Newly updated Legislative Primer is your guide to Oklahoma’s 2019 legislative session

Who’s been nominated for Governor Stitt’s cabinet? Who chairs key legislative committees? How much is in Oklahoma’s Rainy Day Fund? As the 2019 Oklahoma Legislative session nears, our newly updated Legislative Primer will answer these questions and more.

Whether you are a veteran advocate, a complete novice to Oklahoma politics, or anyone in between, the 2019 Legislative Primer will provide you invaluable information in a concise, user-friendly format. You are welcome to download, print, and share the Legislative Primer with anyone who may need it to figure out what’s happening at the Capitol.

We also invite you to check out “What’s That?”, our online glossary of terms related to Oklahoma politics and government, and the Online Budget Guide, an in-depth resource for understanding how our state and local governments collect and spend money. 

You can see OK Policy’s top priorities for the coming legislative session here and see our legislative advocacy toolkit here. If you’re interested in joining the grassroots movement for better budget and tax policies in Oklahoma, we invite you to sign up at Together Oklahoma.

We hope these tools will help you be better informed and actively engaged during the upcoming session. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or if you would like us to come speak about policy issues, advocacy, or the legislative process.

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[In The Know] Oklahoma falls in prosperity rankings; new look for Legislature; Stitt wants funding for parole, diversion...

View this email in your browser. 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. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions. New from OK Policy New economic rankings show Oklahoma falling further behind: There are quite a few reasons to be optimistic about Oklahoma this year. Unemployment is low and the state expects to have a budget surplus this year, the first in quite some time. But despite this good news, too many Oklahomans are still struggling to make ends meet and build a better future for themselves and their families. For the third straight year, Oklahoma has dropped in the Prosperity Now Scorecard rankings. This year, we rank 43rd in the financial health and overall well-being of our residents – that’s down from 34th in 2016. [OK Policy] Prosperity Policy: New Legislature, new look: When the 57th Oklahoma Legislature convenes next week, it will arrive with a fresh new look. Never before have so many newcomers been swept into office. In the House, 46 of 101 members were newly elected in 2018, along with 10 freshmen senators. The freshman class joins a large number of lawmakers – 45 – first elected in 2016. By comparison, just 14 members of the House and Senate have more than six years of legislative experience. In addition, six statewide officeholders, including the governor, are newly elected. [David Blatt / Journal Record] In The News Stitt wants more funding for parole board, diversion programs: Gov. Kevin Stitt wants nearly $12 million in additional funding this year for prison diversion programs and to expedite pardon and parole requests for some Oklahoma inmates. Stitt said he also wants to move away from funding district attorney offices through fines, fees and court costs. [NewsOK] Our 2019 policy priorities include reforming cash bail and court fines and fees and funding public defenders and courts to reduce reliance on fines and fees. Oklahoma lawmakers could agree on SQ640 change, but action may be up to voters: Oklahoma House Democrats say cutting taxes is too easy and raising taxes is too hard for the legislature. House Minority Leader Emily Virgin says they’d like to see the thresholds set a two-thirds or 60 percent majority — lower than the three-fourths required for tax increases and higher than the simple majority needed for cuts. [Public Radio Tulsa] Our 2019 policy priorities include removing the supermajority requirement of SQ 640. Howard Barnett and Darryl Schmidt: Change State Question 640: Let us begin by saying; no one wants to pay taxes! However, it has also long been said that nothing is certain in life but death and taxes, and to fund state government correctly, taxes are a “must-have” revenue source. [Howard Barnett and Darryl Schmidt / Tulsa World] State leaders more receptive to Medicaid expansion: State leadership opposition to expanding Medicaid in some form or fashion appears to be thawing. Former Gov. Mary Fallin in her first term rejected Medicaid expansion after legislative uproar. Fallin then said the state could not afford the expansion. But the changing landscape of the Legislature and a new governor, coupled with the possibility of an initiative petition to get it to a vote of the people, have given Medicaid expansion a breath of life. [Tulsa World] Our 2019 policy priorities include expanding Medicaid. Not just teachers: Lawmakers want to consider education policy, too: There may well be more money for common education by adjournment in May. It may not be the $400 million for pay raises and school operations or the 8 percent cost of living increase for retirees the Oklahoma Education Association says it wants, but lawmakers seem to think it’ll be something. [Tulsa World] The head of the state’s largest education union said Wednesday that her group hasn’t ruled out another walkout during session if legislators don’t adequately increase teacher pay and classroom funding. [CHNI] Our 2019 policy priorities include increasing preK-12 state aid funding to restore school staffing and programs. Confusion over opioid prescribing rules remains as Legislature returns: Since Senate Bill 1446 took effect in November, chronic pain patients have reported their doctors dropped them from their practices, cut back their doses or switched them to other medications —even though the bill doesn't apply to them. [NewsOK ($)] Lawmakers want vaping products treated the same as tobacco: Oklahoma’s state government has fought smoking for decades. Now it’s taking on a new nicotine addiction, one to which education and health officials fear young people are particularly susceptible. [Tulsa World] Opposition to changing the name of Lake Hudson: A legislative plan to change the name of Lake Hudson is not popular on the shores of the Mayes County reservoir. It's the economic engine of Salina, and people don't like the idea of change. Republican State Senator Michael Bergstrom of Adair has authored a bill to make the switch. [FOX25] GOP firsts, bold moves: The tenure of Gov. Mary Fallin: Incoming Gov. Kevin Stitt followed the state’s first female governor down the Capitol steps, which provided a final procession for a woman who never lost an election, who oversaw a series of state firsts and controversial reforms, and who departs with an approval rating barely able to get in the bar: 23.4 percent, according to SoonerPoll.com. [NonDoc] Dems critical of expanded powers for governor: Democrats in the state Legislature plan to oppose Gov. Kevin Stitt's attempt to increase his power over agency directors, even though wide support from the Republican majority would be enough to advance the proposal. [NewsOK ($)] Stitt announces secretary of Native American affairs: Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday named Lisa J. Billy, a Chickasaw Nation legislator and former state House representative, as secretary of Native American Affairs. Senate confirmation is required for Billy's appointment to the cabinet position. [NewsOK] IT security chief will direct Oklahoma's emergency management: Gov. Kevin Stitt has tapped the state's chief cybersecurity expert to serve as emergency management director. Mark Gower leads Oklahoma CyberCommand, which acts as a security resource for much of the state's digital presence and assets. [NewsOK] DHS's budget request hopes to help children affected by food insecurity: During a presentation Tuesday, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services unveiled its budget for fiscal year 2019, with part of the money going to help feed children. It's just one of the many issues affecting Oklahoma children. [KOCO] The head of the giant Department of Human Services goes before state lawmakers to discuss the department’s mission and goals. [Public Radio Tulsa] Lobbyists, others adapt communications strategies: Several industries have had to adjust to social media and other technological revolutions that have made communication more accessible, and lobbying firms are no exception. The trend toward using state questions to make massive policy changes has called for more work in public opinion. [Journal Record ($)] NW Classen site of final closure meeting: About 30 minutes before the start of what promised to be another emotional community meeting, two educators hugged. "At least you guys have a 33 percent chance," one said. "Ours is zero." Supporters of schools facing closure, relocation and reconfiguration took to the microphone Wednesday night to weigh in on Oklahoma City Public Schools' proposed realignment project. [NewsOK ($)] Tulsa-area lawmakers tackle questions at student-led forum: Students from nine Tulsa-area high schools got some answers to their pressing concerns from a panel of state lawmakers at a special event Wednesday. The intended focus was public education, but the teens had everything from criminal justice reform and diversifying Oklahoma’s economy to a recent case of blackface at the University of Oklahoma on their minds. [Tulsa World] Tulsa City Councilors approve assessment amounts for Tourism Improvement District: City councilors on Wednesday approved a 3 percent tax on room stays at Tulsa’s largest hotels. The assessment program, known as a Tourism Improvement District, applies only to hotels of 110 rooms or more. Hotels with fewer than 110 rooms can opt into the assessment district. [Tulsa World] Streetlight vandals outpace repairs: Vandals and thieves are winning the battle over light and dark in Oklahoma City. Not that residents frustrated with inoperable streetlights don't already know it. "There are lights out throughout the entire city," Public Works Director Eric Wenger told the city council Tuesday. [NewsOK] Cheat sheet: Norman’s Ward 1 incumbent faces political newcomer: Shon Williamson-Jennings is new to politics but has served in the health sector for 16 years. She brings this experience with her as she runs for Norman’s Ward 1 City Council seat against incumbent Kate Bierman. [NonDoc] OU regents close ranks in support of President James Gallogly following racist video, criticism: University of Oklahoma regents closed ranks around President James Gallogly on Wednesday while promising to address diversity and racism issues at the school. Meeting at the OU Health Sciences Center, four of the five regents present took turns speaking in support of Gallogly and addressing concerns vented by students and faculty members on the Norman campus after a video of two sophomore women, one in blackface, surfaced on the internet. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma City businessman Clayton I. Bennett, 59, resigned Wednesday from the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents. The resignation, which is effective immediately, was due to health reasons, said Leslie J. Rainbolt-Forbes, the board's acting chair. [NewsOK] Quote of the Day "A job interruption of any type, many times, that's the person that we end up serving, and so it literally can be anyone. You can almost look in the mirror because our SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) clients almost look like everyone else." -Oklahoma DHS Adult and Family Services Director Patrick Klein [Source: KOCO] Number of the Day 76.8% 4-year cohort graduate rate for economically disadvantaged Oklahoma students in school year 2016-17, compared to an 82.6% graduate rate for all Oklahoma students. [Source: National Center for Education Statistics] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note 10 years later, goal of getting more Americans through college is way behind schedule: There was the supposition that as the economy recovered, states would reinvest in higher education. And for the most part, that has not happened. In many states it’s going in the wrong direction. [The Hechinger Report] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. Connect with Us Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

76.8%

4-year cohort graduate rate for economically disadvantaged Oklahoma students in school year 2016-17, compared to an 82.6% graduate rate for all Oklahoma students.

[Source: National Center for Education Statistics]

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Quote of the Day | January 31, 2019

“A job interruption of any type, many times, that’s the person that we end up serving, and so it literally can be anyone. You can almost look in the mirror because our SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) clients almost look like everyone else.”

-Oklahoma DHS Adult and Family Services Director Patrick Klein [Source: KOCO]

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In The Know: Oklahoma falls in prosperity rankings; new look for Legislature; Stitt wants funding for parole, diversion…

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. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.

New from OK Policy

New economic rankings show Oklahoma falling further behind: There are quite a few reasons to be optimistic about Oklahoma this year. Unemployment is low and the state expects to have a budget surplus this year, the first in quite some time. But despite this good news, too many Oklahomans are still struggling to make ends meet and build a better future for themselves and their families. For the third straight year, Oklahoma has dropped in the Prosperity Now Scorecard rankings. This year, we rank 43rd in the financial health and overall well-being of our residents – that’s down from 34th in 2016. [OK Policy]

Prosperity Policy: New Legislature, new look: When the 57th Oklahoma Legislature convenes next week, it will arrive with a fresh new look. Never before have so many newcomers been swept into office. In the House, 46 of 101 members were newly elected in 2018, along with 10 freshmen senators. The freshman class joins a large number of lawmakers – 45 – first elected in 2016. By comparison, just 14 members of the House and Senate have more than six years of legislative experience. In addition, six statewide officeholders, including the governor, are newly elected. [David Blatt / Journal Record]

In The News

Stitt wants more funding for parole board, diversion programs: Gov. Kevin Stitt wants nearly $12 million in additional funding this year for prison diversion programs and to expedite pardon and parole requests for some Oklahoma inmates. Stitt said he also wants to move away from funding district attorney offices through fines, fees and court costs. [NewsOK] Our 2019 policy priorities include reforming cash bail and court fines and fees and funding public defenders and courts to reduce reliance on fines and fees.

Oklahoma lawmakers could agree on SQ640 change, but action may be up to voters: Oklahoma House Democrats say cutting taxes is too easy and raising taxes is too hard for the legislature. House Minority Leader Emily Virgin says they’d like to see the thresholds set a two-thirds or 60 percent majority — lower than the three-fourths required for tax increases and higher than the simple majority needed for cuts. [Public Radio Tulsa] Our 2019 policy priorities include removing the supermajority requirement of SQ 640.

Howard Barnett and Darryl Schmidt: Change State Question 640: Let us begin by saying; no one wants to pay taxes! However, it has also long been said that nothing is certain in life but death and taxes, and to fund state government correctly, taxes are a “must-have” revenue source. [Howard Barnett and Darryl Schmidt / Tulsa World]

State leaders more receptive to Medicaid expansion: State leadership opposition to expanding Medicaid in some form or fashion appears to be thawing. Former Gov. Mary Fallin in her first term rejected Medicaid expansion after legislative uproar. Fallin then said the state could not afford the expansion. But the changing landscape of the Legislature and a new governor, coupled with the possibility of an initiative petition to get it to a vote of the people, have given Medicaid expansion a breath of life. [Tulsa World] Our 2019 policy priorities include expanding Medicaid.

Not just teachers: Lawmakers want to consider education policy, too: There may well be more money for common education by adjournment in May. It may not be the $400 million for pay raises and school operations or the 8 percent cost of living increase for retirees the Oklahoma Education Association says it wants, but lawmakers seem to think it’ll be something. [Tulsa World] The head of the state’s largest education union said Wednesday that her group hasn’t ruled out another walkout during session if legislators don’t adequately increase teacher pay and classroom funding. [CHNI] Our 2019 policy priorities include increasing preK-12 state aid funding to restore school staffing and programs.

Confusion over opioid prescribing rules remains as Legislature returns: Since Senate Bill 1446 took effect in November, chronic pain patients have reported their doctors dropped them from their practices, cut back their doses or switched them to other medications —even though the bill doesn’t apply to them. [NewsOK ]

Lawmakers want vaping products treated the same as tobacco: Oklahoma’s state government has fought smoking for decades. Now it’s taking on a new nicotine addiction, one to which education and health officials fear young people are particularly susceptible. [Tulsa World]

Opposition to changing the name of Lake Hudson: A legislative plan to change the name of Lake Hudson is not popular on the shores of the Mayes County reservoir. It’s the economic engine of Salina, and people don’t like the idea of change. Republican State Senator Michael Bergstrom of Adair has authored a bill to make the switch. [FOX25]

GOP firsts, bold moves: The tenure of Gov. Mary Fallin: Incoming Gov. Kevin Stitt followed the state’s first female governor down the Capitol steps, which provided a final procession for a woman who never lost an election, who oversaw a series of state firsts and controversial reforms, and who departs with an approval rating barely able to get in the bar: 23.4 percent, according to SoonerPoll.com. [NonDoc]

Dems critical of expanded powers for governor: Democrats in the state Legislature plan to oppose Gov. Kevin Stitt’s attempt to increase his power over agency directors, even though wide support from the Republican majority would be enough to advance the proposal. [NewsOK ]

Stitt announces secretary of Native American affairs: Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday named Lisa J. Billy, a Chickasaw Nation legislator and former state House representative, as secretary of Native American Affairs. Senate confirmation is required for Billy’s appointment to the cabinet position. [NewsOK]

IT security chief will direct Oklahoma’s emergency management: Gov. Kevin Stitt has tapped the state’s chief cybersecurity expert to serve as emergency management director. Mark Gower leads Oklahoma CyberCommand, which acts as a security resource for much of the state’s digital presence and assets. [NewsOK]

DHS’s budget request hopes to help children affected by food insecurity: During a presentation Tuesday, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services unveiled its budget for fiscal year 2019, with part of the money going to help feed children. It’s just one of the many issues affecting Oklahoma children. [KOCO] The head of the giant Department of Human Services goes before state lawmakers to discuss the department’s mission and goals. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Lobbyists, others adapt communications strategies: Several industries have had to adjust to social media and other technological revolutions that have made communication more accessible, and lobbying firms are no exception. The trend toward using state questions to make massive policy changes has called for more work in public opinion. [Journal Record ]

NW Classen site of final closure meeting: About 30 minutes before the start of what promised to be another emotional community meeting, two educators hugged. “At least you guys have a 33 percent chance,” one said. “Ours is zero.” Supporters of schools facing closure, relocation and reconfiguration took to the microphone Wednesday night to weigh in on Oklahoma City Public Schools’ proposed realignment project. [NewsOK ]

Tulsa-area lawmakers tackle questions at student-led forum: Students from nine Tulsa-area high schools got some answers to their pressing concerns from a panel of state lawmakers at a special event Wednesday. The intended focus was public education, but the teens had everything from criminal justice reform and diversifying Oklahoma’s economy to a recent case of blackface at the University of Oklahoma on their minds. [Tulsa World]

Tulsa City Councilors approve assessment amounts for Tourism Improvement District: City councilors on Wednesday approved a 3 percent tax on room stays at Tulsa’s largest hotels. The assessment program, known as a Tourism Improvement District, applies only to hotels of 110 rooms or more. Hotels with fewer than 110 rooms can opt into the assessment district. [Tulsa World]

Streetlight vandals outpace repairs: Vandals and thieves are winning the battle over light and dark in Oklahoma City. Not that residents frustrated with inoperable streetlights don’t already know it. “There are lights out throughout the entire city,” Public Works Director Eric Wenger told the city council Tuesday. [NewsOK]

Cheat sheet: Norman’s Ward 1 incumbent faces political newcomer: Shon Williamson-Jennings is new to politics but has served in the health sector for 16 years. She brings this experience with her as she runs for Norman’s Ward 1 City Council seat against incumbent Kate Bierman. [NonDoc]

OU regents close ranks in support of President James Gallogly following racist video, criticism: University of Oklahoma regents closed ranks around President James Gallogly on Wednesday while promising to address diversity and racism issues at the school. Meeting at the OU Health Sciences Center, four of the five regents present took turns speaking in support of Gallogly and addressing concerns vented by students and faculty members on the Norman campus after a video of two sophomore women, one in blackface, surfaced on the internet. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma City businessman Clayton I. Bennett, 59, resigned Wednesday from the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents. The resignation, which is effective immediately, was due to health reasons, said Leslie J. Rainbolt-Forbes, the board’s acting chair. [NewsOK]

Quote of the Day

“A job interruption of any type, many times, that’s the person that we end up serving, and so it literally can be anyone. You can almost look in the mirror because our SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) clients almost look like everyone else.”

-Oklahoma DHS Adult and Family Services Director Patrick Klein [Source: KOCO]

Number of the Day

76.8%

4-year cohort graduate rate for economically disadvantaged Oklahoma students in school year 2016-17, compared to an 82.6% graduate rate for all Oklahoma students.

[Source: National Center for Education Statistics]

See previous Numbers of the Day here.

Policy Note

10 years later, goal of getting more Americans through college is way behind schedule: There was the supposition that as the economy recovered, states would reinvest in higher education. And for the most part, that has not happened. In many states it’s going in the wrong direction. [The Hechinger Report]

You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.

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New economic rankings show Oklahoma falling further behind

There are quite a few reasons to be optimistic about Oklahoma this year. Unemployment is low and the state expects to have a budget surplus this year, the first in quite some time. But despite this good news, too many Oklahomans are still struggling to make ends meet and build a better future for themselves and their families. For the third straight year, Oklahoma has dropped in the Prosperity Now Scorecard rankings. This year, we rank 43rd in the financial health and overall well-being of our residents – that’s down from 34th in 2016.

The Prosperity Now Scorecard uses the most recent data available from several sources to offer the most comprehensive look available at Americans’ ability to save and build wealth, move out of — and stay out of — poverty, and create a more prosperous future. The Scorecard also evaluates 28 different policy measures to determine how well states are doing in creating an environment that makes it easier for their citizens to get ahead.

Too many Oklahomans are struggling  with financial security

• Businesses & Jobs: Oklahoma is doing relatively well in this category, ranking 40th or below in only one of the eight measurements. Our unemployment rate is lower than the national rate, and nearly half of private employers in the state offer health insurance. But the percentage of jobs in Oklahoma classified as “low-wage” — more than one in four — outpaces the national rate, indicating that many Oklahomans are working hard for paychecks that are too small to meet their basic needs.
• Homeownership & Housing: Oklahoma only ranks 40th or below in one of seven measures here, but that’s not to say that we’re doing well. We did see a decline in the percentage of delinquent mortgage loans. But that was accompanied by an increase in the percentage of Oklahomans spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs (45.5 percent of renters and 23.9 percent of homeowners). And we rank 43rd in the percentage of home loans with an annual percentage rate significantly higher than average — nearly one in ten.
• Financial Assets & Income: Oklahoma struggles with both poverty and inequality. Our income poverty rate, meaning households with income below the poverty threshold, remains above the national average, and income inequality remains high, as the richest 20 percent of Oklahoma households earn nearly five times more than the poorest 20 percent. And entirely too many Oklahomans are just one minor emergency away from financial disaster. More than one-third of Oklahoma households do not have a savings account, and only 3 in 5 Oklahomans have access to revolving credit they could use to cope with an unexpected expense. As a state, we rank in the bottom ten in nine of the fifteen measurements of financial health.
• Education: While Oklahoma has made some progress here, we still rank in the bottom ten states in five of the nine measurements for education. Early childhood education enrollment climbed slightly to 44.6 percent, and math proficiency improved; now nearly one in four Oklahoma 8th graders perform at or above their grade level. But just 25.5 percent of Oklahoma adults have a degree from a four-year college, and one in five of us who used student loans to pay for college is more than thirty days behind on loan payments.
• Health Care: This is where Oklahoma struggles most, with a rank in the bottom ten states on all six measures in this category. Our uninsured rate (16.6 percent) is the second-highest in the nation, and nearly one in ten of our low-income children do not have health insurance. In turn, one in six of us report forgoing a visit to the doctor because of the cost. Overall, one in five Oklahomans report only poor or fair health status. Only five states fared worse on that measure.

Significant racial gaps exist in our largest cities

This year, the scorecard added a new measure, racial disparity, which measures the gaps in outcomes between white residents and residents of color. As a state, Oklahoma ranks 8th in this new category. This means that when we look at the state as a whole, we see comparatively small gaps in the well-being of white Oklahomans and Oklahomans of color. But our top-ten ranking here comes with some significant caveats.  First, the fact that we see comparatively small gaps in Oklahoma doesn’t mean that we’re all doing equally well. In Oklahoma’s case, it means that a lot of white Oklahomans (especially in rural Oklahoma) are struggling just as much as Oklahomans of color — we’re all finding it difficult to make ends meet. 

And despite our relatively even statewide outcomes, significant racial disparities do exist in Oklahoma’s largest cities. For example, in the Oklahoma City metro area, households of color are three times as likely as white households to experience income poverty and twice as likely to be uninsured. In the Tulsa metro area, a white person is 1.6 times more likely to have a four-year college degree than a person of color. These disparities must be addressed, not just to help Oklahomans of color achieve lasting prosperity, but to help all Oklahomans do better.

What Could We Be Doing Better?

Some of the most troubling challenges facing Oklahomans are difficulty building wealth, debt, and access to health care.  Fortunately, we have good policy solutions to address these issues, such as:

• Refundable tax credits for working families: The Earned Income Tax Credit has a proven history of helping to lift working families out of poverty. But in order for families to receive the full benefits of this credit, it must be refundable – families must be able to claim the credit even if the amount exceeds their income tax liability. That’s why it’s important that legislators restore the refundability of our state EITC.
• Protection from predatory lending: Oklahomans use payday loans at a higher rate than residents of any other state, and these predatory loans trap working families in a cycle of debt that can be nearly impossible to escape. Oklahoma needs stronger policies to protect our people from predatory lenders.
• Increased access to health insurance: Good health is vital to a full and productive life. But for too many Oklahomans, a lack of access to health care puts them at risk of debilitating illness and massive debt. Oklahoma must ensure all Oklahomans have access to affordable, quality health care.

These rankings tell us that Oklahoma does face significant challenges. But the good news is that we have the opportunity reverse course and set Oklahoma on a path to a more prosperous and sustainable future. Please contact your state representative and senator and ask them to support policies that help Oklahoma families build wealth and economic prosperity for themselves and our state.

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[In The Know] Education Department requests $441 million increase; Senate Republicans want to end 4-day school weeks...

View this email in your browser. 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. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions. In The News State Department of Education asks Oklahoma lawmakers for $3.4B: The Oklahoma State Department of Education told lawmakers Tuesday it needs $3.4 billion for fiscal year 2020, a nearly $441 million increase. A $480 million boost from special-session legislation last year largely went toward a teacher pay raise averaging $6,100. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister told lawmakers she's grateful for that, but Oklahoma has more work to do to improve its public schools. [Public Radio Tulsa] Senate Republicans want to end four-day school weeks: Senate Republicans want to end the practice of four-day school weeks, which are currently used by nearly 100 districts across Oklahoma. "If the school can show there is an economic savings and there is no adverse impact on student achievement there will be reasonable exceptions in the bill," Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said. "Otherwise, five-day school weeks will be restored." [NewsOK] Oklahoma Senate Republicans release legislative agenda, temper budget expectations. [Public Radio Tulsa] Not just teachers: Lawmakers want to consider education policy, too: Educators are going into the legislative session that begins Monday looking for more money. Lawmakers, though, may be more inclined to first look closer at the money already allocated to schools. More than 160 bills and joint resolutions with substantive language related to common education were prefiled for this session. [Tulsa World] Wary of teacher walkouts, states aim to boost school spending: Spurred by teacher strikes and a sense of crisis, Colorado’s new governor is one of 33 newly elected leaders of states and territories who campaigned on improving education funding. In many states, both Republicans and Democrats agree that schools need more money and teachers need better pay. [Stateline] Bill would give charter schools larger piece of funding formula: A Tulsa lawmaker said it’s time for the Legislature to help public charter schools pay for their buildings and upkeep. State Sen. Gary Stanislawski, R-Tulsa, has filed a controversial piece of legislation that would adjust the state’s funding formula to help the schools afford the currently uncompensated expense. [CHNI] Oklahoma County jail has decades-long history of problems: For decades, Oklahoma County commissioners have struggled to come up with a solution. But with two of the three current board members having been on the job for less than a month, commissioners are again considering options for how to address the problem. At least one commissioner doesn't think the aging structure is salvageable. [NewsOK ($)] New Oklahoma governor adds digital transformation secretary: For the better part of a decade, Oklahoma has been trying to wrangle its agencies to unify their technology operations. And they’ve made a lot of progress. The new governor, Kevin Stitt, wants to step it up a notch. So he’s appointed David Ostrowe, a long-time entrepreneur, as the state’s “secretary of digital transformation and administration.” [Government Technology] Kevin Stitt is adding to his team. Meet the governor's staff. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma transparency office proposed in Senate bill:  A state Senate leader has proposed the creation of an office to provide additional oversight of state agency spending and performance. Senate Bill 1, filed by President Pro Tem-elect Greg Treat on Thursday, creates the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT), which would conduct performance evaluations of agencies. [NewsOK] Senator seeks to protect small poultry operations in Oklahoma: While Oklahoma’s poultry industry has been under fire in recent months for an attempted expansion in the eastern part of the state, one state legislator has filed legislation to protect the industry. Residents and environmentalists protested the proposed increase of more poultry farms, claiming it would lead to more environmental damage to the Illinois River and other waterways. [OK Energy Today] Beer sales up with new laws, but some liquor stores hurt: Oklahoma beer makers say they are seeing the benefits of the state's looser laws on alcohol, but some liquor stores say their business has been hurt. The Oklahoma Beer Alliance says some of its members have seen double-digit sales growth since a voter-approved overhaul of state liquor laws went into effect in October. [AP News] 'A real need for these kids': Program helps teens in DHS care buy their first cars: It is not easy being 18 years old and facing the world without a car. “At that age, it is really hard to get started in life if you don’t have transportation,” said Sheree Powell, of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. “This is a creative way to help these kids get something absolutely essential to success.” [Tulsa World] This is what an elementary school counselor does: Throughout my seven years as an elementary school counselor, I have often been asked “what does a school counselor at an elementary school do?” The role of the school counselor is often misunderstood because it is unique. At the forefront of everything that a school counselor does is relationship. [Forbes] ‘The Invisibles,’ A video series: In this video series, titled “The Invisibles,” Oklahoma Watch profiles individuals whose quiet struggles in life reflect some of the larger issues facing the state. The series is made possible by a sponsorship from the Chickasaw Nation. [Oklahoma Watch] 'We've got to catch up': TU President Gerard Clancy urges medical marijuana research, education: Tulsa-area medical leaders, aware of the growing use of cannabis following legalization for medical purposes, hosted a series of researchers on Thursday for a conference at the University of Tulsa about marijuana research. [Tulsa World] 'We know how to survive,' but U.S. shutdown cuts deep for Native Americans: The Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma used a GoFundMe page and its own money to feed its many members who were furloughed or worked without pay during the U.S. government shutdown. [Reuters] Efforts to restore Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s independent press fail: Another attempt to reinstate the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s independent press act came up short Saturday morning. Despite having the support of a simple majority in the Muscogee (Creek) National Council, a vote at the council’s regularly scheduled January meeting to override Principal Chief James Floyd’s veto of NCA 18-184 failed to reach the two-thirds threshold required. [Journal Record] Upcoming event teaches impact of traumatic childhood experiences: Project A.W.A.R.E. leaders are putting together the first of many community programs to teach about the impact of traumatic childhood experiences. Award-winning Author Alton Carter is coming to Woodward Tuesday, Feb. 5, for a free community talk about overcoming adverse childhood experiences beginning at 6 p.m. in the Woodward High School Auditorium. [CHNI] University of Tulsa takes lead in Cyber District vision: University of Tulsa President Dr. Gerry Clancy sees a distinct parallel between a TU-led Cyber District and the university’s link to emerging oil about a century ago. ... The crux of the proposal is the creation of a Tulsa Enterprise for Cyber Innovation, Talent and Entrepreneurship, which will allow industry, federal agencies and TU to work together to defend information systems. [Tulsa World] Quote of the Day “At that age, it is really hard to get started in life if you don’t have transportation. This is a creative way to help these kids get something absolutely essential to success.” -Sheree Powell, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, speaking about a program by the Sand Springs Children’s Home to provide matching dollars for residents to buy their first car [Source: Tulsa World] Number of the Day 63.3% Percentage of Oklahoma households that have a savings account, 46th out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. [Source: Prosperity Now] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note Millions of College Students Are Going Hungry: The blight of food insecurity among college students is real, and a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a nonpartisan congressional watchdog, highlights the breadth of those affected. There are potentially millions of students at risk of being food insecure, which means they do not have access to nutritious, affordable food, the report says. It is the first time the federal government has acknowledged food insecurity on campus in a significant way. The federal government spends billions of dollars on higher education each year, and this report finds that some students are at risk of dropping out because they cannot eat, although there aren’t good data on just how many. [The Atlantic] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. Connect with Us Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

63.3%

Percentage of Oklahoma households that have a savings account, 46th out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

[Source: Prosperity Now]

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Quote of the Day | January 30, 2019

“At that age, it is really hard to get started in life if you don’t have transportation. This is a creative way to help these kids get something absolutely essential to success.”

-Sheree Powell, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, speaking about a program by the Sand Springs Children’s Home to provide matching dollars for residents to buy their first car [Source: Tulsa World]

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In The Know: Education Department requests $441 million increase; Senate Republicans want to end 4-day school weeks…

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. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.

In The News

State Department of Education asks Oklahoma lawmakers for $3.4B: The Oklahoma State Department of Education told lawmakers Tuesday it needs $3.4 billion for fiscal year 2020, a nearly $441 million increase. A $480 million boost from special-session legislation last year largely went toward a teacher pay raise averaging $6,100. State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister told lawmakers she’s grateful for that, but Oklahoma has more work to do to improve its public schools. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Senate Republicans want to end four-day school weeks: Senate Republicans want to end the practice of four-day school weeks, which are currently used by nearly 100 districts across Oklahoma. “If the school can show there is an economic savings and there is no adverse impact on student achievement there will be reasonable exceptions in the bill,” Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said. “Otherwise, five-day school weeks will be restored.” [NewsOK] Oklahoma Senate Republicans release legislative agenda, temper budget expectations. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Not just teachers: Lawmakers want to consider education policy, too: Educators are going into the legislative session that begins Monday looking for more money. Lawmakers, though, may be more inclined to first look closer at the money already allocated to schools. More than 160 bills and joint resolutions with substantive language related to common education were prefiled for this session. [Tulsa World]

Wary of teacher walkouts, states aim to boost school spending: Spurred by teacher strikes and a sense of crisis, Colorado’s new governor is one of 33 newly elected leaders of states and territories who campaigned on improving education funding. In many states, both Republicans and Democrats agree that schools need more money and teachers need better pay. [Stateline]

Bill would give charter schools larger piece of funding formula: A Tulsa lawmaker said it’s time for the Legislature to help public charter schools pay for their buildings and upkeep. State Sen. Gary Stanislawski, R-Tulsa, has filed a controversial piece of legislation that would adjust the state’s funding formula to help the schools afford the currently uncompensated expense. [CHNI]

Oklahoma County jail has decades-long history of problems: For decades, Oklahoma County commissioners have struggled to come up with a solution. But with two of the three current board members having been on the job for less than a month, commissioners are again considering options for how to address the problem. At least one commissioner doesn’t think the aging structure is salvageable. [NewsOK ]

New Oklahoma governor adds digital transformation secretary: For the better part of a decade, Oklahoma has been trying to wrangle its agencies to unify their technology operations. And they’ve made a lot of progress. The new governor, Kevin Stitt, wants to step it up a notch. So he’s appointed David Ostrowe, a long-time entrepreneur, as the state’s “secretary of digital transformation and administration.” [Government Technology] Kevin Stitt is adding to his team. Meet the governor’s staff. [Tulsa World]

Oklahoma transparency office proposed in Senate bill:  A state Senate leader has proposed the creation of an office to provide additional oversight of state agency spending and performance. Senate Bill 1, filed by President Pro Tem-elect Greg Treat on Thursday, creates the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT), which would conduct performance evaluations of agencies. [NewsOK]

Senator seeks to protect small poultry operations in Oklahoma: While Oklahoma’s poultry industry has been under fire in recent months for an attempted expansion in the eastern part of the state, one state legislator has filed legislation to protect the industry. Residents and environmentalists protested the proposed increase of more poultry farms, claiming it would lead to more environmental damage to the Illinois River and other waterways. [OK Energy Today]

Beer sales up with new laws, but some liquor stores hurt: Oklahoma beer makers say they are seeing the benefits of the state’s looser laws on alcohol, but some liquor stores say their business has been hurt. The Oklahoma Beer Alliance says some of its members have seen double-digit sales growth since a voter-approved overhaul of state liquor laws went into effect in October. [AP News]

‘A real need for these kids’: Program helps teens in DHS care buy their first cars: It is not easy being 18 years old and facing the world without a car. “At that age, it is really hard to get started in life if you don’t have transportation,” said Sheree Powell, of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. “This is a creative way to help these kids get something absolutely essential to success.” [Tulsa World]

This is what an elementary school counselor does: Throughout my seven years as an elementary school counselor, I have often been asked “what does a school counselor at an elementary school do?” The role of the school counselor is often misunderstood because it is unique. At the forefront of everything that a school counselor does is relationship. [Forbes]

‘The Invisibles,’ A video series: In this video series, titled “The Invisibles,” Oklahoma Watch profiles individuals whose quiet struggles in life reflect some of the larger issues facing the state. The series is made possible by a sponsorship from the Chickasaw Nation. [Oklahoma Watch]

‘We’ve got to catch up’: TU President Gerard Clancy urges medical marijuana research, education: Tulsa-area medical leaders, aware of the growing use of cannabis following legalization for medical purposes, hosted a series of researchers on Thursday for a conference at the University of Tulsa about marijuana research. [Tulsa World]

‘We know how to survive,’ but U.S. shutdown cuts deep for Native Americans: The Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma used a GoFundMe page and its own money to feed its many members who were furloughed or worked without pay during the U.S. government shutdown. [Reuters]

Efforts to restore Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s independent press fail: Another attempt to reinstate the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s independent press act came up short Saturday morning. Despite having the support of a simple majority in the Muscogee (Creek) National Council, a vote at the council’s regularly scheduled January meeting to override Principal Chief James Floyd’s veto of NCA 18-184 failed to reach the two-thirds threshold required. [Journal Record]

Upcoming event teaches impact of traumatic childhood experiences: Project A.W.A.R.E. leaders are putting together the first of many community programs to teach about the impact of traumatic childhood experiences. Award-winning Author Alton Carter is coming to Woodward Tuesday, Feb. 5, for a free community talk about overcoming adverse childhood experiences beginning at 6 p.m. in the Woodward High School Auditorium. [CHNI]

University of Tulsa takes lead in Cyber District vision: University of Tulsa President Dr. Gerry Clancy sees a distinct parallel between a TU-led Cyber District and the university’s link to emerging oil about a century ago. … The crux of the proposal is the creation of a Tulsa Enterprise for Cyber Innovation, Talent and Entrepreneurship, which will allow industry, federal agencies and TU to work together to defend information systems. [Tulsa World]

Quote of the Day

“At that age, it is really hard to get started in life if you don’t have transportation. This is a creative way to help these kids get something absolutely essential to success.”

-Sheree Powell, spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, speaking about a program by the Sand Springs Children’s Home to provide matching dollars for residents to buy their first car [Source: Tulsa World]

Number of the Day

63.3%

Percentage of Oklahoma households that have a savings account, 46th out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

[Source: Prosperity Now]

See previous Numbers of the Day here.

Policy Note

Millions of College Students Are Going Hungry: The blight of food insecurity among college students is real, and a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a nonpartisan congressional watchdog, highlights the breadth of those affected. There are potentially millions of students at risk of being food insecure, which means they do not have access to nutritious, affordable food, the report says. It is the first time the federal government has acknowledged food insecurity on campus in a significant way. The federal government spends billions of dollars on higher education each year, and this report finds that some students are at risk of dropping out because they cannot eat, although there aren’t good data on just how many. [The Atlantic]

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