Ringing in a new year - but facing lingering challenges

View this email in your browser. Dear Friend, As we prepare to say goodbye (and good riddance) to 2020, I wanted to ask if you would take a moment from your busy schedule to remember the Oklahoma Policy Institute in your year-end giving. As a friend of our organization, you have seen that we are the only organization of our kind in Oklahoma. We fight for a state where every resident has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the size of their bank account, the color of their skin, or the neighborhood in which they live. But, we need your support to make sure this work continues. I hope you will take this opportunity to support our ongoing work through a tax-deductible contribution. DONATE TODAY If this is your first time ever giving to OK Policy, or if you give any amount over your 2019 gift, the impact of your contribution today will be doubled thanks to a generous matching fund program from the Sandler Foundation. You can mail a check with your donation to the Oklahoma Policy Institute at 907 S. Detroit Ave., Suite 1005, Tulsa, OK 74120, or make an online donation at okpolicy.org/donate. Your support today will strengthen our fight for a better tomorrow for every Oklahoman. We look forward to working with you in the coming year. In the meantime, best wishes to you and your family for a healthy, happy, and peaceful holiday season. Sincerely, Ahniwake Rose, Executive Director Connect with Us   Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

 

 

 

Fighting the Good Fight

View this email in your browser. Dear Friend,  The question that Oklahoma Policy Institute staff and volunteers hear most often, especially during the past year, is, “How do you keep going?”  And the simple answer is — it is people like you.  The work to create an Oklahoma where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive seems never-ending. Our work towards that goal is sustained — both emotionally and financially — by supporters who care deeply about creating positive change. Our work focuses on creating an Oklahoma where state laws and policies work on behalf of every resident. I hope you’ll take this opportunity to support our ongoing work with a tax-deductible contribution of $50, $100, $500, or whatever amount you can afford. During this difficult economic time, national organizations and large companies are stepping back their charitable giving. As a result, gifts from individuals are more important now than at any time in our history.  SUPPORT OUR MISSION If this is your first time ever giving to OK Policy, or if you give any amount over your 2019 gift, the impact of your contribution today will be doubled thanks to a generous matching fund program from the Sandler Foundation. You can mail a check with your donation to the Oklahoma Policy Institute at 907 S. Detroit Ave., Suite 1005, Tulsa, OK 74120, or make an online donation at okpolicy.org/donate. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to continuing our fight in 2021.  Sincerely, Ahniwake Rose, Executive Director Connect with Us   Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

[In The Know] Virus is Tulsa's 4th leading cause of death | Vaccinations begin at nursing homes | A look at new stimulus package

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. Some stories may be behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and click here see past editions. NOTE:  Our daily In The Know news digest and our Weekly Wonk enewsletter will be on hiatus until Monday, Jan. 4.     New from OK Policy Virtual public meetings protect health, allow democratic representation during pandemic (Guest Post): Despite the rise in COVID-19 cases nationwide and in Oklahoma, as well as the increased risk associated with indoor gatherings, both the Governor and the Legislature have so far refused to convene a brief special session to allow governmental agencies to continue to meet virtually. This decision, or lack thereof, comes in spite of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s repeated pleas for vulnerable populations to stay home in a state that ranks in the bottom 10 for health. A special session, which can be called by either the Governor or the state Legislature, can immediately address this policy failure. Our state faces a substantial surge in COVID-19 cases due to holiday gatherings, and every day their delayed action yields increased danger for the public and local public servants. [Laura Bellis / OK Policy] Oklahoma News COVID-19 becomes Tulsa County's fourth-leading cause of death as public health officials urge safe holiday gatherings: In only 10 months, COVID-19 became the fourth-leading cause of death for Tulsa County residents on Tuesday when the death toll was overlaid on the list of 2018’s top mortality causes, according to the Tulsa Health Department. The department used 2018 for its novel coronavirus comparison because 2018 is the most recent year for which county mortality data are finalized. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma City hospitals see longer wait times as COVID-19 patient numbers remain elevated [NewsOn6] COVID-19 hospitalization numbers in Oklahoma remain flat but very high [KOCO] COVID-19: Hospitalizations reach new high; 22 more deaths reported [Tulsa World] Southeast region in Tier 3 of state's hospital surge plan [McAlester News-Capital] 'Almost haunted by it': Nurse's family mourns 3 coronavirus deaths, loss of grandmother amid ICU shortage [Tulsa World] Norman residents react to judge's restraining order on Stitt's bar order [The Norman Transcript] Tulsa Health Department staff read 'Mean Tweets' received during pandemic [YouTube] Oklahoma inmates and corrections staff will wait on COVID-19 vaccine: Oklahoma inmates, a group four times more likely to contract the coronavirus than the general population, won’t receive initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Residents and workers in congregate living facilities are assigned to phase 2E of the state’s vaccine distribution plan, immediately behind older adults and teachers. [Oklahoma Watch] COVID-19 vaccinations begin at Oklahoma nursing homes, long-term care facilities [The Oklahoman] Misinformation poses threat to rural COVID-19 vaccination rates in Oklahoma [KOSU] Second phase of vaccines may start next week [CNHI via Enid News & Eagle] Health leader expects 175,000 vaccinations by year’s end [AP News] Ascension St. John experiencing COVID vaccine difficulties, leaders blame THD [KJRH] Veteran caregivers react after COVID vaccine distributed in Green Country [KTUL] Distribution of Moderna COVID vaccine underway in Oklahoma [Public Radio Tulsa] If someone has already had COVID-19 and recovered, do they still need to be vaccinated? [Tulsa World] State & Local Government News Republican state lawmakers urge congressional delegation to fight Electoral College result: Thirty-nine Republican members of the Oklahoma Legislature said Tuesday they want the state's congressional delegation to object when Electoral College votes are counted on Jan. 6. Democrat Joe Biden is expected to be declared the winner following what has historically been a formality in the presidential election process. [Tulsa World] Twenty-four Republican members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and 15 Republican members of the State Senate signed letters. [The Lawton Constitution] Indicted state Cabinet member David Ostrowe now on leave: A member of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Cabinet who was indicted last week on an attempted bribery charge has taken a leave of absence, the Tulsa World learned Tuesday. David Ostrowe, Stitt’s secretary of digital transformation and administration, was indicted by the state’s multicounty grand jury on allegations that he tried to pressure two members of the Oklahoma Tax Commission to drop penalties and late fees owed by a business owned by former state Sen. Jason Smalley. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma electrical failures are renewing a debate over the effectiveness of underground power lines: The Public Utilities Division of Oklahoma’s Corporation Commission is querying electric service providers across much of Oklahoma about how they handled outages caused by October’s ice storm and about how they propose to mitigate potential impacts caused by future similar events. [The Oklahoman] Will Oklahoma County officials vote to pay themselves $122,637 a year?: Oklahoma County's elected officials will meet Wednesday morning for a possible vote on raising their own salaries $17,375 a year. The assessor, treasurer, court clerk, county clerk, sheriff and three county commissioners now make $105,262.50 annually. The proposed raise would increase it to $122,637.50. The raise would go into effect Jan. 1. [The Oklahoman] Federal Government News Most Oklahoma lawmakers vote for coronavirus relief package: Most members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation voted Monday for the $900 billion coronavirus relief package and the catch-all spending bill covering federal government operations for the next nine months, though some complained that compromise took far too long. [The Oklahoman] At 5,593 pages, the coronavirus relief and omnibus appropriations bill passed by Congress Monday night was just too long for 2nd District Congressman Markwayne Mullin. [Tulsa World] What the stimulus package means for unemployed Oklahomans [The Oklahoman] Federal coronavirus relief bill welcomed by state restaurant industry [Tulsa World] | [The Journal Record] Massive spending, relief bill includes Oklahoma provisions [The Oklahoman] Furloughed American Airlines workers in Tulsa to be recalled with extension of Payroll Support Program [Tulsa World] Trump pardons man who made moonshine in Oklahoma: President Donald Trump on Tuesday granted a full pardon to a man who pleaded guilty in 1952 to helping his wife’s uncle illegally distill moonshine in Oklahoma, the White House announced. [The Oklahoman] Economic Opportunity Norman could hire two for homeless outreach: The City of Norman could hire two full-time employees to expand its housing outreach program, a staff member said Tuesday. Lisa Krieg, the city’s grants manager, told the Ad Hoc Committee to Address Homelessness that the team would fill a need for consistent outreach to encampment areas. [The Norman Transcript] Economy & Business News Oklahoma City developers thrilled to reveal plans for ambitious R&D center: Aviation, aerospace, bioscience and energy research and development are planned for a mixed-use project "focused on collaborative innovation" — in Oklahoma City's Innovation District — revealed Tuesday by two of the city's leading developers, Gardner Tanenbaum and Robinson Park Investments. [The Oklahoman] FX comedy series 'Reservation Dogs' set in rural Oklahoma, written by Oklahoma filmmaker: Rural Oklahoma will be the setting for “Reservation Dogs,” a half-hour comedy series from Oklahoma and Native American filmmaker Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi. [Tulsa World] Education News Termination hearing set for Indigenous-focused charter school in Oklahoma City: The Indigenous-focused Sovereign Community School in Oklahoma City is facing termination over its finances. Last month, the State Board of Education voted to put the school on probation. Then, on Dec. 17, the board voted unanimously to schedule a termination hearing in 90 days citing the school's financial stability and concern over enough classes for high school graduation. [KOSU] Oklahoma Local News OKC Council approves police consultant, hears angry city residents [OKC Free Press] OKC Council marijuana zoning discussion sets off uproar [The Journal Record] Norman use tax shows local shoppers buying more online [The Norman Transcript] Quote of the Day “Why people don’t take this more serious — I don’t know. There are a lot of selfish people out there. I can’t stand a mask ... but I still wear it and make sure that I do it.” -Calvin Gaston of Grove, who has lost three family members to COVID-19, along with a fourth due to a heart attack during an ICU bed shortage in Oklahoma. [Tulsa World] Number of the Day 54%  Percentage of Americans who personally know someone who has been hospitalized or died due to COVID-19. The rate is higher for Black Americans (71%) and Latinx (61%), and lower for whites at 49% and Asians at 48%. [Source: Pew Research] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note Largest Increase In U.S. Poverty Recorded In 2020: Due to the coronavirus pandemic’s decimation of the labor market and the months-long expiration of benefits from the government relief package keeping families afloat, the poverty rate in the United States surged from 9.3% in June to 11.7% in November, according to a report released Wednesday by analysts at the University of Chicago and the University of Notre Dame, creating the biggest increase in a single year since the government began tracking poverty in 1960. [Forbes] 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

 

 

 

We're Hiring - Child Well-Being Policy Analyst/KIDS COUNT Coordinator

View this email in your browser. OK Policy is now hiring for a Child Well-Being Policy Analyst / KIDS COUNT Coordinator. This position conducts research, analysis, and advocacy on state policy issues related to the well-being of Oklahoma children and families, particularly as it relates to financial stability and race equity. This position is also responsible for coordinating their work on child well-being within the KIDS COUNT program. The salary range is $40,000 – $48,000, commensurate with experience.   View Full Position Description and Requirements   To Apply Click here to complete the job application. Along with the application, you will be asked to submit: Resume that includes at least three professional references, Two professional writing samples, and Cover letter that includes your interest in the position, a detailed explanation of how your experience meets the qualifications and prepares you for the responsibilities outlined in the job description, a brief description of your current understanding of OK Policy's mission, any previous involvement you have had with OK Policy, and your salary expectations.   Apply Today Deadline The deadline to apply for this position is January 25, 2021 at 5:00 PM (CST).  – – – Additional OK Policy Employment Opportunity OK Policy also is hiring for a Justice Data Analyst who will use Open Justice Oklahoma‘s (OJO) database of court, prison, and jail records to open the black box of our justice system. Working closely with the Research Director, the Justice Data Analyst will identify and prioritize research projects, analyze proprietary data sets, develop and document methodologies, and communicate findings to internal and external audiences. They will use their expertise to answer questions and find data for a wide variety of policy and programmatic uses, from evaluating the impact of justice reforms to identifying potential clients for direct service nonprofit organizations. The deadline to apply for the Justice Data Analyst position is Jan. 8.  [Learn more and apply online for the Justice Data Analyst position] – – – OK Policy values its employees, and as such, offers competitive total compensation package which includes cash compensation and benefits.These positions are eligible to participate in the following benefits: Cafeteria Plan: including health and dental insurance, retirement plans, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), dependent care accounts (DCA), and more. These positions are eligible for paid time-off (PTO) benefits. The mission of OK Policy is to advance equitable and fiscally responsible policies leading to expanded opportunity for all Oklahomans through non-partisan research, analysis, and advocacy. OK Policy is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive organization to fully represent and engage all Oklahomans. Recruiting staff that reflects the diversity of perspectives and experiences of Oklahoma is a priority. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse communities, constituencies, and identities, including but not limited to: people of all ethnic/racial backgrounds, people of all gender identities/gender expressions, people with disabilities, low-income and LGBTQ+ persons. Current elected officials are not eligible for employment at OK Policy.   Connect with Us Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S Detroit Ave, Suite 1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 (918) 794-3944 info@okpolicy.org Unsubscribe

[In The Know] State among nation's worst in two virus metrics | Survey shows teachers 'overwhelmed' | Virus spiking in prisons

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. Some stories may be behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Click here to subscribe to In The Know and click here see past editions. New from OK Policy (Capitol Update) Leadership requires courage to make a better future for Oklahoma: Former House Speaker Glen Johnson used to joke about going to visit a House member who was in the hospital. He told the sick legislator that the House had voted to send best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery — by a vote of 51 to 50. The story reminds me of the June 30 vote to expand Medicaid in Oklahoma. After monumental efforts by Oklahoma’s medical community and a variety of organizations and citizens, Medicaid expansion passed by a vote of 50.4 percent. But it did pass, and legislative leaders have committed to fund the state match for the health care program. The cost is predicted at about $100 to $150 million to match the federal funding of about $1 billion. [Steve Lewis / OK Policy] We’re hiring for a Child Well-Being Policy Analyst / KIDS COUNT Coordinator: OK Policy is now hiring for a Child Well-Being Policy Analyst / KIDS COUNT Coordinator. The Policy Analyst / KIDS COUNT Coordinator conducts research, analysis, and advocacy on state policy issues related to the well-being of Oklahoma children and families, particularly as it relates to financial stability and race equity. This position is also responsible for coordinating their work on child well-being within the KIDS COUNT program. Click here to learn more and apply.  Oklahoma News Oklahoma is top 10 in two of four White House COVID-19 metrics as federal government publishes new data: COVID-19 is the worst it’s ever been in the U.S., and Oklahoma is top 10 in two of the four metrics gauging how poorly states are fairing, according to the latest report published by the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Oklahoma ranks No. 3 for test positivity rate, No. 7 for weekly new COVID-19 hospitalizations per inpatient bed, No. 21 for weekly new confirmed cases per capita and No. 33 in weekly new deaths per capita. [Tulsa World] The State of Oklahoma has not released last week’s White House Coronavirus Task Force Report, claiming that they have not yet received it. However, The Transcript obtained the report from Dec. 13 via The Center For Public Integrity, who posted it Monday afternoon. [The Norman Transcript] Stillwater Medical Center expands ER, repurposes conference room for patients [Stillwater News Press] COVID-19: State reporting record average of new COVID-19 cases per day; more than 1,600 hospitalized [Tulsa World] OSDH: All 77 counties remain in 'orange' risk level as Oklahoma COVID-19 cases, deaths rise [Enid News & Eagle] CVS Health begins doling out COVID-19 vaccines at skilled nursing, assisted living facilities across the country [Tulsa World] Skepticism to COVID-19 vaccine remains strong in state [CNHI via Enid News & Eagle] Choctaw Nation releases initial COVID-19 vaccination plan [McAlester News Capital] Holiday card campaign promotes mask mandate [The Oklahoman] Muskogee physician dies due to COVID-19 complications [Muskogee Phoenix] Editorial: Broken Arrow city, school leaders continue to fall short of protecting public health [Editorial / Tulsa World] Survey: Oklahoma educators ‘overwhelmed’ and ‘scared’: In a recent survey, the Oklahoma Education Association asked more than 3,100 teachers, support professionals and administrators to use one word to describe their current feelings about their job. Words like “stressed,” “overwhelmed,” and “scared” landed in the top 10. [NonDoc] More than a majority of those completing the survey said in-person learning is currently not safe. [Tulsa World] Just 4% believed the worst of the pandemic is behind them. [Public Radio Tulsa] They also have little trust in leadership. About three-quarters say they don’t have confidence in Governor Kevin Stitt’s COVID-response and half don’t trust their own district's boards and administrators. [StateImpact Oklahoma] The head of Oklahoma’s largest teachers union praised Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday for moving school personnel to phase two of the vaccine distribution plan, but she warned the governor that forcing schools to return to in-person learning next month could jeopardize the safety of public school workers. [AP News]  COVID-19 spikes follow in prisons after inmate transfers: Oklahoma’s prisons reported relatively few cases of COVID-19 until state officials closed several units because of budget cuts, transferring more than 4,500 prisoners between facilities from late July to September. Major outbreaks followed, with more than 5,800 prisoners testing positive and at least 33 dying from the virus. [AP News and The Marshall Project] OK Policy: The COVID-19 crisis in Oklahoma prisons is a moral emergency requiring urgent action to better protect vulnerable inmates, staff, and surrounding communities.  Health News Uncertain funding casts dire outlook for nursing homes: Two-thirds of nursing homes in the United States will not financially survive another year due to increased COVID-19 costs and challenges with staffing, according to a new survey, and Oklahoma nursing homes and care facilities are feeling those same challenges. [The Journal Record] State & Local Government News Oklahoma Supreme Court asked to ignore "scare tactic" in opioid case: The Oklahoma Supreme Court is being asked to ignore a “hollow” claim that upholding the $465 million verdict in a landmark opioid case will drive businesses out of the state. Harold Hamm, Bob Howard and Gene Rainbolt were joined in the friend-of-the-court brief by the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. [The Oklahoman] Sen. George Young files legislation to increase Oklahoma minimum wage: Senate Bill 161 would require employers to pay their employees a minimum wage of $10.50 per hour, or match the federal minimum wage rate, whichever is greater. Oklahoma’s current minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, which is equal to the federal minimum wage. [The Oklahoma Eagle] Commissioners allocate CARES Act funds to small business relief: The Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) met Monday for the final time in 2020. The Board voted to allocate $5,050,000 to the Oklahoma Industries Authority to continue a small business relief program, and to fund testing for Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD). [OKC Free Press] Oklahoma agency fails to compile data, publish poultry waste summary: Water conservationists expressed dissatisfaction with a state agency's decision to ditch the compilation and publication of an annual report that tracks the phosphorus-laden waste produced by poultry feeding operations. [Muskogee Phoenix] Federal Government News COVID-19 relief bill clarifies PPP loans: Congress clarified some of the confusion regarding Paycheck Protection Plan loans with the $900 billion COVID-19 economic relief package agreed to on Sunday. The new legislation contradicts the IRS’ earlier interpretation that businesses would not be allowed to deduct for expenses paid with forgiven PPP dollars. The measure also provides millions more in relief funding for small businesses, including performance venues. [The Journal Record] Oklahoma religious institutions received more than $84 million in PPP [The Norman Transcript] Unemployment benefits face delays for millions even with COVID-19 relief package: Even though Congress struck a COVID-19 stimulus deal late Sunday to extend badly needed financial relief to millions of jobless Americans, some could see their unemployment benefits lapse since it may take weeks for aid to reach them due to outdated state systems, experts say. [USA Today / The Oklahoman] Opinion: Don’t let COVID relief packages be a bridge to nowhere [Chris Bernard / Tulsa World] President declares disaster after October ice storm: President Donald Trump officially declared a federal disaster on Monday for 13 Oklahoma counties battered by a late October ice storm. [AP News] The declaration makes available federal matching funds for state, tribal, and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities and infrastructure damaged. [Tulsa World] The multi-day storm resulted in an estimated $27 million in debris removal and other damages in the 13 counties designated for aid, according to the governor’s office. [The Oklahoman] Criminal Justice News Judge orders second man in Ada’s ‘Innocent Man’ case freed, state to appeal: An Oklahoma judge has ordered the second defendant in Ada’s so-called “Innocent Man” murder case to be immediately freed after spending 35 years in prison and excoriating investigators and prosecutors for withholding favorable evidence from his defense team for decades. [The Frontier] Ward, along with Karl Fontenot, was convicted in the 1984 disappearance and murder of Ada resident Donna Denice Haraway. [Southwest Ledger] Investigation underway into Oklahoma County jail death: An inmate died Sunday morning at the Oklahoma County jail, one day after reportedly getting hurt during an altercation with a cellmate. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority (Jail Trust) approves Jail phone services upgrade for detainees and families [OKC Free Press] Dedicated entry for police with individuals in crisis added to Tulsa urgent psychiatric care center: A 24/7 psychiatric care center in Tulsa has added a dedicated police entry port and treatment beds to help law enforcement get people in crisis to appropriate help faster. [Public Radio Tulsa] Economic Opportunity 'This is impressive and it should be': Osage Nation aims to eliminate food desert with state-of-the-art facility: The Osage Nation on Monday displayed how it spent about $13 million, dedicating facilities aimed at providing food security for the tribe. Unveiled were a 42,000-square-foot greenhouse and a 44,000-square-foot programs building, which includes aquaponics and food processing areas. [Tulsa World] New City Care shelter to help rising numbers of homeless in Oklahoma City: The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Oklahoma City has nearly doubled since 2016, according to the city's Point-In-Time count, and providers have struggled to keep up. [The Oklahoman] Providers using new tech platform for those in need: Using online technology, Oklahoma County nonprofit and government service providers are taking a step to make sure there are “no wrong doors” for those seeking social, education and employment services in the county. [The Journal Record] Economy & Business News Another Oklahoma energy company is exiting the business, but not how you might think: On Monday, Blueknight Energy Partners announced before markets opened it has made multiple deals to sell its crude oil storage, pipeline and trucking businesses for $162 million. After the deals close, the company primarily will exist as an asphalt terminalling business, which acquires the product and then sells it to companies who use it to build parking lots, roads and highways. [The Oklahoman] Net proceeds, after transaction costs, will be used immediately to reduce borrowings outstanding under the partnership’s revolving credit facility and for general partnership purposes. [Tulsa World] Education News Norman Public Schools data shows disparity between student, teacher diversity: As Norman Public Schools’ student body has grown significantly more diverse over the last few years, gaining more students of color, the demographics of its faculty, staff and administrators have stood still, numbers from the district show. [The Norman Transcript] State auditor details Epic findings during Enid visit: At Stride Bank Center Ballroom, State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd provided information about what the State Auditor and Inspector’s Office does, the different types of audits it conducts and how it conducts its business and her audit into Epic Charter Schools. [Enid News & Eagle] General News Tulsa Race Massacre teacher training to be offered: The application deadline is Feb. 1 for a statewide teacher professional development program sponsored by the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot Centennial Commission. Weekly online courses will be taught March 24-May 25 with a national day of learning scheduled June 3. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma Local News Bill renaming OKC post office for Clara Luper heads to president [NonDoc] 'Lunacy' among the few reasons for official recall [Tahlequah Daily Press] Duncan City Council passes mask resolution [The Lawton Constitution] Chickasha firefighters file lawsuit against the City of Chickasha [The Express-Star] Quote of the Day “(The percentage of teachers who have contracted COVID-19) is higher than the general population, and ... that’s about the same rate as medical professionals on the frontline.” -Alicia Priest, President of the Oklahoma Education Association [NonDoc]   Number of the Day 3% Percentage of teachers who said they are “very confident” the state would provide necessary safety measures for in-person classes, according to a recent Oklahoma Education Association survey. More than 80 percent said they’re not confident about safety measures for in-person classes. [NonDoc] See previous Numbers of the Day here. Policy Note CDC: Here’s How Much It Would Cost Schools to Safeguard Against COVID-19: Strategies to help schools minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission would on average cost between $55 and $442 per student, depending on what measures are used, according to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cost estimates of COVID-19 mitigation strategies cover a range of expenses for K-12 public schools. These include no-touch thermometers, student desk shields, and face shields for school staff. Hiring additional custodians is also factored into the estimates. The $55 per-student estimate would cover only materials and “consumables” (think hand sanitizer), while the $442 estimate covers those costs, but also more staff and transportation costs. [Education Week] 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