In The Know: Oklahoma can’t afford to lose Medicaid expansion | Judge rejects Oklahoma AG's settlement agreements in poultry pollution lawsuit | Calling the budget process ‘transparent’ doesn’t make it so

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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) Policy Matters: Calling the budget process ‘transparent’ doesn’t make it so   When lawmakers announced a state budget deal last week, leadership hailed the record-early timing as proof of their commitment to “transparency.” To borrow a line from The Princess Bride: “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record] Apply Now for the 2026 Oklahoma Summer Policy Institute   OK Policy’s Oklahoma Summer Policy Institute (SPI) brings together highly-qualified college students, recent graduates, and new policy professionals for a three-day learning experience that informs participants about Oklahoma’s policy landscape and provides tools and resources to create change in our state. Apply by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, May 10, 2026. Learn More & Apply Know someone who would be a good fit for SPI? Please send them the link above. 16%   The percentage of Oklahomans ages 19-64 covered by SoonerCare expansion, making it a lifeline for more than 200,000 people across the state. [KFF] 5 Key Facts About Medicaid Expansion   Medicaid expansion allows states to cover low-income adults up to about 138% of the poverty level, with the federal government covering most of the cost. Most states have adopted expansion, and it has been linked to higher insurance coverage, better access to care, and improved financial stability for enrollees. At the same time, expansion remains optional, leaving gaps in coverage in states that have not adopted it. While it increases overall Medicaid spending, research shows it also brings economic benefits and helps reduce the number of uninsured people. [KFF] "Statutes can be changed at any time by any future legislature, without the vote of the people. This creates uncertainty for working families, for rural hospitals and for the more than 300,000 Oklahomans who depend on coverage. It opens the door to eligibility cuts, benefits reductions or new barriers to care, all without direct voter approval."   — Sen. Carrie Hicks (Oklahoma City) warning that repealing constitutional protections for Medicaid expansion and placing them into statute would create widespread uncertainty across Oklahoma’s health care system and the communities it serves. [The Journal Record] Oklahoma News   Measures affecting Medicaid expansion head to Senate floor: With Oklahoma Senate leaders touting the “looming storm clouds” of federal funding decreases for Medicaid, two measures addressing Medicaid expansion advanced from the Senate Rules Committee on Monday. [The Journal Record] Oklahoma cancer survivor, advocates say undoing Medicaid expansion could cost lives [StateImpact Oklahoma via KOSU] Breast cancer survivor urges OK lawmakers to fully fund Medicaid [KFOR] Oklahoma can’t afford to lose Medicaid expansion, Cherokee chief says [Oklahoma Voice] State Government News   Judge rejects proposed settlements over Illinois River Watershed poultry pollution: Oklahoma’s two-decade fight with poultry producers over pollution in the Illinois River Watershed still has no end in sight after a federal judge on Wednesday rejected proposed settlements between the state and poultry companies following a 2025 judgement that affirmed the involved companies were responsible for waste runoff. [NonDoc] Judge rejects Oklahoma AG's settlement agreements in poultry pollution lawsuit [Tulsa World] Federal judge rejects Oklahoma AG's poultry pollution settlements [The Oklahoman] Legislative Roundup Ban on using public funds for adult gender transitions advanced by Oklahoma House [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma bill would shield companies from climate change lawsuits [StateImpact Oklahoma via KOSU] Oklahoma bill would block climate change lawsuits against fossil fuel companies [The Oklahoman] Agriculture right to repair bill fails to advance the Oklahoma legislature [KOSU] Oklahoma lawmakers seek to create reporting requirements for alpha-gal syndrome [KOSU] Oklahoma governor issues proclamation for Toby Keith Day [KOSU] Federal Government News   DHS threatens to remove customs officers at sanctuary city airports: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin suggested removing U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in sanctuary cities, prompting criticism from the California governor over the prospect of "halted" international travel at some of the country's biggest hubs. [USA Today via The Oklahoman]   Louisiana judge preserves telehealth abortion access provision for now, puts case on hold: A federal judge in Louisiana upheld telehealth access to abortion medication in a decision issued Tuesday afternoon, pausing the case until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration completes a safety review of the drug, mifepristone. [Oklahoma Voice]   A day after Iran-US ceasefire declared, doubts linger amid continuing Gulf strikes: The United States and Iran both claimed victory Wednesday, a day after agreeing to a two-week conditional ceasefire, though doubts loomed following continued strikes across the Gulf nations and an indication by Iran that it will continue to control the Strait of Hormuz, a major passage for one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas. [Oklahoma Voice]   Tribal Nations News   Federal scrutiny of Section 8(a) could have ramifications on tribal companies in Oklahoma: The Small Business Administration’s Section 8(a) contracting program is drawing scrutiny in Washington from those who accuse it of being a diversity, equity and inclusion initiative. But cuts to the program could have economic consequences thousands of miles away — including in Oklahoma, where tribal governments bring federal dollars to the state’s economy through the 8(a) program. [NonDoc]   Choctaw Nation unveils historical marker in Fort Worth honoring tribe's World War I code talkers: The marker recognizes 19 Choctaw soldiers who used their Native language as a communication tool during the war, nearly 30 years before their Navajo successors in World War II and about six years before Native Americans would receive U.S. citizenship. [KOSU]   Voting and Election News   Education Watch: Who’s In the Race for State Schools Chief?: The race is on for the next state schools chief. During the official filing period last week, nine candidates filed to run for superintendent of public instruction. The primary election will be held June 16. A runoff, if needed, will be Aug. 25. The general election is Nov. 3. [Oklahoma Watch]   Education News   Tulsa Public Schools superintendent: Public can expect frequent bond spending updates: With Tuesday’s election results in hand, Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Ebony Johnson told reporters Wednesday to expect frequent public bond updates once work begins. [Tulsa World] The Tulsa Public Schools $609M bond is a go. Here’s what comes next [Tulsa Flyer] $12 million gift to University of Tulsa from Asbjornson Foundation to fund scholarships: The gift allows the creation of endowed funds for undergraduate and graduate scholarships, summer tuition assistance, global study, and experiential learning. Students from the state of Montana and transfer students from the Tulsa area will be given priority, according to a news release. [Tulsa World]   Health News   'Like a gym membership': An Oklahoma provider explains a growing primary care model: An increasing number of providers and patients are participating in direct primary care. It’s not insurance, but rather a business model where patients can purchase a membership, allowing them unlimited access to certain primary care services. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU]   Opinion: Oklahomans shouldn't have to fight insurance for vital care: I’m alive today not only because of a donor who chose the gift of life, but also because of those who fought alongside me to make my transplant happen. Now, I’m on a mission to ensure patients don’t have to fight as hard as I did to receive medically necessary treatment. [Lacy Cornelius-Boyd / The Oklahoman]   Criminal Justice News   From 50 Cases Per Month to 50 Per Week: Oklahoma’s System for Child Sex Abuse Is Being Overwhelmed: Child Advocacy Centers, often referred to as CACs, are seeing more cases of sexual abuse, driven by both increased reporting and a rise in incidents, particularly those involving online contact, and are struggling to keep pace even as funding has increased in recent years. [Oklahoma Watch]   Panel denies clemency to Oklahoma death row inmate: Religion, redemption and remorse were not enough for Raymond E. Johnson to elicit a single vote for mercy from the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. The Board voted 5-0 on Wednesday against recommending that Gov. Kevin Stitt grant clemency to the 52-year-old double murderer. [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma double murderer Raymond Eugene Johnson denied clemency [The Oklahoman] Tulsa killer on death row denied clemency in hearing Wednesday [Tulsa World] All maximum-security inmates have been moved out of deadly Oklahoma prison: The Oklahoma prison that has had the most homicides over the last four years has stopped holding maximum-security inmates. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections said all 175 maximum-security inmates at the Allen Gamble Correctional Center in Holdenville have been transferred. [The Oklahoman]   Judge refuses to toss removal proceeding for suspended Coal County sheriff: A removal trial for suspended Coal County Sheriff Jason Smith remains on the schedule for April 27 after all because a district judge has denied a negotiated plea agreement, saying the decision of the state’s multi-county grand jury cannot be disregarded. [NonDoc]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Oklahoma County secures $900K opioid grant for recovery, housing: Oklahoma County has partnered with Diversion Hub and Homeless Alliance after winning an Opioid Abatement Grant from the Oklahoma Office of the Attorney General. The three-year, $900,000 grant will fund case management, housing services and peer recovery support for justice-involved individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. [The Journal Record]   Norman voters approve $8M bond for new homeless shelter: The $8 million bond funded by property taxes over 20 years will allow the city to replace a temporary 55-bed facility with a purpose-built location designed specifically to transition individuals into stable housing. The current building was never intended for long-term use, said Norman Mayor Stephen Tyler Holman. He called the ‘yes’ vote a major step forward for the city. [The Journal Record]   City Lights Village nears completion of project to house unsheltered people in Tulsa: The first phase of a $26.1 million project to provide homes for the homeless in north Tulsa is nearing completion. Backers of City Lights Village offered a tour to the media of the eventual 75-home community project. [Tulsa World]   Local Headlines Gilcrease Museum, partners celebrate groundbreaking on hiking and mountain biking trails [Tulsa World] Tulsa breaks ground on $3.5M biking, walking trails at Gilcrease Museum [The Oklahoma Eagle] Edmond OK's Walmart Neighborhood Market over neighbors' concerns [The Oklahoman] UFL believes OKC is 'perfect market' for expansion team: What to know [The Oklahoman] Support Our Work with a Donation In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. 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