Today is the LAST DAY to apply for the 2019 Summer Policy Institute

View this email in your browser. Today is the LAST DAY to apply to the 2019 Summer Policy Institute! The 2019 Summer Policy Institute (SPI) will be held August 4th – 7th at the University of Tulsa. Apply Today “The Summer Policy Institute was a valuable and unique experience. I applied to attend SPI shortly after relocating to Tulsa from another state so that I could learn the ins and outs of policy issues in Oklahoma.The OK Policy staff were amazing! I encourage anyone with an interest in public policy, economics, and social issues to take advantage of the opportunity to attend SPI.” – Lily DeFrank, Masters in Social Work, University of Oklahoma SPI is an opportunity for students to network with top Oklahoma leaders and get immersed in the most important policy issues affecting Oklahoma. Click here to learn more about the Institute and see agendas from previous years. You are eligible for SPI if you can answer YES to any ONE of these questions: Are you currently enrolled as a graduate or an undergraduate student at an Oklahoma college or university who has completed at least 24 credits hours? Did you graduate on December 31, 2018 or later from an Oklahoma college or university? Are you attending an out-of-state university but went to high school in Oklahoma? If you answered yes to any of the above, you are eligible to apply! Other than that, we strive to ensure a very diverse group of SPI participants. The Institute includes students and recent graduates with many different majors, ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds. We encourage students to apply whether you're at a research university, a regional college, a community college, or a private school. Program tuition is $375 for commuters or $450 for those staying in University of Tulsa housing. Full and partial financial assistance will be available to all students who need a scholarship to attend. No one will be denied a spot in the Institute due to inability to pay. Apply Today “The training was insightful and challenging in bringing awareness to issues central to Oklahoma. The ability to organize and interact with a large crowd of intellectuals and leaders was truly a learning experience.” -Aisha Shah, Doctorate in Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Read more testimonials from past participants here! The application deadline is TODAY! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! Connect with Us Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

30%

The percentage decline in licensed child care facilities in Oklahoma since 2009

[Source: Oklahoma Policy Institute]

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Quote of the Day | May 31, 2019

“Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Rule 8 requires that judges address people’s inability to pay when they assess and enforce court-imposed fines. Unfortunately, many Oklahoma courts incarcerate people without ever inquiring about their ability to pay. When judges fail to meaningfully inquire into a person’s ability to pay, poor Oklahomans suffer devastating consequences.”

-Tianna Mays and Phylicia Hill, attorneys with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under Law [The Oklahoman]

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[In The Know] A path to fewer cancer deaths; justice reforms left on the table; the trap of fees, fines...

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 Expanding health coverage could mean fewer cancer deaths in Oklahoma: Cancer has touched almost every family in the United States — nearly one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Despite the many advances in cancer treatment, Oklahoma is falling behind. While the national cancer death rate has steadily decreased, Oklahoma has one of the highest rates in the country, and it has been increasing over the past 10 years. [OK Policy] How we measure poverty matters — and a proposed change would make it worse: The Trump Administration has recently proposed a plan to adjust the way we measure poverty, but these changes would not make the measure more accurate. Instead, this change would make the poverty measure less accurate and result in hundreds of thousands of Americans losing access to the safety net programs that help them weather hard times and move out of poverty. [OK Policy] Today is the LAST DAY to apply for the Summer Policy Institute: The Institute is open to any undergraduate or graduate student at an Oklahoma college or university, or graduate from an Oklahoma high school, who has completed a minimum of 24 hours of college credit or has graduated in December 2018 or later. The deadline to apply is today, Friday, May 31st at midnight. Click here to learn more and apply today. In The News Legislators leave criminal justice reform bills on the table as prison population grows: Multiple polls show the majority of Oklahoma voters support criminal justice reforms. Survey data commissioned by Oklahoma Public Radio stations for the Oklahoma Engaged Project also suggest a majority of voters believe the state’s sentencing laws need to be reworked. Oklahoma is now the number one incarcerator in the country, but only one bill targeting prison population control reached the governor’s desk this session. [StateImpact Oklahoma] Stitt signs 514 bills, vetoes 16 in first session: Gov. Kevin Stitt has cleared his desk of legislation sent to him by state lawmakers. Stitt on Wednesday finished acting on the remaining bills lawmakers advanced before the Legislature adjourned last week. In his first legislative session, Stitt received 535 bills and acted on all but two of the measures. Of the two bills that became law without Stitt’s action, one would have appropriated $2 million to the Indigent Defense System but was contingent upon passage of a bail reform bill that failed in the final days of the legislative session. In effect, no money will be appropriated. [The Oklahoman] State, J&J argue over whether company tried to influence or educate Oklahoma doctors: Attorney Brad Beckworth quizzed Johnson & Johnson corporate representative Kimberly Deem-Eshleman repeatedly about internal J&J documents that outlined sales strategies, feedback from drug experts, and the company’s code of business conduct. [Norman Transcript] A Johnson & Johnson subsidiary received a stern warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004 for using promotional materials that contained "false or misleading claims" about the effectiveness and abuse potential of its Duragesic opioid patch. [The Oklahoman] Johnson & Johnson stands trial for the opioid crisis: “Oversupply and people will die.” That evocative line was at the heart of the opening argument laid out in a courtroom in Oklahoma on May 28th. Mike Hunter, the state’s attorney-general, accused Johnson & Johnson (j&j), a pharmaceutical giant, of misleading doctors and patients about the dangers of opioids, prescription medicines used to treat severe pain. [The Economist] Audio: Opioid trial begins, 2019 legislative session ends & Governor signs bills: This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel and Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill about the opioid trial starting in Norman which has grabbed national and international attention and state lawmakers end the 2019 legislative session a week earlier than required by the Constitution. [KOSU] Point of View: Oklahoma should address the trap of fees, fines: Courts cannot incarcerate people based solely on inability to pay court-imposed fines. The U.S. Constitution and Oklahoma Constitution prohibit jailing a person without first determining whether their failure to pay is willful. Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Rule 8 requires that judges address people’s inability to pay when they assess and enforce court-imposed fines. Unfortunately, many Oklahoma courts incarcerate people without ever inquiring about their ability to pay. [Tianna Mays and Phylicia H. Hill / The Oklahoman] Our report from 2017 details how excessive fees have locked Oklahomans into the criminal justice system without boosting state revenue. Tulsa World editorial: The Legislature says it's OK to post a picture of your ballot on Facebook ... not that the legal ban was stopping anyone from doing just that: One day before legislators adjourned for the year, they passed House Bill 1259, allowing Oklahoma voters to take voting booth selfies of their marked election ballots. All those Facebook pics people were posting to show they did their part to support a favorite candidate or issue were, technically, illegal in Oklahoma. [Editorial Board / Tulsa World] Troubled charter school's board to meet Friday: A special board meeting to address the future of Justice Alma Wilson Seeworth Academy amid findings of "gross neglect and noncompliance" has been rescheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, The Oklahoman has learned. The meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, was canceled, said Sherry Kishore, the school's interim superintendent. [The Oklahoman] 'Heading in the right direction': Oklahoma has challenges in mental health; experts weigh in at forum: The state of mental health in Oklahoma was the subject of the Tulsa World’s latest Let’s Talk community forum on Thursday. The event, held in the University of Tulsa Student Union’s Great Hall, featured a panel of experts and special guests discussing topics related to the mental health outlook in Oklahoma, including progress, reform, funding and current trends. [Tulsa World] 3 additional measles cases confirmed in Oklahoma: Three additional cases of measles have been confirmed in Okmulgee County, according to the state Health Department. All three cases are in people who had close contact with the first case, which was announced May 15. The four cases are the only reports of measles in Oklahoma in 2019. [Tulsa World] Public officials prepare flood survivors for recovery; survivors confront officials about water release: Residents confronted and inquired of government officials about the area flooding disaster at a meeting where officials were preparing survivors for the recovery ahead. [Tulsa World] When the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers informed local officials gathered in the Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday morning that it would begin reducing the flow of water into the Arkansas River from Keystone Dam, the room filled with applause. It didn’t last long. [Tulsa World] Individuals, business owners and local governments affected by flooding and other severe weather in the state will have to wait a while longer before learning whether the federal government will provide financial assistance. [Tulsa World] Tulsa Race Massacre: 1921 Tulsa newspapers fueled racism, and one story is cited for sparking Greenwood's burning: There are many lessons from Tulsa’s 1921 race massacre. One of them, often overlooked, is that words matter. Walter White, the intrepid NAACP investigator of that era, wrote that the injudicious use of one word, “assault,” in the May 31, 1921, Tulsa Tribune was in large part responsible for the conflagration that consumed the hopes and dreams and the very lives of black Tulsans that same evening and night and the morning of June 1, 1921. [Tulsa World] Panelists discusses achieving reconciliation through civic engagement: Starting with a historic sit-in protest at a segregated drug store in Oklahoma City 60 years ago, Ayanna Najuma has spent a lifetime fighting for equity and equality. Najuma was 7 when she and a dozen other students refused to leave Katz Drug Store until employees served them in 1958, inspiring a wave of nonviolent and successful sit-ins throughout the city. [Tulsa World] High-stakes election set for Cherokee Nation: The Cherokee Nation election has drawn support from several prominent Democratic leaders, as well as backing from outside Oklahoma. The race is being watched by the Tulsa Regional Chamber, which sees the tribe as a valuable economic development partner. [Journal Record] Tribal leaders in U.S. and abroad to gather in Norman: Business, civic and tribal leaders from Canada, New Zealand and the U.S. will meet in Norman next week for a biannual tribal-trade conference. Monday will mark the fourth time that the International Inter-tribal Trade and Investment Organization has come to the University of Oklahoma College of Law for its event. [Journal Record] Quote of the Day “Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Rule 8 requires that judges address people’s inability to pay when they assess and enforce court-imposed fines. Unfortunately, many Oklahoma courts incarcerate people without ever inquiring about their ability to pay. When judges fail to meaningfully inquire into a person’s ability to pay, poor Oklahomans suffer devastating consequences.” -Tianna Mays and Phylicia Hill, attorneys with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under Law [The Oklahoman] Number of the Day 30% The percentage decline in licensed child care facilities in Oklahoma since 2009 [Source: Oklahoma Policy Institute] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note Baby steps toward guaranteed incomes and racial justice: One mother paid off her student loan debt so that she could re-enroll in community college. She’s starting school in August in hopes of becoming a phlebotomist. When another mother, a server at Cracker Barrel, fell ill, she called in sick for the first time in her life because she could now afford to lose a day of pay. [New York Times] 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

 

 

17%

The percentage increase in obesity among adults in Oklahoma from 2012 to 2018.

[Source: United Health Foundation]

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Quote of the Day | May 30, 2019

“I didn’t think at this age I would still have to be working to make ends meet. I thought I’d be more comfortable, be able to travel a little, help my kids and grandkids — I’m not able to do that.”

-Mary Brancich, who is still working at age 73 even though she retired from a nearly 30 year teaching career in Oklahoma [PBS News Hour]

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[In The Know] Budget rebuilding continues; college athlete's overdose issue at trial; bill to curb 4-day school weeks signed...

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 Budget Overview: The rebuilding project continues: In the final days of session the Legislature adopted the state’s $7.9  billion budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020 (FY 2020). The main budget, or General Appropriations bill (HB 2765), and several dozen companion bills lay out the blueprint for state government in the coming year. The budget is $434 million (5.7 percent) above the original budget for FY 2019 and an increase of $1.0 billion (14.9 percent) over the final budget for FY 2018, continuing a welcome trend that can help move Oklahoma toward greater and more widely shared prosperity. [OK Policy] Prosperity Policy: Serving the public: This past Saturday night, violent tornadoes swept through much of Oklahoma for the fourth time in a week. As warning sirens blared, people again took cover in shelters, basements and bathtubs. In El Reno, two people lost their lives and dozens more were injured. The Tulsa area, where I live, has been hit especially hard by the week of severe weather, with numerous neighborhoods underwater and a growing threat of massive flooding if rising water levels overwhelm an aging levee system along the Arkansas River. [David Blatt / Journal Record] In The News Oklahoma is the “World’s Prison Capital.” That won’t change any time soon: Last year, Oklahoma edged out Louisiana for the dubious honor of being the “world’s prison capital”—locking up a higher proportion of its residents than any other state or country. Since then, lawmakers and businesspeople from both parties have taken up the cause of reforming their state’s criminal justice system. Yet as this year’s legislative session comes to a close, only one major criminal justice reform bill ever crossed the governor’s desk. [Mother Jones] Strangulation of women is common, chilling – and often a grim harbinger: Strangulation of women is a persistent and increasingly reported form of violence in Oklahoma, with hundreds of cases reported annually, criminal justice system officials say. It is not always fatal, but it is terrifying and can cause long-term injuries and trauma. It also has been shown by researchers to be a precursor to homicide, a signal that this type of domestic violence often leads to a lethal assault. [Oklahoma Watch] U.S. football player's overdose death spotlighted in J&J Oklahoma opioid trial: The father of a college football player who died of a drug overdose gave emotional testimony about the U.S. opioid epidemic’s personal cost on Wednesday in the second day of trial of a lawsuit by the state of Oklahoma accusing Johnson & Johnson of fueling the crisis. [Reuters] Craig Box was the first witness called by the state in the second day of a civil trial launched to determine whether Johnson & Johnson and subsidiaries of the drugmaker should be held accountable for an epidemic of opioid addiction that has ruined countless lives in Oklahoma and across the nation. [Journal Record] Stitt signs bill to curb 4-day school weeks: Gov. Kevin Stitt signed legislation Tuesday to curb four-day school weeks. He signed Senate Bill 441, which requires school districts to be in session for a minimum number of school days, making it more difficult for schools to operate on four-day weeks. SB 441 replaces the current option for school districts to be in session for 1,080 hours each year and instead requires schools to be in session for a minimum of 165 school days, 158 of which must be instructional days. [The Oklahoman] Stitt signs bill lifting ban on ballot selfies: Ballot selfies will soon be legal in Oklahoma. Gov. Kevin Stitt on Tuesday signed a bill that will allow Oklahoma voters to snap and share cellphone photos of their ballots. Voters will be able to take and share photos of their absentee ballots on social media. In-person voters also will be allowed to take pictures of their marked ballot in the voting booth for posting on social media after they leave the polling place. [The Oklahoman] Senate Pro Tem Treat names Roger Thompson co-chair of LOFT oversight committee: Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat has named Senator Roger Thompson as co-chair of the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) oversight committee. Senate Bill 1, signed into law recently, created LOFT to serve as an independent office to provide the Legislature and the public with objective data on agency budgets and programs. [The Duncan Banner] State health officials confirm three additional measles cases: Oklahoma health officials have identified three additional measles cases related to an exposure in Okmulgee County. The Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Okmulgee County Health Department confirmed that the recent cases stemmed from a previous case discovered May 15. [Tulsa World] Ginnie Graham: Mental health needs emerging as flood waters rise and tornado potential continues: After the third time taking shelter in our laundry room within days, we were exhausted. It was somewhere around 1:30 a.m., and we woke the kids, grabbed the dog and trapped the cat as tornado sirens wailed. Power flickered and our smartphones were tuned into three different streaming weather broadcasts. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World] Point of View: Officer-involved shootings of black children must be addressed: In the past month in Oklahoma, at least four children younger than 18 have been shot and wounded, and one shot and killed, by police. We cannot accept the pattern of black children and teens being shot by law enforcement. Although these issues are rarely simple, they are not impossible to solve. With the community at the table, we need to work to prevent officer-involved shootings from happening again. [Jenny Birch / The Oklahoman] Here's what 5 teachers in different states are fighting for a year after walkouts and protests: It has been a year since teachers began walking out en masse to protest the state of public education in the U.S. But in many of the states that saw significant activism from teachers in the past year, educators say they’re still fighting for the same changes. [TIME] Why retired teachers struggle to make ends meet: Many teachers go into the profession, despite the relatively low wages, with the expectation that they will be taken care of in retirement through their pension. But in many places, that promise isn’t being met. In several states, retired teachers and other state workers haven’t gotten a cost-of-living adjustment to their pension checks in years. And with the cost of health care continuing to rise, retirees say they’re reaching a breaking point. [PBS News Hour] For teen parents in Tulsa, respect in school is the key to success: Inside the halls of Tulsa’s Nathan Hale High School, pregnant and expectant youth gathered with a counselor to learn safe sleeping tips for their babies on the way. They’d already had in-depth and vulnerable conversations about what to expect during labor and delivery, how to deal with incessant crying, and at what age babies could start eating solid food. [Teen Vogue] School fights fear as part of defense against network intrusions: Oklahoma City Public Schools just spent seven days, including a weekend, paying a contractor to help their own IT staff recover from a malware intrusion to the district network. Coming right at the end of classes when grades were being processed, it was a severe blow to Oklahoma’s largest school district of 40,000 students. [Free Press OKC] Poll: OKC voters want more than capital projects in MAPS 4: When it comes to how to spend money from a proposed MAPS 4, Oklahoma City residents want fewer big ticket infrastructure projects and more things that benefit them directly. Those are the findings of a recent SoonerPoll survey of 406 likely OKC voters conducted between April 24 and May 9. [NonDoc] D’Angelo Burgess fled from police. Does that make him a killer?: D’Angelo Burgess was at least 100 yards away from the high-speed car crash that killed Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lt. Heath Meyer in July 2017. Meyer was struck by a fellow trooper who lost control of his cruiser as he sped north in pursuit of Burgess on Interstate 35 near the Oklahoma City line. [The Frontier] Former student files lawsuit against OU for providing false data to US News & World Report, inflating university's ranking: A former OU student has filed a class action lawsuit against the University of Oklahoma as a result of the university being stripped of its U.S. News & World Report ranking. The lawsuit, which was filed May 28 on behalf of former OU student Elani Gretzer and all OU undergraduate students since 1999, alleges the university broke contract by providing false alumni giving data to U.S. News & World Report, inflating its ranking in U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges" ranking as a result. [OU Daily] Supreme Court upholds Walkingstick disqualification: The Cherokee Nation Supreme Court on May 29 denied David Walkingstick’s appeal to rejoin the principal chief race. In a 4-0 vote on May 17, the Election Commission disqualified Walkingstick, the Dist. 3 tribal councilor, for violating tribal election law. He filed an appeal that Supreme Court justices heard. [Cherokee Phoenix] The Cherokee Nation's next chief will have a big footprint in Indian Country: Members of the Cherokee Nation — the largest Native American tribe — will cast votes for a new principal chief this week from every corner of the United States. With nearly 229,000 of the nation’s 370,000 living outside the 14 counties in eastern Oklahoma that comprise tribal lands, voters will send their ballots from major cities like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., as well as the Colorado Rockies and the rolling hills of Georgia. [High Country News] Quote of the Day “I didn’t think at this age I would still have to be working to make ends meet. I thought I’d be more comfortable, be able to travel a little, help my kids and grandkids — I’m not able to do that.” -Mary Brancich, who is still working at age 73 even though she retired from a nearly 30 year teaching career in Oklahoma [PBS News Hour] Number of the Day 17% The percentage increase in obesity among adults in Oklahoma from 2012 to 2018. [Source: United Health Foundation] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note A decade after the recession, 40% of U.S. families are still struggling: Four in 10 Americans sometimes face what economists call "material hardship," struggling to pay for basic needs such as food and housing, according to a new study from the Urban Institute. Even middle-class families routinely struggle financially and are occasionally unable to pay their bills. [CBS News] 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

 

 

6

Number of schools in Oklahoma with vaccination rates below 50 percent.

[Source: Oklahoma Watch]

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Quote of the Day | May 29, 2019

“Mothers had early initiation of prenatal care. There was also better care for women of childbearing age in these states before they became pregnant — better screenings, better prenatal vitamins.”

-Georgetown University Center for Children and Families’ Adam Searing, on a study that found Medicaid expansion states saw infant mortality rates fall 50 percent more than states that did not expand Medicaid [KWGS]

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In The Know: Opening statements in opioid trial; report on Boren allegations; Medicaid reduces maternal, infant mortality…

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

AG Hunter: Drugmakers’ ‘greed’ helped ignite opioid crisis in Oklahoma: Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson oversaturated the market with addictive painkillers and helped fuel an opioid crisis in Oklahoma out of greed, the state’s attorney general told a crowded courtroom in Norman on Tuesday. [The Frontier] The trial, heard by a judge without a jury but livestreamed to the public, is being closely watched not only by those affected by prescription opioid addiction, but also by lawyers in almost 1,900 similar federal and state cases nationwide. [New York Times] The Oklahoman published photos and video from the first day of trial. [The Oklahoman]

Jones Day assessment: Jess Eddy ‘generally credible’ on Boren allegation: In his allegations against former University of Oklahoma President David Boren and Vice President Tripp Hall, former OU employee Jess Eddy was deemed “generally credible” by investigating attorneys from Jones Day. The analysis was included in a four-page excerpt of the law firm’s report on allegations against Boren. [NonDoc] Six witnesses gave accounts about encounters with David Boren to the law firm that conducted a sexual misconduct investigation of the retired University of Oklahoma president, according to an excerpt from the law firm’s report. [The Oklahoman]

Study: Medicaid expansion tied to drops in maternal, infant mortality rates: Oklahoma’s maternal and infant mortality rates are 34th and 43rd in the U.S. Researchers report Medicaid expansion could make a difference. Reviews found Medicaid expansion states saw infant mortality rates fall 50 percent more than states that did not expand Medicaid and saw maternal mortality rate declines of 1.6 deaths per 100,000 women. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Five things from the 2019 legislative session: The 2019 legislative session, which ended Thursday, produced some important changes in state government. It also left some things on the table that can be viewed as missed opportunities or disasters averted, depending on one’s point of view. [Tulsa World]

Governor signs legislation to make State Question 780 retroactive: Gov. Kevin Stitt on Tuesday signed into law a criminal justice reform measure that will make State Question 780 retroactive. Voters passed the state question in 2016 to reclassify some drug possession and property crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies. The retroactivity legislation, which takes effect Nov. 1, establishes an expedited commutation process for people who are serving felony prison sentences for offenses that are now misdemeanors. [The Oklahoman] HB 1269 is a positive step for justice reform in Oklahoma, but a late amendment complicates the bill’s resentencing process and create financial hurdles that will lessen the positive impact of retroactivity.

Stitt signs bill clarifying AG’s role in settling lawsuits: Oklahoma’s attorney general could not make the same $270 million settlement with opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma today that he made in March because of a change in state law. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law Friday a bill that requires any funds from lawsuits involving the state of Oklahoma and settled by the attorney general to go into the state treasury so lawmakers can decide how it is spent. [The Oklahoman]

Governor signs mining-water bill into law: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law this week amending the state’s mining rules and regulations as they relate to the impact on water. Senate Bill 1080 focuses on mines that overlay a “sensitive sole source groundwater basin or subbasin.” [OK Energy Today]

Oklahoma Legislature Passes ‘Ballot Selfie’ Bill: Oklahoma lawmakers have passed a bill clarifying when ballot selfies are OK. If House Bill 1259 is signed by the governor, voters will be able to take a photo of marked ballots in the voting booth and post it on social media once outside. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Tulsa World Editorial Board: Tulsa Regional Chamber makes public act of atonement concerning what happened after the 1921 race massacre: The Tulsa Regional Chamber did the right thing when it publicly donated copies of its records concerning the Tulsa race massacre to the Greenwood Cultural Center on Tuesday. [Editorial Board / Tulsa World]

20,000 Worker Shortage Predicted By 2028 In Oklahoma: A new report from the Office of Workforce Development shows Oklahoma is on track to experience a shortage of nearly 20,000 workers next decade due to projected economic growth, high rates of retirement, and a lack of local talent. [KGOU]

Ceremony celebrates literacy program graduates: In 2013, the Ardmore Literacy Leadership program came to Ardmore to help citizens get a second chance at life. On Thursday, gathered in the First United Methodist Church Ardmore Colvert Ministry Center, 55 adults and teenagers crossed the stage, earning diplomas and certificates ranging from GEDs to technology skills. [The Ardmoreite]

Oklahoma college grads find jobs in business, health, education fields: Oklahoma’s public and private colleges and universities awarded degrees to more than 193,300 graduates during the past five years. Nearly half of those were bachelor’s degrees. Business, health professions and education were the most popular fields of study. [The Oklahoman ]

Oklahoma students poised to shape future of oil and natural gas: According to the Education Commission of the States, STEM jobs are projected to grow 13% between 2017 and 2027. Todd sees future opportunity for his students right here in their home state, specifically with the oil and natural gas industry. [Tulsa World]

Public provides input on pending rate case for Oklahoma Gas and Electric: The director of the Oklahoma Sierra Club and a dozen other individual customers affected by Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co.’s ongoing rate case told an administrative law judge and the elected members of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission on Tuesday a pending agreement that would leave rates unchanged should be rejected. [The Oklahoman]

Pharmacy at Homeless Alliance to expand days of operation after funding increase: The Oklahoma County pharmacy plans to expand days of service for one of its two locations in the coming months, benefiting Oklahoma City’s low-income and homeless population. The pharmacy location inside the Homeless Alliance’s day shelter near downtown Oklahoma City is currently open only two days a week. [The Oklahoman]

Climate change figures in water management: Climate change is going to have a direct effect on the quality, quantity and price of drinking water in Oklahoma City. Utilities Director Chris Browning told the city council Tuesday that the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust has the highest possible ratings for its debt. But Browning said ratings agencies “have a few different considerations today than they did in the past.” [The Oklahoman]

Proposed MAPS 4 river wish list includes fourth dam, equestrian park, swimming beach: A fourth dam that would extend the navigable Oklahoma River waterway east of Interstate 35 and into east Oklahoma City is among several improvements set to be added to a growing MAPS 4 wish list being assembled by Mayor David Holt. [The Oklahoman]

Chicken litter piles highlight enforcement issues for Save the Illinois River founder: When Save the Illinois River founder Ed Brocksmith reported a chicken litter issue to state officials, he expected some action, but it didn’t turn out how he expected. Uncovered piles of chicken litter left in pastures near Lake Tenkiller concerned him during April’s rains. He complained to state officials, who looked into it but said no rules were broken. [Tulsa World]

Blumert sisters active in Oklahoma criminal justice reform: At the Oklahoma County Courthouse, a woman with thick-rimmed glasses and dark, curly hair is often discussing criminal justice reform. But be careful not to confuse her with the other woman in dark curls and glasses advocating for change at the downtown courthouse. [The Oklahoman]

US Supreme Court rejects Comanche casino case: The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Tuesday to review a case in which the Comanche Nation sought to block the Chickasaw Nation from building a casino in southern Oklahoma. Without comment, the justices let stand a ruling by U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals against the Comanche Nation. [The Oklahoman]

O’Rourke, Sanders lead Democratic fundraising in Oklahoma: Former Texas congressman Beto O’Rourke and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders raised the most money in Oklahoma for their Democratic presidential campaigns in the first quarter of the year. [The Oklahoman]

Quote of the Day

“Mothers had early initiation of prenatal care. There was also better care for women of childbearing age in these states before they became pregnant — better screenings, better prenatal vitamins.”

-Georgetown University Center for Children and Families’ Adam Searing, on a study that found Medicaid expansion states saw infant mortality rates fall 50 percent more than states that did not expand Medicaid [KWGS]

Number of the Day

6

Number of schools in Oklahoma with vaccination rates below 50 percent.

[Source: Oklahoma Watch]

See previous Numbers of the Day here.

Policy Note

How bad prosecutors fuel America’s mass incarceration problem: We have this idea of a legal system in which prosecutors and defense lawyers are equal, with dispassionate judges presiding over everything. But Bazelon argues that this balance has been lost over the past several decades. Now prosecutors wield limitless power, deciding whom to charge, who gets a second chance, and, in some cases, who lives and who dies. If there’s an underreported piece of the mass incarceration puzzle, Bazelon says this is it. [Vox]

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[In The Know] Opening statements in opioid trial; report on Boren allegations; Medicaid reduces maternal, infant mortality...

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 AG Hunter: Drugmakers’ ‘greed’ helped ignite opioid crisis in Oklahoma: Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson oversaturated the market with addictive painkillers and helped fuel an opioid crisis in Oklahoma out of greed, the state’s attorney general told a crowded courtroom in Norman on Tuesday. [The Frontier] The trial, heard by a judge without a jury but livestreamed to the public, is being closely watched not only by those affected by prescription opioid addiction, but also by lawyers in almost 1,900 similar federal and state cases nationwide. [New York Times] The Oklahoman published photos and video from the first day of trial. [The Oklahoman] Jones Day assessment: Jess Eddy ‘generally credible’ on Boren allegation: In his allegations against former University of Oklahoma President David Boren and Vice President Tripp Hall, former OU employee Jess Eddy was deemed “generally credible” by investigating attorneys from Jones Day. The analysis was included in a four-page excerpt of the law firm’s report on allegations against Boren. [NonDoc] Six witnesses gave accounts about encounters with David Boren to the law firm that conducted a sexual misconduct investigation of the retired University of Oklahoma president, according to an excerpt from the law firm's report. [The Oklahoman] Study: Medicaid expansion tied to drops in maternal, infant mortality rates: Oklahoma’s maternal and infant mortality rates are 34th and 43rd in the U.S. Researchers report Medicaid expansion could make a difference. Reviews found Medicaid expansion states saw infant mortality rates fall 50 percent more than states that did not expand Medicaid and saw maternal mortality rate declines of 1.6 deaths per 100,000 women. [Public Radio Tulsa] Five things from the 2019 legislative session: The 2019 legislative session, which ended Thursday, produced some important changes in state government. It also left some things on the table that can be viewed as missed opportunities or disasters averted, depending on one’s point of view. [Tulsa World] Governor signs legislation to make State Question 780 retroactive: Gov. Kevin Stitt on Tuesday signed into law a criminal justice reform measure that will make State Question 780 retroactive. Voters passed the state question in 2016 to reclassify some drug possession and property crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies. The retroactivity legislation, which takes effect Nov. 1, establishes an expedited commutation process for people who are serving felony prison sentences for offenses that are now misdemeanors. [The Oklahoman] HB 1269 is a positive step for justice reform in Oklahoma, but a late amendment complicates the bill’s resentencing process and create financial hurdles that will lessen the positive impact of retroactivity. Stitt signs bill clarifying AG's role in settling lawsuits: Oklahoma’s attorney general could not make the same $270 million settlement with opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma today that he made in March because of a change in state law. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law Friday a bill that requires any funds from lawsuits involving the state of Oklahoma and settled by the attorney general to go into the state treasury so lawmakers can decide how it is spent. [The Oklahoman] Governor signs mining-water bill into law: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill into law this week amending the state’s mining rules and regulations as they relate to the impact on water. Senate Bill 1080 focuses on mines that overlay a “sensitive sole source groundwater basin or subbasin.” [OK Energy Today] Oklahoma Legislature Passes 'Ballot Selfie' Bill: Oklahoma lawmakers have passed a bill clarifying when ballot selfies are OK. If House Bill 1259 is signed by the governor, voters will be able to take a photo of marked ballots in the voting booth and post it on social media once outside. [Public Radio Tulsa] Tulsa World Editorial Board: Tulsa Regional Chamber makes public act of atonement concerning what happened after the 1921 race massacre: The Tulsa Regional Chamber did the right thing when it publicly donated copies of its records concerning the Tulsa race massacre to the Greenwood Cultural Center on Tuesday. [Editorial Board / Tulsa World] 20,000 Worker Shortage Predicted By 2028 In Oklahoma: A new report from the Office of Workforce Development shows Oklahoma is on track to experience a shortage of nearly 20,000 workers next decade due to projected economic growth, high rates of retirement, and a lack of local talent. [KGOU] Ceremony celebrates literacy program graduates: In 2013, the Ardmore Literacy Leadership program came to Ardmore to help citizens get a second chance at life. On Thursday, gathered in the First United Methodist Church Ardmore Colvert Ministry Center, 55 adults and teenagers crossed the stage, earning diplomas and certificates ranging from GEDs to technology skills. [The Ardmoreite] Oklahoma college grads find jobs in business, health, education fields: Oklahoma’s public and private colleges and universities awarded degrees to more than 193,300 graduates during the past five years. Nearly half of those were bachelor’s degrees. Business, health professions and education were the most popular fields of study. [The Oklahoman ($)] Oklahoma students poised to shape future of oil and natural gas: According to the Education Commission of the States, STEM jobs are projected to grow 13% between 2017 and 2027. Todd sees future opportunity for his students right here in their home state, specifically with the oil and natural gas industry. [Tulsa World] Public provides input on pending rate case for Oklahoma Gas and Electric: The director of the Oklahoma Sierra Club and a dozen other individual customers affected by Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co.’s ongoing rate case told an administrative law judge and the elected members of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission on Tuesday a pending agreement that would leave rates unchanged should be rejected. [The Oklahoman] Pharmacy at Homeless Alliance to expand days of operation after funding increase: The Oklahoma County pharmacy plans to expand days of service for one of its two locations in the coming months, benefiting Oklahoma City's low-income and homeless population. The pharmacy location inside the Homeless Alliance’s day shelter near downtown Oklahoma City is currently open only two days a week. [The Oklahoman] Climate change figures in water management: Climate change is going to have a direct effect on the quality, quantity and price of drinking water in Oklahoma City. Utilities Director Chris Browning told the city council Tuesday that the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust has the highest possible ratings for its debt. But Browning said ratings agencies "have a few different considerations today than they did in the past." [The Oklahoman] Proposed MAPS 4 river wish list includes fourth dam, equestrian park, swimming beach: A fourth dam that would extend the navigable Oklahoma River waterway east of Interstate 35 and into east Oklahoma City is among several improvements set to be added to a growing MAPS 4 wish list being assembled by Mayor David Holt. [The Oklahoman] Chicken litter piles highlight enforcement issues for Save the Illinois River founder: When Save the Illinois River founder Ed Brocksmith reported a chicken litter issue to state officials, he expected some action, but it didn’t turn out how he expected. Uncovered piles of chicken litter left in pastures near Lake Tenkiller concerned him during April’s rains. He complained to state officials, who looked into it but said no rules were broken. [Tulsa World] Blumert sisters active in Oklahoma criminal justice reform: At the Oklahoma County Courthouse, a woman with thick-rimmed glasses and dark, curly hair is often discussing criminal justice reform. But be careful not to confuse her with the other woman in dark curls and glasses advocating for change at the downtown courthouse. [The Oklahoman] US Supreme Court rejects Comanche casino case: The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Tuesday to review a case in which the Comanche Nation sought to block the Chickasaw Nation from building a casino in southern Oklahoma. Without comment, the justices let stand a ruling by U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals against the Comanche Nation. [The Oklahoman] O'Rourke, Sanders lead Democratic fundraising in Oklahoma: Former Texas congressman Beto O’Rourke and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders raised the most money in Oklahoma for their Democratic presidential campaigns in the first quarter of the year. [The Oklahoman] Quote of the Day “Mothers had early initiation of prenatal care. There was also better care for women of childbearing age in these states before they became pregnant — better screenings, better prenatal vitamins.” -Georgetown University Center for Children and Families’ Adam Searing, on a study that found Medicaid expansion states saw infant mortality rates fall 50 percent more than states that did not expand Medicaid [KWGS] Number of the Day 6 Number of schools in Oklahoma with vaccination rates below 50 percent. [Source: Oklahoma Watch] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note How bad prosecutors fuel America’s mass incarceration problem: We have this idea of a legal system in which prosecutors and defense lawyers are equal, with dispassionate judges presiding over everything. But Bazelon argues that this balance has been lost over the past several decades. Now prosecutors wield limitless power, deciding whom to charge, who gets a second chance, and, in some cases, who lives and who dies. If there’s an underreported piece of the mass incarceration puzzle, Bazelon says this is it. [Vox] 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