In The Know: Second attempt at adding Medicaid expansion to Aug. ballot heads to OK Senate | Governor signs several priority bills before key legislative deadlines | Disability rights watchdog opens probe into Tulsa city jail

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.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) 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. 86%   The share of nonworkers in the U.S. who are children, elderly, disabled, or students. Together, these groups make up the vast majority of people not in the workforce, while only about 2% fall into the unemployed or other categories. [People’s Policy Project] The Simple Math of Poverty   Poverty in wealthy societies stems fundamentally from four structural realities: income is distributed only to workers and capital owners; capital ownership is highly concentrated; a significant share of the population is not working at any time; and nonworkers are unevenly clustered across households. Together, these dynamics create predictable income gaps that persist across families. Addressing poverty effectively requires shifting how income is shared — such as through universal dividends or social wealth funds — and strengthening public income supports that reach nonworking groups like children, the elderly, students, and caregivers. [People’s Policy Project] "At the end of the day, families don’t live in rankings. They live in whether their child can read at grade level, whether they can see a doctor when they need one, whether help is there when someone is struggling, and whether they’re getting ahead or just getting by."   — Former Oklahoma Rep. Mark McBride, arguing that headline rankings and political talking points can distract from the realities families face day to day, and emphasizing that real progress should be judged by outcomes — not branding. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma News   Second attempt at adding Medicaid expansion to August ballot heads to Oklahoma Senate: Lawmakers are taking a second run at adding controversial state questions to the Aug. 25 ballot despite concerns that it could violate the Oklahoma Constitution. [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma physicians group criticizes second effort to place Medicaid expansion on August ballot [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU] State Government News   New Questions Emerge Over Oklahoma’s Invest in Oklahoma Contract After Shared Lobbyist Discovered: Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ hired the same lobbying firm as the parent company of a financial firm he later recommended for a state contract, raising more questions about whether the treasurer’s compressed selection process was fair and transparent. [Oklahoma Watch]   Oklahoma Governor signs several priority bills before key legislative deadlines: The deadline for bills to pass round two of committee hearings and head to the floor for final votes is Thursday, but a few of Republicans’ top priority bills have already been signed into law. [KOSU] Oklahoma governor signs landmark childhood reading bill into law [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma early literacy policy overhaul signed into law, includes third-grade retention [StateImpact Oklahoma via KOSU] Gov. Stitt touts new law aimed at improving Oklahoma education [KFOR] Oklahoma Legislature sends governor measure allowing mail tracking of driver’s licenses: Oklahomans would be able to track their driver licenses and state IDs in the mail under a bill heading to Gov. Kevin Stitt. [Oklahoma Voice]   Cyndi Munson delivers farewell speech as gubernatorial bid looms: Weeks ahead of an anticipated early sine die adjournment, House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, gave her farewell speech in front of colleagues, staff and gallery spectators less than an hour into Tuesday’s floor session. [The Journal Record]   Opinion: It takes more than a 'Top 10' lapel pin to make it real: So yes, we’ve had successes. No doubt about it. But it’s fair to ask: What have we actually improved beyond what we already were? Because many of the things we point to today are the same areas we’ve always been strong in. [Former Oklahoma Rep. Mark McBride / The Oklahoman]   Federal Government News   Republicans in US Senate unveil road map for 3 years of immigration crackdown: Republican leaders in Congress appeared to be on the same page Tuesday about how to fund immigration activities for the next three years as they released a party-line measure that will pave the way for a special process known as budget reconciliation. [Oklahoma Voice]   Trump’s DOJ sued over campaign to amass data on millions of voters: Voting rights groups launched a legal challenge Tuesday against the Trump administration’s effort to sweep up sensitive data on millions of Americans with the aim of identifying noncitizen voters, arguing that the U.S. Department of Justice is building a dangerous centralized national voter list ahead of the midterm elections in November. [Oklahoma Voice]   Interior’s Burgum accused of ‘kneecapping’ wind and solar power in favor of oil, gas: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the Trump administration’s approach to energy production Monday, as Democrats on a U.S. House Appropriations panel accused the department of kowtowing to oil and gas interests at the expense of renewable energy. [Oklahoma Voice]   Tribal Nations News   Osage Nation Attorney General Clint Patterson resigns: Osage Nation Attorney General Clint Patterson has resigned, effective May 29, following months of Congressional investigation and a pending removal process. Patterson has faced accusations over the past year, including allegations he unlawfully obtained a tribal membership for his former non-Osage adopted daughter in 2010, which he denied. [KOSU]   Criminal Justice News   Disability rights watchdog opens probe into Tulsa city jail after Frontier investigation: A federally designated watchdog is examining conditions at the municipal jail, citing concerns over medical care and treatment of people with mental illness. [The Frontier]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Tulsa leaders turn to churches to help solve housing crisis: A Minneapolis-based consultant is showing Tulsa church leaders how they can develop nearly 3,000 acres of their land to help meet the city’s need for 13,000 housing units. [The Oklahoma Eagle] From OK Policy: Let’s be clear: nonprofits should not bear the burden of providing essential public services that governments are obligated to deliver Economy & Business News   Oklahoma City passes moratorium to block new data centers through 2026: The Oklahoma City Council has unanimously voted to pass an emergency moratorium blocking new applications for data center developments, following dozens of other cities that have moved to regulate land use and zoning for encroaching tech giants. [The Oklahoman] OKC Council places emergency moratorium on data centers [The Journal Record] Oklahoma City leaders approve data center moratorium [KOSU] Oklahoma City pauses new data centers through end of year amid rapid growth, community concerns [KFOR] It's official: Meta will operate hyperscale data center in east Tulsa: Meta confirmed Tuesday afternoon what had become the city’s worst kept secret: The tech giant will be the operator behind Project Anthem, the first data center to be constructed within the city limits. [Tulsa World] Meta breaks ground on over $1 billion data center in Oklahoma's Tulsa [Reuters] ‘Establish a baseline of impact’: Piedmont residents raise questions about possible data center: While economic growth is usually welcomed, it can come with complications. In Piedmont’s case, a proposed data center has stirred concerns about the impacts that big infrastructure projects can have on small towns, ranging from water use to noise pollution. [NonDoc]   Local Headlines Edmond council could raise water base rates by double digits [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 lawmakers push for special election on Medicaid expansion, judicial reform | Senate leaders says no to Oklahoma constitutional convention, for now | Oklahoma City Council to vote on data center moratorium

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. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription.

TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) 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. 52%   In Oklahoma, Medicaid (SoonerCare) covered 52% of all births in 2024, making it the primary source of maternity care coverage in the state. Among other benefits, Oklahoma's voter-approved Medicaid expansion allowed for greater access to preventive care before, during, and after pregnancy. [KFF] Medicaid Coverage Supports Rural Patients, Hospitals, and Communities   One in seven Americans live in rural areas and rely on rural hospitals and health systems for the health and well-being of their communities. Cuts to the Medicaid program, such as those enacted by Congress, will have a devastating impact on rural hospitals and patients. [American Hospital Association] "If we're going to make substantive change to the state of Oklahoma as far as access to health care, wouldn't the November ballot be a better ballot to get everyone's input?"   — Rep. Trish Ranson (Stillwater) questioning why the low-turnout August election date would be better than November— a higher-turnout major midterm election — for a statewide question asking Oklahomans to decide whether to remove Medicaid expansion from the state constitution. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU] Oklahoma News   Oklahoma lawmakers push for special election on Medicaid expansion, judicial reform: Oklahoma lawmakers advanced legislation Monday that would send a vote on two proposed ballot measures to the August primary runoff election, paving the way for changes to Medicaid expansion and judicial selection. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU]   ‘Disheartening’: INTEGRIS Health announces cuts due to Medicaid, Medicare reductions: According to INTEGRIS, the closure of clinics and reduction in workforce actions are a result of cuts from Medicare and Medicaid from the federal government’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” [KFOR] 'A step backwards': Oklahoma mother uncertain about son’s care after INTEGRIS clinic closures [KOCO] 'We may see more hospitals back out of delivering babies.' Medicaid cuts impact in OK [Fox 25] From OK Policy: H.R. 1 threatens the infrastructure that keeps Oklahomans alive Senate leaders says no to Oklahoma constitutional convention, for now: A move to overhaul Oklahoma’s state constitution by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert has hit a roadblock in the Senate. Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton says he has concerns about House Joint Resolution 1089 and the control it would give some lawmakers over a proposed state constitutional convention. [KOSU] Senate leader slams brakes on measure calling for an Oklahoma constitutional convention [Oklahoma Voice] Gov. Stitt calls for elimination of council dedicated to Native American education: Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed a bill Monday that would extend the sunset date of the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education for five more years, calling the council “redundant” and “dormant.” [KOSU] From OK Policy: Strong Tribal–state partnerships benefit all Oklahomans State Government News   Oklahoma reading reform bill passes Senate, heads to governor’s desk: An overhaul of early childhood reading laws, including a requirement that struggling readers repeat third grade, now heads to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk. [Oklahoma Voice]   Oklahoma Chronicle: Can the state afford to get rid of property taxes? (video): On the latest edition of Oklahoma Chronicle with Evan Onstot, we dive into the questions surrounding property taxes. If we cut them or freeze them, what kind of impact would that have on Oklahoma schools, roads, and first responders? [KOCO] From OK Policy: Eliminating property taxes would devastate crucial local services | Protect Oklahoma schools & communities: NO on #SJR39 (video) Federal Government News   Show me the money: Businesses line up for $166B in refunds from Trump’s illegal tariffs: The U.S. Customs and Border Protection tariff refund system went live Monday, marking what small business advocates call a “complex” first step for entrepreneurs to recoup $166 billion in import taxes accrued under President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs, which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in February. [Oklahoma Voice]   Tribal Nations News   House speaker bans Chief Hoskin over pro-Medicaid speech: The speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives banned Cherokee Nation’s chief in response the chief’s April 8 speech to lawmakers about protecting Medicaid expansion. [Cherokee Phoenix] Cherokee Nation responds after chief banned from OK House floor [Fox 25] Choctaw Nation turn to bison grounds crew to maintain tallgrass prairie: The Choctaw Nation is turning to bison to help manage the land near its tribal headquarters. To that end, Choctaw officials reintroduced three bison to its cultural center’s tallgrass prairie in February to help sustain the endangered grassland. [KOSU]   Voting and Election News   Service Oklahoma can’t confirm your citizenship for voting purposes? Try this.: Some Oklahomans are getting stopped from completing their online voter registration because Service Oklahoma cannot confirm citizenship. That doesn’t mean automatic disenfranchisement, but it does mean more steps are required to cast a ballot. The fix is to submit a registration form with the county election board. [Tulsa Flyer]   Edmond seeks to remove charter mandate that targeted Black candidates: The "freeholder" requirement is closer to being scrubbed from the 101-year-old Edmond City Charter as a qualification for local political candidates. The decades-old clause is generally understood to have been a tactic meant to keep Black people from running for office. [The Oklahoman]   National Guard ‘follows the Constitution,’ general says of troops possibly deployed to polls: The National Guard’s top general told Congress on Friday that it would follow the Constitution and the law when he was asked about the possibility President Donald Trump would order troops to polling places for the midterm elections. [Oklahoma Voice]   Anthony DeVore runs House District 19 race amid legal, financial scrutiny: Anthony DeVore, an already-controversial figure at the State Capitol for his advocacy efforts to decriminalize cockfighting, is defending his record publicly and in bankruptcy court as he runs for House District 19 across southeast Oklahoma. [NonDoc]   Education News   Oklahoma bill would require districts to share more teacher records in hiring: Recent arrests and investigations involving school employees in Oklahoma have raised questions about what information follows a teacher when moving between school districts, prompting a proposal at the state Capitol aimed at changing how educators are hired. [Fox 25]   OSSAA names 15 members to new rules committee, see full list: The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association named 15 people to its new rules committee Monday. The OSSAA announced this month it was creating a group to review its 24 rules. [The Oklahoman]   Health News   There’s Something Toxic in the Oklahoma Air: In the town of Lamont, east of Blackwell and near the Kansas border, a Department of Energy atmospheric monitoring station sniffed out a compound never before detected in the air over North America. And it’s toxic. [Oklahoma Watch]   When her chronic pain got out of hand, she turned to kratom. It landed her in rehab.: Lindsay frequently wakes up in tears from chronic jaw pain. Unable to close her mouth, she says it feels like someone’s stabbing her all the way to her ear. So when she found something that would take away all her pain, all her anxiety — she kept going back for more. [Tulsa Flyer]   Criminal Justice News   Oklahoma sheriff's deputy killed in shootout, suspect jailed: State authorities are investigating what happened during a shootout that killed a LeFlore County deputy and injured a police officer in Wister, Oklahoma. [The Oklahoman] LeFlore County deputy killed, police officer injured in eastern Oklahoma ambush [KOCO] ‘The laws are broken’: Plea ends 3-year cockfighting-related criminal case: A Newalla man who was charged three years ago with nearly 60 cockfighting-related felony counts after authorities seized nearly 100 game-type birds from his Oklahoma County property entered an Alford plea today on a sole count of possessing birds with the intent to engage in cockfighting. Ellie Pennit Grino received a three-year deferred sentence and was ordered to pay about $360 in court fees and fines. [NonDoc]   Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper accused of kicking civilian in the head: The U.S. Attorney in Muskogee has charged an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper in connection with an assault on a civilian. The charge claims, among others, that the assault violated the victim’s right to be free from unreasonable use of force by a law enforcement officer. [Tulsa World]   Oklahoma Bar Association hosts Law Day offering free legal advice May 1: The Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA) is set to offer free legal advice statewide in its annual Law Day. Residents from Oklahoma participating can to call and speak with a licensed attorney for free. [KFOR]   Opinion: Oklahoma sets bar for clemency to perfection. That's wrong: I believe people can become better than they were yesterday. But proving that they have truly changed is difficult. Yet that was the task before the clemency hearing for Raymond Johnson, a man sentenced to death for a 2007 double murder. [Jake Doberenz / The Oklahoman]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Families and investors compete for affordable homes in Oklahoma City: In the #1 Big U.S. City to Live In, the greatest challenge isn’t finding a home; it’s making sure a family gets to live in it before an investor does. [The Journal Record]   Thinking about refinancing your home? What you need to know before calling a lender: Refinancing your mortgage might seem like a great way to free up a little cash and lower your monthly expenses. The reality, according to Kadi McMillan, is no one is actually doing that right now unless they absolutely have to. [The Oklahoma Eagle]   Tulsa Parents Hit by Childcare Costs as Coalition Pushes $30M Plan: A new report warns that rising childcare costs and shrinking access are straining Tulsa families and reshaping work, parenting, and the future. [The Black Wall Street Times]   Economy & Business News   Oklahoma City Council to vote on data center moratorium Tuesday: The proposed emergency ordinance would temporarily block new data center applications while city leaders study water, power and zoning impacts. [News 9]   Oklahoma eyes sitcom boom with new $5M incentive: Oklahoma may be set to emerge as a niche market for sitcoms and live entertainment in the coming years, according to Rock Paper Cannon CEO Rachel Cannon, who has moved on from drawing Hollywood films to Oklahoma and is now producing sitcoms with live audiences in the state she calls home. [The Journal Record]   Community News   Art, food and tradition: OKC Festival of the Arts is back: It’s a rite of Spring. It’s the annual Festival of the Arts in Oklahoma City. This year, the tradition celebrates 60 years. From April 23rd to 26th, 3,000 volunteers will help set the stage for nearly half a million visitors. [KFOR]   Local Headlines New ‘Hope Booth’ connects Oklahoma City residents to mental health resources [KGOU] 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.