Weekly Wonk: Eviction records should not create a lifelong barrier to housing | Culture war and ethics bills stall in House committee | Putting people before party | More

What's up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing, In The Know.

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026 Subscribe // View latest headlines Eviction records should not create a lifelong barrier to housing   State policymakers have an opportunity this session to ensure an eviction doesn't scar a tenant for life. Because Oklahoma has stagnant wages and lack of adequate support systems like rental assistance, one disaster can quickly push renters towards missed rent and eviction. In today's tight housing market, a single eviction record can close doors long after it happened; sealing eviction records helps prevent small mistakes from becoming permanent obstacles. [Sabine Brown / OK Policy] Culture war and ethics bills stall in House committee (Capitol Update)   The meeting last week of the House Civil Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Collin Duel, R-Guthrie, was somewhat unusual — three of the 29 bills on the agenda were voted down. It's surprising these days to see much controversy in legislative committee meetings. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update] Policy Matters: Putting people before party   When our elected officials treat policy debates as battles to be won rather than problems to be solved, complex issues get flattened into slogans. Neighbors become opponents. We can do better. Our state's biggest challenges demand cooperation, not conflict. This moment offers elected officials a chance to lower the temperature and work together for a better Oklahoma. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record] Last chance to register for the Day of Action this Tuesday!   Join advocates and community activists from all across the state on March 3 for our 2026 Day of Action, hosted by OK Policy and Together Oklahoma.   Our Day of Action provides you with an opportunity to engage with legislators and get the information, tools, and resources you need to advocate for the changes that you would like to see in your community. Register Now Error Rates   Error rates in programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid (SoonerCare in Oklahoma) refer to how often benefits are issued incorrectly under federal rules. Such issues typically arise because of administrative or documentation errors, not fraud.    In SNAP, the error rate measures whether benefit amounts were calculated correctly, including both overpayments and underpayments. The most recent national SNAP payment error rate was 10.93 percent in fiscal year 2024, with Oklahoma reporting a very similar, but slightly lower, rate of 10.87 percent. When overpayments occur, households usually must repay the extra benefits, even if the mistake was made by the state agency.   In Medicaid, the error rate — officially called the Payment Error Rate Measure (PERM) rate — reflects whether payments met all eligibility, verification, and documentation requirements, even if the person receiving coverage was otherwise eligible. Nationally, the latest Medicaid improper payment rate was 6.12 percent, and about 77 percent of those improper payments were due to insufficient documentation rather than fraud or abuse. Oklahoma's SoonerCare improper payment rate has been much lower than the national average — about 1.95 percent in the most recent state cycle — showing that the vast majority of payments in the state meet documentation and eligibility requirements.   Error rates matter because they are used to judge how well states administer these programs and increasingly shape policy decisions. Efforts to reduce error rates often involve adding paperwork, verification steps, and more frequent eligibility checks. While these changes can reduce some administrative mistakes, they also raise the risk that eligible people lose benefits for procedural reasons — such as missing a notice, failing to submit a document on time, or being unable to navigate complex reporting systems.   Under the federal "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed in 2025 (H.R. 1), error rates take on new significance. The law ties states' SNAP payment error rates to direct financial requirements for states, meaning states with error rates above 6 percent will have to cover 5 to 15 percent of SNAP benefit costs. At the same time, H.R. 1 and related policy changes move Medicaid toward more frequent renewals and additional reporting requirements. Together, these shifts increase pressure on states to tighten enrollment systems — making error rates not just a technical measure, but a driver of how accessible safety-net programs remain for eligible families.   Look up more key terms to understand Oklahoma politics and government here. "I cannot support a bill that will push families — that will push kids who are American-born citizens — from receiving benefits they are entitled to."   —Rep. Arturo Alonso Sandoval (Oklahoma City) opposing House Bills 4422 and 4423, which would require immigration status checks and potential ICE notification for applicants seeking SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid. While undocumented immigrants have never been eligible for public assistance, the bills could deter parents from seeking benefits on behalf of their U.S.-citizen children out of concern that their own information would be reviewed and potentially shared with immigration authorities. [News 9] Editorial: A SoonerCare and SNAP train wreck seems to be looming   Three more months remain in this year's legislative session. That's plenty of time for legislators concerned about the direction we're heading to call for a full and open public hearing to demand explanations and answers from those in charge of SoonerCare and SNAP, find out what really needs to be done and take action before the crash occurs and our neediest residents become collateral damage.   [The Oklahoman Editorial Board] 16th - Oklahoma has the 16th most regressive state and local tax system in the country, which create economic inequality. Income disparities are larger in Oklahoma after state and local taxes are collected than before. [Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy]   1 in 4 - Of the nearly 40,000 Oklahoma private school tax credits that have been awarded this calendar year, 24.5% of them – nearly 1 in 4 – have gone to families who reported income above $250,000. [Oklahoma Tax Commission]   80% - Percent of Oklahoma property tax revenue collections that fund education (public schools and career techs) in Oklahoma. [State Auditor FY 2019 Report]   210,405 - The number of members served by Oklahoma's Teachers' Retirement System as of June 30, 2025. The system covers a wide range of public education professionals — including teachers, administrators, counselors, nurses, librarians, and college faculty — making it a cornerstone of Oklahoma's public education workforce. [Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma]   49% - The share of Oklahoma Medicaid enrollees who are children. Nearly half of everyone covered by SoonerCare is under age 18, showing how central the program is to children's health and access to care across the state. [KFF] Want 'affordability?' Start by retooling your state's regressive tax system: The White House's top economic advisors recently advised states to consider repealing taxes on corporate and personal income and to make up for it by drastically raising their sales taxes. This is the last thing states should do if they want to make life more affordable for most people. [The Hill]   The Myth of Cost Savings from Private School Vouchers: When states establish or expand private school voucher programs, they set up two education systems based on public funding. Voucher programs are expensive, impractical, and educationally unsound, and they don't save money for anyone but the wealthy, who have likely already chosen private schools. [Education Law Center]   Eliminating School Property Taxes for Texas Homeowners Could Backfire Sooner Rather Than Later: States across the country have seen recent budget surpluses, often due to temporary factors like American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds or stock market gains and higher consumer spending pushing up tax collections. Most states, including Texas, expect weaker revenue growth in the upcoming budget cycle. If the state exhausts its surplus, it will face a choice between increasing taxes or cutting spending to maintain the property tax break. Because Texas is a sales tax reliant state, both options would disproportionately affect lower-income residents. [Tax Policy Center]   What Role Does State Government Play in Funding Teacher Pensions?: State governments play a major role in funding teacher pensions, though the level of involvement varies widely across states. As of 2024, about two-thirds of states directly contribute to teacher pension costs, and in some cases the state pays the full employer share on behalf of school districts; in the remaining states, districts cover most pension costs but still receive indirect support through general education funding. Rising pension contributions have increased financial pressure on school systems, sometimes forcing tradeoffs with salaries, hiring, or other education spending. Because schools depend heavily on state aid, state policy decisions strongly shape how teacher pensions are funded and how the costs affect local education budgets. [Center for Retirement Research]   Medicaid Plays an Important Role in Providing Health Coverage to Key Populations: Medicaid provides health coverage for many of the country's most vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities, and plays a central role in financing long-term care and essential health services. The program helps people who are less likely to have access to employer-sponsored insurance and often have greater health needs, improving access to care and financial stability. Because eligibility and benefits vary by state, coverage levels and access can differ widely across the country. Changes to Medicaid policy therefore have broad effects on health coverage and care for low-income families and other key populations. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] Support Our Work with a Donation What's up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing, In The Know.   Click here to subscribe to In The Know. Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org   Connect with us:   If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive emails from us, please unsubscribe.

In The Know: Justice Department sues Oklahoma for access to detailed voter records | Who’s running for 2026 State Superintendent? | OK representatives clash over legislation requiring proof of citizenship for public benefits

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.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) 49%   The share of Oklahoma Medicaid enrollees who are children. Nearly half of everyone covered by SoonerCare is under age 18, showing how central the program is to children's health and access to care across the state. [KFF] Medicaid Plays an Important Role in Providing Health Coverage to Key Populations   Medicaid provides health coverage for many of the country's most vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities, and plays a central role in financing long-term care and essential health services. The program helps people who are less likely to have access to employer-sponsored insurance and often have greater health needs, improving access to care and financial stability. Because eligibility and benefits vary by state, coverage levels and access can differ widely across the country. Changes to Medicaid policy therefore have broad effects on health coverage and care for low-income families and other key populations. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] "I cannot support a bill that will push families — that will push kids who are American-born citizens — from receiving benefits they are entitled to."   — Rep. Arturo Alonso Sandoval (Oklahoma City) opposing House Bills 4422 and 4423, which would require immigration status checks and potential ICE notification for applicants seeking SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid. While undocumented immigrants have never been eligible for public assistance, the bills could deter parents from seeking benefits on behalf of their U.S.-citizen children out of concern that their own information would be reviewed and potentially shared with immigration authorities. [News 9] There's still time to register for the 2026 Day of Action!   Join advocates and community activists from all across the state on March 3 for our 2026 Day of Action, hosted by OK Policy and Together Oklahoma.   Our Day of Action provides you with an opportunity to engage with legislators and get the information, tools, and resources you need to advocate for the changes that you would like to see in your community. Register Now Oklahoma News   Justice Department sues Oklahoma for access to detailed voter records: On Thursday, Feb. 26, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Oklahoma was one of five more states being sued to give the federal government access to records kept by the Oklahoma State Election Board. [The Oklahoman] US Justice Department sues five more states over voter registration lists [Reuters] DOJ sues Oklahoma for not sharing voters' personal data [KOSU] DOJ sues Oklahoma over failure to provide full voter registration lists [KFOR] Oklahoma joins list of states sued by DOJ over voter registration info request [Tulsa World] DOJ Civil Rights Division sues Oklahoma and four other states over voter lists [Fox 25] Department of Justice sues Oklahoma, claims state failed to produce full voter registration lists [News 9] DOJ sues Oklahoma over voter registration list, Drummond pledges cooperation [KOCO] Immigration bills cause heated back-and-forth on House floor: Despite undocumented immigrants not being able to apply for certain benefits, Oklahoma lawmakers in the House passed a set of bills that would have state agencies report them to the Department of Homeland Security if they did. [KFOR] Oklahoma House Republicans approve bills targeting unauthorized migrants applying for welfare benefits [KOSU] State representatives clash over legislation requiring proof of citizenship for SNAP, Medicaid benefits [News 9] House passes two bills to verify immigration status when applying for certain benefits [Fox 25] State Government News   Drummond orders state Medicaid agency to withdraw proposed rule on dental extractions: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond instructed the state Medicaid agency to withdraw a proposed rule that establishes prior authorization for certain dental extractions. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU] Drummond orders OHCA to withdraw new rule affecting dentists, SoonerCare members [KSWO] Fourth company agrees to settle Oklahoma poultry case: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has reached an agreement with a fourth, now dissolved, poultry company to bring an end to a two-decade old federal lawsuit. [Oklahoma Voice]   Twin Chickasha Hearings Reveal Agents Knew of Hail Claim Practice: As the Oklahoma Supreme Court weighs a motion to assume original jurisdiction — that is, overturn — Oklahoma City District Court Judge Amy Palumbo's decision to permit Attorney General Gentner Drummond to intervene in Oklahoma's ongoing hail claim saga, two back-to-back hearings in State Farm cases in Chickasha on Feb. 19 provided surprising insight into how rapidly the legal actions against State Farm have expanded since December. [Oklahoma Watch]   LOFT to study child care subsidies: The Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency oversight committee unanimously voted to have the agency review the Oklahoma Department of Human Services' verification and reimbursement process for providers receiving child care subsidies. [Fox 25] Oklahoma City child care center closes after DHS subsidy cuts, leaving parents scrambling [Fox 25]  Oklahoma conservatives push to shrink state government during conference: Some of the most conservative state lawmakers and groups will meet during a first-of-its-kind conference to promote civic engagement with the goal of reducing the size of government. [The Oklahoman]   Legislative Roundup: House advances bill to prevent public funds from being used for adult gender-affirming care [Oklahoma Voice] 'A balancing act': Oklahoma lawmakers consider relaxing restrictions of raw milk sales [KOSU] Oklahoma schools to teach students about fentanyl dangers [KOCO] Bill that would reduce screen time for young students moves forward in Oklahoma legislature [KJRH] Bill aimed at helping domestic violence, trafficking victims moves forward in Oklahoma legislature [KJRH] Oklahoma counties could tax medical marijuana sales under a new House bill [News 9] OK lawmaker pushes AI safeguards with 3 new house bills [Fox 23] Lawmakers propose "Toby Keith Expressway" for ACCESS Oklahoma Project, drawing backlash [Fox 25] Opinion: Oklahoma senators take aim at governor's control over agency directors: What the Oklahoma Legislature giveth, the Oklahoma Legislature can taketh away. Case in point: The Senate's initial steps this week to correct boneheaded decisions by previous legislatures that gave the governor CEO-like authority over some of the state's largest and most consequential agencies. [Arnold Hamilton / The Journal Record]   Opinion, This Week in Oklahoma Politics: Senate education plan, Department of Education audit, human trafficking funds and more (podcast): Reporter Michael Cross talks with Civic Leader Andy Moore and Legislative Advisor Jennifer Monies about Senate leaders unveiling their $254 million education plan using money from teachers' retirement, a look back at the first month of the 2026 legislative session and an audit of the State Department of Education under then-Superintendent Joy Hofmeister. [KOSU]   Federal Government News   FEMA shutdown drags on amid stalemate over reforms to immigration enforcement: The nation's main agency for handling disaster response and recovery is shuttered for the third time in recent months and its workers are on the verge of missing paychecks, as members of Congress and the White House remain divided in a separate dispute over immigration enforcement. [Oklahoma Voice]   VA says it won't enforce rule that would have affected veterans' benefits (audio): The Department of Veterans Affairs has rescinded a new rule after an outcry from veterans, who said it could have lowered their monthly benefits. [NPR via KOSU]   Tribal Nations News   Opinion: Why Redefining Public Health Degrees Would Harm Native and Rural Communities: A proposed federal policy change could have profound health consequences — especially for Tribal and rural communities. The proposal from the U.S. Department of Education, which is open for public comment until March 2nd, would exclude public health and nursing from a new definition of "professional degree programs," and could potentially affect eligibility for scholarships and financial aid. [Donald Warne, MD, MPH / Native News Online]   Voting and Election News   Republicans running for Oklahoma governor will square off at GOP forum: Candidates vying for the Republican bid for governor are meeting again, this time in Oklahoma City. Gentner Drummond, Chip Keating and Mike Mazzei are among the hopefuls set to appear on stage at a sold-out event on Saturday, Feb. 28. [The Oklahoman]   Who's running for 2026 Oklahoma State Superintendent?: A full breakdown of candidates in the 2026 Oklahoma State Superintendent race, including party affiliation, background and key education priorities. [News 9]   Education News   Oklahoma adds 83 emergency-certified teachers amid ongoing debate: Oklahoma's State Board of Education approved 83 new emergency-certified teachers, increasing the total to over 3,000, as discussions continue about the program's impact on education quality. [KOCO]   Attorney for Epic founder defends use of student Learning Funds as private money: The co-founders of Epic Charter Schools appear to be setting the stage for a criminal defense based on their claim that tens of millions of taxpayer dollars allocated for educating Oklahoma children became their private funds to do with as they wished once they received them in their private business bank account. [Tulsa World] Preliminary hearing for criminal case against Epic co-founders continues [KFOR] Health News   Oklahoma is taking over the ACA insurance marketplace. How will that change what you pay?: For the some 300,000 Oklahomans getting health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, there's a small user fee built into your premium going straight to Washington, D.C. Oklahoma is making a move to claim that money and the power to lower such fees later on.  [Tulsa Flyer]   When segregation limited care, Black hospitals filled gaps, served 'as community hubs': Before integration, segregation shaped where Black patients could receive care, where Black physicians could practice and what kinds of medical institutions could exist. In response, a network of Black-run hospitals, clinics and mutual aid systems emerged across Oklahoma, operating quietly and leaving few surviving records decades later. By the late 20th century, most had disappeared. [NonDoc]   Criminal Justice News   Oklahoma to execute man in May for 2007 killings of ex-girlfriend, infant: A confessed killer is set to be executed May 14 for murdering his former girlfriend and her infant daughter at their home in Tulsa in 2007 after a breakup. [The Oklahoman] Actor Macaulay Culkin asks Oklahoma court to expunge 2004 arrest: Actor Macaulay Culkin has requested that the state of Oklahoma expunge his arrest record stemming from an arrest 22 years ago. In 2004, he was a passenger in a speeding car that was pulled over by Oklahoma City Police. During a search, police found drugs and arrested him. [The Oklahoman]   Taxing vapes and marijuana? A new approach to funding a new Oklahoma County Jail: County leaders seek new revenue options after rejecting a broader sales tax proposal to fund jail construction and operations in Oklahoma County. [News 9]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Evictions fuel housing crisis that's disrupting classrooms across Oklahoma: Evictions are at the heart of Oklahoma's housing crisis and educators say the ripple effects are showing up in classrooms across the state. State Representative Amanda Clinton says housing instability is directly tied to how well students can learn. [Fox 23]   Oklahoma nonprofit's reevaluation of affordable housing could have implications for Tulsa: Mental Health Association Oklahoma has acquired thousands of housing units over 35 years. Now its leaders are wondering if it can afford them. [Tulsa Flyer]   Economy & Business News   Data center tax breaks are on the chopping block in some states: After years of states pushing legislation to accelerate the development of data centers and the electric grid to support them, some legislators want to limit or repeal state and local incentives that paved their way. [Oklahoma Voice]   Community News   Black History Month Turns 100, But the Fight to Teach It Isn't Over: As the United States marks a century of Black History, Black educators continue to lead efforts to honor Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who founded Black History Month. Black teachers have long served as "the griot" of their communities, carrying forward the African tradition of storytelling and oral history. [The Black Wall Street Times] Opinion, Oklahoma State Senator: U.S. has celebrated Black history for 100 years. OK can be proud [State Sen. Nikki Nice / The Oklahoman] Local Headlines Townhomes planned for the edge of one of Edmond's early neighborhoods [The Oklahoman] Cost to repair Oklahoma County building could be as high as building a new one [The Oklahoman] Lawton Public Library receives $5,000 health literacy grant [The Lawton Constitution] Norman City Council could revive a citywide vote despite Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling [Fox 25] Deal signed to build aluminum fabrication plant in Inola [Fox 23] 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. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org okpolicy.org    Connect with us:   If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive emails from us, please unsubscribe.