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In The Know is a daily synopsis of Oklahoma policy-related news and blogs. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.
Today In The News
Fatal shootings by police eclipse 2014 total: The number of fatal shootings by police continues to climb in Oklahoma, with some saying the state is an extreme example of a host of cultural issues being experienced across the country. The shooting death of a man by Cushing police Aug. 30 marked the 26th time this year that law enforcement officers in Oklahoma have fatally shot someone [Tulsa World].
Oklahoma City police chief, councilman address race, policing issues in panel discussion: Oklahoma City residents crowded into a café in Midtown last month to discuss police and minority communities. The event hosted by Oklahoma Watch raised questions about diversity within the police force [KGOU].
Attorneys for kids in child welfare system may not be prepared for the job: Continuing the good work being done this year in interim studies, the House Committee on Children, Youth and Families held a study last week on the “prosecutorial” versus the “agency” method of attorney representation in child welfare cases. The study was requested by Rep. Pat Ownbey, R-Ardmore, who is chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Services [OK Policy].
Oklahoma Tax Commission offers program to help tax payers pay obligations without penalty: The Oklahoma Tax Commission recently announced a program for individuals and businesses who are behind on their Oklahoma taxes called PAYRight OK. The program will allow taxpayers to pay their tax obligations without penalties, interest or fees. PAYRight OK is available for participants from Sept.14 through Nov. 13 [Tulsa World].
Oklahoma Labor Department says public sector injuries down: The Oklahoma Department of Labor is reporting a decrease in the illness and injury rate among public sector employers in the state. The agency reported Monday that Oklahoma has seen a 44 percent decrease over the past 15 years following a targeted enforcement program on public sector employers, who have an incidence rate above the state’s average [KJRH].
Attorney claims state isn’t legally providing workers’ comp insurance: A local attorney is calling for an investigation into whether a state agency’s failure to obtain prior approval to operate a new self-insurance plan has left thousands of state employees temporarily without workers’ compensation coverage. Agency officials dispute that there is a problem [NewsOK].
White House to honor two young Oklahoma women: Two young women from Oklahoma, including an Oklahoma City Girl Scout who started a nonprofit company to help veterans, are set to be honored as “champions of change” Tuesday at the White House. Katie Prior, of Oklahoma City, and Ashley McCray, of Norman, are among 11 who will be recognized “for their courage and contributions,” according to the White House [Tulsa World].
Quote of the Day
“I’ve always said, whether it’s a female, Hispanic, African-American, is we need that input, because it differs. I don’t think the same way as a female might. I don’t think about those things. I don’t think as an African-American. I don’t think what might affect them, and culturally those things that might affect them.”
– Oklahoma City chief of police Bill Citty, discussing why he views a more diverse police force as a key element to reducing tensions between community and police (Source)
Number of the Day
6,056,081
Number of meals provided to Oklahoma seniors by the state Department of Human Services in SFY 2014.
Source: OKDHS.
See previous Numbers of the Day here.
Policy Note
Obamacare Likely to Spur Rise in Chronic Disease Diagnoses: More Americans are getting health insurance as a result of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which may lead to many more people getting diagnosed and treated for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, a new study contends. If the number of Americans without health insurance is cut in half under the ACA, commonly called Obamacare, that likely means up to 1.5 million newly insured people will be diagnosed with one or more chronic illnesses, the researchers projected [US News and World Report].
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