In The Know: Tax cuts easy to promise, but what replaces lost revenue? | What’s Behind Oklahoma’s Education Ranking? | Oklahoma voters deserve choices at the polls

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.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) Policy Matters: Oklahoma voters deserve choices at the polls   Pop quiz: Do you feel your values are reflected in the votes of your state and local lawmakers? If the answer is yes, then the status quo is working just fine for you. But if the answer is no — if you feel like the decisions being made at the Capitol or the courthouse don't quite line up with your hopes for Oklahoma — then the next few weeks could matter more than you think. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record] $5.7 billion   The amount Oklahoma property taxes generated for local governments last year. This funding is a cornerstone of local budgets, supporting schools, public safety, infrastructure, and other essential community services.  [OK Policy] States Can Make Property Taxes Fairer Without Shortchanging Local Services   States can reform property taxes to be more equitable without draining resources from essential services by adopting policies like circuit breakers, more progressive assessments, and targeted relief measures. These tools help protect low- and moderate-income homeowners or renters from excessive tax burdens while preserving local government capacity to fund schools, infrastructure, and public services. Such an approach balances fairness with fiscal stability. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] "Nobody likes paying taxes. No one wakes up excited about writing a check to the government. But taxes are the price we pay for the basic things that make a society function — roads, bridges, schools, law enforcement and the services that hold communities together."   — Mark McBride, a former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, arguing that while cutting taxes may be politically appealing, Oklahoma must still generate enough revenue to fund core public services and meet its constitutional requirement to maintain a balanced state budget. [The Oklahoman] State Government News   Drummond Sues State Board Over Handling of Jewish Charter School Application: The statewide governing board overseeing charter schools has once again drawn the ire of Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond over its handling of an application for a religious school. [Oklahoma Watch]   Oklahoma senators warn effort to ban sexually explicit books could block students' Bible access: A bill advancing through the Legislature aimed at removing sexually explicit books from schools could take the Bible off of library shelves and would be a nightmare to navigate, critics said. [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma Senate advances bill banning sexual, obscene books from school library shelves [KOSU] Legislative Roundup Several music-related bills advance in Oklahoma's legislature [KOSU] Bills addressing 988 funding, mental health treatment advancing in Oklahoma legislature [KOSU] Oklahoma lawmakers advance bill to increase physical education in schools [News 9] Bill focusing on modifying established tax incentive program passes Senate [KSWO] Oklahoma House approves bill banning state from displaying LGBTQ+ pride flags [Oklahoma Voice] Lawmakers looking to try to change TSET again [KFOR] Opinion: Tax cuts easy to promise, but what replaces lost revenue?: Campaign seasons are full of promises about cutting taxes. Those promises can sound simple on the campaign trail. Governing, however, is rarely simple. [Former State Rep. Mark McBride / The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Tax cuts and building a better future in Oklahoma (Policy Matters) | Taxes = Community (video) Federal Government News   Trump's Iran war is estimated to cost in the billions already, with no end in sight: Members of Congress have not formally authorized a war in Iran, though they may soon be expected to approve emergency funding for the endeavor without any projection from the Trump administration as to how long it may last or the full cost, not just in dollars but in American troop and civilian lives. [Oklahoma Voice]   No easy answers for senators grappling with college sports pay: A U.S. Senate panel on Tuesday added to the fierce debate over compensation for student-athletes, with senators and experts agreeing the current system wasn't working but with different ideas for a path forward. [Oklahoma Voice]   Democrats sue Trump administration for information on possible plans for troops at polls: The Democratic National Committee Tuesday filed a lawsuit in federal court aiming to force the Trump administration to admit if it plans to send armed federal law enforcement or U.S. troops to polling locations in the upcoming midterm elections. [Oklahoma Voice]   Tribal Nations News   Creek Freedmen want election postponed until citizenship fight resolved: Descendants of Black people enslaved by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation are demanding postponement of an upcoming tribal election until they are approved for citizenship. [Public Radio Tulsa]   Tribal gaming officials sound alarm over prediction markets, threat to Indian gaming: Tribal gaming officials are sounding the alarm about prediction markets, or events-based wagering that operates outside the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) framework and tribal-state compacts. [KOSU] Tribes urged to address prediction markets in light of potential impact on compacts [Tulsa World] Voting and Election News   Kevin Hern launches U.S. Senate campaign, opens Tulsa-based congressional race: With U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) awaiting pending confirmation of his appointment as U.S. secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK1) broke the seal today on what will likely be a crowded Republican field in an open primary for the Senate seat. [NonDoc] Rep. Kevin Hern launches campaign for Mullin's U.S. Senate seat [The Oklahoman] Hern announces bid for open Oklahoma Senate seat [KOSU] Did New Petition Rules Kill Oklahoma's Open Primaries Initiative?: For now, Oklahoma voters will not get to weigh on whether they want their state to open taxpayer-funded primary elections to independent voters and give all candidates a chance to participate in the process from the start. [Independent Voter News] From OK Policy: SB 1027 would exclude millions of registered voters from signing initiative petitions Education News   Education Watch: What's Behind Oklahoma's Education Ranking?: "Oklahoma's 50th in education." Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Gentner Drummond has said it. So has Cyndi Munson, the Oklahoma House Democratic Leader, who's also running for governor. Teachers and Board of Education members have, too. We wanted to know: Are we really 50th? If so, why? And says who? [Oklahoma Watch] Behind the Rankings: How WalletHub Determined Oklahoma is 50th in Education [Oklahoma Watch] The great tech debate: Should Oklahoma students use screens in the classroom?: The Oklahoma legislature is considering measures to push back against the rising tide of ed tech. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU]   Stacy Leeds officially introduced as TU's first female president: The historical significance is not lost on Stacy Leeds. A Muskogee native and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Leeds was formally introduced Wednesday as the next president of the University of Tulsa — an institution that originated in Muskogee as a boarding school for Indigenous girls. [Tulsa World] Stacy Leeds vows to be 'clutch player' as she returns home to lead The University of Tulsa [Tulsa Flyer] Health News   How a new Tulsa rehab center seeks to fill a health care void: The DEFY Center — short for Don't Ever Forget Yourself — is Tulsa's first activity-based therapy and community center. The center represents the dream of Tulsan Chris Lieberman, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in March 2016 after falling off a ladder. [Tulsa Flyer]   Criminal Justice News   Jail trustee wants investigation of chairman over jail staff pay raises: Oklahoma County Jail Trustee the Rev. Derrick Scobey is calling for an investigation of trust Chairman Jim Holman's approval of pay raises for jail staff, and for Holman's resignation if he is conclusively found to have acted against the trust's express direction. [The Oklahoman]   OKC pushes back against allegations of civil asset forfeiture scheme: Oklahoma City officials are disputing allegations that the city is improperly keeping hundreds of thousands of dollars that should have gone to citizens, victims or courts. [The Oklahoman]   Community News   Amid calls to relocate 'Klan trophy,' Tulsan wants process to review controversial monuments: After launching a fundraising effort in February to remove a controversial statue in Owen Park, James Taylor with the Tulsa nonprofit Kitty Gang Family Foundation asked the Tulsa Park and Recreation Board to develop a petition process for residents who want monuments to be reviewed for controversial material. [Tulsa Flyer]   Local Headlines Tulsa City Councilors propose charter amendment for public safety oversight office [Tulsa World] Project Anthem data center could go away if phase two not approved, Tulsa city official says [Tulsa World] Mayor Holt dedicates new landmark in OKC [KFOR] 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: Volatile oil market due to Iran conflict a double-edged sword for Oklahoma | Lawmakers debate effort to end in-state tuition for undocumented students | The people have lost a battle on SQ 836, but need to fight on

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.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) 1.3%   The share of students in higher education in Oklahoma who are undocumented. These students already face significant financial and legal barriers to accessing college, and efforts to eliminate in-state tuition eligibility would make completing a degree even more difficult. [Higher Ed Immigration Portal] Basic Facts About In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrant Students   Undocumented students often face major barriers when trying to attend college in the United States. Many states charge them out-of-state tuition, which can be several times higher than in-state rates, and they are not eligible for federal financial aid, making college financially out of reach for many families. Some states have adopted "tuition equity" policies that allow certain undocumented students who grew up in the state to pay in-state tuition, helping reduce these barriers and improve access to higher education. Even with these policies, many students still struggle to afford college and often must work long hours or pause their studies because of financial constraints. [National Immigration Law Center] "It does not make Oklahoma a 'Top 10' state. It does not make this a better place. This is a mean, ugly thing that we're doing today."   —Sen. Michael Brooks (Oklahoma City), arguing against Senate Bill 1633, which would codify a federal court ruling that ended in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants while the ruling faces a legal challenge. Brooks called the bill a "back-breaker" for students who were brought to the U.S. as children and went to school in Oklahoma who would no longer qualify for in-state tuition after high school. [The Oklahoman] From OK Policy via Oklahoma Voice: Leaders' decision to target immigrants won't improve Oklahoma education outcomes Oklahoma News   Volatile oil market due to Iran conflict a double-edged sword for Oklahoma: Oklahomans grimacing at the gas pump as prices hit $3 per gallon may find cold comfort in knowing the geopolitical crisis affecting their fuel budget could deliver a significant boost to the state's oil-dependent economy. [The Oklahoman]   "America, Not Americans": Inola Residents Say Trump's Industrial Push Is Coming at Their Expense: As President Trump tries to reignite domestic industry in his bid to make America more self-reliant, the EPA has moved to roll back dozens of environmental protections, including air pollution standards. According to critics, the administration's attitude is that any money businesses spend on environmental compliance is wasted, even if Americans suffer. Oklahoma advocates argue against major industrial projects that would have enormous environmental impacts, they have come to understand Trump's "America First" slogan as being focused on the country to the exclusion of individual citizens. America, not Americans. [Oklahoma Watch]   Opinion: The people have lost a battle on SQ 836, but need to fight on: Oklahoma's politicians have been passing law after law intended to take away the power of the people through administrative strangulation. That deserves a strong legal challenge. [William C. Wertz / The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Initiative petition process is vital to Oklahoma's democracy State Government News   Oklahoma debates effort to end in-state tuition for undocumented students: Republican state lawmakers want to codify a federal court ruling that ended in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants while the ruling faces a legal challenge. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma Senate passes bill limiting college access for some students, critics say [Oklahoma Voice] Bill addresses college tuition costs for noncitizens [Tulsa World] Oklahoma Senate passes bill restricting resident tuition from immigrants without legal status [The Journal Record] Sen. Brenda Stanley repeated the same answer at least 15 times while taking questions on in-state tuition for certain undocumented immigrants from Senate Democrats (video) [The Oklahoman] From OK Policy via Oklahoma Voice: Leaders' decision to target immigrants won't improve Oklahoma education outcomes Bill requiring complete 'political party' voter registration section passes House: Oklahomans who mark "other" or leave the "political party" section blank on their voter registration applications would be ineligible to vote under legislation passed Tuesday by the state House of Representatives. [Tulsa World]   Study looks at feasibility of nuclear power in Oklahoma: While generating nuclear power in Oklahoma is certainly feasible, significant challenges would have to be overcome, not the least of which would revolve around financing and public perceptions, a new study produced for the state shows. [Tulsa World]   Legislative Roundup Oklahoma Senate approves bills to expand teacher scholarships, regulate adjuncts [Oklahoma Voice] Two Oklahoma bills aiming to ban 'obscene' material from schools advance [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma House advances measure to bolster state gas, AI and space research [KOSU] House advances measure limiting some pay raises at Oklahoma agencies [Oklahoma Voice] Federal Government News   Trump sends mixed signals on Iran war end, pushes election overhaul bill: President Donald Trump on Monday told House Republicans, who were gathered in Florida for a policy retreat, that he expects the war in Iran will wrap up "quickly," though he didn't give a specific date or detail exactly what he wants to do before ending the hostilities. [Oklahoma Voice] 5 things to know about the SAVE Act changing voter registration rules [Tulsa World] What is Trump's approval rating after Iran strikes? See March polls [The Oklahoman] State, local policies on immigration enforcement targeted by US Senate Republicans: Senate Republicans during a Tuesday hearing laid the groundwork for legislation that would prevent state and local governments from making decisions on whether to limit cooperation with the federal government on immigration enforcement. [Oklahoma Voice]   Federal funding for people in poverty heading to anti-abortion centers instead: The federal government gives TANF grants to assist families experiencing poverty with basic necessities and child care funds to each state as a lump sum, and states get to decide how to spend it. Block grants like this can be used broadly, and there isn't much oversight after the funds are distributed — including to crisis pregnancy centers. [Oklahoma Voice]   Opinion, Sen. Grant Green: Trump wants to protect ratepayers. Oklahoma has blueprint: President is right to demand that Big Tech, not ratepayers, should pay for the industry's enormous energy use. Oklahoma has set an example for how this approach can be win-win. [Sen. Grant Green / The Oklahoman]   Tribal Nations News   Tribal Roundup: Osage general set, Peoria chief reelected, incumbent barred from Ponca ballot: Several tribal nations headquartered in Oklahoma are facing elections on their ballots this year. In Pawhuska, the Osage Nation's general election is on the horizon after the Feb. 23 primary propelled Joe Tillman and Scott BigHorse into a matchup for principal chief. Other tribes have kept voters on their toes.  Learn more about those elections and other Indian Country developments. [NonDoc]   Tribes urged to address prediction markets in light of potential impact on compacts: Gaming regulatory experts are urging tribal leaders to pay close attention to the potential impact of prediction markets on compacts and other revenue sources. [Tulsa World]   Voting and Election News   Mulready, David, Tedford among CD 1 possibilities: With Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell out and several others in, the pool of possible Republican candidates for the 1st Congressional District continued to evolve on Tuesday. A CD1 opening was not even contemplated until a few days ago, when incumbent Kevin Hern signaled he would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Markwayne Mullin. [Tulsa World]   Stitt in the Senate? What Oklahoma Constitution says about Mullin's seat: A flurry of questions about who could become Oklahoma's next U.S. senator are circulating around Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt. [The Oklahoman] Several identified as potential temporary successors to Mullin [Tulsa World] Education News   Tulsa Public Schools superintendent: $609M bond package will make students 'proud' of classrooms: If Tulsans want a school district they can be proud of, Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Ebony Johnson said Tuesday supporting the district's $609 million bond package is necessary. The package on the April 7 ballot is split into four propositions. [Tulsa Flyer] Tulsa superintendent answers bond package questions during forum [Tulsa World] Criminal Justice News   They were arrested for misdemeanors. Then they died in Tulsa's city jail: The Tulsa Municipal Jail has had at least seven deaths since the beginning of 2023. The deaths occurred after jail staff repeatedly warned that the facility's intake practices, inadequate medical care, and overcrowding and understaffing were putting detainees in danger, according to a review of hundreds of pages of records and interviews with eight current and former employees. [The Frontier]   Opinion: Oklahomans need right to counsel from the start. Pass SB 1381: By providing low-income people with counsel right away, Oklahoma can speed up the process toward release when appropriate, saving taxpayer dollars immediately. [Emma Stammen / The Oklahoman]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   A red tape tangle threatens food security in Oklahoma. How one nonprofit is helping: The state needs help to address food insecurity, says Chris Bernard, president and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma (HFO), a nonprofit organization that works to develop and support programs, like SNAP, that help alleviate food insecurity in the state. They're not a traditional food bank, but an organization that tries to initiate and modify policies and programs that will help and step in when problems arise. [The Oklahoman]   Economy & Business News   'We're still farmers': The lasting impact of rural Oklahoma wildfires: Wildfires swept through Northwestern Oklahoma last month, including the Ranger Road Fire that burned hundreds of thousands of acres in Beaver, Harper and Woods Counties. The immediate danger is gone, but people are only beginning to recover from the toll on their homes, livestock and emotional well-being. [KOSU]   Tulsa officials will consider a year-long moratorium on data centers. Here is what that could mean: Tulsa City Council is poised to vote Wednesday on a 365-day moratorium on the construction of incoming hyperscale data centers. [Tulsa Flyer]   Local Headlines Federal funding deadline hangs over major Oklahoma County construction projects [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma tornado season 2026 is already second-most deadly in last decade [The Oklahoman] In Tulsa's newest housing investment, which communities could benefit the most? Developers chime in [Tulsa Flyer] Amazon to build four new delivery facilities across Oklahoma [Tulsa Flyer] 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.