In The Know: Are lawmakers ‘rushing’ to end session early? | A closer look at the announced state budget deal | Oklahoma lawmakers once again push for more harmful anti-immigrant bills

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, APRIL 3, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) Oklahoma lawmakers once again push for more harmful anti-immigrant bills   This legislative session, lawmakers filed more than 30 immigration-related bills on subjects ranging from property rights to education to public benefits. The vast majority of these bills would further marginalize and penalize Oklahoma immigrants, while also creating negative spillover effects for U.S. citizens. Oklahoma lawmakers should stop targeting a segment of our neighbors for political gain and instead focus on what actually strengthens our state: ensuring every Oklahoman has the opportunity to succeed. [Gabriela Ramirez-Perez / OK Policy] 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. 28.5%   Nearly 3 in 10 of Oklahoma's newspapers have closed in the last two decades. Harmon County is considered a news desert — an area with extremely limited access to local news — and eight Oklahoma counties (Cimarron, Coal, Cotton, Grant, Greer, Jefferson, Roger Mills, and Tillman) are considered at higher risk for becoming news deserts. [Local News Initiative / Northwestern University] The State of Local News   Almost 40% of all local U.S. newspapers have vanished in the past 20 years, leaving 50 million Americans with limited or no access to a reliable source of local news. And although there has been some growth in stand-alone and network digital sites, these startups remain heavily centralized in urban areas, and they have not been appearing fast enough to offset the losses elsewhere. As a result, news deserts – areas with extremely limited access to local news – continue to grow. [Local News Initiative / Northwestern University] "That's the role of the paper (to provide credible information), and when you don't have that, then you've got a thousand Facebook warriors all posting whatever comes across their thought process today. And that creates a lot of rumor, and a lot of chaos, and a lot of turmoil and starts tearing towns apart rather than trying to collectively work on problems together."   — Mark Thomas, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Media Association and the Oklahoma Press Services, speaking about the importance of local newspapers. [KOSU] Oklahoma News   Oklahoma Editors Reflect on the Challenges Faced by Small-Town Newspapers: Depending on which editor you talk to, the Oklahoma media intelligentsia is horrified, nonplussed, or grateful for a parallel ecosystem of vigilante or alternative journalists who in recent years have swarmed into a void left by newspapers large and small struggling in the modern media ecosystem. [Oklahoma Watch] City of Yukon pulls advertising dollars from local newspaper, causing stir [KOSU] Your data was leaked in the Oklahoma Tax Commission breach. Here's what to do now: An undisclosed number of Oklahomans received letters this week informing them that their data had been leaked in a breach of the Oklahoma Taxpayer Access Point (OkTAP) system. [KOSU] Questions remain after Oklahoma Tax Commission reveals data breach [The Oklahoman] State Government News   Oklahoma leaders struck a budget deal. What will they spend on education?: A proposed Oklahoma state budget would push public education spending north of $4 billion while teacher wages, school days and private school tax credits grow. The budget agreement between the House, Senate and governor would raise classroom teachers' minimum salaries by $2,000 at the cost of $85 million. [Oklahoma Voice] Private school tax credits, Medicaid questions: What's in OK's early budget deal? [The Oklahoman] Democrats, Republicans clash over education appropriations, Medicaid [Tulsa World] Oklahoma leaders reach $12.79B budget deal [The Journal Record] Session Watch: Week Nine [Oklahoma Watch] Election season is 'rushing' Oklahoma lawmakers to end session early, Democrat says: Democrats said Thursday they expect Oklahoma's legislative session will end early, but worry lawmakers' rush to get home to campaign will result in the state budget and other legislation not being thoroughly considered. [Oklahoma Voice]   Legislature moves closer to asking voters for lower property tax increase cap: The Oklahoma Legislature on Thursday moved closer to asking voters to lower the annual cap on property valuation increases by as much as two-thirds. Senate Joint Resolution 39, by Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, cleared the House Rules Committee Thursday morning, meaning it is only a House floor vote from the governor's desk. [Tulsa World] From OK Policy: Fact sheet: Property taxes are vital to the health of local government in Oklahoma TSET director resigns while trust fund overhaul faces Senate uncertainty: As lawmakers weigh a sweeping "reset" aimed at funding education efforts, the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust's director submitted her resignation Thursday, while the potential state question's House author is asking Senate leaders to keep their word and send the idea to a vote of the people. [NonDoc]   Homeless shelter oversight bill among housing measures advancing at Oklahoma Capitol: A bill that would create state oversight of homeless shelters and several other measures addressing housing and homelessness have survived a key deadline in the Oklahoma Legislature. Bills to strengthen tenant protections and lengthen Oklahoma's eviction timeline cleared a major legislative deadline. [The Frontier]   Oklahoma pension fund's fraud case against Musk cleared for class action: A federal judge on Tuesday said former Twitter investors who accused Elon Musk of defrauding them by waiting too long to disclose his initial investment in the social media company may pursue their case as a class action. [The Journal Record]   Opinion, This Week in Oklahoma Politics: Budget deal reached, new social studies standards, 2026 elections begin and more (podcast): The panel talks about a new budget agreement between legislative leaders and the governor, the legislature passing a major bill deadline at the State Capitol and new social studies standards passed by the State Board of Education. The trio also discusses filling for public office to officially kick off the 2026 election season in Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus gubernatorial debate with all the major Republican candidates for governor except the front-runner Gentner Drummond. [KOSU]   Editorial: Teachers need a raise, and OK needs bold education investment: At the half-way mark, taxes and education have dominated this session of the Oklahoma Legislature. In a year of flat revenue and an uncertain economy, those priorities are colliding. Improving our near last-place education ranking will take bold action and sustained investment. Cutting taxes — something legislators continue to push — will mean less revenue to make that investment possible. The state simply can't afford to do both on a meaningful scale. Business leaders have been unequivocal: Weak public schools are a drag on the state's ability to recruit and grow companies. [The Oklahoman Editorial Board]   Federal Government News   Where is ICE spending the most money? Oklahoma near the top, data shows: Oklahoma is receiving the second-largest share of funding in the country from partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to a leaked federal ledger analyzed by The Oklahoman. [The Oklahoman] Opinion: GOP-led states that cooperate with ICE surrender their power [Caleb O. Brown and Patrick Jaicomo / The Oklahoman] Trump's SAVE America Act would end voter registration drives nationwide: The SAVE America Act would effectively ban voter registration drives, a mainstay of college campuses and neighborhood events. [Oklahoma Voice]   Trump asks for massive 43% boost in defense spending in new budget request: The Trump administration released its fiscal 2027 budget request Friday, asking Congress to increase spending on defense programs by 43% and decrease funding for non-defense accounts by 10%. The proposal kicks off what will be a monthslong process on Capitol Hill as lawmakers write the dozen annual government funding bills ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline. [Oklahoma Voice]   Tribal Nations News   Choctaw Nation Labor & Delivery unit joins statewide TeamBirth initiative: The Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority Labor & Delivery unit has joined the TeamBirth Initiative through the Oklahoma Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative at the Oklahoma Hospital Association, marking a new commitment to improved communication and patient-centered care during childbirth. [The Journal Record]   Voting and Election News   Hundreds file to run in 2026 elections in Oklahoma: The line of candidates for state office stretched across the Oklahoma Capitol rotunda and through the doors outside. Wednesday, April 1, marked the first on three days that candidates can officially file to run for office in state, county and federal elections. [The Oklahoman] See list of who has filed so far [Oklahoma Election Board] Tulsa Public Schools bond supporters, opponents make final Election Day push: The Tulsa County Republican Party and supporters of Tulsa Public Schools' four-part, $609 million bond package can at least agree on one thing. They want people to either participate in early walk-in voting on Friday or go to their polling place on Tuesday. [Tulsa World] With early voting underway, Mayor Nichols adds his support to the $609M TPS bond [Tulsa Flyer] Norman, Moore to vote on sales tax, guest tax on April 7. What to know: Next week, the cities of Moore and Norman will vote on a tax increase that could change the way the city collects revenue from customers and visitors. [The Oklahoman]   Once divided, Sand Springs residents band together to demand recall of elected officials: Opposition to the Sand Springs government's handling of a massive data center came to a head this week when critics gathered over 1,600 signatures to recall three city councilors. [Tulsa Flyer]   Education News   Stitt appoints Trevor Pemberton, Brian Beller to State Regents for Higher Education: Over the past week, Gov. Kevin Stitt filed what could be his final two appointments to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. [NonDoc]   Health News   Letter: Domestic violence is a public health crisis for children in Oklahoma: Each year, thousands of domestic violence incidents occur across our state, and children are present, exposed to fear, instability and chronic stress during critical stages of development. [NonDoc]   Criminal Justice News   Judge orders new trial in civil case of 14-year-old shot by OKC officer: A federal judge has ordered a new trial to determine whether a young man shot by an Oklahoma City police officer in 2019 should receive monetary damages. [The Oklahoman]   OK County renews contracts with DA and TEEM, names new jail trustee: Criminal justice dominated Oklahoma County commissioners' agenda this week, leading to the renewal of two big contracts, one for defense and one for diversion, and a new appointment to the county jail trust. [The Oklahoman]   5 things to know about Tulsa Police Department's Blue Envelope Program: More than 50,000 drivers in the U.S. are pulled over every day by police. For some, the flashing lights and blaring sirens can induce feelings of fear and anxiety. The Blue Envelope Program promises to make those interactions easier. [The Oklahoma Eagle]   Jury awards $126M for Oklahoma traffic fatality caused by speeding off-duty cop: A jury has returned a $126 million verdict in a federal lawsuit against the City of Moore and a former police officer who caused a traffic fatality in 2019. Killed was Emily Alexis Gaines, an 18-year-old Moore High School senior. [The Oklahoman]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Hunger Free Oklahoma report finds growth and gaps in Food is Medicine programs: Hunger Free Oklahoma has released its 2026 Oklahoma Food is Medicine Landscape Analysis, a statewide report identifying both measurable health benefits and persistent barriers facing programs that integrate nutritious food with health care to prevent and manage diet-related chronic disease. [The Journal Record] Jenks student places second in C-SPAN contest for documentary on food insecurity under Trump [KGOU] Economy & Business News   Oklahoma's aerospace and defense industry soars with new jobs: Oklahoma's aerospace and defense industry experienced unprecedented growth in 2025, securing $450 million in new capital investment and creating 1,325 jobs across 37 new or expanding businesses, according to a report released Wednesday by the state's Department of Commerce.  [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. 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.

In The Know: Oklahoma Republican leaders announce $12.8B deal to fund state government | Full of enthusiasm and hope, candidates line up to file for Oklahoma political office | Are lawmakers solving Oklahoma’s real problems?

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 2, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) Statement: Oklahomans deserve to see the full budget process, not just the final result   A state budget deal announced on April 1 raises a few eyebrows, but the real concern to Oklahoma taxpayers isn't the timing — it's the process. Once again, legislative leaders are keeping Oklahoma's budget process among the least transparent in the nation. A handful of lawmakers have negotiated in closed rooms how they intend to spend billions of taxpayer dollars. These decisions were made in private, shutting out the public and most lawmakers, including members of their own party. [Shiloh Kantz / OK Policy] Policy Matters: Are lawmakers solving Oklahoma's real problems?   With last week's major legislative deadline, it's a good time to ask a simple question: Are our lawmakers working on the issues that actually shape everyday life in Oklahoma? In one of the nation's poorest states, our friends and neighbors are struggling — yet much of the focus at the Capitol has been on issues that won't meaningfully improve daily life. [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. $12.79 billion   Lawmakers' proposed FY 2027 appropriated budget totals $12.79 billion — a 1.3% increase from last year that falls short of what many agencies say they need to maintain services. [Oklahoma House of Representatives Budget Portal] State Budgets Basics   State budgets determine how money is raised and spent on things people rely on every day, like schools, health care, roads, and public safety. They are mostly funded through state taxes — especially income and sales taxes — and must generally be balanced, meaning states can't spend more than they bring in. The process typically starts with a governor's proposal and is shaped by the legislature, with opportunities for public input along the way. Because budgets reflect priorities, they play a major role in shaping economic opportunity, public services, and disparities across communities. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] "Oklahomans deserve a real chance to see what's in the budget and speak up before it's final. Anything less falls short of the trust taxpayers place in their leaders."   — Shiloh Kantz, executive director of OK Policy, criticizing the state's opaque budget process and arguing that meaningful public input and transparency are essential for accountability when allocating taxpayer dollars. [OK Policy] Oklahoma News   Legislature strikes early FY '27 budget deal with mostly flat budgets, teacher pay hike, COLAs: In a significant step toward avoiding a repeat of the 2024 budget negotiation debacle that kept lawmakers at the Capitol through May and away from their districts during reelection campaigns, Oklahoma legislative leaders joined Gov. Kevin Stitt in a press conference today announcing a Fiscal Year 2027 budget agreement largely aimed at avoiding cuts, attempting to fill a mental health agency funding gap and funding a $2,000 pay raise for most teachers. [NonDoc] Oklahoma officials announce $12B budget deal [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma Republican leaders reach $12.8B deal to fund state government [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma Republican lawmakers unveil $12.8 billion state budget [KOSU] Republican leaders say deal has been reached on state budget [KFOR] Republican leaders release $12.8B budget; Democrats voice education, health funding concerns [KOCO] Oklahoma legislative leaders reach $12.7 billion budget agreement [News 9] State Government News   Oklahoma Medicaid fraud unit concludes investigations into health care providers across 10 counties: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has concluded investigations in 10 counties, covering instances of fraud and abuse by health care providers. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU] Medicaid fraud unit wraps probes across 10 Oklahoma counties in Operation Sooner Shield [Fox 25] An Oklahoma family says oil is polluting their home. The state says its hands are tied: A fluid leak has created a months-long dispute between a family and regulators over how the state is responding to what the family says is an oil-based substance seeping into their home. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU]   Federal Government News   Deal to end Homeland Security shutdown reached, GOP leaders say: The Department of Homeland Security funding crisis that has plagued Washington and the country for nearly seven weeks – upending airports, jeopardizing Americans' safety and ultimately becoming the longest-ever partial government shutdown – is finally on track to end. [USA Today via The Oklahoman] US Supreme Court justices skeptical of Trump attempt to end birthright citizenship: The U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday seemed poised to reject the Trump administration's attempt to redefine the constitutional right to birthright citizenship, and instead uphold the country's long understanding of citizenship by birth on American soil.  [Oklahoma Voice] Trump signs order seeking to curb vote-by-mail in bid to control state election laws: President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order on Tuesday that attempts to restrict mail-in voting, a White House priority certain to face significant legal challenges. [Oklahoma Voice] Democrats sue to block Trump's 'unconstitutional' mail ballot order [Oklahoma Voice] Trump order to block NPR, PBS funding was unlawful, judge rules: A federal judge ruled Tuesday that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority when he signed an executive order last year that blocked funding from going to the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio. [Oklahoma Voice]   Voting and Election News   Full of enthusiasm and hope, candidates line up to file for Oklahoma political office: They came full of optimism. Some brought friends, family and campaign consultants. Others stood alone. Many had run before, but there were also plenty of newcomers seeking political offices for the first time. By the time the first day of candidate filing opened at 8 a.m. Wednesday, the line stretched nearly out to the Capitol entrance on the ground floor. [Oklahoma Voice] Watch as hundreds of candidates file for upcoming Oklahoma elections (video) [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate Charles McCall holds rally: Standing atop a truck bed between the U.S. and Oklahoma flags, former Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall addressed more than 100 rallygoers on Wednesday after filing as a candidate for governor. [The Journal Record]   Meet two candidates raised in south OKC running for school board seat: Political fervor is high on the south side of Oklahoma City as two young Latina candidates vie for a historically uncontested school board seat, riding a wave of community support. [The Oklahoman] OKCPS candidates speak about ICE and OKC's Latino community (video) [The Oklahoman] Education News   Education Watch: Who's behind the reading ad blitz?: There's a good chance you've seen the ads popping up on Facebook or Instagram. Some feature photos of doe-eyed children and deliver messages about the state's dire reading statistics. They urge action, too. Read to your children. Let retired teachers become reading coaches. Talk to your lawmaker. [Oklahoma Watch]   Oklahoma residents seek to join fight against Jewish charter school: A coalition of Jewish clergy, teachers and families is joining in opposition against a Florida-based Jewish organization's efforts to open a religious charter school in Oklahoma. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma families, clergy look to join lawsuit over proposed Jewish charter school [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU] Bill could close funding gap for Oklahoma public charter schools: Educators have said community-driven models drive academic success. The charters are creating positive student outcomes despite having about 30% less funding than traditional schools, Barry Schmelzenbach, director of the Oklahoma Public Charter School Association, said. [The Journal Record]   TCC program serving low-income, first-generation students braces for potential Trump cuts: Federal support for Oklahoma's low-income and first-generation college students is at risk as the Trump administration continues cutting TRIO program funds. [Tulsa Flyer]   Editorial: Teachers need a raise, and OK needs bold education investment: At the half-way mark, taxes and education have dominated this session of the Oklahoma Legislature. In a year of flat revenue and an uncertain economy, those priorities are colliding. Improving our near last-place education ranking will take bold action and sustained investment. [The Oklahoman Editorial Board]   Health News   Oklahoma opioid board approves first round of funding for colleges, weighs future requests: The latest round of applications for a share of Oklahoma's opioid settlement money closed Tuesday. Now, members of the Opioid Abatement Board will review grant applications from counties, municipalities and public trusts that wish to address addiction at the community level. [KOSU]   'Uphill in a snowstorm': How one rural Oklahoma county is fighting the opioid epidemic: Local governments in Oklahoma are taking an active role in funding mental health care with opioid settlement funds, but some are struggling to manage new responsibilities while existing services are cut. [OPMX via KGOU]   Criminal Justice News   Judge orders Oklahoma County jail to notify her of all detainee deaths: A judge has ordered the Oklahoma County jail to notify her whenever someone dies in its custody — a mandate that surprised jail and county officials and gratified activists calling for more transparency. [The Oklahoman]   Economy & Business News   Global Machine Company expands Muskogee operations with new jobs and capacity: Global Machine Company, a precision metal fabrication and machine shop that has operated in Muskogee since 2004, has announced an expansion of its local operations to increase production capacity and create new skilled jobs. [The Journal Record]   Local Headlines Tulsa Community Development Committee awards $50K to Meals on Wheels [Tulsa Flyer] City of Tulsa Annual Action Plan recommends $0 for disabilities assistance, domestic violence programs and mental health treatment [Tulsa Flyer] Tulsa's Route 66 musical road has arrived, with a taxpayer price tag of $110K [Tulsa Flyer] Tulsa Public Schools board sets hearing date for proposed contract changes [Tulsa World] Three Sand Springs city councilors could face recall over data center vote [Tulsa World] 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.