watershed haven’t changed since trial, judge told: A water-quality expert for the Oklahoma Conservation Commission testified Wednesday that phosphorus levels in the Illinois River watershed have not changed since a trial on the matter ended in 2009. [Tulsa World]
Opinion: Stop pharmacy benefit managers from raising costs on seniors: Pharmacy benefit managers are increasingly under fire for their role in driving up prescription drug costs for American seniors. As a pharmacist with decades of experience, I can tell you this criticism is well-deserved. [David Derby / Tulsa World]
Criminal Justice News
State prisons turn to extended lockdowns amid staffing shortages, overcrowding: Across the United States, state prison systems are grappling with chronic understaffing and overcrowding — dual crises that are keeping incarcerated people confined to their cells for far longer periods than in recent decades. [Oklahoma Voice]
Martial law reversed in South Korea: What is it, when was it used in Oklahoma?: In Oklahoma, martial law has been declared at least 11 times, according to the Brennan Center’s list. One of the more notable instances was in 1921 when Adjutant General Charles Barrett issued martial law in response to the Tulsa Race Massacre. [The Oklahoman]
Housing & Economic Opportunity News
Final 2024 round of Housing Stability Program loans approved: More than $90 million is still available for developer subsidies and homebuyer downpayment and closing cost assistance through a housing program established last year. The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency Board of Trustees awarded Housing Stability Program construction loans to five entities last month, totaling $12.35 million. [The Journal Record]
Community News
Niagara Cares partners with anti-hunger organizations for OKC food distribution: About 400 local families received meals kits, hygiene products and other items Wednesday during a special event hosted by Niagara Cares and several anti-hunger organizations in south Oklahoma City. [The Oklahoman]
Opinion: Break down Tulsa’s silos by creating inclusive spaces for authentic connection: Returning to Tulsa from New York City last spring, I was struck by a vibrant community of people doing extraordinary things. Yet, I also noticed much of this dynamic activity seemed to be happening in silos. I sensed a disconnect between the highly engaged “New Tulsa” downtown ecosystem and lifelong Tulsans who felt left behind in their own city, between transplants and long-term residents, and geographically between north Tulsa, midtown, south Tulsa, and the growing suburbs. [Luke Leifeste / Tulsa World]
Local Headlines
- Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols introduces key players in his administration [Tulsa World]
- Application for OK Summer Arts Institute opens [The Journal Record]
Quote of the Day
“School boards are elected, and they pick the superintendent for their district. Rather than focusing on outcomes, he’s just trying to sow seeds of conflict with hard-working superintendents, which is simply and unnecessarily disruptive. None of this will bring us up from dead last in the nation in ACT scores and student outcomes. I wish he would focus on the job he was elected to, rather than trying to score political points for who knows what. The voters of Oklahoma and their kids deserve better.”
-Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, a member of the House Appropriations and Budget subcommittee on education, said responding to State Superintendent Ryan Walters announcement that he will attempt to craft a new state law to require public school superintendents to be elected by voters. [The Oklahoman]
Number of the Day
77,344
The estimated shortage of rental homes in Oklahoma for extremely low-income renters, who make less than about $23,000/year for a family of four. [National Low-Income Housing Coalition]
Policy Note
While Political Polarization Is Higher Than Ever, Rural Housing is a Sure Bipartisan Bet: Rising costs, high interest rates, shortages of homes, and increased numbers of people experiencing homelessness are affecting all Americans, and proposals for how to address these issues can vary widely depending on the party. Following a highly contentious election and a change in power in Washington D.C., common ground on policy seems rare at the moment. But for the past year and a half, bipartisan support has been building for an often overlooked but critical issue, one that is primed for action in 2025: rural housing reform. [Daily Yonder]
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